The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway earlier this week announced a Route 66 centennial event in 2026 -- the first of many that will be scheduled that year. The byway's Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration will take place on Nov. 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads in Springfield, Illinois, it announced in a news release. "This momentous event … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces first Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026
Tag: Springfield IL
The Curve Inn in Springfield named one of the best dive bars in the U.S. for food
The Curve Inn in Springfield, Illinois, was named one of the best dive bars in the United States for food, according to an online survey. The Springfield State Journal-Register reported that Geek Nexus, an entertainment and media website, surveyed 3,000 adults across America to find the best dive bars for unexpected menu items. A total … Continue reading The Curve Inn in Springfield named one of the best dive bars in the U.S. for food
The Chili Parlor in Springfield is under new ownership
The Chili Parlor, a mainstay in Springfield, Illinois, for almost 80 years, is under new ownership. Roy and Stephanie Beal for now haven't revealed the new owner's identity, but they confirmed to the Springfield State Journal-Register that the restaurant had changed hands. The Beals put The Chili Parlor up for sale in 2022 but pledged … Continue reading The Chili Parlor in Springfield is under new ownership
Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield
After being a Mexican restaurant for years, the former Sonrise Donuts building along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will be transformed into a retro diner called The Fountain on 66. The Springfield State Journal-Register (subscription required) reports that Tom Hart signed a lease effective Jan. 1 to take over the building, Hart will have to … Continue reading Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield
Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced nine projects through the Route 66 Black Experiences Grants program that were awarded $5,000 each. The 2024 recipients and the cities where they are based are: Choctaw Freedman Citizenship Footprints Inc. in Oklahoma City Black Business Alliance in Bloomington, Illinois Threatt Filling Station Foundation in Luther, Oklahoma Jack … Continue reading Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
The Route 66 Association of Illinois seeks nominees for the 2025 induction into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. The association began recognizing people and places along Route 66 almost 35 years ago The Hall of Fame honors “those people and places along Route 66 whose blend of hardy individualism and grassroots community spirit … Continue reading Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
30-foot-tall “Big Ron” fiberglass statue added to Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill in Springfield
A 30-foot-tall "Big Ron" fiberglass figure was added Thursday under the big Route 66 shield near the entrance to Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum and Entertainment Complex in Springfield, Illinois. The complex at 600 Toronto Road, in an old Stuckey's on an alignment of Route 66, already contains tons of Route 66 memorabilia … Continue reading 30-foot-tall “Big Ron” fiberglass statue added to Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill in Springfield
Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield gets a bright, new sign on its screen
The historic Skyview Drive-In theater in Litchfield, Illinois, recently received a new, bright sign installed on the back of its big screen. The venerable Ace Sign Co. of nearby Springfield, Illinois, did the work. Ace has its own neon sign museum that's worth checking out, by the way. The Skyview in March received a $25,000 … Continue reading Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield gets a bright, new sign on its screen
New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield
The Visit Springfield tourism bureau on Thursday commemorated the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich with a new plaque at the historic Leland Hotel building at Capitol Avenue and Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Illinois. For the uninitiated, a horseshoe sandwich consists of thick slices of toast, a hamburger patty or another type of … Continue reading New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield
Illinois State Museum wants your stories about Route 66
Historians from the Illinois State Museum in Springfield are looking for people to tell their experiences with the original Route 66 in Illinois before the highway's centennial in 2026. “These interviews will help illustrate the significance of this important transportation achievement,” said Erika Holst, the museum’s curator of history, in a news release. Historians are … Continue reading Illinois State Museum wants your stories about Route 66