Classic Americana on Route 66!

“The spirit of Route 66 is in the details: every scratch on a fender, every curl of paint on a weathered billboard, every blade of grass growing up through a cracked street.”  — John Lasseter

...And, every classic Route 66 motel (particularly those that have been continuously been running since the hey-days of The Mother Road) are where you can fill your tank with premium stories both from the proprietors and your fellow guests. 

Like most modern road warriors who travel on four wheels, we used to stay at one of the national hotel chains as we journeyed along the interstates, making our way from point A to point B on the most economical, modern, and quickest path.

That changed when we began to research the history of Route 66 a few years back.  We became more curious about how it used to be, probably because as nomads, for us the journey is now just as rewarding as the destination. Because we were recently in the midst of our longest cross-country road trip (from the suburbs of Philly to the west coast beaches of Encinitas) - we decided to follow The Mother Road and stop with more intention to soak up the history that once was the primary path for travelers making their way from the Midwest to the West Coast (and back again) - Route 66. 

During one of our early housesits, the homeowners (also Route 66 enthusiasts) recommended that we stay at The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico.  So we made a point of booking a room there as we made our way west.  And we were not disappointed! When we arrived, there was an immediate bond as the friendly owners ('caretakers' as they like to say) were originally from our neck of the woods in the Chicago suburbs. 

Our room (80 years old) had a working rotary phone with a live party line, original bathroom shower and toilet with white tiled floors and walls, all in excellent condition. And, as was the custom with the original motor courts - we had our own garage!

Part of what we  enjoy in these settings is the camaraderie that one has with others who decide to stay in vintage motels - they have clearly made a decision to enjoy the journey toward some destination.  There is a slower pace, time to stop and say hello, and genuine interest on both sides as to where they've come, and where they're going. To assist with this old school networking, colorful vintage metal lawn chairs are in front of every room and they're occupied every evening. 

This particular classic stop along Route 66 is known to many; John Lasseter, the director of the movie Cars,  contacted Michael Wallis, a Route 66 historian and had him lead eleven Pixar animators in rented white Cadillacs on two different road trips across the route to research the film - one of those stops was the Blue Swallow.  It's bright neon sign (which is registered with the Smithsonian) became part of the inspiration for the motel in the Cars movie called the Cozy Cone Motel - complete with the "100% Refrigerated Air" notation! 

So, if someday your travels take you out that way, make sure to stop in Tucumcari Tonight. If you can, stay at the Blue Swallow and eat at Del's - you won't be disappointed.

"Cranked and wide awake

And my motors running right

It’s Tucumcari tonight!"