Painted Desert Trading Post (AZ)

Today, let's take a look at the old and abandoned Painted Desert trading post. One can find this remnant of the Mother Road on an old stretch of Route 66 that leads to the border of the Painted Desert NP. This old alignment of Route 66 can be found by taking the "Pinta Road" exit of the I-40.

This place is one of the most spectacular spot on the entire road. Don't miss it future travelers!

El Rancho Hotel, Gallup (NM)

Here is a pic of the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. This historic place is known as the home of the stars as a lot of them have spent the night there.

Fore more information about this must stop :

www.elranchohotel.com

U-Drop Inn, Shamrock (TX)

Here is a pic of the famous U-drop Inn. This Building is located in the town of Shamrock, founded by Irish emigrants. Both Restaurant and gas station was built in an Art-Deco Style that was popular in the 20's.

To learn more about this Icon of the Mother Road, click on this link :

http://www.shamrocktx.net/udropinn.html

Old Route 66 between Miami and Afton (OK)

9 feet large old section of Route 66 situated between the towns of Miami and Afton on the Northeast Corner of Oklahoma. This alignment of the Mother Road is dated from 1926 and is still driveable at slow speed.

Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba (MO)

Built in 1934 of Ozark native stone and called the Wagon Wheel Cabins. In 1946, it was Expanded from 9 to 14 units.

Launching Pad Drive-In, Wilmington (IL)

Famous for its muffler man "the Gemini Giant", the Launching Pad Drive-In is located On Route 66 as you enter the town of Wilmington. This Restaurant is one of the first "Mother Road Icon" one can discover when travelling west on Route 66.

Here is the link for the official website of the Launching Pad :

http://www.launchingpadrt66.com/

Abandoned gas station, Helendale (CA)

Here is a pic of an old and abandoned gas station In Helendale, a town situated on Route 66 between Barstow and Victorville.

On this stretch of the road, one can find plenty of old and abandoned businesses...


Next update : famous drive-in in Illinois...

Ella's Frontier, Joseph City (AZ)

Old and abandonned Ella's Frontier Trading Post, located in the town of Joseph City (founded as the first Mormon community in the USA) . This trading post was one of the first of that kind that opened its door on Route 66.



Let's take a look at an old gas station in California tomorrow...

Old Route 66 (NM)

From now, please notice that I will post update only on weekdays.

On this pic you can see an old alignment of Route 66 that goes out of the town of Glenrio situated at the Texas border. At this point, we're entering New Mexico and by taking the left road, you're following an old alignment that winds through the tiny towns of Bard and Endee.



Let's take a look at an old trading post in Arizona tomorrow...

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo (TX)

Here is such a strange pic. Some cars half-buried in the ground... know as the Cadillac Ranch.
If you want to know the complete Story about this pop-art work created by Stanley March III, click on the link below :

http://www.libertysoftware.be/cml/cadillacranch/ranch/crabtr.htm

Back to some old alignment tomorrow in New Mexico...

Lucille's Gas Station, Hydro (OK)

Here is the Gas Station that has been operated by Lucille Hamon from 1941 to the year 2000. Lucille was known as the Mother of The Mother Road. For years, Lucille helped the Mother Road to take care of its travelers...



Back to the Lone Star State tomorrow with a look at some particular ranch...

66 Drive-In, Carthage (MO)

Today, let's find a pic of the 66 Drive-In located in the town of Carthage, Missouri. This is one of the latest drive-in on the Mother Road that is still open. The day I was There, they were playing "Superman Returns"....
Anyway, this Drive-In is one of the most representative remnant of what was Route 66 in its golden years...



Let's jump right to Oklahoma tomorrow...where we'll pay tribute to the Mother of the Mother Road

Antique Country Store, Funks Grove (IL)

In Funks Grove, you can find some delicious pure maple sirup but also this old country store thas was closed for a long time. The day I was there, this was the first day of the grand re-opening! (15th of July 2006). You can find plenty of antique things in this store and a good job has been done to give an attractive look at this nice place.



Show you Missouri again tomorrow... Want a clue for the spot ? ok, we'll take a look at an old open-air attraction... Be there!

Roy's, Amboy (CA)

First of all, let me be sorry for the lack of update on the last two days...

Today, let's find a pic of the old Roy's Motel and Cafe situated in the tiny little town of Amboy, California. At this location, we're right in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The Roy's has been purchased recently and its new owner has plans to re-open it soon.


You know where we'll be tomorrow... You bet it's Illinois, don't you? You're right...

Wigwam Motel, Holbrook (AZ)

Such as the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook (represented on this pic) has won its statute of Icon of the Mother road. This motel is a must see on Route 66.

Please visit their website to have a better idea of this particular overnight stop :

www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam



Sadly, there will be no update tomorrow but be there this Sunday. We'll take a look at a spot in the Mojave Desert...