Groundbreaking set for Oct. 29 for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge site

The Great Rivers Greenway will hold a groundbreaking celebration at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 29 for improvements to the west side of the site. The Route 66 Association of Missouri several days ago emailed its members, informing them about the event at 10840 … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Oct. 29 for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge site

Blueberry Hill in St. Louis marks its 50th anniversary today

The landmark Blueberry Hill restaurant, bar and music venue in suburban St. Louis is marking its 50th year in business today. Blueberry Hill isn't on Route 66, but it's such a touchstone, quite a few Route 66 travelers make a side trip to it. It's only a mile from the admittedly more obscure Forest Park … Continue reading Blueberry Hill in St. Louis marks its 50th anniversary today

Alderman says Ted Drewes Frozen Custard site to get crosswalk, barriers after 2 pedestrian deaths

A St. Louis city alderman said Chippewa Street in front of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard will undergo safety changes after two pedestrians died in accidents in three months this summer. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch had some of the details: Alderman Tom Oldenburg said police are increasing traffic enforcement to try and slow cars down in … Continue reading Alderman says Ted Drewes Frozen Custard site to get crosswalk, barriers after 2 pedestrian deaths

Second pedestrian in three months dies in front of Ted Drewes, prompting calls for more patrols

A second pedestrian in three months has died while crossing the street in front of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard's flagship stand in south St. Louis, prompting calls for more police to patrol that area and other action. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Matthew Nikolai, 17, a senior at Christian Brothers College High School, was … Continue reading Second pedestrian in three months dies in front of Ted Drewes, prompting calls for more patrols

Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, "The Price Is Right" television game show is embarking on a nationwide tour that includes at least one Route 66-related stop. "The Price Is Right" tour begins Friday with current host Drew Carey at the Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- during … Continue reading Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

BBC Travel features Bosnian community in Bevo Mill area of St. Louis

If you want a short but interesting side trip in St. Louis, you ought to consider the Bevo Mill area just off the Gravois Avenue alignment of Route 66. BBC Travel took a closer look at that area and its burgeoning Bosnian immigrant community. An estimated 70,000 Bosnian war refugees landed in that one-moribund area … Continue reading BBC Travel features Bosnian community in Bevo Mill area of St. Louis

“The Great Muslim American Road Trip” coming to PBS this summer

"The Great Muslim American Road Trip," a documentary series about a Muslim couple traveling Route 66, will air on PBS-TV later this summer. The three-part series will be offered on PBS stations, PBS.org and the PBS app, reported Realscreen.com. The series follows rapper Mona Haydar and her husband Sebastian Robins as they explore the U.S. … Continue reading “The Great Muslim American Road Trip” coming to PBS this summer

Ozark Court motel sign to be restored, planned for Route 66 exhibit in 2025

A recent Instagram post answered a question: What happened to the Ozark Court motel sign in St. Clair, Missouri, that disappeared from Route 66 almost 20 years ago? A collector with extensive historical ties to the St. Louis region procured the sign, which he plans to include in a Route 66 exhibit at the National … Continue reading Ozark Court motel sign to be restored, planned for Route 66 exhibit in 2025

A closer look at the closed MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis

It's hard to believe, but the MacArthur Bridge that once connected Route 66 from East St. Louis to St. Louis has been closed to vehicular traffic for more than 40 years but still is standing. KHMO radio recently flagged this video by urban explorer Tattoo Tony Alton where he and a pal explored the bridge, … Continue reading A closer look at the closed MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge gets $990,000 federal grant to improve visitors area

The owner of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis will receive a $990,000 federal grant from to improve the visitor area, including security enhancements. The National Park Service awarded the grant to the Great Rivers Greenway, which owns the bridge that once carried Route 66 over the Mississippi River, reported the St. … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge gets $990,000 federal grant to improve visitors area