Search Results for: blue swallow

New Mexico Route 66 Association helps launch effort to repair hail-damaged neon in Tucumcari

The New Mexico Route 66 Association and Tucumcari MainStreet are joining forces to repair a dozen historic Route 66 neon signs in Tucumcari, New Mexico, that were damaged by a severe hailstorm in late May. In a news release, the association stated its damage assessment identified more than 60 pieces of broken neon tubing among … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association helps launch effort to repair hail-damaged neon in Tucumcari

Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari closes until at least April 12

Citing problems caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Thursday they would close the Route 66 icon for at least 2 1/2 weeks. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller announced in a Facebook post on Thursday they would close the motel starting today, then reassess … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari closes until at least April 12

Uranus Missouri lights up its new, Route 66-themed neon wall

The principals of Uranus Missouri near St. Robert, Missouri, presided over a lighting ceremony Saturday night at the complex’s new, Route 66-themed neon wall. Here’s a photo of the animated neon on a 20-by-55-foot wall that features a rocket ship, Cadillac Ranch, Blue Swallow Motel, Wigwam Motel, Roy’s of Amboy, Blue Whale of Catoosa, Ted … Continue reading Uranus Missouri lights up its new, Route 66-themed neon wall

Roadrunner Lodge Motel owner begins restoration on La Plaza Court in Tucumcari

The owner of the Roadrunner Lodger Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, this week began a project he’s been wanting to do for seven years — restore the neighboring and long-closed La Plaza Court. According to a story I wrote for the Quay County Sun, David Brenner and his now-former wife brought the Route 66 property … Continue reading Roadrunner Lodge Motel owner begins restoration on La Plaza Court in Tucumcari

Book review: “Miles to Go: An African Family in Search of America Along Route 66”

Brennen Matthews’ detailed travelogue, “Miles to Go: An African Family in Search of America Along Route 66” (Amazon link), explains the spark that led him to found and edit ROUTE Magazine. Because his multiracial family has roots in Kenya or Canada, the 280-page book published by University of New Mexico Press also provides a glimpse … Continue reading Book review: “Miles to Go: An African Family in Search of America Along Route 66”

New neon wall at Uranus Missouri will light up the evening of Sept. 25

The new neon-sign wall at the Uranus Missouri complex near St. Robert, Missouri, will hold a ceremonial lighting ceremony at 8 p.m. Sept. 25. On a related note, Uranus also expanded its empire by acquiring a prominent candy store in Indiana and will convert it into a second location. More on that later. Uranus owner … Continue reading New neon wall at Uranus Missouri will light up the evening of Sept. 25

Roamin’ Rich Dinkela has Shamrock Court motel near Sullivan under contract

Roamin’ Rich Dinkela, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri and a well-known champion of Route 66 on social media, made an offer to buy the historic Shamrock Court near Sullivan, Missouri, and likely will close on the deal next month. Dinkela said in a phone interview he isn’t going into the motel business. … Continue reading Roamin’ Rich Dinkela has Shamrock Court motel near Sullivan under contract

Forthcoming “Bands of Enchantment” TV music show filming in Tucumcari

In the past week and a half, a film crew has been shooting performances by all sorts of music artists at various locations in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for a forthcoming “Bands of Enchantment” series on television. Elkhorn Entertainment, which is producing the series with the help of the city’s motel tax funds, envisions the show … Continue reading Forthcoming “Bands of Enchantment” TV music show filming in Tucumcari

Liam Neeson film “The Marksman” takes place on Route 66 (allegedly)

I’d seen some online chatter the latest Liam Neeson thriller “The Marksman” takes place rather prominently on Route 66. Here’s the trailer: I haven’t seen the movie yet, since it just came out Friday and New Mexico theaters aren’t open yet because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Wikipedia lists Route 66 in the plot: Retired U.S. … Continue reading Liam Neeson film “The Marksman” takes place on Route 66 (allegedly)

Bob Dylan adds more Route 66 images to his paintings

World-famous songwriter and Nobel Prize laureate Bob Dylan three years ago painted a series of images that included more than a half-dozen images from Route 66 as part of his “The Beaten Path” series. The number of images from the Mother Road has increased. The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, posted this image … Continue reading Bob Dylan adds more Route 66 images to his paintings