The auto racing-themed Jungle Jim's Cafe on the north side of Springfield, Illinois, closed its doors shortly after New Year's Day. The Facebook account for the restaurant on Jan. 3 announced the closing, citing labor shortages, higher costs and the advancing age of the operators: Jungle Jim's Cafe at 1923 N. Peoria Road (aka Route … Continue reading Jungle Jim’s Cafe on north side of Springfield closes permanently
Tag: Springfield IL
New sign for Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield is a throwback to its earlier days
On Friday, Ace Sign Co. installed a new sign at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, that is a throwback to the Route 66 landmark's earlier days. The restaurant posted this photo of the sign, stating it wasn't yet completely functional but should be next week: About a week before the installation, Ace Sign … Continue reading New sign for Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield is a throwback to its earlier days
Miles of Possibility Conference names Springfield, Illinois, as host city in 2026
Route 66's centennial still is a few years away, but the annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announced this week it will hold its 11th event in Springfield, Illinois, in 2026. More from the news release: To celebrate the Route 66 centennial, the Miles of Possibility organization along with Visit Springfieldwill be creating a … Continue reading Miles of Possibility Conference names Springfield, Illinois, as host city in 2026
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
Company posts another preview of A. Lincoln Motel neon sign re-creation
Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois, posted another sneak peek of a re-created sign from the long-gone A. Lincoln Motel that stood on Route 66 in the city. The sign soon will be installed at the Route 66 Experience's Legacy Neon Park at the Illinois State Fair. Ace sign provided another preview last month of … Continue reading Company posts another preview of A. Lincoln Motel neon sign re-creation
Ace Sign Co. gives a preview of A. Lincoln Motel sign replica coming to state fairgrounds
The Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois, provided a sneak peek a few days ago of a facsimile of the A. Lincoln Motel neon sign that stood along Route 66 in the city. The sign eventually will be incorporated with the Legends Neon Park as part of the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State … Continue reading Ace Sign Co. gives a preview of A. Lincoln Motel sign replica coming to state fairgrounds
Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
The sale of the troubled 30-story Wyndham City Centre in downtown Springfield, Illinois, may still have life after the zoning commission found out this week it is scheduled to hear a new variance request for the property next month. The Springfield State Journal-Register reported planning and zoning will hear the request on Sept. 21, with … Continue reading Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
Big Route 66 neon sign installed at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield
A 40-foot neon sign was installed a few days ago at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The sign is near the fairgrounds' Gate 2, which is at the corner of Peoria Road (aka Route 66) and Sangamon Avenue. It's the first of five signs at the gate. The Route 66 Experience also is located … Continue reading Big Route 66 neon sign installed at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield
Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000
The Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield will receive a $500,000 grant to help add to the exhibit, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Old Joliet Prison in Joliet also will receive $250,000 from the same program for exterior illumination of the … Continue reading Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000
“Interactive metaverse exhibit” coming to Springfield involves Negro Motorist Green Book
In May, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including one to Springfield for an "interactive metaverse exhibit" that would focus on "the lived experiences of Black Americans traveling or living in communities along Route 66 throughout its history." Last week, … Continue reading “Interactive metaverse exhibit” coming to Springfield involves Negro Motorist Green Book