Doug Quarles, creator of dozens of murals in Tucumcari, dies of cancer at 72

Doug Quarles, creator of an estimated 50 murals -- many along Route 66 -- in Tucumcari, New Mexico, died of colon and rectal cancer last week. He was 72. Several muralists have followed in his footsteps in Tucumcari, but his efforts, starting in 2003, raised the city's tourism profile and led the chamber of commerce … Continue reading Doug Quarles, creator of dozens of murals in Tucumcari, dies of cancer at 72

Four eateries on or near Route 66 win $50,000 Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants

Four eateries along or near Route 66 will receive $50,000 Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express. The primarily Route 66-based recipients, announced Monday, are: La Cita Restaurant, Tucumcari, New Mexico Doc's Just Off 66, Girard, Illinois La Paloma Mexican Restaurant, La Verne, California A lesser-known fourth … Continue reading Four eateries on or near Route 66 win $50,000 Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants

Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

A group of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Route 66 Association began efforts Thursday and Friday to restore nail-damaged neon tubing on historic signs along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Among the signs worked on were TeePee Curios, Del's Restaurant, La Cita restaurant, Motel Safari and Loretta's Burrito Hut. Fast TV Network … Continue reading Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari