Fender’s River Road Resort launches neon-sign restoration campaign

Fender's River Road Resort in Needles, California, recently launched a fundraising campaign to restore the neon lighting of its classic sign. Fender's, which proclaims itself the only motel on the Colorado River and Route 66 in Needles, has set donation levels of $25, $100, $250 or $500. Prizes for a donation range from an old-style, … Continue reading Fender’s River Road Resort launches neon-sign restoration campaign

Needles chamber may move to El Garces

  The chamber of commerce of Needles, California, is proposing a move into the historic El Garces railroad complex, built in 1908 as a Harvey House in that city. Jerry Telles, a member of the chamber, made the pitch during a recent Needles City Council meeting, according to the Needles Desert Star. The chamber of … Continue reading Needles chamber may move to El Garces

A high-speed trip on Route 66 through the Mojave Desert

A dedicated driver known only by the name of Forgotten Hwy recently uploaded footage of drives on Route 66 through California's Mojave Desert. These are quality, high-speed videos with annotations of towns, prominent crossroads and streets encountered on the Mother Road. This is a good way to travel vicariously in Route 66 in the Mojave … Continue reading A high-speed trip on Route 66 through the Mojave Desert

Hotel Castaneda renovation funding hits a snag

A state office's rejections of tax-credit loan applications may slow Allan Affeldt's bid to renovate the historic but long-closed Hotel Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico. According to a story in the Albuquerque Journal, the New Mexico Finance Authority nixed several applications for a loan that's meant to aid real-estate development in troubled areas. “It’s … Continue reading Hotel Castaneda renovation funding hits a snag

Wildfires erupt near Topock, Needles

Wildfires on Wednesday threatened resorts on both sides of the Colorado River as more than 1,400 acres burned near Topock, Arizona, and Needles, California. The Havasu News in nearby Lake Havasu City reported: --- The Park Moabi Result and Pirate's Cove Resort were evacuated after hot embers buffeted by wind threatened them. A marketing manager at … Continue reading Wildfires erupt near Topock, Needles

More about the new Mojave Trails National Monument

Media reports and news releases from the U.S. government have provided more details about President Barack Obama's declaration Friday of 1.6 million acres of Southern California desert as the Mojave Trails National Monument. The monument includes 105 miles of Route 66 from Needles to Ludlow, California. The president's declaration for the Mojave Trails National Monument may be … Continue reading More about the new Mojave Trails National Monument

California Route 66 group may partner with Needles group

The California Historic Route 66 Association is examining the possibility of a permanent partnership with the Needles Downtown Business Alliance in Needles, California. Sharon Foster of the California association attended a meeting of the alliance earlier this month, reported the Needles Desert Star. Part of what she wanted to accomplish was to bring Needles back … Continue reading California Route 66 group may partner with Needles group

Needles group likely will help with military monuments

For almost five years, Jim and Starr Nickel have built rock monuments near Needles, California, dedicated to United States military branches. The monuments sit near the KOA campground at 5400 National Old Trails Road, an old alignment of Route 66. It appears the Needles Downtown Business Alliance will aid the couple in maintaining the monuments after its Jan. 7 … Continue reading Needles group likely will help with military monuments

A view from above Route 66

Mike and Casey Lynch recently took a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone to shoot amazing aerial footage along Route 66 in California, Arizona and New Mexico. Some of the things you'll find on this 14-minute video: Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California Anonymous Canyon in Newberry Springs, California Bagdad … Continue reading A view from above Route 66

Palms Motel in Needles is for sale

The Palms Motel of Needles, California, a historic property on Route 66 that features individual cabins amid towering palm trees, is for sale for $429,900, according to a recent listing on several real-estate sites. The property was listed on Trulia.com about a week ago. It's also on Zillow. According to the listing, the 16 units … Continue reading Palms Motel in Needles is for sale