Latest Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants given to 10 recipients

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced the 10 latest grant awards from its Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program. The 2024 round of the grant program was completed last month, with $2,000 awards to: Andrea Parson-Briley, Carterville, Missouri, for trolly renovations and a Route 66 mural at Supertam on 66. The project also seeks to provide … Continue reading Latest Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants given to 10 recipients

Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes

The Sidetrack Adventures channel on YouTube explored the Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, California, and why a good portion of it became buried under the sands of the Mojave Desert. The main reason was a neighborhood was inexplicably built on the dry riverbed of the Mojave River. What can go wrong? https://youtu.be/Ve2S2QgRPgQ Newberry Springs … Continue reading Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes

Food not being served at Bagdad Cafe as the owner approaches her 83rd birthday

The California Historic Route 66 Association reports the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, currently is not serving food but is open for visits by tourists and is selling T-shirts, Route 66 souvenirs, soda, beer and coffee. The association and her son also plan something special for owner Andrea Pruett on her 83rd birthday on … Continue reading Food not being served at Bagdad Cafe as the owner approaches her 83rd birthday

Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs

Andy Jones interviewed local historian Paul Deel about his experiences with Bonnie Margaret Orcutt of Newberry Springs, California, as they explored the remains of her long-abandoned home. Jones said he was prompted to interview Deel after viewing a Sidetrack Adventures video, posted on this website, about Orcutt's infamous 4-mile-long driveway. Here's Jones' interview, which contains … Continue reading Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs

Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants

The restoration of the Hi-Way Cafe neon sign near Vinita, Oklahoma, was among the newest cost-share grants announced this week by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Four of the grants involved neon signs. In addition to the Hi-Way, grants went to the Henning Motel sign in Newberry Springs, California; the Road Runner's Retreat sign … Continue reading Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants

The strange tale of Mrs. Orcutt’s driveway near Newberry Springs

It sounds like the stuff of fiction: The federal government relented and built a more than 4-mile-long driveway to the home of a resolute widow who lived near Newberry Springs, California, and insisted her home have access to old Route 66. The driveway then became an illegal test track for Car and Driver magazine. The … Continue reading The strange tale of Mrs. Orcutt’s driveway near Newberry Springs

Vandalism, misfortunes wreak havoc on Bagdad Cafe and its owner

The California Historic Route 66 Association put out a call Monday requesting donations to Andrea Pruett, longtime owner of the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, after a series of personal and business setbacks in the past 18 months. Tere Frank Stamoulis, posting a call-to-action on behalf of the association in a Facebook post, and … Continue reading Vandalism, misfortunes wreak havoc on Bagdad Cafe and its owner

County OKs redevelopment plan for Lake Dolores waterpark in Newberry Springs

The San Bernardino County board of supervisors approved a plan that would allow the redevelopment of the long-abandoned Lake Dolores waterpark north of Newberry Springs, California. The Victor Valley News reported: According to a newsletter from Robert Lovingood’s office, “the Board on Tuesday unanimously approved a general plan amendment and conditional use permit to establish … Continue reading County OKs redevelopment plan for Lake Dolores waterpark in Newberry Springs

Tucumcari reconsiders, advances landmark sign ordinance proposal

After prodding by officers from the New Mexico Route 66 Association, the Tucumcari City Commission last week passed a first reading of a proposed landmark ordinance for the town's historic Route 66 neon signs. However, final passage by the commission likely faces an uphill battle because of concerns about the ordinance infringing on property rights. … Continue reading Tucumcari reconsiders, advances landmark sign ordinance proposal

Director, star of “Bagdad Cafe” talk about film 30 years later

"Bagdad Cafe" director Percy Adlon and its star, CCH Pounder, talked to The Guardian newspaper in London about their cult film 30 years after it was released. The eccentric German film was shot at a Route 66 restaurant, Sidewinder Cafe, near Newberry Springs, California. The Sidewinder wisely changed its name to Bagdad Cafe after the … Continue reading Director, star of “Bagdad Cafe” talk about film 30 years later