I remember when Vice TV's "Abandoned" episode about Route 66 first aired in 2016, but the full 43-minute program was uploaded to YouTube just a few weeks ago. The gist is two skate punks travel Route 66 from west to east, seeking assorted abandoned places to use their skateboards (natch), talk to the locals, and … Continue reading A look back at Vice TV’s “Abandoned” episode in 2016 about Route 66
Tag: Tucumcari
Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale
The owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced on social media this week he soon would put the Route 66 establishment on the market. Larry Smith, who has owned the motel at 722 E. Route 66 Blvd. for six years, stated he was "feeling that my time here at the Safari … Continue reading Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale
Flash flooding closes Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee
A severe storm Thursday night into Friday morning washed out a new bridge on Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee, New Mexico, prompting the closure of the road indefinitely. That's part of the 17-mile gravel-road alignment of Route 66 between the border ghost town of Glenrio and San Jon. An estimated seven inches … Continue reading Flash flooding closes Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee
New Mexico Route 66 Association to give Heritage Award to Tucumcari Chamber
The New Mexico Route 66 Association announced this week it would give its annual Heritage Award to the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce. The honor is in recognition of the updated beautification of the chamber building by its executive director, Scott Crotzer, while keeping its original mid-century architecture charm from its groundbreaking in 1966. The … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association to give Heritage Award to Tucumcari Chamber
New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project
The New Mexico Route 66 Association last week announced it would pause its annual motor tour this year because of the complexities of moving its office to Tucumcari. Sue Montgomery, vice president and membership officer with the association, stated in an email: So good news is that the NM Rt 66 Association in conjunction with … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project
Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants
The restoration of the Hi-Way Cafe neon sign near Vinita, Oklahoma, was among the newest cost-share grants announced this week by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Four of the grants involved neon signs. In addition to the Hi-Way, grants went to the Henning Motel sign in Newberry Springs, California; the Road Runner's Retreat sign … Continue reading Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants
Fast TV Network, Classical Gas museum, NM 66 Association relocating to Tucumcari
The Albuquerque-based Fast TV Network and the Classical Gas Museum of Embudo, New Mexico, will relocate to a vacant Kmart building along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, by summer. Mike Lee, CEO and president of Fast TV, made the announcement today during a news conference in Tucumcari, as did Johnnie Meier, owner of the … Continue reading Fast TV Network, Classical Gas museum, NM 66 Association relocating to Tucumcari
Book review: ‘Tucumcari Tonite!’
There's a moment early in David Stratton's new book, "Tucumcari Tonight" (Amazon link), that signals this isn't going to be a dull history tome. In the introduction, the author, who was 95 years old when the University of New Mexico Press published the book earlier this month, recalls his personal memories of the first owners … Continue reading Book review: ‘Tucumcari Tonite!’
New Mexico Route 66 Association gives Heritage Award to two Tucumcari businesses
The New Mexico Route 66 Association earlier this week presented its Heritage Award to Loretta's Burrito Hut and the Roadrunner Lodge Motel, both of the Tucumcari. Each winner gets a complimentary business membership to the association, a listing in the association's quarterly magazine and a metal Route 66 sign. New Mexico Route 66 Association President … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association gives Heritage Award to two Tucumcari businesses
1939 newspaper article shows one big reason Tucumcari became a neon-sign haven
Tucumcari, New Mexico, never was a huge town. Its population never surpassed 9,000, according to the U.S. Census records. Regardless, Tucumcari during its heyday was home to dozens of neon signs, especially along its Route 66 corridor. Even now, about 25 neon signs still exist along the historic highway, in various states of repair. Several … Continue reading 1939 newspaper article shows one big reason Tucumcari became a neon-sign haven