Work crews last week removed the sign of the now-defunct Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque, bringing a sad end to a property used in a scene of the Oscar-winning film "No Country for Old Men." The New Mexico Route 66 Association posted several photos Thursday on its Facebook page of the sign being taken down, … Continue reading Desert Sands Motel sign in Albuquerque comes down
Category: Motels
Old book provides a look back at Quay County, New Mexico
In the last few days, I've perused a book titled "Quay County, New Mexico, 1903-1985." It contains hundreds of stories and photos from the region, including the Route 66 towns of Endee, Bard, San Jon, Tucumcari, Polomas and Montoya. The book, edited by Mary Lynn Moncus and Marian Farmer Knapp, contains nearly 800 pages of … Continue reading Old book provides a look back at Quay County, New Mexico
El Vado Motel restoration ‘a few weeks’ from completion
The long process of restoring the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque is just a few weeks from reaching the finish line, according to the president of the project's developer. Last year, officials hoped for a late summer opening. That date got pushed to December. KOB-TV in Albuquerque found out why the project took longer … Continue reading El Vado Motel restoration ‘a few weeks’ from completion
Signs at Paradise Motel in Tucumcari removed
The signs at the Paradise Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, were removed this week after the long-abandoned property suffered two fires in less than six months -- including one in February. Vanessa Miller, service manager the Clovis Sign Services in Clovis, New Mexico, confirmed by phone Wednesday she had possession of both signs, including the … Continue reading Signs at Paradise Motel in Tucumcari removed
Owl Court in Oklahoma City changes owners
A group of investors has acquired the historic Owl Court motel in Oklahoma City and pledges to revive the property into at least one new business. The Oklahoman reported the group thinks the area, known as the town of Britton before being annexed into Oklahoma City during the 1950s, is ripe for revival: Owl Court … Continue reading Owl Court in Oklahoma City changes owners
A brief chat with Michael Wallis
The folks at #Unscripted recently posted this interview of author Michael Wallis that covers quite a bit of ground in just eight minutes. The interview was conducted in the lobby of the historic Campbell Hotel in Tulsa, along Route 66. In the video, Wallis explains: What motivated him to write his eventual best-selling "Route 66: … Continue reading A brief chat with Michael Wallis
Fire again strikes Paradise Motel in Tucumcari
Fire ravaged the long-closed Paradise Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for the second time in less than six months. Tucumcari Fire Chief Doug Hogan said the blaze was reported at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday and wasn't brought until control until about five hours later. He said the fire destroyed 10 to 12 rooms on the southernmost … Continue reading Fire again strikes Paradise Motel in Tucumcari
Federation discontinues “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide”
The National Historic Route 66 Federation a few months ago quietly discontinued publication of its "Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide" book after almost 20 years. Federation Chairman David Knudson announced the decision in a brief post on the semi-private Route 66 yahoogroup last week. The 17th and last edition of the spiral-bound "Route 66 … Continue reading Federation discontinues “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide”
Neighbors fret over homeless shelter at Route 66 motel in Lebanon
The city of Lebanon, Missouri, has given the green light for a local ministry to convert the closed Forest Manor Motel into a homeless shelter. However, a few neighboring Route 66 businesses have voice concerns about the project. KOLR-TV produced this even-handed segment about Mike Duran's project for Ministers of Fire: Here's one of the … Continue reading Neighbors fret over homeless shelter at Route 66 motel in Lebanon
Holiday Inn with Route 66-themed restaurant opens in Joplin
A new, rare-model Holiday Inn that contains a restaurant inspired by Route 66 and hopes to attract Mother Road travelers opened a few days ago in Joplin, Missouri. The only problem is Holiday Inn Joplin at 3402 S. Arizona Ave. sits more than 2 1/2 miles south of the nearest alignment of Route 66 at Seventh … Continue reading Holiday Inn with Route 66-themed restaurant opens in Joplin