Forthcoming “Bands of Enchantment” TV music show filming in Tucumcari

In the past week and a half, a film crew has been shooting performances by all sorts of music artists at various locations in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for a forthcoming "Bands of Enchantment" series on television. Elkhorn Entertainment, which is producing the series with the help of the city's motel tax funds, envisions the show … Continue reading Forthcoming “Bands of Enchantment” TV music show filming in Tucumcari

Apache Motel in Tucumcari slated to reopen in mid-March

The operator of the long-closed Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, anticipates he'll reopen the Route 66 business to overnight travelers by early spring. I wrote a story in the Quay County Sun in Tucumcari: Wade Dirr said in a telephone interview that electricians and plumbers were working on getting the lobby at least eight … Continue reading Apache Motel in Tucumcari slated to reopen in mid-March

Teardown begins of Cactus Motor Lodge in Tucumcari

Workers on Tuesday began tearing down the long-closed Cactus Motor Lodge, aka Cactus RV Park, in Tucumcari, New Mexico, to make way for an auto parts store. O'Reilly Auto Parts, based in Springfield, Missouri, plans to build a store there later this year. O'Reilly purchased the property in late 2018 but was delayed in developing … Continue reading Teardown begins of Cactus Motor Lodge in Tucumcari

Motel Safari in Tucumcari to receive New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award

Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, later today will receive the 2020 New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award because of its historic-friendly preservation. The association stated in a news release Wednesday the award comes "in recognition of numerous renovations to the Classic Googie Style Motel, a New Mexico Route 66 landmark." The award ceremony … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari to receive New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award

Tucumcari group raising money to buy a vintage neon motel sign

A group based in Tucumcari, New Mexico, is raising money to buy a neon sign listed on eBay that once graced a closed motel in the city. The sign once hung on the large, ornamental stone chimney of the Trav-O-Tel Motel along U.S. 54 in Tucumcari, less than a mile north of Route 66.One can … Continue reading Tucumcari group raising money to buy a vintage neon motel sign

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

Apache Motel in Tucumcari to be restored; is scheduled to reopen by late summer

The long-closed Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, has landed new owners who plan to restore it -- including its massive neon sign -- and reopen it by late summer. I found out about the project last week when I saw crews working around the property at 1106 E. Tucumcari Blvd. (aka Route 66) in … Continue reading Apache Motel in Tucumcari to be restored; is scheduled to reopen by late summer

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

Article reveals more details about Glorieta Station’s sign collection in Albuquerque

A long-awaited feature in the New Mexico Route 66 Association's publication reveals fascinating details about the much-discussed (and cussed) Glorieta Station and its neon-sign collection in Albuquerque. Nick Gerlich, a marketing professor at West Texas A&M University and a Route 66 enthusiast, wrote the article for the current, spring 2020 edition of the association's Route … Continue reading Article reveals more details about Glorieta Station’s sign collection in Albuquerque