Many, many Route 66 enthusiasts know about the landmark Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Smithsonian Magazine once called the 1939 establishment "the last, best and friendliest of the old-time motels." But the Texas Old Route 66 Association recently went through the files of longtime Texas Route 66er Delbert Trew and found an intriguing … Continue reading Did another Blue Swallow Motel exist near Shamrock, Texas?
Tag: Blue Swallow Motel
Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine
The landmark Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari, New Mexico, landed the cover image of the current issue of New Mexico Magazine. Not only does the Route 66 motel that dates to 1939 appear in the magazine's lead article "The Magic of Route 66" and others in the issue, but so do Motel Safari and Roadrunner … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine
Ten recipients named for Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership a few days ago announced 10 recipients from its Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program. The Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program provides critical and flexible funding to businesses and attractions along Route 66 that are majority women-owned or operated. Dawn Federico in front of the Blue Swallow Motel's repaired neon … Continue reading Ten recipients named for Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program
Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari
A group of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Route 66 Association began efforts Thursday and Friday to restore nail-damaged neon tubing on historic signs along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Among the signs worked on were TeePee Curios, Del's Restaurant, La Cita restaurant, Motel Safari and Loretta's Burrito Hut. Fast TV Network … Continue reading Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari
A look back at Vice TV’s “Abandoned” episode in 2016 about Route 66
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
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
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!’
Blue Swallow Motel announces its new owners
Kevin and Nancy Mueller of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Friday the new owners of the historic Route 66 motel are Robert and Dawn Federico of Crystal Lake, Illinois. The Federicos are embarking on a Route 66 trip to introduce themselves to various people along the road before they take possession … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel announces its new owners
Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is under contract
The owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Tuesday the Route 66 landmark property was under contract after being on the market for more than 18 months. The deal with "a delightful couple" is expected to close later this month. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller posted this message on Facebook: They … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is under contract
Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari closes until at least April 12
Citing problems caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Thursday they would close the Route 66 icon for at least 2 1/2 weeks. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller announced in a Facebook post on Thursday they would close the motel starting today, then reassess … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari closes until at least April 12