26 business owners complain about Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, may want it moved

More than two dozen business owners in downtown Springfield, Missouri, complained about the effect of the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival and asked for changes that might include moving it. The Springfield Daily Citizen obtained a copy of the letter to the city and festival organizers signed by the 26 owners. They claimed the August … Continue reading 26 business owners complain about Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, may want it moved

Gay Parita Station appears in a popular Chappell Roan music video

This debuted months ago, but a music video by fast-rising music artist Chappell Roan features Gay Parita Station and other landmarks in the Springfield, Missouri, region. Route 66 enthusiast Liz Cousins flagged the "Hot to Go" video a few days ago, which originally was flagged by the Gay Parita account on Facebook: https://youtu.be/xaPNR-_Cfn0?si=FPGoNq6af7XGYoZQ In addition … Continue reading Gay Parita Station appears in a popular Chappell Roan music video

Springfield tourism bureau takes a closer look at Guy Mace’s Route 66 Car Museum

The Springfield, Missouri, Convention and Visitors Bureau recently published an in-depth look at Guy Mace and his Route 66 Car Museum. Mace owns about 75 vintage and celebrity vehicles in the museum at 1634 W. College St. (aka Route 66) in Springfield. It opened in 2016. The article goes into Mace's origin story: The foundation … Continue reading Springfield tourism bureau takes a closer look at Guy Mace’s Route 66 Car Museum

Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Several towns along the Mother Road for years have claimed to be the "Capital of Route 66." But the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Route 66 Commission ensured it isn't just an idle boast. After a lengthy process, Tulsa officially secured a federal copyright for "Capital of Route 66." According to KJRH-TV and other … Continue reading Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year

As summer arrives in earnest, Route 66ers' thoughts understandably will go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. But another Route 66 city 200 miles west of St. Louis boasts its own frozen treat and considerable longevity -- Pineapple Whip, marking its 50th season this year in its hometown of Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield … Continue reading Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year

Barc-ee’s — not Buc-ee’s — coming to Marshfield just off I-44

Barc-ee's -- not Buc-ee's just down the road -- is planning a pet-friendly development along Interstate 44 in Marshfield, Missouri, next month. According to a report in the Springfield News-Leader, the Barc-ees will include a dog park, a coffee shop, food, games and a Western-themed miniature city for children. Barc-ee's is the brainchild of John … Continue reading Barc-ee’s — not Buc-ee’s — coming to Marshfield just off I-44

History Museum on the Square presenting a new exhibit about local Route 66 motels

The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, later this month will present a new exhibit, “Checking In: Route 66’s Iconic Hotels & Motels of Greene County." The exhibit will tell "the stories of iconic lodgings along Route 66 that shaped our region, from charming cabins to landmark hotels." It begins June 19 … Continue reading History Museum on the Square presenting a new exhibit about local Route 66 motels

Professor seeks to document and preserve examples of giraffe rock architecture

A professor in Missouri wants to document and preserve so-called giraffe-rock architecture that's rapidly disappearing in the Ozarks region. For the uninitiated, giraffe rock describes colorfully built structures dating to the early 20th century that used native rock such as chert, limestone or sandstone. Several prominent examples of the architecture can be seen along Route … Continue reading Professor seeks to document and preserve examples of giraffe rock architecture

Revive 66 Campground closes less than four years after opening

The nonprofit organization that opened the Revive 66 Campground in Springfield, Missouri, has closed it permanently less than four years after opening it. Revive 66, at 3839 W. Chestnut Expressway, shuttered on April 22, reported the Springfield News-Leader after the Gathering Tree opened it in early 2021. Gathering Tree operates tiny-home communities for the homeless. … Continue reading Revive 66 Campground closes less than four years after opening

First Buc-ee’s store along Route 66 corridor opens in Springfield, Missouri

The first Buc-ee's mega-convenience store along the Route 66 corridor opened Monday on the northeast side of Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield Buc-ee's sits just north of Interstate 44 and Old Route 66, off Exit 84. Here's a report from OzarksFirst.com on the opening day: Here's a video report from opening day: https://youtu.be/Bxw3dprUsN8?si=ZRvkhgJHF4AY8h1x When we call … Continue reading First Buc-ee’s store along Route 66 corridor opens in Springfield, Missouri