Americana Motor Hotel was Flagstaff’s swankiest midcentury inn when it opened in 1962, but its glory years on Route 66 faded over the decades, eclipsed by newer properties and marooned far from Interstate 40. Elvis slept here. Robert F. Kennedy campaigned at the Americana in 1968. A year later, Peter Fonda stayed in the roadside haven with the cast and crew of “Easy Rider.” B.B. King played the blues in the hotel lounge. Now, Dallas-based Practice Hospitality is restoring the Americana … [Read more...] about Americana Reimagined as ‘Retro-Futuristic Oasis’
route 66
Cycling Miles to Capture Milestones
It was a winter of discontent, as the COVID pandemic began to peak in January, followed by the Polar Vortex storm that hovered over much of America in February, shutting down electrical grids from Texas to much of the Midwest. At this historic moment, journalist and author Michael Sean Comerford, 62, had a dream: to record this unprecedented year as it unfolded. “Bicycling along Route 66 is slow. Everywhere I stop, I interview people about COVID. By March, we were going to cross the … [Read more...] about Cycling Miles to Capture Milestones
Heritage Route 66 Motel Getting Retro Restoration
New owners are renovating the Whispering Winds Motel on Old Route 66 in Flagstaff. The 25-room motel was purchased on June 1 for just under $1 million, according to Coconino County records. “We’re working with Mark Reavis at the City of Flagstaff’s Heritage Preservation Office to renovate the landmark sign,” said Ascend Capital Management Sales and Marketing Dirctor Jose Alvarado. “Our goal is to renovate the whole building.” The Flagstaff-based company has chosen not to raze the Route 66 … [Read more...] about Heritage Route 66 Motel Getting Retro Restoration
Iconic Route 66 Dog Haus Still Taking it Easy
If the vibrant colors of the Dog Haus drive-though on East Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff seem friendly and familiar, it may be because they are the colors of ketchup and mustard. They are also the colors of another classic American fast-food empire, Der Wienerschnitzel, founded in 1961 in Los Angeles and specializing in hot dogs. The A-frame design and central drive-through slot are also inspired by the older hot dog joint. The Flagstaff version has a warning sign over the … [Read more...] about Iconic Route 66 Dog Haus Still Taking it Easy
RR Work Closing Beaver Street at Route 66
The City of Flagstaff has been informed that Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad will be closing the Beaver railroad crossing for maintenance work. This work is similar to what was completed on San Francisco and Ponderosa Parkway. The closure will be from April 29th to May 20th. Advisory signs have been posted on Beaver Street, south of the tracks to give some advanced notice to the public. Because crews will be working at the … [Read more...] about RR Work Closing Beaver Street at Route 66
Better Buzz for Your Business
July 12 The Flagstaff Independent Business Alliance (FIBA) is hosting a panel discussion from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at 204 C East Route 66 . Bring ideas about your business and current PR and marketing methods. Learn how to create street buzz and getting information out about specials and events. $10, free for FIBA members. … [Read more...] about Better Buzz for Your Business
Bookman’s Book Fair
Sat, 15 & Sun 16 Bookman's Book Fair 101 W. Route 66 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Starting in May Bookman's Entertainment Exchange will pitch a tent in Flagstaff Chamber’s parking lot between 10 am and 4 pm almost every Saturday and Sunday during the summer to purchase your gently used books, music and movies. A schedule of fair dates is below. Cash and store credit will be available. The buying fairs are being held as the store anticipates re-opening later this year. For more … [Read more...] about Bookman’s Book Fair