Kevin and Nancy Mueller of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., put together this slide show of happenings in 2012 at the historic landmark. From the description: Our second year of operation was a whirlwind of activity and restoration work. We had so many wonderful guests, and wish we could show every one of … Continue reading Year in review at the Blue Swallow Motel
Category: Motels
Memories of the Arrow / Strufe Motel
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week posted more "Route 66 Stories" videos. This one features Fred Strufe, whose family ran the Arrow / Strufe Motel in Dwight, Ill., for many years. Strufe packed in a slew of fascinating stories, including a hilarious one about a honeymooning couple, in five minutes: https://youtu.be/jjo8Xha6K7Y The Strufe … Continue reading Memories of the Arrow / Strufe Motel
Vince Gill video showcases Rialto Square Theater
I didn't know this until a few days ago -- country singer Vince Gill's official video for his 1992 hit, "I Still Believe In You," was shot entirely at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Ill. Music videos are meant to showcase the artist and the song. But this one shows off that historic theater … Continue reading Vince Gill video showcases Rialto Square Theater
Former Route 66 motel site in Albuquerque will be apartments
An apartment complex is proposed for former site of the Silver Moon Lodge near downtown Albuquerque, reported the Albuquerque Journal. However, the developer will pay tribute to the motel and its Route 66 roots by reusing its sign. DBG Properties, a division of GSL Properties in Portland, Ore., has applied for $8 million in revenue … Continue reading Former Route 66 motel site in Albuquerque will be apartments
Cars Land can be found in Florida, too
Everyone who reads this site knows that Cars Land, based on the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs in the movie "Cars," became an instant big attraction when it opened this year at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif. It's not quite as elaborate, but Cars Land also has arrived at Disney World's … Continue reading Cars Land can be found in Florida, too
Motel in St. Louis will be renovated, add Route 66 to its name
The new owners of the Holiday Inn Southwest & Viking Conference Center in Sunset Hills, Mo., will change its name to Holiday Inn Route 66. They also will spend millions of dollars on renovations, including restoring the motel's early 1970s architecture, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Amrit and Amy Gill, who renovated the historic Hotel Blackhawk … Continue reading Motel in St. Louis will be renovated, add Route 66 to its name
Boots Motel’s original neon sign will be restored by spring
An anonymous donation will enable the neon sign of the historic Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., to be restored by "early next year" -- including its original color scheme and original "Boots Court" name. Debye Harvey, co-owner of the Route 66 landmark that dates to 1939, explained what happened in a Facebook post on Wednesday: Thanks … Continue reading Boots Motel’s original neon sign will be restored by spring
Topock Resort project on schedule to open in April
The owner of the large Topock 66 Spa & Resort project in Topock, Ariz., says it remains on track to open in late March or early April, according to a report in the Havasu News-Herald. Chet Hitt says he's optimistic the $13.8 million project on the banks of the Colorado River will be operating by the … Continue reading Topock Resort project on schedule to open in April
Mexican restaurant planned in Aztec Hotel
Owners of historic Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, Calif., plan to convert the establishment's Brass Elephant bar into a Mexican restaurant, according to a report by the Monrovia Planning Commission. The owners also want to offer alcoholic beverages and live music, but the commission tabled that request until the neighborhood's concerns can be heard. According to … Continue reading Mexican restaurant planned in Aztec Hotel
Take the high road into Arizona
This episode of "Highroads with Dan Davis," produced by AAA, delves into Route 66 in northern Arizona, including La Posada, the town of Winslow, and Joe & Aggie's in Holbrook, and others. AZPHXs3-003 ROUTE 66 for vimeo from AAA Highroads on Vimeo. The video is about 27 minutes long, but interspersed with public-service announcements and … Continue reading Take the high road into Arizona