Grants MainStreet, a nonprofit organization based in Grants, New Mexico, recently announced it has purchased the Roarin' 20's neon sign and adjoining lot for the long-closed Route 66 bar. "This historic landmark has long been a part of our community’s story, and we’re excited to begin the journey of revitalizing the sign and bringing it … Continue reading Grants MainStreet purchases Roarin’ 20’s sign to restore it
Tag: Grants NM
Tulsa unveils musical road on Route 66
A new musical road has been unveiled on Route 66 -- this time, on the historic 11th Street Bridge that crosses the Arkansas River in Tulsa. When a motorist drives over specially designed rumble strips on the bridge at 35 mph, one will hear the melody of Oklahoma native Woody Guthrie's iconic song "This Land … Continue reading Tulsa unveils musical road on Route 66
New, Route 66-themed sculpture unveiled in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill area
A new Route 66-themed sculpture was installed recently along the historic highway in the Nob Hill area of Albuquerque, one of more than a dozen along the city's Mother Road. KOB-TV of Albuquerque reported that the "Route 66 Throne" artwork features a colorful Route 66 shield with gas pumps surrounding it, along with a cut-out … Continue reading New, Route 66-themed sculpture unveiled in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill area
El Cafecito restaurant in Grants for sale for $2.2 million
El Cafecito, a restaurant along Route 66 in Grants, New Mexico for almost 40 years, has been put on the market for $2.2 million. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), owners Larry and Angela Baca are selling because of health concerns. The sale price includes all the fixtures and equipment. The Bacas have offered … Continue reading El Cafecito restaurant in Grants for sale for $2.2 million
New Mexico Tourism awards $1.3 million in grants to Route 66 communities
The New Mexico Tourism Department announced this week that it will distribute a total of $1.3 million in grants to Route 66 communities in fiscal year 2026 for marketing and promotion, special events and infrastructure, including a Route 66 musical road in Santa Rosa and restoration of a vintage gas station in Milan. The agency … Continue reading New Mexico Tourism awards $1.3 million in grants to Route 66 communities
Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine
The landmark Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari, New Mexico, landed the cover image of the current issue of New Mexico Magazine. Not only does the Route 66 motel that dates to 1939 appear in the magazine's lead article "The Magic of Route 66" and others in the issue, but so do Motel Safari and Roadrunner … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine
Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage
The neon sign for the closed Uranium Cafe in Grants, New Mexico, was taken down several weeks ago and placed in storage, with the hopes it eventually will be restored and placed in a neon park in the city. Blue Miller initially reported on the Historic Route 66 group about the sign's disappearance. A few … Continue reading Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage
The man behind the Charley’s Automobile Service building in Grants
Blue Miller of the well-researched Never Quite Lost blog recently wrote about Charley Diaz, longtime operator of the Charley's Automotive Service, aka Charley's Radiator Shop, in Grants, New Mexico. The long-closed complex of five buildings included a restaurant, Star Cafe, at 1308-1310 W. Santa Fe Ave. (aka Route 66). It was designated to the National … Continue reading The man behind the Charley’s Automobile Service building in Grants
Few businesses reopen in Grants; city manager fired for clashing with mayor
Only four of about 80 nonessential businesses in Grants, New Mexico, ordered closed because of the coronavirus pandemic reopened Monday despite the mayor urging them to do so. Meanwhile, the mayor said he fired Grants' city manager for not ordering city employees back to work at the municipal golf course, though the firing still has … Continue reading Few businesses reopen in Grants; city manager fired for clashing with mayor
Grants mayor vows to let nonessential stores open despite governor’s order
The mayor of the Route 66 town of Grants, New Mexico, said he would let non-essential stores reopen Monday, flouting the governor's order to close them until mid-May because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Associated Press reported: Grants Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks said he’s giving businesses permission to reopen on Monday and is ordering … Continue reading Grants mayor vows to let nonessential stores open despite governor’s order