Apache Motel sign in Tucumcari taken down; motel’s new owner wants it repaired

The new owner of the closed Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, took down its neon sign on Thursday, though she didn't plan to do so. Joanne Thompson, who in February acquired the Route 66 motel from her former business partner Wade Dirr, noticed the sign had twisted at an angle. Upon closer inspection, she … Continue reading Apache Motel sign in Tucumcari taken down; motel’s new owner wants it repaired

What in the world is going on with the New Mexico Route 66 Association?

The question in that headline isn't easy to answer right now. Nor is it easy to answer these related questions: Who is in charge of the association? Why are there two Facebook pages for the association? What's happening with the big project in Tucumcari regarding the association and the Fast TV Network? What's happening with … Continue reading What in the world is going on with the New Mexico Route 66 Association?

Relighting of Park Plaza Courts neon set for the evening of April 13

The Route 66 Association of Missouri recently announced it will hold a ceremonial relighting of the Park Plaza Courts neon sign at 8 p.m. April 13. The relighting will occur at the Holiday Inn Southwest at 10709 Watson Road (aka Route 66) in St. Louis. The association has reserved a block of rooms at the … Continue reading Relighting of Park Plaza Courts neon set for the evening of April 13

Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau announces more details on state Route 66 funding

The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau announced what it will do with more than $800,000 in state Route 66 funding. It includes an RV park and campground at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston; a mural at the Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield; a drive-through Route 66 shield at Country Classic Cars in Staunton; … Continue reading Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau announces more details on state Route 66 funding

Imperial Inn in Albuquerque erects restored neon sign, reopens to overnight travelers

The redeveloped Imperial Inn motel in Albuquerque showed off its restored neon sign shortly before it reopened to overnight travelers on Wednesday. Here's an image from the Route 66 motel's Instagram account of the sign, complete with its chasing lights: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Imperial (@theimperialabq) Palindrome Communities, which … Continue reading Imperial Inn in Albuquerque erects restored neon sign, reopens to overnight travelers

Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage

The neon sign for the closed Uranium Cafe in Grants, New Mexico, was taken down several weeks ago and placed in storage, with the hopes it eventually will be restored and placed in a neon park in the city. Blue Miller initially reported on the Historic Route 66 group about the sign's disappearance. A few … Continue reading Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage

14 neon signs along Albuquerque’s Route 66 receive improvement grants

The City of Albuquerque announced it would award 14 grants totaling $432,000 to improve neon signs along the Route 66 corridor of Central Avenue. More than 25 grant applications were received. Listed below are the winners. A few will be familiar to veteran Route 66 travelers. 5501 Plaza, 5431 Central Ave. NW Americana Motel, 5908 … Continue reading 14 neon signs along Albuquerque’s Route 66 receive improvement grants

New, Route 66-inspired neon sign graces an entrance to downtown Albuquerque

In a tribute to Route 66, the City of Albuquerque last week dedicated a new neon sign near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Broadway Boulevard. It's about three blocks north of Route 66, but city officials had the Mother Road in mind with its look, said Mayor Tim Keller. According … Continue reading New, Route 66-inspired neon sign graces an entrance to downtown Albuquerque

Route 66-themed roundabout in El Reno begins construction

A Route 66-themed roundabout began construction Thursday at the intersection of Route 66 and U.S. 81 in El Reno, Oklahoma. According to a report in the Yukon (Okla.) Progress: “Work is scheduled to take about a year-and-a-half, weather permitting, and should be complete ahead of the Route 66 Centennial (in 2026),” ODOT spokesman Bryce Boyer … Continue reading Route 66-themed roundabout in El Reno begins construction

Former Vegas wedding chapel sign christened in Kingman with three weddings

A new neon sign that once touted a wedding chapel in Las Vegas was altered and re-erected along Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, with three weddings recently held underneath after a lighting ceremony. Here's a video from the lighting and wedding ceremonies that were held on the evening of Feb. 9: The Kingman Visitors Center … Continue reading Former Vegas wedding chapel sign christened in Kingman with three weddings