Motel Monday - The Sun and the Sand

Today's feature is by far one of my favorite photographs ever, in part because this sign is no longer the one that got away.

The Sun 'n Sand Motel sits on Route 66 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. The first time I spotted this sign was from afar during the summer of 2009. We'd stopped for gas in the midst of our cross country road trip and the motel was just down the street. For the life of me I cannot figure out why I didn't photograph it then... whatever reason I had for not getting out of the truck, putting on my shoes and walking the few blocks in the late July heat with my camera became completely feeble and inexcusable just a few hours later.

I've been kicking myself ever since that summer and with every disappearing sign I read about I kicked myself even more. Thankfully when I made it back to Santa Rosa last year the Sun 'n Sand was still standing as beautiful as ever. Apparently the sign was restored sometime before June 2006, and you can definitely spot it from Interstate 40. Take the exit into Santa Rosa and you'll drive right by the motel.

The motel also has it's own restaurant but it was closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. The restaurant comes complete with it's own great vintage googie inspired signage. I'll save it for a Foodie Friday feature.

Here's to checking this one off my list!

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Googie Spectacular

One of the most brilliant signs you'll see driving down Route 66 through Grants New Mexico is for the Sands Motel, directing travelers a half block to the actual Motel itself. The sign, with it's red flags, giant arrow and beyond amazing lettering will grab even the most distracted driver's attention.  The 1/2 block in neon just makes me smile. 

The Sands Motel was established in 1950 and has had a few famous guests in it's 62 years of business. Room 123 is known as "The Elvis Room" and the motel has Elvis memorabilia including a copy of his marriage certificate. After reading this I'm sure my grandma will want to know why I didn't take more pictures. Oopsy daisy...

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Another New Mexico Find

Last  fall I drove to Tucumcari, New Mexico during the Thanksgiving weekend for the longest sign chasing road trip I've yet to enjoy. You may remember my post about the Blue Swallow Motel a few months ago. Today's Motel Monday feature was the very first photographic stop on the trip.

Sitting at the far eastern end of Route 66 in Tucumcari, the Pony Soldier Motel was demolished sometime before 2010. What is left behind is a concrete slab, several rusted and gutted old cars, and this glorious sign. In searching for information about the now gone motel, all I was able to dig up is this vintage undated postcard on 66postcards.com

The sign has changed a bit since the postcard photo was snapped, but the core items remain the same. I wish they had saved the marquee, but I definitely love the "Here We Are on Route 66" addition. A close up of just that sign will be up in my Retro Roadside Photography shop soon.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - As Seen On TV

Zia

I've know about this morning's Motel Monday feature for a few years now, but the Zia Motor Lodge might be a little more recognizable after being used as a filming location for Breaking Bad. That's right, this Motel Monday sign was literally seen on TV.

The Zia Motor Lodge was demolished in 2005, but the sign still stands along Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque is home to several beautiful signs, but I was surprised by the size of this one. I've also searched the internet to find out what this sign may have said... those ghost letters leave me to believe it read Hotel at one point, but I've come up empty handed. No matter, it just adds to the character.

 Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Holiday Recovery Edition

My Blue Swallow

You know those vacations that are so full of adventure you feel like you need a vacation afterwards to recover? That's about how I feel after my Thanksgiving holiday road trip down Route 66.

The weekend started in Tucumcari, New Mexico with one of my favorite motels, the Blue Swallow. I have wanted to see this motel since I learned it existed, and it thrills me to know that the motel is alive and kicking. The Blue Swallow Motel has become a landmark on the route, and what a beauty she is. Next time, I'm definitely spending the night.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend with your loved ones. I can't believe it's nearly December.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie