Albuquerque has a new shopping center along its Route 66 corridor, but its main sign will spark memories of the previous business there. The Trade Winds Shopping Center recently finished construction, and it has a sign that's reminiscent of the original Trade Winds Motel sign at that location. It looks like neon, but it's actually … Continue reading Albuquerque’s new shopping center sign is a throwback
Category: Motels
Teardown schedule for Bel-Aire Motel solidifies
The historic but long-troubled Bel-Aire Motel in Springfield, Illinois, will be demolished by late summer or early fall, according to Tim Landis in his State Journal-Register business column. It earlier was reported the motel on South Sixth Street (aka Route 66) would be torn down by summer. However, demolition permits haven't yet been filed. Current … Continue reading Teardown schedule for Bel-Aire Motel solidifies
Did ‘Back to the Future’ get an idea from Blue Swallow Motel?
A longtime reader, Greg Holmes of Ace Jackalope fame, was at a theater screening the 1985 hit movie "Back to the Future" when he saw something familiar. In a scene were Marty is in 1955, there is a sign for the Blue Bird Motel in downtown Hill Valley. Here's the original image, but I've taken … Continue reading Did ‘Back to the Future’ get an idea from Blue Swallow Motel?
Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon
While poking around Grand Canyon National Park's website, I found this well-done 10-minute video about Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the canyon. The video went live only a few weeks ago. Not only is the footage breathtaking, but you'll find at least one indirect link to Route 66. Mary Colter, who designed Phantom Ranch, … Continue reading Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon
The top 10 icons of Route 66 are …
The readers have spoken. We now know the top 10 icons of Route 66. About a month ago, we launched an online poll via PollDaddy.com to find out from readers what they considered to be Route 66's top 10 icons. The criteria were the icon must be a specific place on or near Route 66 and be … Continue reading The top 10 icons of Route 66 are …
Albuquerque motel destroyed by fire
Fire destroyed the former Mountain Lodge motel Thursday afternoon along Route 66 on the east edge of Albuquerque, reported the Albuquerque Journal and other media outlets. The motel had been converted into apartments. No one was hurt in the blaze, but five people reportedly were rendered homeless. The structure was a total loss. Here is … Continue reading Albuquerque motel destroyed by fire
Reminder: Icons poll open for 2 more weeks
Although a great many of you have long since voted, the poll begun in early December about the top 10 icons of Route 66 remains open through Dec. 31. More than 18,000 votes have been collected so far. On midnight Dec. 31, the poll will close, we'll tally the results, and post a story about the … Continue reading Reminder: Icons poll open for 2 more weeks
Bel-Aire Motel will be gone by summer
The owners of the troubled Bel-Aire Motel in Springfield, Illinois, reached a settlement agreement this week with the city to vacate and tear down the historic structure within six months, reported the State Journal-Register. The decrepit and crime-infested motel had racked up more than 1,000 code violations and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines over the years. … Continue reading Bel-Aire Motel will be gone by summer
“American Countryside” visits Holbrook
Andrew McCrea of "American Countryside" takes in a visit to the Route 66 town of Holbrook, Arizona, and explores the links that inspired the fictional town of Radiator Springs in the 2006 Disney-Pixar movie "Cars." The segment focuses on the Wigwam Motel and Joe & Aggie's restaurant. Other sites and towns inspired the creation of … Continue reading “American Countryside” visits Holbrook
Chinese crew shooting film about Route 66
A film crew from China stopped at the Boots Motel in Carthage, Missouri, and other Route 66 sites to shoot a movie that will be screened next year, reported the Joplin Globe. According to the newspaper, other filming sites included the Grand Canyon and Yellowhorse Trading Post at the New Mexico-Arizona border. Crews with JAJ … Continue reading Chinese crew shooting film about Route 66