The City of Albuquerque Environmental Planning Commission voted 6-2 on Friday to redevelop the Horn Oil Co. on Route 66 into a multi-use residential area, according to the Albuquerque Journal (subscription-only content). There also is a report at the Albuquerque Tribune site. Horn Oil Co. at one point in its history on Route 66 boasted … Continue reading Bad news for Horn Oil Co.
Category: Motels
Appeal on El Vado landmarks decision delayed
I received a notice Friday that the hearing on Richard Gonzales' appeal of the City of Albuquerque Landmarks Commission's decision to designate El Vado Motel a city landmark has been delayed. The hearing will be at 9:30 a.m. March 30. Having read the city Planning Commission's strong and convincing rebuttal, I think it's just delaying … Continue reading Appeal on El Vado landmarks decision delayed
Vega Motel closes
I've been informed that the historic Vega Motel on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, has closed. Apparently co-owner Harold Whaley is quite ill. He and his wife Tresa have closed the motel and moved from town so she could care for him. That's all the information I have. I'll post more when I learn anything.
Scuttlebutt from the road
Here are news tidbits I've heard in the past week or so: Frequent Route 66 traveler Jane Dippel reports that the Art's Restaurant in Farmersville, Ill., has reopened after a lengthy hiatus. No word on whether the nearby motel has reopened, too. Here's an image of the dilapidated Art's sign. Here's an image of the … Continue reading Scuttlebutt from the road
Ace Jackalope reaches the end of Route 66
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog meets the end of the trail on his Route 66 trek at Santa Monica, Calif., including the Santa Monica Pier. Again, many nice photos are taken, including of the pier's attractions. And I'm not sure how I missed this, but here's another Ace Jackalope entry from his adventures in … Continue reading Ace Jackalope reaches the end of Route 66
New caretakers take over Blue Swallow Motel
Dale and Hilda Bakke have reported that the sale of the Blue Swallow Motel on Route 66 in Tucumcari, N.M., will close today, barring unforeseen complications. Bill Kinder and Terri Johnson, who originally hail from Florida, are the new owners. The Bakkes will no longer be in the motel business, but will remain in New … Continue reading New caretakers take over Blue Swallow Motel
Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened
The historic Horn Motor Lodge (pictured here in present-day and an old postcard), on Route 66 in Albuquerque, is being threatened by development. The Sandia Theatre is also threatened. There's a proposal, called Country Club Plaza (scroll down to the lone Southwest listing to read it), to raze the properties for a mixed-use development of … Continue reading Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened
Showtime for West Hollywood
This article from The Telegraph in London is supposed to be a sort of preview for the Academy Awards. But the story also serves as a good travel guide to the Route 66 town of West Hollywood, including old haunts like Barney's Beanery and Mel's Drive-In.
A look back, a look now, and looking forward
Erik Siemers of the Albuquerque Journal takes a look at Route 66 in the Duke City as the highway is about to mark its 80th anniversary. It's an interesting overview of what the Mother Road once was, what it is, and what to do in the future to keep it around. Recommended reading.
The Lope’s journey on outer L.A.
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog continues his trip on Route 66 through the eastern Los Angeles area. He snaps scenes at Route 66 Memories, the Magic Lamp Inn restaurant, the Golden Spur restaurant, the Palm Tropics Motel, The Hat restaurant, the endangered Rod's Grill, the Whistle Stop toy train shop and others.