Perfect Place for a Friday Night... 5 of 365

Who here remembers tropical storm Hillary? Show of hands? That's right... nobody. I wouldn't either, if not for the fact she ruined a few solid hours of shooting in Tucson with her high winds, cloud cover and rain. I hung in there with the best of them, but after I started getting pelted with pebbles I decided to pack it in before any equipment was damaged. You can bruise me, scrape me or make me bleed, but I'll be damned if you're going to scratch my lens. But back to Tucson...

If you've never been to Tucson you absolutely MUST go. It is a veritable smorgasbord of vintage neon signage, with some of the most unique signs I've had the pleasure to see. I've already posted a fair amount of my Tucson images to either my Etsy shop or my Flickr page but there are a few gems I haven't gotten around to editing. Tonight I'm digging one out of the archives, simply because it sounds like the perfect place to spend a Friday evening. Of course I'm at home blogging and making cream cheese icing, but that doesn't matter. The Crossroads restaurant is apparently pretty darn good and worth the drive to the edge of town. I'll be going back to Tucson to capture the rest of the signs I couldn't shoot thanks to Hillary, and the Crossroads is on my list for lunch.

Yes, that's a neon beer mug.

Happy Friday night folks! See you tomorrow for the six installation in this crazy project of mine...

Bowl at the Wheel... 3 of 365

Today was a rather overcast Wednesday, from the moment I woke up until the sun set. It's been pretty hot down here though lately so for the time being, I can appreciate it. I also don't usually attempt to shoot signs on weekdays...

Unfortunately not every weekend is bright and sunny either, even in southern California. So, until I develop my Storm powers more completely I, like all other photographers, have to deal with the light, sky and backgrounds nature gives me. And when photographing something far from home, well, I just have to work with it.

Today's offering is one of those such days. A friend and I drove out to Oxnard from his place in LA one Saturday, hoping the clouds would break as we approached the coast. I'd been trying to get to Oxnard FOREVER and with the Wagon Wheel Motel being razed I wanted to capture a few shots of the motel and bowling alley signs before they fell into complete disrepair. But the clouds didn't relent and the closer we came to our destination the more and more definition was lost in the sky. By the time we made it to Oxnard the only thing above us was gray soup. Not knowing when I'd be back, I photographed the signs as best I could, working with the diffused light and nondescript background. I hope I make it back soon, but until then, at least I have this.

Here's to Wednesday and a week that's more than half over. Three down, 362 more to come!

Reno's El Ray... 2 of 365

Reno has a wealth of small motels with colorful vintage signs. And there's no clear motel row like some other cities I've visited. Instead the mom and pop places seem to be in clusters around the downtown area. Find one and you'll find four more. It makes for some fun exploration on foot, wandering from place to place with camera in hand. The El Ray is on Arlington in the midst of several other motel signs, across the street from the Sands Casino. I know what you're thinking... it's not that Sands sadly.

Boomerang signs... amazing.

It's unclear if the El Ray is still operating as a monthly rental place, if at all. The plastic panel that once read motel is completely gone, but there is still a building on the property and I was definitely unwillingly eavesdropping on a woman's telephone conversation while snapping away pictures of the sign.

Two down.... Happy Tuesday!

Motel Monday - Loop de Loop

Most of my road trips are centered around groupings of signs I want to photograph that can be found within a city or general area. This makes my trips more efficient, allowing me to capture as many signs as possible and attempt to save gas in the process. But every once in a while I'll stumble upon a vintage sign that is so extraordinary I will drive well out of my way just to photograph it and nothing else. That one sign is the trip.

Perhaps it's just a function of it's location, but the Loop Motor Lodge in Venture was one of those signs for me. I've had it on my maps for years, and with every trip to Los Angeles I'd wish I'd made it farther north and west. A few weeks ago I finally took the trip and was thrilled to finally see it in person.

I love the neon details that adorn the outside of the sign, and I bet it looked amazing when fully lit. A vintage postcard I found of the motel shows that some changes have been made to the sign over the years, but the core remains unchanged. The design is so classic and simple it makes me smile. 

Here's hoping that smile lasts all week!

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Awaiting Restoration

A few weeks ago I featured the Route 66 Motel of Needles, California. Ed Klein of Route 66 World is in the midst of restoring the sign and last I heard all that is missing is the new neon tubes. Our course the Route 66 is not the only motel sign in Needles in need of help. Just down Broadway street is the Sage Motel and it's sign that has certainly seen better days.

Most of the neon tubes are completely gone, the few remaining letters to spell vacancy are hanging cattywampus, and the only portion that seems to still be in place is the tip of the arrow. On the plus side, the sign is still standing and the property appeared to be in the midst of a restoration. I can't find any additional information about the property or who might be fixing it up, but I did come across this undated vintage postcard.

 The property looks much different now and is completely fenced in with a rolling gate and a decorative cement tile wall. I seem to remember a pool too, but perhaps I just imagined it.

The next time I'm in Needles I'll definitely check up on this place. Maybe I'll have more to report... 

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Just After Dusk

I'm posting today's Motel Monday a bit later than usual so I thought an evening motel shot would be more appropriate. Lucky for me I've got just the thing...

The same day that I photographed the Supai Motel in Seligman, I spent the night in Flagstaff. Also part of Route 66, Flagstaff has kept it's historic downtown area and several vintage motels, motel signs, and cafes. The Hotel Monte Vista sits on the corner of Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street, one block north of Route 66 itself. The hotel actually predates Route 66 as it was built in 1926. I guess it was just in the right place at the right time.

The Monte Vista has had quite a few famous guests including Bob Hope, Michael Stipe, Bing Crosby, Michael J. Fox, Jon Bon Jovi, Clark Gable, and my personal favorites John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart and Freddie Mercury. The hotel is reportedly haunted by several friendly ghosts as well, but I'm going to leave the supernatural out of this.

During my brief stay in Flagstaff I ate dinner at the Galaxy Diner, which I highly recommend, before driving to the downtown area to take a walk around. I was serendipity that I took this photo of the Hotel's vintage rooftop signage just after dusk had fallen and I love the colors. Maybe next time I'll check out the interior.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Retro Roadside Photography's New Look

In case you haven't noticed, my Retro Roadside Photography shop is rocking a new look these days. The amazing logo is the creation of my good friend Nicole, who happens to be one heck of a graphic designer.

No shop overhaul is complete without a new banner and avatar which you can find here. Purchase a print and you'll get to see my new business cards too! Subtle, right? 

Cheers!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - A Restoration Project

Last September I drove a stretch of Route 66 from Kingman, Arizona to West Hollywood chasing vintage sign beauties. A few photographs from the trip have already been featured here, including the Hill Top Motel, Lo's Chinese Food, the New Corral Motel, and the abandoned Motel sign standing alone in the middle of the Arizona desert. Today's feature is the well known 66 Motel in Needles, California.

Over the weekend I learned that Ed Klein is fundraising to restore this sign to it's former glory. The broken neon and bulbs have been removed and the sign has received a much needed coat of paint. While I appreciate peeling paint as much as the next sign lover, it is an important barrier needed to protect the metal from the elements. You can see Ed's progress and support his restoration project of the sign on his indiegogo page. At this moment the project needs an additional $1700 over the next three days to be funded. I've got my fingers crossed.

When Ed is done with the restoration I'll have an excuse to make another trip to Needles. In the mean time, all the progress Ed has made officially makes this Retro Roadside Photography image a classic.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Sometimes It Storms

Desert Sun

Like any good traveler, I check the weather before heading out on a road trip. If it's definitely going to rain all weekend or snow, there's just no point in going. A few trips to Los Angeles have already been cancelled this year due to weather... yes, it does rain in Southern California.

Last fall there was a chance that tropical storm Hillary would cause some problems in Tucson, Arizona. If it rained at all, it wasn't going to be until much later on Saturday, and Mesa was supposed to be clear on Sunday. I decided the wealth of vintage neon signs was worth the risk and we took off on Friday night for Tucson. Saturday morning was beautiful, but there was too much neon in Tuscon for me to shoot it all before Hillary blew in. By the time we made it to West Miracle Mile the clouds had rolled in and I was getting pelted by dirt and pebbles that had been picked up by the wind.

Miracle Mile has several beautiful vintage neon signs but I was only able to shoot three of them before the wind became too much. Of the three, this photograph of the Sun Land Motel is the only one that makes the Retro Roadside Photography cut. I usually prefer blue skies, but there's just something about the moodiness of this shot that I enjoy. 

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - The Original

Believe it or not, there's a bit of a fight in Los Angeles about just who originated the french dip sandwich. Two restaurants share this claim to fame, Philippe the Original and Cole's Originator's of the French Dip. Both places were opened in 1908 and neither one of them is budging an inch about who made the popular sandwich first. They both also have great neon signs and darn good food. 

"Philippe's" 

Philippe's was the first of the originals that I tried. I loved the old brick building, the sawdust floor and the vintage style counter service. Their famous french dip is different from the mainstream version you'll find in that the bread is dipped in au jus instead of the au jus being poured over the meat once it's in the sandwich. Believe me when I say you won't need extra au jus on the side. Cole's was a completely different take on the sandwich, but I'll save that for another Foodie Friday post. I do have to say that of the two places, I prefer Philippe's french dip. 

"The Original" in my Retro Roadside Photo Etsy Shop 

Have you eaten at either Philippe's or Cole's? Do you have a preference? And what's for lunch today?

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - More for the Cowboys

I've always found the idea of a western themed motel to be a little humorous. Cowboys slept under the stars, next to campfires with their guns. There was no roof over their heads, no protection from the elements and no warm bed waiting with turn down service and a mint on their pillow. At least there wasn't in any of the western movies I've watched. 

Not withstanding the irony of a western motel aimed at Cowboys and Cowgirls alike, the theme certainly makes for great signs. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've started to amass quiet the collection of western themed neon signs and there are more waiting on my list.  

The Silver Saddle Motel was a recent photo subject that falls under the western genre. Located in North Hollywood, the motel is small with less than 30 guest rooms and an outdoor pool typical of Southern California. According to a local, the motel used to have quite a bit of western memorabilia on the grounds but all that remains is the giant plaster horse on top of the roof. Oddly enough the horse isn't wearing a saddle, let alone a silver one. Maybe they keep it in the lobby?

Whatever happened to the saddle, I sure hope they keep the sign. It's a metal and neon classic.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Etsy Finds - On the Road Again

Here's to opening your email on Monday morning and finding your hard work front and center.  Yes... that's my woody print top left. I must have looked a little ridiculous with the smile this put on my face. 

Want your own woody? You can pick up the print in any size from 4x6 to 20x30 in my Retro Roadside Photo shop on Etsy.  

Until next time!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Rollin' Like a Celebrity

St. Patrick's Day weekend is over but I'm still feeling the green and have decided to run with it. Thus, in the spirit of my favorite color, today's Motel Monday feature is the famous Beverly Hills Hotel. The Hotel was built in 1912 and the city of Beverly Hills eventually sprang up around it. The surrounding streets lined with palm trees are a beautiful place to spend a warm afternoon.

I have loved these Beverly Hills Hotel signs for as long as I can remember... meaning I loved them before I loved signs. The gorgeous typography, the color, and their presentation are striking. In the evening green neon glows from behind the elevated letters of the signs which keep the neon tubes and cathodes hidden from view. They are vintage simplicity and beautiful appeal. In short, the Beverly Hills Hotel sports the Audrey Hepburn of vintage signs. Yes, I said it. 

I just managed to reference Weezer, Audrey Hepburn and Beverly Hills in 200 words or less. I think it's going to be a good week. Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Bring the Green

I don't ever need an excuse to wear my favorite color, but if I did, this Saturday is it. That's right... I will be wearing green every second of St. Patrick's Day. It's not my fault it brings out my eyes. 

In celebration of tomorrow's unique and color specific traditions... green beer, really?... I have two Irish themed Foodie Friday photographs for you. These signs fit together like two peas in a pod. And at this very moment I'm chuckling to myself because peas are green making my analogy even better. Now on to the good stuff.

The first St. Patty's Day beauty is the Shamrock Dinners sign from Yreka, California. Heading north on Highway 99, take the Easy Street exit, take a right and make your way back towards the freeway. The restaurant building is still standing and seems to be rather large. Shamrock Dinners shut it's doors at least 4 years ago and the property was for sale back in 2008. Like most of these closed down places, I can't find a single thing about the restaurant. Based on the sign, I'm guessing they served liquor and food, but that's really not much to go on. I do know that I trespassed to take this shot and was in great fear of being chased off the property. Thankfully my fears were unfounded and this snap was completely worth a little anxiety. A large print of this beauty is on it's way to a new home today. I hear it's going to be the centerpiece of the kitchen decor. 

Not to be left out is Tom Bergin's Steak and Chop restaurant that touts itself as the House of Irish Coffee. Tom's Bergin's Tavern was established in 1936 and has been around for 75 years. They're in the midst of remodeling and apparently are hoping to be around for 75 more to share their Irish heritage with Los Angeles. I must say it's wonderful to see their neon signs in such great shape. Once they've reopened I'll have to return to capture the neon lit at night. I think I"ll have some dinner while I'm at it. I always love a good steak.

 Happy Friday! Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day weekend wherever it may take you.

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Destination Unknown

Deserted

One extremely hot day last summer I was driving down Highway 99 through central California and I needed water. A car with black leather interior is a bad idea when you're in direct sun for an 8 hour drive. As soon as I see a gas station sign I take the next exit. The station is understandably packed so I opt to park in the empty dirt lot across the street. There's a building and dumpster to my left. I figured it was just an abandoned restaurant waiting for some new owners to try their luck. 

As I'm getting out of the car I notice that the building 500 feet in front of me looks oddly like a motel. To my right are remnants of an old pool that has since been fenced in. And hiding in the palm trees above me is the motel cousin of those famous Waffle House signs I have yet to photograph. 

Unlike the rest of the signs I've shot, I don't know a single thing about this motel. I don't know it's name... I couldn't find one... or if it is still operational in some way. I can't even tell anyone with any certainty where the sign is located. It's on the west side of Highway 99 next to a gas station somewhere between Stockton and San Diego. That 8 hour stretch of freeway and this photograph are all that I have. Thank goodness I was carrying my camera. 

Stay tuned for this week's Foodie Friday. I found something special for St. Patrick's Day!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Hey Vince!

A few weeks ago I drove up to Los Angeles to chase some neon over the long weekend. I headed as far east as Rancho Mirage to shoot the most awesome car wash sign ever before making my way back towards the valley. I also stopped off at the World's Famous Dinosaurs of Cabazon but we'll save them for another post. Saturday evening ended in Ontario and Covina where neon signs used to be king.

One of the most amazing signs still standing in Ontario is Vince's Spaghetti. The restaurant opened in 1945 and has been in the same location ever since. Apparently Vince's started as a french dip stand before customers caught sight of a member of the family eating his grandmother's spaghetti. Sorta funny how some business decisions are made... Anyway, more than 60 years later that sandwich stand has grown into a 425 seat restaurant that keeps family friendly hours. 

I stopped by Vince's between lunch and dinner service so they sadly were closed when I photographed their sign. I remember thinking their parking lot was rather large, but it you're going to feed 425 people at a time you're going to need quite a few parking spaces. And a lot of spaghetti. 

So who's got pasta on the menu tonight?

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Third Star to the Right

"Third Star to the Right" available through my Retro Roadside Photography shop

I signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon recently and this morning it seems to be my inspiration for Motel Monday. Sometimes it's easy to decide which signs to feature, other days I wish my computer could play row sham bow to help me choose. Today Disney won.

Las Vegas is the king of neon and I'm sure they have single-handedly kept YESCO in business. For this I am obviously very grateful. The strip is full of neon that is replaced and repaired constantly. But off the strip along historic Fremont Street sit several motels and their signs. Some have been restored, some have fallen into disrepair. Some of them are long gone, and only their signs remain. One of these signs was featured in an earlier Motel Monday post.

Today is another Fremont Street friend. I have no idea how long it's been around, but the Peter Pan Motel was recently renovated and the sign was restored. The colors pop, the typeset is awesome, and Peter Pan is outlined in neon. Now if he could just teach me to fly I'd appreciate it. 

Come on, a girl can dream. Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Since 1931

One of two Canter's Delicatessen photographs available on my Retro Roadside Photography shop

In need of a Restaurant, Deli or Bakery? You've come to the right place. Canter's is open all day almost every day of the year to feed your food needs. Canter's opened in 1931 but moved to Fairfax Boulevard when the neighborhood changed. In 1953 Canters moved just down the street to it's current location. That's almost 50 years in one spot and it has the neon signage to prove it. 

Canter's on Fairfax

All of the neon, including the signage on the front of the building, is in full working order. I can't wait to take another trip to LA and photograph this sign at night.

 Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Two For the Price of One

Vintage signs are generally like wolves... they travel in packs and are rarely alone. When I map out my road trips the end result is often clusters of flags separated by empty spaces that vary in size.  Today's two motel signs are no exception.

Located on Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, the Astro Motel and Deano's Motel are literally two peas in a pod. The motels sit right next to each other on Sepulveda, and they are only a stones throw away from the Half Moon Motel, Johnnie's French Dip and a few other establishments sporting vintage neon. But the Astro and Deano's seem to be made for each other.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Whywhata?

Spontaneous road trips are the spice of life, and the day I found the Yreka Motel while road tripping with my parents was no exception. We'd spent the weekend in Ashland Oregon watching my sister play softball and were on our way home when we started taking scenic detours. Historic Route 99 winds through several little towns off the main freeway, including places like Weed, Shasta, and Yreka. 

This googie plastic sign immediately caught my eye. It's metal sputnik and the colors of the corrugated plastic letters looked like something that belonged in Los Angeles, not in this quiet mountain town. And yet there it was, staring me in the face. Naturally I had to take it's picture. 

Tonight I think I'll take the long way home. Happy Monday.

- Stefanie