With a nod to Ron Warnick of Route 66 News, I have some exciting developments from Route 66 to share. I also have a few personal updates that might be of interest to fans of the double six.
Last week I announced with excitement that the neon is back on at the historic El Trovatore Motel in Kingman. In that note I also mentioned that the owner, Sam Frisher, seemed quite serious about bringing this landmark back to life. 
This week he launched a website that features then and now views of the hotel, views of the refurbished rooms, contact information, availability and reservation options, and rates. He also notes a limited partnership with the Hot Rod Cafe on nearby Hualapai Mountain Road that allows him to offer a room and breakfast special.
Once the entire complex is fully refurbished it will be one of the few historic motels on Route 66 big enough to handle large tour groups. This photo isn’t the best but it provides context for the size of the historic motel as well as the height of the refurbished tower.
If by chance a group is still to large, the historic Hilltop Motel with its refurbished neon signage is directly across the street. It is almost as though the world of 1957 has intruded into the world of 2012 along this segment of Route 66.
Frank at Seligman Sundries in Seligman had a surprise visitor this past week, Gallagher. It seems that as the highway continues to grow in popularity celebrity spotting are becoming quite common.
The Alexander’s continue to expand and improve their already impressive website, Legends of America. If your unfamiliar with this delightful little stop on the information super highway you owe it to yourself to pack a lunch and take a detour.
At the risk of sounding a bit prideful, Ghost Towns of Route 66 is becoming a rare commodity as the publisher scrambles to get a reprint out. In addition to ordering copies through the blog (see the tab above)utilizing Paypal there are several locations along the highway that have copies available.
As of today, two of these locations have signed copies available. One is the gift shop at the Mohave Museum of History & Arts, and the second is the gift shop in the Powerhouse Visitor Center.
To inspire road trips I am also a special package of travel guides. Order all four books (Ghost Towns of the Southwest, Backroads of Arizona, Route 66 Backroads, and Ghost Towns of Route 66) and I will include a little something special that will ignite that passion for the road less traveled.
The deadline for entry in our little contest is fast approaching. To win a signed copy of Ghost Towns of Route 66, dinner, and an evening of conversation about America’s most famous highway, simply submit a brief essay of how you discovered the magic of legendary Roue 66 and provide permission for us to reprint your story by May 1.
Speaking of contests, don’t forget to register in the Big Palooza being sponsored by 66 The Mother Road. The list of prizes continues to grow and we still have months to go before the winner is announced at Cuba Fest in Cuba, Missouri in October.
Dale Butel of Route 66 Tours, an Australian based company, is adding a new twist to his already popular tours for 2013. The first of his Route 66 Golf Tours is scheduled for May of next year. For more information here is a link for further details.
What did I forget? Oh, the dates for the Route 66 Fun Run, KABAM, and Wheels on 66 in Tucumcari is fast approaching. If you plan on attending any of these events please let me know as it would great to put names with faces.
