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

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

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

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

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

Motel Monday - Ride 'em Cowboy

The more I photograph neon signs, the more I begin to see patterns or themes. I'll be on the road and suddenly I'll realize that the sign in my view finder reminds me of that other sign I shot two weeks ago. And then this other sign down the road falls perfectly into this theme of signs that would make a perfect photo collection. And then the neurons in my brain start firing like crazy and I start cataloging every sign a can possibly remember. It's quite a fun, involuntary exercise. 

When I photographed the New Corral Motel along Route 66 in Victorville, I had one of those ah ha! moments. Suddenly there was a western theme collection building in my head. The Hilltop Motel in Kingman, the Frontier Motel in Tuscon, the Outpost Motel in Las Vegas, the Golden Spur Restaurant in Glendora, and so many more. And with the road trips I have planned this year, this collection is just going to continue to grow. 

Time to ride my horse to work. Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - It's Back!

Just like Motel Monday, Foodie Friday took a short holiday break. This morning it is back with a vengeance and it's sporting a very famous sign.

Randy's Donuts has been standing since 1953, but was originally part of the Big Donut Drive-In chain. The individual stores in the chain were sold off in the 1970s and Randy's Donuts on Manchester was born in 1976. Randy's changed hands one more time in 1978, but brothers Ron and Larry have owned the place ever since. You can even buy a Randy's Donuts mug with their picture printed beside the donut drive through. That my friends is pride.

In addition to being a Los Angeles landmark, Randy's has been seen in a few movies as well. I loved Tony Stark lounging inside the giant donut on the roof while eating his breakfast in Iron Man 2. I was also just a tad jealous.

For even more trivia on Randy's Donuts, you can read their Wikipedia page or check out their website. You know you're big when you make it on Wikipedia. 
One last thing...their glazed donut is darn good.. If you're going to splurge on a donut in LA, drive to Randy's. I was not disappointed.

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

P.S. And now I'm going to go be a good girl and eat my greek yogurt with fruit. If you're having something a little more sinful this morning, enjoy a bite for me. Much appreciated.

Motel Monday - Made for Each Other

This morning's selection brings you two motel signs from Las Vegas that were literally made for each other. The first is the Holiday Motel which still an operates along South Las Vegas Boulevard. It's sign is a little bit googie, a little bit circus, and a little bit space age with amazing colors. It even sports a vintage American Express shield plastic sign.

The second is the Far East Ambassador, a motel that was demolished in 2007. The sign stands on the sidewalk along Fremont Street and used to advertise $16 rooms and packaged liquor. Now the marquee just reads closed. According to the online buzz, the sign will go to the Neon Museum, a place I happen to love. I hope the rumors are true.

These photographs were taken on two different days, and at different times, but their colors and shapes make them look like long lost siblings. Placed side by side, they literally appear to be made for each other.

Both of these Motel Monday features are in my Retro Roadside Photography shop and they are ready to ship for you last minute Christmas shoppers.

Happy almost Christmas 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 - Where Did the Weekend Go?

Follow the Arrow

As I'm sitting here drafting the latest edition of Motel Monday, I'm trying to recall the blur that was my weekend. It honestly feels like I just left the office... is it really over already? Sadly it appears that way.

This week's feature is the Tucson Inn . I think it's sign sports the largest arrow I've seen any where other than Las Vegas. Tucson is home to several neon signs which will no doubt turn up on here later, but this one is definitely one of my favorites. And the light that morning... perfect!

Happy Monday everyone! Here's to a short week and a wonderful holiday weekend.

- Stefanie

P.S. Check back tomorrow for an important announcement...

Motel Monday - Going Strong

The Torches of Barstow

Welcome to the fourth edition of Motel Monday! Today I bring you the Torches Motel, a classic icon of Route 66 in Barstow, California. No longer visible from the freeway, this motel appears to be in the midst of a remodel. The walls have been painted, new doors and windows installed, and it seems the sign has been recently painted as well. I love the aqua blue arrow! Now if only it lit up at night...

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Double Feature

The Desert of Anaheim

Today's Motel Monday showcases two different motels in the Los Angeles area with very similar names, the Sahara Motel and the Saharan Motor Hotel. Both signs appear to have been painted recently, and have undergone a few changes. In the case of the Sahara Motel, the changes were slight... in the case of Hollywood's Saharan Motor Hotel, the changes were rather substantial.

The Saharan

When I first saw this sign in 2008,the letters were still neon tubes and the blue letters were only visible at night. Within the past few years the neon and bulbs were sadly replaced with back-lit plastic letters. I wonder if the neon stars still glow at night...

I know of three other hotels with similar names: one in Jordan Valley, Oregon; a second in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and the third in Las Vegas. I can't wait to shoot the one in New Mexico in a few weeks.

And that concludes today's feature. Until next time...

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Late Night Edition

On this late night edition of Motel Monday I bring you a brand new shot taken yesterday of the Town and Country Motel in Livingston. Like most of these independent motels, the Town and Country can no longer be seen from the freeway. I've driven past it on Highway 99 at least a hundred times, and I've never seen it.

I love the grid pattern and the ladder climbing up the side of the MOTEL letters. I can only imaging how amazing the view must be from the top. One last random factoid... the Town and Country is located on Stefani Avenue. Throw an e on the end and it's perfect.

Sweet dreams...

- Stefanie

Welcome to Motel Monday!

Vacancy

If you've taken a peek at my Retro Roadside Photo shop lately I'm sure you'll have noticed that I have a habit of shooting vintage motel signs. It's taken a while, but I've gathered a rather large collection of photographs. It hit me this weekend that I should share them all, one by one, on Motel Mondays. Thus the idea was born...

It seems only fitting that I should start this series with the sign that started it all. A little more than three years ago I shot the Supai Motel sign on Route 66 in Seligman Arizona and fell in love. Better yet, as a photographer I found a subject matter that called my name. My weekend road trip destinations have become places with great neon and my maps are dotted with liquor stores, motels, abandoned lots, bowling alleys and diners. I seek out the places most people miss and relish in the hidden gems that I never expected to find. It's my own version of a treasure hunt, and the Supai Motel sign is the first jewel I laid eyes on.

Happy Monday! Here's to an excellent week.

- Stefanie

HGTV Design Happens Feature

I just recently discovered that one of my Route 66 photographs was featured on the HGTV Design Happens blog on Friday. I was in Los Angeles chasing neon signs all weekend so I'm a bit slow in posting this... but I am so excited I wanted to share.

My high tech screen shot... I'm the top left!

I'm delighted to be featured alongside these other talented Etsy artists, including fellow photographer Elgarbo.

You can find the original post on the HGTV blog here. The featured print is available through my Retro Roadside Photography Etsy shop along with several other motel signs for my fellow road trip warriors.

- Stefanie

Ain't It Funny How the Night Moves...

Yes, those are star trails.