Book review: “100 Things to Do on Route 66 Before You Die” (second edition)

If you think there are a lot of "100 Things to Do" books on the market, you wouldn't be wrong. A perusal of the Reedy Press website reveals more than 80 of them, detailing U.S. destinations from Amarillo to the Wisconsin Dells. And that doesn't even count the copycat books or clickbait articles. Reedy Press … Continue reading Book review: “100 Things to Do on Route 66 Before You Die” (second edition)

Road Runner’s Retreat sign near Chambless is repainted

The sign for the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, recently was repainted, and it hasn't looked this good in decades. Next up will be the restoration of the sign's neon tubing. The Facebook account of the site provided before-and-after images: Road Runner's Retreat in late 2023 received a $17,000 cost-share grant from … Continue reading Road Runner’s Retreat sign near Chambless is repainted

Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield to hold 100th-anniversary celebration on July 27

The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop, located west of Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will mark reputedly its 100th year on July 27 with classic cars and special pricing during the lunchtime hour. The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. The Springfield tourism bureau promised "more details to come" on the event. … Continue reading Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield to hold 100th-anniversary celebration on July 27

Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center wins Preserve Missouri Award

The Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center along Route 66 in Pacific, Missouri, has received a 2024 Preserve Missouri Award from the Missouri Preservation organization. The awards were announced in an email from the organization on Wednesday. The Preserve Missouri awards has recognized outstanding efforts and projects around the state since 2002. Here's what … Continue reading Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center wins Preserve Missouri Award

Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo

The Texas Old Route 66 Association announced last week the Bug Ranch installation in Conway, Texas, will be moved near the Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo. The association stated in a Facebook post: So happy our Association worked with Mrs Crutchfield the Conway location owner and Bobby Lee of the Big Texan, Who stepped … Continue reading Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo

Former Pour Richard’s in Odell now is Hobart’s on Tremont restaurant

Longtime roadies may remember the Pour Richard's restaurant and bar in downtown Odell, Illinois, a hangout for tourists after they checked out the landmark Odell Station and the former pedestrian tunnel under Route 66 in town. It's now the Hobart's on Tremont establishment, according to a story in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Because it's in a … Continue reading Former Pour Richard’s in Odell now is Hobart’s on Tremont restaurant

Aussie eats 13 1/2 pounds of fudge at Uranus Missouri contest

James Webb of Sydney, Australia, devoured 13 1/2 pounds of chocolate fudge in eight minutes to win the title and $2,500 in prize money during the inaugural Eating Uranus Fudge Galactic Championship at the Uranus Missouri complex. James Webb prepares to devour a piece of fudge from Uranus. The contest took place last week at … Continue reading Aussie eats 13 1/2 pounds of fudge at Uranus Missouri contest

Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year

Jamil's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, located on Route 66 just north of the Oklahoma Capitol, is marking its 60th year this year. Jamil's is one of the last few surviving Lebanese steakhouses in Oklahoma. Many Lebanese immigrated to the Sooner State during its oil boom days of the 1920s and brought their cuisine with them. … Continue reading Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year

Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington

The landmark Gemini Giant fiberglass statue at the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, was sold at auction Wednesday for $275,000, and the mayor announced it will remain in town at a different location. Grafe Auctions didn't reveal the buyer, citing its privacy policy. However, the City of Wilmington hours later revealed in … Continue reading Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington

Speakeasy coming to Big Chief Roadhouse in Wildwood

The historic Big Chief Roadhouse along the original alignment of Route 66 in Wildwood, Missouri, will open a speakeasy later this month. West Newsmagazine had the details: It’s set to open on March 28 at Big Chief on the second floor. Although no password will be required to get in, visitors will have to enter … Continue reading Speakeasy coming to Big Chief Roadhouse in Wildwood