EZ UPDATES

For readers of the EZ 66 Guide for Travelers, I have provided free online updates to help keep your Route 66 experience as current as possible. As you might imagine, Route 66 is constantly undergoing changes, some good, others not so. Businesses open and close, roads are re-routed and street names change.

Please check back here just before your trip for the latest info. Entries are dated as to when they were added.

If you wish to purchase your own copy of the EZ Guide, please go here.

EZ 66 readers have been helpful in keeping me keep the guidebook updated in between my own road trips, so if you discover something that needs to be addressed while on your journey, please let me know!

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CA page-23 Fork in Road on Nov 29, 2013 at 5:19:59 pm [Print]
OK...let me clarify the directions for the GIANT ALERT "Fork in the Road" in Pasadena. Ignore the bit about "go 2 blocks". Once you turn from Arroyo Parkway onto Glenarm, go 0.4 mile (past the lights at Raymond and Fair Oaks), then turn right onto Pasadena Ave.

MO page 3 Across the McKinley bridge on Sep 17, 2013 at 4:58:55 pm [Print]
To clarify the WB directions a bit (since I have more room here)for transitioning from the McKinley Bridge onto I-70: Just after you cross the McKinley Bridge, you will then cross I-70...be prepared to turn left IMMEDIATELY onto 11th St at the stoplight, following the signs "To east I-70" and then join the freeway.

Route 66 Drive In Carthage, MO on Aug 26, 2013 at 10:28:41 pm [Print]
I have gotten many reports that the owner does not like people driving or walking onto his driveways (and lawn!)to take photos during off business hours. This is due to some bad behavior in the past. He does have some "no trespassing" signs up...but people often miss (or ignore) them.

Do everyone a favor..if you are not there to see a movie, just do your photography from the side of the road...but NOT on his property. Do NOT go past the red cones!

And PLEASE...don't drive on his lawn!!

Carthage MO Motels on Aug 19, 2013 at 2:26:11 pm [Print]
Carthage Missouri's beloved Boots Motel is currently being wonderfully restored, and I am proud to feature it in the EZ Guide.

Another great lodging choice is the Best Budget Inn, located just east of Carthage at 13008 E Hwy 96 (Old Route 66). The 1955 era Motel (formerly the Lake Shore Motel) is clean, quiet and inexpensive, with friendly management and a great view of Lake Kellog.417 358 6911 www.bestbudgetinn.homestead.com

Carthage is a very historic area,with TWO classic motels to choose from.

Chain of Rocks Bridge ALERT on Jul 26, 2013 at 8:42:10 pm [Print]
Sigh...just got a report from a Route 66 friend. He saw a car with a broken side glass (and out of state plates) on the ILLINOIS side of the Chain of Rocks bridge. I had to take the MO side out of the guide due to car break-ins...now it looks like you should exercise CAUTION when parking on the Illinois side too. I will keep an ear out for more reports on future problems here...but I cannot whole heartedly recommend parking and walking the bridge at this point.

UPDATE 9-22-14. I haven't had any more reports of problems on the Illinois side, except for one person who saw some people parked there on a weekend evening and got bad vibes. She did the right thing and left. I think I wouldn't go here on a weekend late int he evening...people may be hanging out.

OK page-25 on Jun 15, 2013 at 3:08:42 am [Print]
Awww, they put a different type of jet fighter at the entrance to the Stafford Museum! I'll have to get the scavenger hunt answer changed on the Federation website!

IL-page-19 on Jun 14, 2013 at 8:25:59 pm [Print]
I finally stayed at the Route 66 Hotel on 6th Street in Springfield. They have great roadside Americana decor in the lobby and public areas. They even carry this guide. I just wish it was a totally NON smoking establishment. I had to walk a long smoke-smelling hallway to my room, the first of which, supposedly a "non-smoking" room, was too smoky to tolerate. The clerk kindly allowed me to switch rooms. The second room was still smelly, but "just" tolerable.

Its a good place to stay if you don't mind the smell of smoke.

2015 UPDATE: A few folks have reported no smoky smell recently. good!
2019 UPDATE: I got more bad reports. Bad communications from manager to unhappy guests. More smoke.

Supplimental Giant Alert! IL page-26 on Jun 14, 2013 at 8:21:22 pm [Print]
I need to mention the fiberglass "muffler man" style giant at Pink Elephant Antiques in Livingston. This was a later alignment of 66, so he counts as a brother to the 3 other Illinois giants! This huge antique emporium is fantastic.

IL page 5 on May 26, 2013 at 7:54:02 pm [Print]
OPTION: The map and text for the option refer to W Lawndale Ave. This is WEST of Harlem Ave/IL Hwy 43. Do NOT confuse this with S Lawndale Ave, which is 5 miles EAST of Harlem/IL 43 (closer to Chicago).

You only need be concerned with W Lawndale Ave IF you take the option.

Vinita, OK on May 26, 2013 at 7:44:07 pm [Print]

, some visitors reported to me today that their room at the Relax Inn was infested with bedbugs, and that the management did not provide proper assistance. Even the best places can get bedbugs...but I would suggest to all motel owners that they do everything they can to make their guests happy if this happens (or for any other problem).