Neon Moon: The story of Richmond’s own neon sign
TBT El Gallo
From The Richmonder: In windows across the city there is a glowing, shining secret.
It’s a beacon in the dark — a sign of welcome, camaraderie and community.
It is Richmond, Virginia’s own neon open sign, a distinctive riff on the ubiquitous emblem of friendly commerce.
This isn’t your standard “O-P-E-N” in big block letters. Our version mimics cursive with its swirly-topped uppercase “O” followed by a smaller “p-e-n.”
Iconic Bendix Diner Revival? New Owner Moves to Save the Hasbrouck Heights Landmark
From The Ridgewood Blog: HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ — There is a glimmer of hope for the neon-lit crossroads of Bergen County. The legendary Bendix Diner, a North Jersey staple that has sat dark since January, may soon see its grills fired up once again.
After nearly a year of uncertainty following its forced closure due to safety violations, a potential “knight in shining armor” from the New York restaurant scene has emerged to save the 78-year-old eatery.
NYC giving $50M facelift to ‘magical,’ iconic movie landmark: ‘A dream come true’
The New York State Pavilion from the 1964 World’s Fair is getting a multimillion-dollar restoration after decades of decay — bringing a beloved Queens landmark back to life. Getty Images
From the New York Post: A crumbling NYC architectural marvel that notably doubled as an alien spaceship in the 1997 movie “Men in Black” is finally getting its comeback — with a $50 million glow-up fit for a Hollywood reboot.
The New York State Pavilion — the soaring, space-age icon built for the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens — is undergoing a massive restoration after decades of rust, neglect and scaffolding purgatory.
Bernie’s Dining Depot car arrives at Chester Train Museum
A local piece of history finally moved after sitting just 100 feet away from its final destination for several weeks.
From westernmassnews: CHESTER, Mass. — A local piece of history finally moved after sitting just 100 feet away from its final destination for several weeks.
Western Mass News is getting answers on the residents impacted by the road closure, and the details on the not-so-little engine that could. It’s a train that Western Mass News has been covering for years. A dining car from Bernie’s Depot in Chicopee was loved by restaurant-goers until the business’s closing in 2022.
Former Chester resident, Leonard Alexander, dedicated most of his life to everything train related; and everything Chester-related. When asked if he has ever seen anything like this in his lifetime, he tells us, “No, this is all new to me! Its gonna be interesting… It’s quite an operation!”
Iconic diner in Watertown to close after almost 80 years in business
A diner that has been a community staple for almost 80 years in Watertown is closing at the end of the year.
From WMTV: WATERTOWN, Wis. – A diner that has been a community staple for almost 80 years in Watertown is closing at the end of the year. Zwieg’s Grill will close on December 31.
“I would describe it was the best darn home cooking, the best burger in the world,” said co-owner Mary Zwieg.
Mary came into the restaurant business back in 1985 when she married Glenn Zwieg. Glenn’s mom and dad opened the restaurant in 1946 when Glenn was three years old.
“It’s my life, it’s all I’ve done and all I’ve ever wanted to do,” said Glenn, who is 82 years old today.
Historic Tower Records sign disappeared. Without city’s OK, it’s now in an office
The neon sign that once marked the drugstore where Tower Records founder Russ Solomon first started selling music adorns the Tower Theatre in 2010. ANDY ALFARO Sacramento Bee file
From The Sacramento Bee: Count Gretchen Steinberg among those not happy about the new location of a historic sign associated with Tower Records. The sign features two teenagers dancing atop a record. It sat for many years displayed above Tower Cafe, which is at the site of a former drugstore where Tower Records founder Russ Solomon first sold records. The sign came down roughly two years ago and recently resurfaced inside Tower District offices at 1508 Broadway.
Route 66 Turns 100 Next Year: Here Are 5 Of The Most Iconic California Stops, From A Funky Folk Art Installation To An Abandoned Ghost Town
Michelle Oude Maatman / Unsplash
From Secret Los Angeles: Commissioned in 1926, Route 66 is now approaching its 100th birthday — making 2026 a great year to embark on one of the world’s most famous road trips. People come from all over the globe to traverse “The Mother Road,” which offers views of epic natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and retro Americana.
The entire Historic Route 66 stretches about 2,448 miles, beginning in Downtown Chicago and crossing seven states to reach California’s Santa Monica Pier in the west. While the California portion covers about 12-14% of the full distance, it’s full of numerousunforgettable stops along the route from the Mojave Desert to L.A.