Loveless Cafe Neon Sign before dusk Located just southwest of Nashville on Scenic Highway 100 near the northern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. This photo has made Explore peaking at #142. :) Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/15-awesome-restaurants-... 15 Awesome Restaurants in Tennessee That Will Make Your Mouth Explode
Eldorado Motel - Nashville, TN The historic Eldorado Motel sign is perhaps Nashville's least known neon treasure. I was unaware of this gem until reading Historic Nashville Inc.'s Civil Rights Walking Tour Brochure where it is stop #27. This is located at 2806 Ed Temple Blvd. (Down the road from the Ted Rhodes Golf Course.) The actual motel was torn down ca. 2011 and only the sign remains. Go see it while you can - I had to park at the golf course and walk. It's also off the road a bit, so it's easy to miss. Dr. Martin Luther King and Harry Belafonte spent the night here in Sept. 1961. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference had arranged for Belafonte to perform at the Ryman Auditorium and they spent the night here. Even if there was no associated history, it's also a fantastic neon sign. It's a little worn down but most of the neon tubes are intact. There's a couple of flags up top. The neon word Pool is on a pool shaped part of the sign. Likewise, the neon T.V. is on an old black & white television set. To see more places which appeared in the Green Book, a tourist guidebook which listed businesses which were friendly to African-American motorists, check this link: www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=bf72b1fbd... 2020 Update: The motel sign was added to the 2020 Nashville Nine of historic endangered properties: historicnashvilleinc.org/announcing-the-2020-nashville-nine/
Drake Motel - Stay Where the Stars Stay Quite possibly the neatest Motel sign in Nashville. (What took me so long to go over there to photograph it?) It's not in the best neighborhood anymore, on Murfreesboro Rd. Before the days of Interstates, this was in a heavily travelled area by tourists, U.S. 41 and U.S. 70S. It's doubtful that the stars stay here anymore, at least not since River Phoenix and Sandra Bullock in the 1993 unsuccessful movie "The Thing Called Love." Back in the day, it was the place for country music stars to stay (at least that's what my Mom told me the first time she drove me past it 20 years ago.) They even have a website: www.nashvilledirectory.com/drakeinn/
Hickory Hill Motel & Cafe It looks like this place last had a paying customer about the time it was relevant for Motels to mention they had air conditioning. This is on the eastern side of Wilson County, east of Lebanon, TN along the Carthage Highway (U.S. 70N) which has long since been unused by most tourists as it parallels I-40.
Scenic Motel sign - Pigeon Forge, TN This, and many other, hotel sign is located along THE parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN (US Highway 441/321). Photographed at dusk with no photoshopping. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: grtlks2grclnd.blogspot.com/2007/08/great-lakes-to-gracela...
Read House Dr. John T. Read built and opened the original Read House in 1872, and sold it to his son Samuel Read in 1879. Eventually that building was demolished and this replacement Read House was built in 1926 at a cost of over $2 Million. Samuel sold the hotel to the Noe family in 1943 until the mid 60s when it was bought by the Provident Life and Accident Company. Later it became a Radisson and is now a Sheraton. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its Georgian Architecture and since it is a significant example of the opulent hotels for railroad passengers in the early twentieth century (NCSt.L's Union Depot was across the street until 1972). The hotel is a ten story red brick building with the main story limestone base and storefront windows. Terra Cotta detail work decorates the exterior as quoining, window surrounds and pediments, beltcourses, and cornices.
The Dive Motel - Nashville, TN The Dive Motel is a modern adaptation of the Key Motel. I suppose some investors took a rundown motel on the rundown side of town (Dickerson Pk.) and fixed it up. Now, it's dressed up with 1970's swanky motifs, but it's not a place for kids. You can also pay to swim at the pool without booking a room. See my 2014 picture of the Key Motel sign: flic.kr/p/nEVbsy Their website: thedivemotel.com/
Key Motel neon sign - Nashville Seen along the old highway and busy street in a part of town most people don't want to visit (Dickerson Pk.). Compare our room rate service! In 2022, it became the Dive Motel: flic.kr/p/2oheA6t
Motel Murfreesboro On NW Broad St. (U.S. 41 / 70) The horse seems a little misplaced to me, but it's ok.
Monteagle Motel Dreaded power lines! Upon the mountain in Monteagle. Located on U.S. Highway 41, which used to be the Dixie Highway. This photo was taken in 2006. At some point between then and 2012, the motel and the sign were taken down and this property is now a drug store.
Big Rock Court, site of For years, motorists around Chattanooga have seen a Big Rock with the words Big Rock painted on it. This is the story. During the golden age of automobile travel, Joe Light opened a motel along Cummings Highway. This highway is located at the base of Lookout Mountain near the Tennessee River. Until I-24 paralleled the old highway, it was the only way that connected the city to the west, which meant lots of travelers passed through here. The most notable geologic landmark at this site was the Big Rock. Thus, the motel was called Big Rock Court and "Big Rock Court" was painted on the rock. Even though it has been several decades, the makeshift sign is still legible. Big Rock Court wasn't the best motel around. It gained the reputation by the locals as a den of gambling. After a shooting, a police raid finally led to the Court's demise. This spot was still a prime location for tourists, so in 1977 the Super Water Slide opened for business. Advertised as the largest water slide in the world, the fiberglass slide zig-zagged down the hillside. The popularity faded until the summer hot-spot went out of business in 1989 and the slide relocated to Tullahoma where I find no record of it. With no use, this property became covered in kudzu. Local conservationist John C. Wilson let the group now known as the Lookout Mountain Land Trust to purchase the land and turn it into a park. Trash was removed, overgrowth was cut down and the park named after Wilson has opened. You can read Wilson's story on preserving the park in this article. Today, you can hike a trail, have a picnic, climb the old stairs to where Joe Light's house was, or get a better view of the Big Rock Court sign that beckons motorists to this day.
Sleepy Bear Motel - Gatlinburg, TN This vintage motel is located along East Parkway(US321) a little over a mile from the heart of town. As referenced in the lower message, some of the rooms have a nice view of Dudley Creek.
HOTEL. - McMinnville, TN When workers were renovating the alley between the Park Theater and the Cumberland Bank in the older business district in McMinnville, Tn, they discovered this sign for the famous Sedberry Hotel. Contractors decided to leave this part of the sign showing and framed it with new brickwork and lights. The Sedberry Hotel was one of the premier establishments in the Midsouth in the early 1900s, playing host to many of the era's celebrities and foreign dignitaries, reportedly including a nephew of the Czar of Russia, politicians Huey Long and Cordell Hull, gangster Al Capone and baseball great Babe Ruth, all of whom either stayed or dined at the Sedberry.
Blue Ribbon Inn - Shelbyville, TN Shelbyville is the home of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. (also is the home of lots of power lines, apparently)
Tennessee Mountain Lodge sign Pigeon Forge, tn I didn't notice for the longest time that the sign with "Mountain" has off-white mountains on it. I suppose it would be more noticeable at night.
Credit cards now accepted! This colorful hotel sign is on Cummings Highway on the west-of-Lookout-Mountain side of Chattanooga (This highway is where US11, 41, 64 and 72 all get together) Hello to anyone who found this here: brandonacox.com/planting/creating-excellence-tiny-budget/ Update: As of 2019, cards are no longer accepted as the motel has gone out of business and the building has been bulldozed. I'm not certain if the sign is still there.
Noel Hotel Originally the Noel Hotel, now renovated for business use, knwon as the Noel Place.
Union Station's broadway window Downtown Nashville, TN
"The James Robertson" - Nashville The James Robertson on 7th Ave. is Nashville's second oldest remaining hotel. (The Hermitage is 1st.) Built in 1929, the hotel was named after the founder of Nashville. The architect that designed this building also designed the TN State Supreme Court building (next to the Capitol) and the Frist Center (old post office). Almost not surviving the great depression, it had gone back-and-forth from a hotel to apartments since 1978, when it permanantly became low income dowtown housing. The Renainnace hotel dwarfs it in the background.
Loveless Cafe Neon Sign according to the brochure, Willard Scott and Martha Stewart think they have the country's best biscuits. For some reason, my wife and I weren't that impressed with them. UPDATE: The previous sentence was made after my first visit which must have been a bad night. We went again and they were great. If you've never heard of the Loveless Cafe, it's located just outside of Nashville in the small town of Pasquo, TN on state Highway 100 close to the northern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Thanks to everyone. This page has made Flickr Explore, peaking at #325. This photo has been included in the Schmap Travel Guide for Nashville. You have to download the Schmap player to see it. More information can be found HERE. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: bearsnecessity.com/college-football/blogpoll-week-6-with-... or here: archameda.blogspot.com/2008/06/dia-40-absurda-t.html or here: pomoti.com/nerds-on-coffeel or here, on the WIRED blog: blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/02/antidepressants.html Antidepressants May Thwart Quest for True Love and here: adventoutpost.com/?p=273 and also here: www.whatsshopping.com/techreviews/?p=1701 And, then here: abduzeedo.com/awesome-nostalgic-neon-signs Awesome Nostalgic Neon Signs and was reposted here: i-interactive.ru/news/awesome-nostalgic-neon-signs/
Opryland Hotel: Delta Moon Jazz Club Sign This photo is a little fuzzy, but it's a neat sign that's easy to miss at Opryland Hotel in Nashville Hello to anyone who found this here: stratoz.blogspot.com/2010/08/jazz-on-tuesdays-following-m...
12 Oaks Motel add 88, and you've got the 100 Oaks mall in the background
Noel Hotel sign - now in Franklin I don't remember the exact details of the story but this is how I think it goes: The Noel Hotel was one of Nashville's best. It was named after someone named Noel. This was the sign atop that downtown hotel. When it ceased to be a hotel, this sign sat around somewhere for a long time until it was bought by the owner of the White Building, two blocks from the Franklin, TN Town square. They put it atop their building every Christmastime as a seasonal decoration. The White Building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places, dating back to the 20's. This is located at a major intersection - US31 and US431 Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-christmas-town/ The One Town In Tennessee That Turns Into A Winter Wonderland Each Year
Noel in Franklin, TN 2007 I don't remember the exact details of the story but this is how I think it goes: The Noel Hotel was one of Nashville's best. It was named after someone named Noel. This was the sign atop that downtown hotel. When it ceased to be a hotel, this sign sat around somewhere for a long time until it was bought by the owner of the White Building, two blocks from the Franklin, Tn Town square. They put it atop their building every christmastime as a seasonal decoration. The White Building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places, dating back to the 20's. This is located at a major intersection - US31 and US431
Lee Motel Free HBO! One of those hotels that you're kind of amazed is still open since it's in a sorta bad part of town. From the days before Interstate Travel when people would travel U.S. Highway 41. It's not a particularly interesting sign, but I am uploading it because I was saw on the TV show COPS were here chasing suspects.
Drake Inn (or motel) Billboard I was somewhat surprised to find a billboard for Nashville's most famous mom-and-pop hotel. It's in an area where I wouldn't expect billboards for a motel, on Elm Hill Pike
Airways Motel This is one of the seediest pictures in Nashville that I can come up with. It's actually a new sign since the last time I saw it. U.S. highway 70 (Hermitage Ave.)
Hallmark Inn of America How do you tell your loved ones that they are staying at a cheap motel in a bad part of town? Say it with a card! W. Trinity Lane (U.S. 431) in North Nashville. Update: This motel made the news today because the cops had to padlock the place after they responded to 1600 calls in the last four years. For what it's worth, I took this picture six years ago.
Congress Inn This is just a guess, but I suspect that members of congress wouldn't stay at this or any hotel along Dickerson Rd. I wonder if they still have their RCA color TV's Highway U.S. 41 / 31W - Nashville, TN Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/terrifying-places-tn/ These 10 Terrifying Places In Tennessee May Haunt Your Dreams 5) Keeping with the hospital trend, Congress Inn has its own history with the dead, dying and undead. The small motel is located in Nashville where it once served as a Civil War hospital. Guests have woken up unable to move as if some being was sitting on their stomach, whereas others report seeing specters in the hall or hearing voices in the bedrooms. Legend has it that the proprietors ran out of room to bury the dead during the war, and instead cemented the bodies into the basement walls. Creepy.
Mason's Efficiency Restaurant I like their food because it tastes so efficient. O.K., I haven't actually eaten there. In this case, Efficiency isn't an adjective describing the restaurant, but is using the term as an extended stay suite. If you look closely, the work Efficiency is painted over the word Motel. To their credit, they looked packed which would be good for any restaurant at 3 on a weekday. Dickerson Pk. (U.S. Highway 41 / 31W) Hello to anyone who found this here: wearemodule.com/2009/01/08/better-processes-increase-smal... or here: arckinteractive.com/blog/2009/01/08/better-processes-incr... or here: www.habitosvitales.com/2010/06/13/lo-que-haces-es-mas-imp... or here: niksilver.com/2010/12/22/effort-or-duration/
Nashboro Motel On Dickerson Pike (U.S. 41\31W) way north of town
Loveless Cafe Neon Clock
US411 Motel On US411/US321 south of Maryville, tn
Stone Bridge Motel sign along the way to Fayetteville, TN along U.S. Highway 231. This is the kind of picture that causes my wife to roll her eyes.
Way Oma Motel on US 411 between Knoxville and Seveirville on the Chapman Highway. Rooms come with Cable TV and either Phones, Photos or Photons.
a former Hotel outside of knoxville You do what you can when picture snapping out of a moving vehicle
Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hello to anyone who found this here: www.radiojazzclub.com/?p=47 On a story about Harry Warren who wrote teh song Chattanooga Choo Choo That link has been updated: www.radiovideojazz.com/harry-warren/
El Rancho Court To see the sepia-tone version, click here. El Rancho Court Motel just north of the town square in Trenton, GA. Trenton is the county seat of Dade County, GA and this is along highway U.S. 11, which is the old route to connect Birmingham and Chattanooga. This highway is much less frequently used after the opening of Interstate 59 and this motel was for sale. This is about 20 miles south of Chattanooga. My wife and I stayed here after spending the day at Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Al.
El Rancho Court El Rancho Court Motel just north of the town square in Trenton, GA. Trenton is the county seat of Dade County, GA and this is along highway U.S. 11, which is the old route to connect Birmingham and Chattanooga. This highway is much less frequently used after the opening of Interstate 59 and this motel was for sale. This is about 20 miles south of Chattanooga. My wife and I stayed here after spending the day at Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Al. To see the COLOR verison, Click Here. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: positivefitnessblog.com/staying-in-shape-while-traveling/
Siesta Inn, Chattanooga Located on Broad St. just north of the end of the Cummings Highway
We stayed here. For all the hotels that my wife and I saw along the Once heavily touristy Cummins Highway (us41/64/72), this one looked the least like a dump. However, the facial expression on the Raccoons was one of "we're afraid what will happen to you if you stay here." It was a nice room, but their worry was partially justified because of Mothman.
Mothman Or is it more of a moth-woman? I'll let the cryptozoologists debate the specific creature here. This was perched near our room at Raccoon Mountain's Alpine Lodge near Chattanooga, TN The Alpine Lodge was torn down in 2023, so I'm not sure if this was relocated.
Gazebo at the Raccoon Mtn Alpine Lodge Near Chattanooga, TN. This was next to the mothman. This motel was torn down in 2023.
Color TV by RCA & Pool This is the 3rd time I've seen one of these Color TV by RCA signs. Our room did have a color TV but it was not an RCA. This is at he Raccoon Mtn. Alpine Lodge on the Cummins Highway (US41, 64, 72) on the drive into Chattanooga, TN
Lookout Mtn. Tourist lodge Ok, this is probably the graniest picture I've put on flickr, since it was taken after dusk in a moving car with ISO400, but there's a lot going on here. I't looks at one time this was a fine hotel. All of the neon tubes have been removed from the sign, which itself is an Indian on a horseback. The lowest part of the sign is "Weekly rates" and an 80's HBO logo. It also looks like you can see the mold on the rooms. This was on the once heavily touristy Cummings Highway at the base of Lookout Mountain into Chattanooga
Dix's Plaza Motor Lodge 319 W Main St. Lebanon, TN - also U.S. 70 with the nice chipped paint of the shish-kabob sign
James K. Polk Motel - Columbia, TN James K. Polk never slept here. north of the Columbia, TN town square along U.S. Highway 31
Polk Motel's other sign Couldn't get good lighting for this one. US31 in Columbia, TN
HOTEL. When workers were renovating the alley between the Park Theater and the Cumberland Bank in the older business district in McMinnville, Tn, they discovered this sign for the famous Sedberry Hotel. Contractors decided to leave this part of the sign showing and framed it with new brickwork and lights. The Sedberry Hotel was one of the premier establishments in the Midsouth in the early 1900s, playing host to many of the era's celebrities and foreign dignitaries, reportedly including a nephew of the Czar of Russia, politicians Huey Long and Cordell Hull, gangster Al Capone and baseball great Babe Ruth, all of whom either stayed or dined at the Sedberry.
Southern Motel - Cookeville, TN Along highway U.S. 70N
Winona Motel On the East side of Cookeville, TN on Highway U.S. 70N. I had about an hour wait at a restaurant, so I drove about 15 minutes each way to go take a picture of this sign and waste time. My favorite part of the sign are the pool waves at the top
Smokey Shadows Motel - Pigeon Forge, TN
Smoky Shadows Motel sign pigeon forge, tn Hello to anyone who found this photo here: arkitekturnytt.no/2008/03/de-amerikanske-motellene-forsvi...
Riviera Motel
Riverside Motor Lodge - Gatlinburg, TN Now with RCA Color TV! I suppose "mountainside" would have been an apt name also.
Seymour Motel sign Located Along the Chapman Highway (U.S. 411) between Knoxville and Sevierville, TN
Royal Townhouse Motel on the Gatlinburg strip.
Hotel Walton - Carthage, TN The Hotel Walton in Carthage, TN is along Main St. in Carthage, TN just a couple of blocks up from the Smith County Courthouse. The Hotel is currently closed for remodelling.
Sign for the Walton Hotel The Hotel Walton in Carthage, TN is along Main St. in Carthage, TN just a couple of blocks up from the Smith County Courthouse. The Hotel is currently closed for remodeling.
Front Doors for Hotel Walton The Hotel Walton in Carthage, TN is along Main St. in Carthage, TN just a couple of blocks up from the Smith County Courthouse. The Hotel is currently closed for remodeling.
Ellington Motel - Lafayette, TN now the property appeared to be converted into apartments. The motel is at the corner of Church St. and Ellington Dr. I'm guessing that Ellington Dr. was named after Tennessee Gov. Buford Ellington. Does anyone know if Church St in Lafayette used to be highway TN52?
Overton Motel & Restaurant Livingston, TN I like the cactus flower bed. Update: 6/22/2013 - The motel is still in business but the neon sign has been replaced.
Overton Motel Sign Livingston, TN I like the cactus flower bed.
Downtown Pittsburgh Hilton This is the easy to see Hilton that faces the point in Downtown Pittsburgh. This picture was taken from the Duquesne Incline observation deck with a really good zoom. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: hotels.uptake.com/blog/hilton-hotels-debut-new-denizen-br... Hilton Hotels to Debut New Denizen Brand
Watergate
Cincinnati Hyatt Regency picture taken from the top floor of the Carew parking garage.
The Dennison Hotel If you pull this up full size, you;ll see the line below the word hotel is "105 rooms - 60 baths." I want a hotel with modern conveniences, like a bathroom for every hotel room. The best I can tell by googling this place is it is now apartments. This is downtown Cincy as seen from the Carew Tower. This photo has made Explore, Peaking at #278
Greenwood Motel That's what I'm lookin' for in a hotel: Mountain Dew! Along Us 52/62/68 between Ripley, OH and Aberdeen, OH This photo has made explore! It peaked at #248!
Vacancy This is the Economy Inn on Main St. in Corbin, Ky in Whitley Co. It's along U.S. Highway 25W Hello to anyone who found this photo from www.finsec.org.nz/httpdocs/gossip.aspx or here: trailrunningsoul.com/trs/2007/12/27/the-economic-factor-i... I made my own blog post about this hotel. you can read the blog HERE. another blog used this photo: www.estateofthings.com/?p=32 Is the sky really falling? Then, another blog: www.worldhum.com/weblog/item/the_economics_of_shrinking_v... The Economics of ‘Shrinking Vacation Syndrome’ Then, this blog: blogs.aquent.com/thetalentblog/2008/07/apparently_the_uni... Apparently, the United States Is Having Some Economic Troubles Next, this one: www.lyved.com/business_money/9-ways-you-can-take-advantag... 9 ways you can take advantage of this terrible economy with the same story here: iphone-soft.com/news/9-ways-you-can-take-advantage-of-thi... and also here: www.bspcn.com/2008/07/29/9-ways-you-can-take-advantage-of... Now, it has been used here: www.naturemoms.com/blog/2008/11/13/consumerism-versus-sel... abd here: blog.ipglab.com/?p=299 and here: www.gibsonsimon.com/blog/divorce-and-economy Divorce and the Economy and here: thedeflationtimes.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/credit-crisis-... Credit Crisis and Deflation Devaluation and here: Six Factors in Emergent Innovation bhc3.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/six-factors-in-emergent-inn... www.cloudave.com/link/six-factors-in-emergent-innovation or here: brandmix.blogspot.com/2010/07/six-of-best-behavioral-econ... or here: www.kodak-moment.com/2012/01/budget-accommodation.html and here (on CainTV.com): www.caintv.com/91-percent-say-economy-top-iss Daily News Briefing: 91 percent say economy top issue facing U.S.
Crossland Motel In Bowling Green, Ky on Higway U.S. 31W To those of you in Bowling Green, is this still around? I drove through here again in the Fall of 2008 and either I missed it or it's gone.
Topper Motel in Bowling Green, Ky On Highway US31W To those of you in Bowling Green, is this still around? I drove through here again in the Fall of 2008 and either I missed it or it's gone. Update: Yes, this hotel is now gone. It didn't occur to me at the time, but the name of the hotel plays on the WKU Hilltoppers name along with the Lincoln hat.
Sleep in a Wigwam I had always heard about the place like this along Route 66, but didn't know that there was one near Mammoth Cave until about a week ago. Luckily we were planning to drive through here. This is just north of the center of Cave City, KY along highway U.S. 31W, which was part of the Dixie Highway way back when. And, they have a website... www.wigwamvillage.com/
Sleep in a Wigwam I had always heard about the place like this along Route 66, but didn't know that there was one near Mammoth Cave until about a week ago. Luckily we were planning to drive through here. This is just north of the center of Cave City, KY along highway U.S. 31W, which was part of the Dixie Highway way back when. www.wigwamvillage.com/
Replica Harlan Sanders Cafe and Motel That's the KFC Founder Harlan Sanders. His Restaurant did much better than the Sanders Motel, but there is a full scale 1940s replica of both inside the restaurant, the first KFC. US25W in Corbin, KY. At the time, this was along the Dixie Highway.
"Sleep where the Royalty Sleeps!" I'm just guessing their slogan. Dixie Highway in Louisville, Ky.
Cave Land Motel American Owned and Operated Along U.S. 31W in Cave City, KY Was also used on this blog: sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/004576.html
Read House Hotel, Chattanooga, TN This is the historic Read House Hotel in downtown Chattanooga, TN. This photo has been included in the Schmap Travel Guide for Chattanooga. You have to download the Schmap player to see it. More information can be found HERE. www.schmap.com/chattanooga/sights_historic/#p=189229&...
Star Motel - Cave City, KY Along U.S. Highway 31W
Holiday Motel - Cave City, KY
A room at Sanders Court Col. Sanders not only started KFC, but he also had a hotel on Highway 25W. When the Restaurant Chain took off, and the hotel closed down, a sample room was recreated inside the KFC first restaurant in Corbin, KY More of my thoughts here: brentkmoore.blogspot.com/2008/02/col-sanders-for-senator....
Pittsburgh Hilton - from the side I took this picture because I never see this from the side. Everyone sees the front, which faces the Point.
Rogers Fireproof Hotel - Wheeling, WV Along 14th St. downtown.
There's a hole in my towel This picture is part of a photoessay I am working on called "The Worst Hotel I have ever Stayed at" whch will appear on my blog. you can read the blog HERE.
Air freshener This picture is part of a photoessay I am working on called "The Worst Hotel I have ever Stayed at" whch will appear on my blog. you can read the blog HERE.
Study on different shades of color This picture is part of a photoessay I am working on called "The Worst Hotel I have ever Stayed at" whch will appear on my blog. you can read the blog HERE.
furniture This picture is part of a photoessay I am working on called "The Worst Hotel I have ever Stayed at" whch will appear on my blog. you can read the blog HERE.
Atlanta Renaissance Hotel at the Airport from the back at the outdoor pool. It's the only 4-star hotel I've gotten off priceline
Graystone Motel In Sumner County, TN barely. When driving Dickerson road out of nashville past Goodlettsville, eventually highway US41 and 31W split and then 31W soon crosses I-65. This motel is on U.S. 31W between the split and the Interstate and looks to be more of a campsite than a motel
Goodenough Inn When I'm the only one in the car, that means I have complete discretion over what to stop and take a picture of. I see something forthcoming and I have a few seconds to decide whether or not to pull over and snap a picture. This probably wouldn't have made the cut if MariLynn was with me. When I pulled into their parking lot, I noticed a big sign they had at the office, something like: 'Absolutely NO U-TURNS! These premises are under constant video surveillance. Violators will be prosecuted!" So, I took this picture and sheepishly went to U-turn to get on the road towards Centerville. I hadn't been there for 30 seconds when a Hohenwald cop car pulled into the lot. I thought: Drat! They really mean business here. As it turns out, the cop was only there to make a U-Turn and head back into Hohenwald.
Hickerson's Motel Court Located along Nolensville Rd. (US31A/41A) in the Woodbine area of Nashville. There used to be several Motels through this area, but these days it's probably not the kind of area you'd want to stay in. I'm not aware of any other motels near here. If you're familiar with the area, it's across from Phonoluxe, which I was always looking at and missing their cool old neon sign. Step 1: Pull in parking lot step 2: Hastily take photo step 3: Get out as fast as possible.
Hickerson's Motel Court Located along Nolensville Rd. (US31A/41A) in the Woodbine area of Nashville. There used to be several Motels through this area, but these days it's probably not the kind of area you'd want to stay in. I'm not aware of any other motels near here. If you're familiar with the area, it's across from Phonoluxe, which I was always looking at and missing this cool old neon sign This photo has made explore, peaking at #349
America's Best Inn? I'm guessing that this is about as likely as this photo being my best ranking photo in explore. Located on Wilma Rudolph Blvd. near I-24
Holiday Rest Motel Holiday Rest Campgrounds and MOTOR INN of America U.S. 31W just north of the I-65 exit, Sumner Co., TN
Bridgeway Motel sign Smithville, TN - U.S. Highway 70 On the No Vacancy part of the sign, I like how if the "No" lights up, so does "Sorry"
Grinder's Switch Inn Grinder's Switch is the hometown of the Minnie Pearl character, and is an actual town near Centerville, TN. This motel is just off of the Centerville town square on Highway 100.
Traveland It looked to be about 0% motel and 100% campground. US31W just north of Nashville in Sumner County. It's the home of Tennessee Hospitality!
Franklin-Pearson House In Cowan, TN (Franklin County) There is an old Railroad Hotel that is still open for business, all these years after passenger trains have ceased their route from Nashville to Chattanooga. It has been helped by the fact that it's also on highway US41A, making it the last place to stay the night before making the ascent up the Cumberland Plateau. It is also popular with visitors of University of the South, just a few miles up the mountain. For the whole story: www.franklinpearson.com/history.html
Hotel Halbrook (2008) Claim to fame: 1920 Birthplace of Frank Clement, former Governor of Tennessee and father of Bob Clement who has long been an important Democrat in middle Tennessee. At the time of his birth, the Hotel was operated by his parents. The street it is on in Dickson, TN has been renamed to Frank G. Clement Place. The hotel was built in 1912 and is one of the few remaining rural railroad hotels. The building is currently being converted to a railroad & Local History Museum. UPDATE: This museum is now open. At one time, was known as Edwards Hotel. On the National register of Historic Places.
The Walking Horse Hotel This hotel was built in 1917 in Wartrace, TN as a railroad Hotel, as it sits near the center of town where the depot used to be. 21 years later, the original owners, Jesse and Nora Overall sold the property to Floyd and Olive Carothers. Floys had a reputation as a first class horse trainer, and the next year bought a young horse by the name of Strolling Jim. Soon afterward, that horse won a new festival celebrating the new breed of Tennessee Walking Horses. That festival has since turned into a world class event held every year in nearby Shelbyville and Wartrace is now known as the birthplace of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Strolling Jim strolled for many years in the pasture behind the hotel, and is now buried back there. I first learned of this hotel in the mid 80's when I was about 10 and my family made the 90 minute drive from Nashville for Thanksgiving lunch. For my return visit 20 years later, the place is absolutely nothing like the way I remembered it. More recently, the hotel was purchased by a local musician, Joe Peters, in honor of his wife who died of cancer, but fell in love with the building soon before she died. The Music Hall inside is now named after her.
Sanford Duncan Inn The Sanford Duncan Inn was built in 1819 as a stagecoach inn along the route from Nashville to Louisville (and is now US31W). When land surveyors were looking to define the broder between Tennessee and Kentucky, their equipment messed up causing them to veer off course, and instead of fixing their mistake, they gave some of Tennessee's land to Kentucky. Both states claimed a right to it, and this Inn is located in that land. The area soon became a popular place to have duels, since if any police arrived to stop it, the duelers would tell the police they had no jurisdiction. Often times, those wishing to duel, such as Sam Houston (and sometimes both participants) would spend the night in this inn. Update: Here's a comment left on my blog post: "I am a descendant of Sandford Duncan, and as much as I hate to admit it, legend has it that the story of the surveyors' equipment's messing up may not be entirely accurate. Sandford Duncan, either because he was a loyal Kentuckian or, more probably, because he had a profitable inn in a state (Kentucky) where dueling was legal, wanted his property to be in Kentucky rather than in Tennessee. Because of Mr. Duncan's hospitality (or because of the liquor he furnished the surveyors) they moved the state line so that the Duncan farm and it's "Duelin' Ground," would remain in Kentucky. Rather than surveyor's error, it was probably dueling and strong drink which accounted for the strange dip in the state line. " I first learned of this place when I blogged about a nearby Rock City Barn here: see-rock-city.blogspot.com/2007/01/barn-corn-and-state-bo...
Hotel Russel Erskine Downtown Huntsville, AL. Built in 1930 in a classical revival style, and is now an Apartment complex. Listed on the National register of Historic Places.
David Crockett Motel Lawrenceburg, TN along U.S. 64 and next door to David Crockett storage warehouse.
Iron Horse Hotel Railroad Hotel in Lynnville, TN
Relax Inn You never know when a vintage sign is going to be taken down. I saw this sign 5 weeks ago. All indications that a motel was here were already gone. Today, I wanted to get a better picture of the place now that it was a sunny day, and the sign was gone, too. (was on) Memorial Blvd. US231, Murfreesboro, TN
Mark Twain Inn - Jamestown, TN Mark Twain never lived 'round these parts, but his parents spent some time here in Jamestown. John Clemens was the town postmaster for a while, as well as a lawyer. Mark Twain Inn is across from the county Courthouse. Twain did talk about Jamestown in his writings, calling it Obedtown, after the nearby Obed River.
The Jordan Motel sign Jamestown, Tn along U.S. 127. Much of the sign and the exterior of the motel is made of Crab Orchard stone, which is prevalent in the area.
Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House Restaurant Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "Bobo Hotel", this former place to stay the night is now one of the most popular places to eat in Tennessee. They're so popular that you need to make reservations in advance, such as two weeks early. I've never eaten here, but my parents have a couple of times. It is now managed by the Jack Daniels people.
A nearly forgotten ad for a nearly forgotten tourist spot This is what I think it says: 15 MI. TO SCENIC & HISTORIC NATURAL BRIDGE MOTEL & CAMPING 15 miles out from this is close to Waynesboro, TN, and I'd never heard of anything like this in that part of the state. I emailed the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and learned about it. There is indeed a Natural Bridge in Wayne County. In fact, it's a double-decker natural bridge, and there may not be anything like it anywhere else. At one time, it was a state park, and over the years, it has had various private owners, such as those who ran it as a Motel & Campground. Today, the area is operated as Tennessee Fitness Spa and non-customers can stop by and see the Natural Bridge on Sundays from 10 to 2. www.tfspa.com/ Now, as for the actual building shown here, I'm not sure what it used to be. A service station? I vaguely recall seeing a picture of this place several years ago, so I was happy to stumble across this place. Highway U.S. 64 between Lawrenceburg and Pulaski is segmentally being upgraded to a two-lane divided highway, but most of the old highway is still accessible. However, this place is on a tiny stretch of old 64 in western Lawrence County that's blocked off and won't take you anywhere.
Ragland Bottom Motel & Restaurant Located in DeKalb County, TN along highway US70 as one of the closest businesses to Center Hill Lake on the east side.
Commodore Hotel Linden, TN Located along Main St. (U.S. 412) in the heart of town. For a short while, the lobby of this hotel was the home of Centerville's Minnie Pearl statue, but the statue was gone on the day I was there. It has been placed back a few years later. Learn more with this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGdAX4wcSqI
The Dome ceiling inside the Chattanooga Choo Choo This information was taken from the Chattanooga Choo Choo website: The Terminal Station was erected in 1908, with its centerpiece - a magnificent dome - that rose majestically over the concourse. Built of steel and concrete and buttressed by huge brick arches, the dome rested on four steel supports 75 feet apart. Suspended from the ceiling were four brass chandeliers, each with 40 lights circling an 18-inch opal globe. From an architectural standpoint, this dome over the entire 68 x 82 foot general waiting rooms was the most attractive design feature of its time. It was on the underside of this dome, the part in view above the waiting room, that the only attempt to decorate in colors was made -- artistic plaster embellishments of heraldic emblems, which are now fully restored. The dome was truly lavish and beautiful in its different prismatic colors, especially when lighted at night. www.choochoo.com/thetrainstation.php?dest=62 This photo was taken near dusk on a clear night. Train service stopped in 1970, and the depot was converted to a Hotel. The main room with the dome is now the hotel lobby
Duffy's Motel - Only $17.95 a night Who's willing to try it out? The sign says new rooms are open, never mind how old and rusty the sign is. This is an example of an old hotel that is on an old highway and still in business because of a lucky location. In this case, right off I-75. Today, and for decades, many families have come through here on their way to Florida. Who knows how far back the hotel goes but the road goes back to the 30s as the Dixie Highway, and today as US 41. Either way, everyone from here to Chicago would pass this way. I was by myself when I took this picture. When I showed it to my wife, she asked if it was near Calhoun, GA. Indeed, this is at the I-75 exit for Calhoun. Apparently when she was a kid, he family stayed here several times on the way to the beach.
The remains of the Robert E. Lee Motel This motel along the Lee Highway on the way north of Bristol TN/VA went out of business not too long ago. When I was in the area, I stayed at the Evergreen Motor Court across the street. Even the front desk clerk was sad that they had gone out of business, and their classic motel sign had just been removed a week earlier.
Anchor Inn Resort Motel Along US70 - New Johnsonville, TN. The property borders Kentucky Lake
Evergreen Motor Court Along the old Lee Highway (now US11/19) north of Bristol, VA, there used to be many non-chain motels, such as the Robert E. Lee Motel, nut now there are very few. The Evergreen Motor Court is one that is still around. My wife and I stayed here for a night
Grand Hotel Wall Ad The Grand Hotel was located in Downtown Chattanooga along Market Street, appealing to Passengers coming to town along the Chattanooga Choo-Choo which was almost across the street. This faded wall ad is on the side of that building which is not a hotel anymore. The second line says "Fire Proof." Back in the day when that was a major selling point that not all hotels must have been able to claim.
Elswick Motel neon sign US70/25W between Newport and Dandridge, TN in Jefferson County
Southland Motel - Lebanon, TN US231 north of the town square.
Cameron-Patton Hotel / Coca-Cola Mural Along the main road through the heart of South Pittsburg, TN I don't have any info about this former hotel other than the name of the building on the side, in addition to the classic Drink Coca-Cola mural.
Biltmore Tourist Court Knoxville, TN, now closed Along Kingston Pk. (Us11/70)
Up-Town Motel - Lebanon, TN US231 on the north side of town
Donoho Hotel Neon Sign The Donoho Hotel is one of three old-fashioned resort hotels in Red Boiling Springs, TN. It is the only one with an old crusty neon sign.
Pink Motel - Cherokee, NC Along US441 in the touristy area of Cherokee, NC, this motel appears to be one of the better maintained non-chain motels of the area.
Vacation Motel Located along US41A/79 in the Providence area of Clarksville, TN
Vacation Motel sign It looks suspiciously like an Old School Holiday Inn neon sign Located along US41A/79 in the Providence area of Clarksville, TN
Newfound Lodge - Cherokee, NC Along US441
The Wigwam Motel neon sign Why sleep in a motel named the Wigwam Motel (in Cherokee, NC) when you could sleep in an actual wigwam?
Gold Vault Inn US31W just south of Fort Knox in Radcliff, KY. I hope it wouldn't be too expensive to stay here, lol.
Taylor Hotel - Elizabethtown, KY Along US31W Dixie Highway just north of the town square. On the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Courthouse Square and Commercial District
The Oakes Motel - Cave City, KY Despite the sign's poor condition, the Motel still seems to be in business. It looks like the M is hanging on for dear life.
Eureka Inn - Jonesborough, TN Located in Tennessee's oldect City, this building has quite a history. In 1797, the Mitchell family built a home here with wood joists, stone foundation and four fireplaces. In 1851, William Maxwell added a two story addition, a parlor on the ground floor and a large second floor room that held sequestered juries. In 1869, Laura Gosnel bought the house to use it as a boarding house. In 1910, Peter Miller bought the house and added on to make it a hotel. The most prominent addition was the full length second story porch. His additions were so seamless that it made the entire building look like it was all built at once. This was the beginning of the Eureka Hotel. In 1910, JR Russell bought the hotel and added even more, such as running water and the three third floor windows. Now, it was known as Hotel Russell. In 1922, H.M. Gresham was the next owner to rename it after himself. The Gresham Hotel operated for 40 years, but to offset decline hotel occupancy ran the property as a restaurant, grocery store and taxi business on the ground floor. The next four decades saw the building gradually fall into disrepair until it was purchased by local investors in 1997 and spent three years and $3 Million restoring the Eureka to it's previous glory. The Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Jonesborough Historic District Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/historic-tn-town/ This Historic Town In Tennessee Will Transport You To The Past
Peach State Motel sign Although it looks like the sign is about to be swallowed up by vegetation, the motel is still there. in the Peach colored section, it mentions the Air Cond. in the blue part, it lists Tubs & Showers, Rooms for Overnight. This is located on Highway 41 (and the Old Dixie Highway) on the south side of Dalton, GA in an area where it seems like every business is a carpet outlet.
Another Motel in Cherokee Along US19
The Donoho Hotel Along with The Armour and The Cloyd (now the Thomas House) it is one of the big three old fashioned resort hotels of Red Boiling Springs. Of the three, I think this one looks most Majestic, as the entire building is more than twice as wide as what you can see here. This goes back to the days, for instance the 1920's, when people couldn't travel as far as they to today, plus people believed in the mystical healing powers of bathing in mineral water which bubbles up from the ground. Today, this hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Robert E Lee Motel sign (refurbished) About a year ago, when driving the old Lee Highway north of Bristol, I went looking for the old Robert E Lee Motel, which had a wonderful neon sign but had closed a few months earlier. The neon sign was gone and the motel was in serious disrepair. I ended up staying the night in the non-chain motel across the street. The lady at the front desk told me the sign was removed just a week before my stay and even though they were the competition, she was sad to see them go out of business. fast-forward to about 10 days ago. I'm driving the Lee Highway again, but this time I'm going further north to Abingdon, VA. Much to my shock, there's the sign! The neon tubes have been removed, but the sign has otherwise been restored to its previous glory and permanently mounted at RC's Storage. I believe they will take care of the sign as they had other vintage things on display here.
Rainbow Autel (motel) sign A few days ago, I posted a picture of the new location of a restored Robert E Lee Motel sign. By the looks of it, this classic motel seign looks like it is about to be picked up and mounted at this same storage facility. The Rainbow Autel was about 25 miles up the road in Chilhowie, VA along the Lee Highway. Here's a story on the refurbishing of the sign: www.edandmarthabiggar.com/neonclass.html
Scenic Motel - Pigeon Forge This is a standard view of a vintage motel sign in the heavy tourist area of Pigeon Forge. I decided to upload this version, even though it can't compete with the way it looked one night at dusk in 2006, which flickr still says is my 2nd best photo in interestingness.
Old Kentucky Home Motel Bardstown is home to "My Old Kentucky Home" and this well maintained Motel is a couple of miles away on W. Stephen Foster Ave. (US 62) Although, it is really wise for a motel to have "old" in the title?
Carter's By-Pass Motel Scottsville, KY, Located on Bowling Greed Rd. not far from the heart of town. If this was a by-pass, it's not labelled that on my map.
Rhea-Mims Hotel - Newport, TN Rhea-Mims Hotel, constructed in 1925 and placed on the NRHP in 1998. In 2000, the hotel was refurnished as a home for senior citizens. In Newport, it is located along Broadway (US25/70) across the street from the County Courthouse
Glenwood Motel neon sign Another what looks to be out-of-business mom and pop motel along an old US Highway. This one is on the west side of Fayetteville along U.S. 64. Today, the entire motel has been removed.
Lookout Mtn Tourist Lodge Located along the base of Lookout Mountain along the Will Cummings Highway (US 11/41/64/72). I'm guessing this was at one time one of the finer hotels in the area, but now is a little on the grimey side. Above the lettering on the sign is a horseback Indian cheif.
Dutch Mill Village - Griderville, KY Apparently less popular than the "Sleep in a Wigwam" touristy motel about five miles away was the "Sleep in a Windmill" Motel. This is in the tiny town of Griderville, KY - and this is about the only thing here. It's at the crossroads of two important highways, US31E, the North-South route from Louisville to Nashville, and KY70, the route to get to Cave City from the east. During it's heydey, Dutch Mill Village, I'm sure this would have been a great place to stay. This was the motel office and it was surrounded by several mini-windmills. It was also an Esso Gas Station, and The Old Dutch Mill Restaurant. Not too long ago, this building was used as a firworks stand. as much as I want to see this building remain around, I was glad to photograph it without the large "Fireworks" and "Half Off Sale" Banners hanging from it.
Hickerson Hotel - Charlotte, TN built ca. 1856 and located in Charlotte's town square. Today it is part of the Charlotte Courthouse Square Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. This photo now appears in print as part of the TN Trails and Byways brochure "Screaming Eagle Trail" which you can see here: www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/9522319352/
Holiday Motel neon sign, Cave City, KY US31W
Dixie Motel sign - Indian Hills, GA Located along the old Dixie Highway and current US41, somewhere in Catoosa County, GA between Ringgold and the Tennessee state line. UPDATE: I drove by here again on 8/1/14 and the whole thing was painted beige, so it's not as nifty as it used to be.
Beersheba Springs Hotel In 1833, Beersheba Cain found a mountain spring at the base of a summit along the Cumberland Plateau at the Collins River Valley. Like many other places where a spring was found, it didn't take long for the medicinal properties to be proclaims and a resort town to "Spring up." By 1857, local businessman John Armfield had bought all the surrounding property and had built the hotel seen here. It is quite a massive building and I couldn't step back any further without falling down into the valley. Like most spring resorts, tourists stop coming in the early 1900s and business dried up. In 1941, the Methodists bought the complex and now use it as a retreat. For the full story: www.scribd.com/doc/2370867/A-History-of-Beersheba-Springs...
Chattanooga Choo-Choo Originally known as Chattanooga's Terminal Station, this formerly important Passenger train depot now serves as a popular hotel. The station was built in 1908 and the centerpiece of the building was a large concourse. (Inside is a large dome. In 1970, train service stopped and a few years later it became the Chattanooga Choo-Choo hotel. The large concourse is today the main lobby. On top of the building is the famous sign. Here is the sign at night.
Cass Motel neon sign I have no idea how long this motel has been out of business. There used to be a second part of the sign to the left that had "Cass" in larger letters. The spot is where the old Dixie Highway is about to cross the newes highway US41 on the south side of Cassville, GA
Downtown Motor Inn - Dalton, GA Located south of Dalton (not in it's downtown) along US41 (Old Dixie Highway). Oh, and I like the guy with Lederhosen and a lamp. There's also the layer of faux rock and the logo with a T and a D, even though there's nothing that starts with a T.
Gen. Morgan Inn - Greeneville This small town yet fancy Hotel, originally built in 1884 to provide lodging for railroad passengers. The Inn is named for Civil War Confederate General John Hunt Morgan. Gen. Morgan was named after him. For those of you who like ghost stories, this place has one. When the main restaurant here was known as the Green Room, there was a popular waitress by the name of Green Room Grace. It's been 75 years since her death, but according to legend, she still lives here. She spends her time stealing customer's spoons.
The Renfro Hotel - Park City, KY - Now Mammoth Railway Cafe This old Hotel was built in the center of town right by the tracks in 1903, when the town was known as Glasgow Junction. It was built next door to the ruins of Bell's Tavern along the old Louisville and Nashville stagecoach turnpike. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places because of it's architectural significance.
Blue Jay Motel neon sign detail What a wonderful neon sign for a motel that is still in business. The Blue Jay Motel is along US11 about 5 miles west of Salem, VA. It's probably still in business along the old highway because it is right next to an interstate exit.
Blue Jay Motel neon sign What a wonderful neon sign for a motel that is still in business. The Blue Jay Motel is along US11 about 5 miles west of Salem, VA. It's probably still in business along the old highway because it is right next to an interstate exit. Update: If you look at the comments, the sign was modernized soon after I took this picture.
Maple Lodge - Pulaski, VA I assume this is or used to be a motel. I didn't get a great look at the place as I was driving by, I was just making sure I got a picture of the old neon sign. Seen along US11 / The Old Dixie Highway.
The Patrick Henry - Roanoke, VA The Patrick Henry was built as a high class hotel in downtown Roanoke. Today, it is being renovated for condos and retail space. Shown here is where they have painted their name in large letter on an area accesible by the roof.
Franklin-Pearson House - Cowan, TN In Cowan, TN (Franklin County) There is an old Railroad Hotel that is still open for business, all these years after passenger trains have ceased their route from Nashville to Chattanooga. It has been helped by the fact that it's also on highway US41A, making it the last place to stay the night before making the ascent up the Cumberland Plateau. It is also popular with visitors of University of the South, just a few miles up the mountain. For the whole story: www.franklinpearson.com/history.html
Lorenzen's Motel - Marion, VA Seen on the south side of Marion, along US11 (The old Dixie Highway)
Dogwood Lodge - near Radford, VA Along US 11 (The Old Lee Highway)
Hotel neon sign - Hillsville, VA Seen along Main St. (US 52) across from the Carroll County Courthouse. The building is not a hotel anymore, but since this sign is so high up there, nobody wants to go to the trouble of getting out a ladder and going up there to take the sign down. One business in the building now is a bookstore and they had the taken-down more traditional sign up against a window, but I couldn't see the hotel's name on the sign. I tried googling to find out more, but that does no good - all the links talk about the Super8 and the like right off the interstate.
Broken Neon Motel Sign - used to be Northside Motel Seen along Cherokee Blvd. (Old US27, now TN8) on the north side of Chattanooga.
Entrance to the Thomas House Hotel The Thomas House is one of the big three historic hotels (along with the Armour and the Donoho) in the old resort town of Red Boiling Springs. For many years it operated as the Cloyd Hotel, but now as the Thomas House, it is a bed and breakfast. The Victorian style hotel dates back to 1890. for those inclined, they also offer ghost hunting specials.
Beijing Motel - Pulaski, VA
Seven Seas Motel - Panama City Beach, FL Interesting older wooden sign. I think the sign outlasted the actual motel
Siesta Motel - Panama City Beach, FL
Hi-Way Rest Motel neon sign Seen in Ozark, AL along US231
Howard's Motel sign - Panama City, FL This is just a guess, but based on the graffiti on the hotel room, this isn't the best place to take your family in Florida. However, it's a neat sign and the light-up colored dots are a plus.
Hotel Roanoke neon sign Hotel Roanoke is the exquisite hotel up the hill from the nearby passenger station, and had ties with Norfolk and Western for over a century. You don't really think of the Grand hotels having neon signs, but this one does over the sidewalk entrance that leads to the N&W station.
Pine Lake Motel Seen along US82/231 just south of Montgomery, AL.
Bee-Line Motel - Dothan, AL Not only is this motel with an old fashioned sign just a couple of blocks from the center of town, it is also located along Business US231, which is along the route to Panama City for a lot of people
Budget Inn of Panama City, FL Budget Inn is a nationwide discount hotel chain. As a discount chain, they usually have boring signs. However, this one has a sign that appears to be a few decades old. It's located along US98 which is the road to Panama City Beach. Plus, they have color TVs now!
Baxter Motel - Covington, TN here is a description of the hotel from a vintage post card: U.S. Highway 51. Thirty rooms, thirty glazed tile baths, circulating ice water, completely air conditioned by refrigeration, spacious lobby for the guests, automatic heat, located within less than a block of two restaurants, five filling stations. "A home away from home". US51 is still the main road through town, and it's by the turn to get to the town square which is only a couple of blocks away.
Thacker Christmas Inn & Restaurant The Christmas Season is upon us. However, for this hotel in Caryville, TN it's Christmas year round. I guess. (The hotel was under renovation with a construction fence completely surrounding the place. Maybe it will be open by Christmas 2013.) Because it was under construction, I drove around the place for 15 minutes until I could find an unobstructed view, which sadly was not on the sunlit side. I'm guessing it's still going to be a mom & pop owned place and not part of a chain. It's located along old US25W but still in business since it's next to Interstate 75
Jellico Motel & Restaurant Quite the large sign and it's easily viewable from Interstate 75 and US25W in Jellico, TN not far from the KY border. Based on this post card which was probably printed in the late 60s, it used to be a Quality Courts Motel.
Reid Motel Sign (and dish) This motel is located along US31 just north of Greenville, AL
Glyndon Hotel - Richmond, KY This is the neon sign for the Richmond landmark located along US25. Seen at dusk. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyndon_Hotel
Atlanta Biltmore Hotel Neon Sign Radio Mast at dusk Located in Midtown Atlanta is the 11-story Biltmore Hotel which opened in 1924. The most distinguishing faeture is the two towering radio masts, one on each end of the building, with vertical illuminated letters that spell out "BILTMORE". The top floor and radio masts broadcasted WSB-AM from 1925 until 1956. The hotel closed in 1981 and after sitting vacant for nearly a decade the interior was gutted and converted into office space. Even still, it's good to see the tower still standing and working.
Economy Inn neon sign - Cullman, AL Seen along US31 in Cullman. "Be our Guest!"
Cincinnati From Above #16: Radisson Hotel Riverfront For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom.
Old Sign - Kingsport, TN I'm not completely sure what business originally built this sign, but the establishment that owns the sign today is Hog Wild Saloon. In addition, there is a vacant motel behind the restaurant \ bar building. It's located on Stone Dr. on the west side of town near the intersection with Lynn Garden Dr. (Stone Dr. is also US11W and formerly TN1, Lee Highway and the Memphis-to-Bristol Highway, so it used to be a prime location.) One explanation I heard was this used to be Alladdin's restaurant and hence it had Aladdin's Lamp at the base of the sign. A different story is this used to be Candlelight Motel, so it's a candle on a candle stand. Perhaps both stories are true and the candle was added later. Any info would be appreciated.
Redmont Hotel - Birmingham The Redmont Hotel in downtown Birmingham is 14 stories tall and opened in 1925, making it the oldest still-operational hotel in town. After decades of decline, the hotel was purchased in 1983 by an investment group made up of NBA players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Ralph Sampson. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 27 of that year. A $7 million dollar renovation led to a grand re-opening in 1985. Another refurbishment in 2000 uncovered previously hidden architectural details and cleaned the exterior. Hello to anyone who found this here: nataliecone.com/2015/10/30/haunted-places-near-birmingham/ Haunted Places near Birmingham Many believe this hotel downtown is haunted by a woman in white. Her apparition has been seen on the ninth floor, and some claim there is even a ghost of a dog that wanders the hallways. When the doors are heard opening and closing on their own and luggage bumping around, could it be the ghost of Clifford Stiles, the former owner? The hotel has recently gone through drastic renovations, and will reopen for business any day now.
Candlelight Motel - Ozark, AL Seen along US231
Griggs Motel neon sign - Richmond, Ky The motel located along US25 on the north side of Richmond appears to still be open.
Hotel Lindo - Covington, TN The three-story Hotel Lindo was completed in 1901 on the northwest corner of the Covington Town Square, and opened for business in 1902. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for is significance in Social History and it Italianate and Romanesque architecture. Not used as a hotel for decades, today it has been restored and used for office space. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/welcoming-small-towns-tn/ 15 Welcoming Small Towns In Tennessee Where You’ll Feel Like Family
Cherokee Motel sign- Chattanooga Located on the northern side of Chattanooga is this old hotel that managed to stay open even though the primary highway through the area (US27) has been rerouted to a more modern freeway. (It is still state route TN8) At one time, it was a neon sign but all the neon tubes have been taken out.
Imperial Hotel (2011 view) - Monterey, TN As it says painted on the side, the hotel opened in 1909 at this location as a railroad hotel near Monterey's train station. Passenger service stopped in the area several decades ago, so the Imperial stopped operating as a hotel soon after. However, since then, they remained opened as a ballroom and meeting or banquet space. About a year ago in 2012, the Hotel was in the news. With a building this old, it became too costly to continue to meet codes, so it completely closed after a court battle. Also, the stairs and awning on the longer south side was removed to make way for a path to the new Monterey Museum and Depot which is now between the hotel and the tracks. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/incredible-tn-train-trips/ 6 Incredible Tennessee Day Trips You Can Take By Train
MOTEL This is the old neon sign atop the rooms at the Hillcrest Motel. The hotel is located along the Jackson Highay in Sheffield, AL
Valley View Motel - Celina, TN Valley View Motel is located along Lake Ave. in Celina. While it's not a major road out of town anymore, I believe the road is an old alignment of highway TN53. Despite not being on a major highway, it's still in business, so I guess they're doing something right. Normally, I only upload the older signs with the neon tubes still intact, but I thought this place looked nice.
The Family Restaurant & Motel - Jackson, TN Located on the road that used to be the main road into town, The Family Motel and Restaurant has quite a nice but faded sign. The property is located along Whitehall St. and used to be highway US70 (and TN1) but now the highway bypasses this area. Based on the two cars in the parking lot, I guess the motel is still open for business, but the restaurant is a casualty. (See the white arrow in the background? That points to the restaurant.) Below the No Vacancy sign is a hand painted sign for Ice 75¢ and if you look closely, it used to be 50¢. Perhaps you can use that as a guide for how old the sign is.
Motel - Murfreesboro, TN This is the sign above the office entrance at the Murfreesboro Motel. The non-chain motel is located along US41/70S.
Billy Tripp's Mindfield (View from the Inn-Side) One of the most surreal but expansive work of art I have ever come across is in the small Tennessee town of Brownsville. This metal behemoth is the work of one man, Billy Tripp and he has named it his Mindfield. The Mindfield is located in a narrow but deep strip of land between the Sunrise Inn and a strip mall along Main St. (old US70/79), just a couple of blocks east of the town square. Started in 1989, he plans on adding to it until the day he dies. He is always on the lookout for scrap metal, such as the abandoned water tower he found once when he was on a trip. If you visit, you might get lucky and find a free copy of his book The Mindfield Years, Vol. 1 which is a stream-of-consciousness for 725 pages which he describes as a difficult read. There's a whole lot more I'd like to say but these sites say it better: The Official site Roadside America's writeup I have a coworker who came from Brownsville, and she thought it was cool how it brings attention to the city.
Star Lite Inn - Memphis Located along US61 on the south side of town.
Elvis Presley Blvd. Inn neon sign You probably can't name something after Elvis unless you plan to bring a truckload of money. Luckily for this motel, highway US51 that runs in front of Graceland has been renamed Elvis Presley Blvd. and you can name your business after the street it's located on. Oh, they also advertise that all of their beds are King size.
Lorraine Motel / National Civil Rights Museum As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close the the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306.
Lorraine Motel / National Civil Rights Museum Room 306 As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close the the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306.
Lorraine Motel / National Civil Rights Museum As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close the the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306. To see more places which appeared in the Green Book, a tourist guidebook which listed businesses which were friendly to African-American motorists, check this link: chpblog.org/2019/03/14/retracing-the-routes-finding-tenne...
Lorraine Motel Sign / National Civil Rights Museum As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close the the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306.
Lorraine Motel / National Civil Rights Museum As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close to the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306. To see more places which appeared in the Green Book, a tourist guidebook which listed businesses which were friendly to African-American motorists, check this link: chpblog.org/2019/03/14/retracing-the-routes-finding-tenne... Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/only-tn-2/ Here Are 12 Things You Can Only Find In Tennessee or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/places-to-go-tn-2017/ The 27 Places You Should Go In Tennessee In 2017
Lorraine Motel Sign / National Civil Rights Museum As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close the the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-facts/ 20 Facts About Tennessee You Never Knew Were True
Lorraine Motel Neon Sign As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close the the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306.
Lorraine Hotel Neon Sign Flickr says this is my photo #8,000, although I'm not sure how many of that aren't public. As America honors Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January, I'd like to share these photos of the National Civil Rights Museum that promotes the vision that Dr. King embraced. Walter Bailey purchased the Windsor Hotel in 1945 and renamed it the Lorraine Motel. Located close the the center of Memphis, during the days of segregation the motel catered to an upscale black clientele. In April 1968, King traveled to Memphis in support of striking sanitation workers. King stayed in room 306, located on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. At 6:01 PM on April 4, 1968 while he was standing on the balcony outside his room, King was struck by a single bullet, causing him to fall backwards unconscious. Following the assassination, Bailey left Room 306 undisturbed. While the Motel remained open for a few more years, Bailey worked to preserve the motel as a historic site raising funds to Save the Lorraine. The Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation bought the motel in 1982. The Motel officially closed in 1998 as the property transformed into a museum. For architectural designs, the museum called upon McKissack & McKissack from Nashville, the first African American architecture firm in America. After purchasing adjoining property, the museum opened in Sept. 1991. Today, on the grounds of the museum, a wreath is placed at the balcony where King was hit. The original sign for the museum has been preserved outside. From this iconic photo from the balcony there are two cars visible below, and there are replicas of these two cars at the museum today. For now, customers of the museum are allowed to look into the window of Room 306.
Hotel Halbrook Museum at Dusk - Dickson, TN Once known as Edwards Hotel, this building was built in 1912 and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Once common, it is rare these days to find a small town railroad hotel, as this one is located across the street from the Dickson Depot. The hotel has another local interest claim to fame as in 1920 it was the birthplace of Frank Clement who went on to become the Governor of Tennessee and father of Congressman Bob Clement. At the time of his birth, the Hotel was operated by his parents. The street in Dickson has been renamed to Frank G. Clement Place. In 2009, the Hotel opened as the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum featuring exhibits on railroads, the Clement family and local history. www.clementrailroadmuseum.org/ Hello to anyone who found this photo here: suburbanturmoil.com/70-things-to-do-with-your-kids-in-nas... 70 Things to Do with Your Kids in Nashville This Summer: 2015 Edition #21 or here: suburbanturmoil.com/things-to-do-with-kids-in-nashville/2... Things to Do with Your Kids in Nashville This Summer: 2016 Edition - See more at: suburbanturmoil.com/things-to-do-with-kids-in-nashville/2...
Ambassador Hotel faded mural - Memphis The 140 room hotel had this mural on it and is seen along Main Street on the south side of downtown. The hotel was built in 1915 at a prime location near the train stations, but closed in 1982. The hotel consisted of three buildings: One burned down, one became condominiums, but this one has remained vacant for nearly three decades.
Gilley's Hotel - Bull's Gap, TN The Bull's Gap website has the full story on this railroad hotel which was rebuilt in 1884: www.bullsgaptn.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=a... Update: the Tennessee Preservation Trust added this to the 2014 Ten in Tennessee: a yearly list of threatened historic sites. Historical Significance: Gilley’s Hotel is listed as a contributing resource of the Bulls Gap Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is described in Section 7 of the National Register nomination at items 29 and 30. The East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad constructed the first railroad tracks to serve northeastern Tennessee in the 1850s. The tracks came through what is now Bulls Gap. The Smith Hotel was built at that time to serve passengers and railroad employees. The original hotel was destroyed by fire and the building that stands today was constructed in its place. Rufus Henry Gilley acquired the property in the early 1900s and it was at that time that the building became known as Gilley’s Hotel. It stands as a monument to, and a reminder of, an era when the railroad served as the primary mode of passenger transportation in the United States. Gilley’s Hotel is associated with historic events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the history of Bulls Gap. www.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/ten-in-tn/2014-ten-in-...
Graystone Hotel at dusk - Dickson, TN Located at the intersection of Main St. and College St. (Old US70) in the middle of town This photo has been used without permission, violating the creative commons license here: backgroundchecks.org/25-safest-cities-in-tennessee-2016.html The Safest Cities in Tennessee 2016
Old Deery Inn - Blountville, TN According to the historic marker: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=historical-markers/... Built shortly after 1785 by William Deery. Stopping place for many distinguished travelers of early days. Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, the Marquis de Lafayette, Prince Louis Phillipe, Andrew Johnson and others enjoyed its hospitality. It operated as an inn until shortly before 1930. For the full story: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Deery_Inn
11-70 Motor Court This vintage motel is a reminder of what travel was like many decades ago. The main road leading west out of Knoxville is known as Kingston Pike, and was a combination of two of the most important cross country highways, US11 and US70. Prior to the US Highway system, this motel was along The Dixie Lee Highway, which was a combination of the Dixie Highway and the Lee Highway. Not too far to the west of here at the intersection where 11 and 70 (and formerly the Dixie and Lee Highways split) is the location of a small community called Dixie Lee Junction. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston_Pike Originally, the name of this motel was the 11-70 Motor Lodge as seen by their 1930s era post cards
Cameron-Patton Hotel - South Pittsburg, TN Along the main road (old US72) through the heart of South Pittsburg, TN I don't have any info about this former hotel other than the name of the building on the side, in addition to the classic Drink Coca-Cola mural.
Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel Heartbreak Hotel is a hotel owned and operated by the same people that operate Graceland. Located along Elvis Presley Blvd. (US51) in Memphis, it is conveniently across the street from Graceland. Based on older pictures I have seen, they must have used to have an old-fashioned neon sign and I'm sad that I have missed it.
Neely House hotel - Jackson, TN The following information was copied from the Jackson recreation website: www.jacksonrecandparks.com/media/leagues/3046/graphics/Fi... The Neely house listed on the national register of historic places as the Murphy Hotel February 11, 1993 as an example of a railroad Hotel. The hotel remains intact and substantially unaltered today from its original appearance. The hotel was built of brick in the Modern-Classical style between 1910-1912. The large two story porch on the main facade was built with fluted columns and scroll-like ornament capitals. The hotel is described as a modern hotel in in every detail, with hot and cold running water in every room. The interior was designed with twenty-two hotel rooms, nine fireplaces, and three bathrooms on each floor. The hotel catered to salesmen and travelers who arrived in Jackson at the flic.kr/p/o8Wqbx. Tradition states that Mr. Neely would meet trains at 4:00am to hand out coffee and sandwiches to promote the hotel. Mr. Neely was recognized as one of best hotel caterers in West Tennessee. The hotel was operated by the Neely family for the next thirty years and became one of Jackson's best known hotel building. In 1946 Mrs. Lillie Neely sold the hotel for $5,000 to Mr. Robert J. Murphy. Since, it has been identified as the Murphy Hotel for over 50 years. Mr. Murphy was an area farmer and purchased the hotel as a business investment. During the 1950's and 1960's passenger rail travel along the railroad declined and the hotel relied less and less on rail travelers for business. Although Mr. Murphy died in 1960, his two daughters continued to operate the hotel. The adjacent depot was closed to passenger rail traffic in 1967 and bus traffic in 1970's, the hotel remained open to both travelers and permanent residents till 1996. The city of Jackson, TN. purchased the hotel in 1997 with hopes of preserving the hotel by converting the structure into a children's museum About the time the children's museum was going to open, the tornado of 2003 took its toll on the hotel. The building was under insured and badly damaged. The Children's museum chose to move to a new building. In 2005 the building was acquired by Hal Crocker of Crocker Construction Co. Mr. Crocker has worked closely with the Tennessee Historic Commission to restore The Neely House to its original beauty. The Hotel still features its original doors, mantles, light fixtures, bathroom fixtures and similar details. The Neely House ( Murphy Hotel ) is Jackson's only remaining example of a railroad Hotel.
Bordeaux Motel neon sign Located along Clarksville Highway (US41A) in the Bordeaux area of Nashville, just a couple blocks north of the river.
The King's Heartbreak Hotel faded sign Located down the road from Sun Records is this faded ad. I don't know, but I guess it was an actual hotel at one time.
L&N Passenger Station and Express Building - Pensacola, FL From Wikipedia: The Louisville and Nashville Passenger Station and Express Building is a historic Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot in Pensacola, Florida. The building was constructed between 1912 and 1913 with elements of Prairie School, Spanish Mission, and Italianate architectural styles. On June 11, 1979, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In 1984, the depot was refurbished and incorporated into the Pensacola Grand Hotel (now the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel) that was built just behind it. The renovation of the depot was a painstaking process that used as much of the original material as possible. The building houses the lobby, shops, restaurant and meeting rooms of the hotel.
Sandman Motel - Mims, FL Located along highway US1
Wade's Motor Inn - Titusville, FL Seen along highway US1
Nelson House Hotel - Columbia, TN The Nelson House, also known as the Columbia House Hotel was built in 1828 with Pleasant Nelson as the proprietor. For many years, it was the area's premier hotel including stays by President Andrew Jackson and future President Andrew Johnson. During the Civil War, Confederate Lt. Andrew Wills Gould died here after a clash with Nathan Bedford Forrest. After an ambush and defeat, Forrest held Gould responsible for the defeat. When they met at the Masonic Hall down the road, Gould shot Forrest, who stabbed Gould. Forrest quickly recovered but Gould died at the hotel after a massive infection. www.columbiadailyherald.com/sections/opinion/columns/afte... Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/southern-tn-town/ The One Tennessee Town That’s So Perfectly Southern
The Peabody Hotel neon sign The Peabody Hotel is the most famous grand hotel of Downtown Memphis. This neon sign is atop the building. This view is from around Beale St.
Adams Motel - Defuniak Springs, FL Located on Nelson Ave (US90/331)
The Oliver Hotel sign - Knoxville Hotel St. Oliver is located in the 1875 Kern Building in Knoxville's Market Square.
The Fabulous Pineapple - Laguna Beach, FL The Pineapple Villas have this interesting neon sign along Front Beach Rd in Laguna Beach, FL. The neon fine print says "A Pet friendly Inn since 1947"
Cardinal Motel - Bowling Green, KY This mom and pop motel in Bowling Green doesn't have an old fashioned neon sign, but instead has a Cardinal statue out front. It's located on Nashville Rd. (US31W/231)
231 Plaza Inn - Lebanon, TN This motel is located on highway US231 a few blocks north of the town square in Lebanon
Hotel Strasburg - Strasburg, VA Dr. Mackall R. Bruin built this building as a hospital in 1902, but was converted to a hotel in 1915. Built in a Second-Empire Style, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Strasburg Historic District. Full History: www.hotelstrasburg.com/history.html
Berkeley Hotel - Martinsburg, WV In Berkeley, WV, the buildings that connect to the historic Berkeley Hotel serve as today's Amtrak station. They are across the tracks from the historic roundhouses and shops. Here is the text of the marker from the WV Civil War Trails series: This is one of the last surviving antebellum buildings in the area. It was constructed shortly after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached Martinsburg in 1842. The adjacent railroad yards twice were Confederate Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s target. The possession of Martinsburg, a strategic railroad center, was hotly contested during the early years of the war. On May 24, 1861, Gen. Joseph E. Johnson ordered Jackson to destroy the rolling stock here. Beginning in June, over the next the ten months more than 400 cars and 40 locomotives were taken, damaged, or destroyed. The Confederates also stripped the round-house complex of its stationary equipment, tools and 40-foot turntable but did not destroy the buildings. A few of the locomotives were disassembled, and 40-horse teams dragged them up the turnpikes to Strasburg. Several were transported in pieces to Richmond, reassembled, and returned to use. In September-October 1862, after the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), Maryland, Jackson’s retreating column occupied Martinsburg. The Confederates destroyed almost 38 miles of track and burned the round-house, shops, warehouses, ticket and telegraph offices, company hotel, and other facilities. The privately owned Berkeley Hotel was spared. The B&O bought the building in 1866, expanded it, and used it as the station, eating house, telegraph office, and hotel. In 1877 the trainmen and enginemen here struck to protest wage cuts, starting the “Great Strike of 1877” nationwide. Railroad and military officials suppressed the strike here, using this building as headquarters.
Echo Village Budget Motel - Winchester, VA Located along US11
Shangri-La Motel - New Smyrna Beach, FL This old fashioned Motel is located along highway A!A (US1) in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Mountain View Motel - Maryville, TN Seen along US411/129 on the southwest side of Maryville. The bottom line reads "Open All Year: but has been painted over. In the bottom left corner for vacancies are letters which would have toggled YES or NO.
Mt. View Court - US11 - Virginia Mt. View Court is located along highway US11 in Shenandoah County between Edinburg and Mt. Jackson. Older photos of this sign show the word "Cottages" in the empty space.
Taylor Hotel - Winchester, VA Located in Old Town Winchester, here is the text of the Virginia Civil War Trails marker: Taylor Hotel “Packed with Confederate wounded” The Taylor Hotel was a major stopping point for travelers because of its location on the Valley Turnpike and also was the center of town life. During the war, it was the headquarters for several commanders, including Confederate Gen. Thomas J. “Stone-wall” Jackson, who came here in November 1861. His stay was short-lived, however. Disturbed by throngs eager to meet the celebrated “Stonewall,” he moved days later to the privacy of the Lewis T. Moore house (now the Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum). Cavalry commander Turner Ashby, “the Black Knight of the Confederacy,” received his promotion to brigadier general here on May 27, 1862—just 10 days before he was killed near Harrisonburg. He is buried at Stonewall Cemetery a few blocks east. The hotel also served as a soldiers' hospital for both sides. In May 1863, Union Gen. Robert Milroy ordered repairs “to fix the damage done to the ‘Taylor Hotel’ … by the troops of this Division, resulting from its use as a hospital.” Winchester diarist Mary Greenhow Lee wrote on July 25, 1863, “The sick & wounded Yankees, left at Taylor's Hotel, are without guard.” After the Third Battle of Winchester on September 19, 1864, Northern illustrator James E. Taylor wrote, “A yellow [General Hospital] flag fastened to one of the pillars and railing of the hotel porch proclaimed [its] present use. … I found every available space packed with Confederate wounded conveyed from the battlefield, fortunate indeed, to find such excellent quarters.”
Chattanooga Marriott Downtown Several years ago, my wife and I stayed at this hotel. When they learned it was our five year anniversary, they upgraded us to a nicer room, the top left corner, just below the M in Marriott. (Here's the view!) This view is taken from the US27 (formerly I-124) freeway (while my wife was driving).
Merchant's Hotel - Campbellsville, KY en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Tower Merchant Tower (formerly known as Merchant's Hotel) is a historic structure in Campbellsville, KY. Built in 1910, it is listed as Merchant's Hotel on the National Register of Historic Places and is a part of the Campbellsville Historic Commercial District. It is a three-story building built as a hotel, which later served as a rooming house.
Siesta Motor Inn neon sign - Titusville, FL Located along US1
Pine Cove Motel - Nashville, TN Here's an old neon sign for the long gone Pine Cove Motel. I'm not sure what business is there right now, but it's not a motel. There's a tiny bit of neon tubing left hanging on to the E in Motel. This is located on Clarksville Pike (US41A) about 2-3 miles north of Briley Parkway and 2-3 miles south of Old Hickory Blvd.
JW Marriott - Indianapolis In the week leading up to the 2018 Indianapolis 500, I attended a business conference at the JW Marriott.
Thunderbird Inn neon sign - Savannah, GA It's one thing to stay open as a vintage mom 'n pop motel in a world of hotel chains. The people here take a step much further and fully embrace their retro nature. www.thethunderbirdinn.com/
Pine Motel neon sign - Indianapolis This motel, still in business, is located along highway US40 on the east side of Indianapolis. There are so many holes for neon tubes that this sign must have been great back in the day. Looking at Google street view, it used to day "Air Conditioned" in the space between Pine and Motel. That was painted over in green between 2009-13. (For the resident's sake, I hope they still have AC." Instead, "Free WIFI" was added. Yet, this part was painted over with un-matching black paint in 2019.
Jonesville Motor Lodge Located along Main St. (US58) in Jonesville, VA.
Jaeckel Hotel - Statesboro, GA From Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaeckel_Hotel The Jaeckel Hotel is a historic hotel in Statesboro, Georgia that is now being used as Statesboro City Hall. It is located at 50 East Main Street. The hotel was built in 1905 and it is three stories tall built of terra cotta block with brick veneer. The building faces Main Street, where it has a Neoclassical porch. The building was renovated sometime after 1939 when the columns were removed and shortened and the capitals were removed. The interior is details in Neoclassical style. The ceilings are pressed tin. In 1935 a three-story addition was added in the back. An elevator was added in 1939. The hotel served as the center of local social life in the early part of the 20th century. William Jennings Bryan, Cornelius Vanderbilt and Henry Ford stayed at the hotel. An adjacent small lot was acquired in 1910; on the rear of it a "Drummers' Building" was built of brick. It had three display rooms used by traveling salesmen ("drummers") who could stay at the hotel and store and sell their merchandise there. The merchants arrived by roadway or by the railroad. The sidewalk in front of the hotel and the Drummers' Building is the only surviving section of hexagonal block sidewalk, from approximately the turn of the 20th century, that remains in the city. The property, including Drummers' Building and sidewalk, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 17, 1982, as "Jaeckel Hotel". The building is now the Statesboro City Hall. In 2016, the City Council had its twice-monthly meetings in the City Council Room on the second floor of the building. Also meeting there, on a monthly basis, were two committees, the Statesboro Planning Commission and the city's Alcohol Control Board. At least two committees, the Statesboro Beautification Commission and the Tree Committee, held their regular monthly meetings in the Drummers' Building.
The Fitzpatrick Hotel (Maybe haunted) Front Desk - Washington, GA The Fitzpatrick Hotel on the Washington, GA town square dates back to 1898. It closed in the 1950s but reopened in 2004 after thorough refurbishment. The National Register of Historic Places property features Queen Anne architecture style with fantastic details inside and out. My wife and I loved the look of it and decided to spend the night here on a whim. After we got settled in, a family member write to tell me it is haunted. I had an opportunity to walk around and explore and photograph much of the building. I turned these photos into a narrated slideshow which you can view on Youtube here: youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok If you just wanted to see photos without narration: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/G... In the Narration, I tell the story of how we decided to stay here, what's different because of Social distancing, and how I learned it was haunted. I tell the popular ghost legends associated with the hotel. Then I show off our room 100 and the experience of staying here. Finally, I show off building details outside and in.
The Fitzpatrick Hotel (Maybe haunted) - Washington, GA The Fitzpatrick Hotel on the Washington, GA town square dates back to 1898. It closed in the 1950s but reopened in 2004 after thorough refurbishment. The National Register of Historic Places property features Queen Anne architecture style with fantastic details inside and out. My wife and I loved the look of it and decided to spend the night here on a whim. After we got settled in, a family member write to tell me it is haunted. I had an opportunity to walk around and explore and photograph much of the building. I turned these photos into a narrated slideshow which you can view on Youtube here: youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok If you just wanted to see photos without narration: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/G... In the Narration, I tell the story of how we decided to stay here, what's different because of Social distancing, and how I learned it was haunted. I tell the popular ghost legends associated with the hotel. Then I show off our room 100 and the experience of staying here. Finally, I show off building details outside and in.
The Fitzpatrick Hotel at Dusk(Maybe haunted) - Washington, GA The Fitzpatrick Hotel on the Washington, GA town square dates back to 1898. It closed in the 1950s but reopened in 2004 after thorough refurbishment. The National Register of Historic Places property features Queen Anne architecture style with fantastic details inside and out. My wife and I loved the look of it and decided to spend the night here on a whim. After we got settled in, a family member write to tell me it is haunted. I had an opportunity to walk around and explore and photograph much of the building. I turned these photos into a narrated slideshow which you can view on Youtube here: youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok If you just wanted to see photos without narration: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/G... In the Narration, I tell the story of how we decided to stay here, what's different because of Social distancing, and how I learned it was haunted. I tell the popular ghost legends associated with the hotel. Then I show off our room 100 and the experience of staying here. Finally, I show off building details outside and in.
Hotel E.F. Young Jr. neon sign entrance- Meridian, MS From Wikipedia: As the city grew, African Americans developed a small business district slightly west of the city's core, around the intersection of 25th Avenue with 4th and 5th streets. Black travelers often visited this area when coming to the city, as they were prevented by racial segregation laws from using most other public facilities. Black-owned businesses included a hotel, two restaurants, and a movie theater. Many businesses were started in this area, including one owned by E. F. Young, Jr., a local barber and taxi driver. Young opened a hotel and barber shop in 1931, and he also began selling hair care products made especially for African Americans. Some products he made himself. Eventually Young's operations included a beauty shop, two barber shops, a shoe shine parlor, and a manufacturing shop for the personal products. While operating the barber shops out of the hotel, Young sold customers some hair care products he made in his own kitchen. Demand became so great that he opened a manufacturing company in 1933. The hotel also prospered, as it was one of the only hotels in the city to serve black travelers. The company did so well that by the end of World War II, Young's hair products were sold at locations around the state, including a pharmacy in Clarksdale and a barber shop in Cleveland. Later, he opened a second manufacturing site for his products in Chicago, a major destination in the 20th-century Great Migration for many African Americans from Mississippi. After Young died in 1950, his wife Velma took over the business. In 1969 their son Charles became president. In 1985, Charles Young moved the business offices from the Young Hotel to a new building. By then he had expanded markets for the manufactured products to Canada and the Caribbean islands. In 2007, the Young Hotel was listed as a contributing property to the Meridian Downtown Historic District. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotels_in_Meridian,_Mississippi
Hotel E.F. Young & Young's Barber & Beauty Shop - Meridian, MS From Wikipedia: As the city grew, African Americans developed a small business district slightly west of the city's core, around the intersection of 25th Avenue with 4th and 5th streets. Black travelers often visited this area when coming to the city, as they were prevented by racial segregation laws from using most other public facilities. Black-owned businesses included a hotel, two restaurants, and a movie theater. Many businesses were started in this area, including one owned by E. F. Young, Jr., a local barber and taxi driver. Young opened a hotel and barber shop in 1931, and he also began selling hair care products made especially for African Americans. Some products he made himself. Eventually Young's operations included a beauty shop, two barber shops, a shoe shine parlor, and a manufacturing shop for the personal products. While operating the barber shops out of the hotel, Young sold customers some hair care products he made in his own kitchen. Demand became so great that he opened a manufacturing company in 1933. The hotel also prospered, as it was one of the only hotels in the city to serve black travelers. The company did so well that by the end of World War II, Young's hair products were sold at locations around the state, including a pharmacy in Clarksdale and a barber shop in Cleveland. Later, he opened a second manufacturing site for his products in Chicago, a major destination in the 20th-century Great Migration for many African Americans from Mississippi. After Young died in 1950, his wife Velma took over the business. In 1969 their son Charles became president. In 1985, Charles Young moved the business offices from the Young Hotel to a new building. By then he had expanded markets for the manufactured products to Canada and the Caribbean islands. In 2007, the Young Hotel was listed as a contributing property to the Meridian Downtown Historic District. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotels_in_Meridian,_Mississippi
Thunderbird Inn retro phone - Savannah, GA I love this retro design element which was a nice touch for a room decoration. The rotary part is just for looks, the number is dialed via push buttons. The Thunderbird Inn in Savannah is a retro hotel with many features which remind you what a hotel stay was like in the 1960s. The hotel still has it's original neon sign and exterior, and the rooms feature throwback lighting and furnishings. My wife and I recently had a chance to spend the night. If you'd like to see more pictures of the motel, or see what it's like to spend the night here, check out this Youtube video: youtu.be/FaEBemQOI2Q Visit my website at: seemidtn.com/ See all of the pictures in this gallery at: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/Ge... Here are my Savannah photos: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=94502827@N00&text=sava... GA&view_all=1 My photos from all over Georgia: seemidtn.com/flogr/index.php?type=sets&setId=72157622... Slideshow of the haunted Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, GA youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok
Thunderbird Inn exterior in the morning - Savannah, GA The Thunderbird Inn in Savannah is a retro hotel with many features which remind you what a hotel stay was like in the 1960s. The hotel still has it's original neon sign and exterior, and the rooms feature throwback lighting and furnishings. My wife and I recently had a chance to spend the night. If you'd like to see more pictures of the motel, or see what it's like to spend the night here, check out this Youtube video: youtu.be/FaEBemQOI2Q Visit my website at: seemidtn.com/ See all of the pictures in this gallery at: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/Ge... Here are my Savannah photos: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=94502827@N00&text=sava... GA&view_all=1 My photos from all over Georgia: seemidtn.com/flogr/index.php?type=sets&setId=72157622... Slideshow of the haunted Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, GA youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok
Thunderbird Inn Sign and Lobby - Savannah, GA The Thunderbird Inn in Savannah is a retro hotel with many features which remind you what a hotel stay was like in the 1960s. The hotel still has it's original neon sign and exterior, and the rooms feature throwback lighting and furnishings. My wife and I recently had a chance to spend the night. If you'd like to see more pictures of the motel, or see what it's like to spend the night here, check out this Youtube video: youtu.be/FaEBemQOI2Q Visit my website at: seemidtn.com/ See all of the pictures in this gallery at: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/Ge... Here are my Savannah photos: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=94502827@N00&text=sava... GA&view_all=1 My photos from all over Georgia: seemidtn.com/flogr/index.php?type=sets&setId=72157622... Slideshow of the haunted Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, GA youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok
Thunderbird Inn window reflection - Savannah, GA The aluminum blinds are left open for vacant rooms. I like the way the light inside the room works with the reflection of the neon sign. Since it is a reflection, I reversed the image so we can read it. The Thunderbird Inn in Savannah is a retro hotel with many features which remind you what a hotel stay was like in the 1960s. The hotel still has it's original neon sign and exterior, and the rooms feature throwback lighting and furnishings. My wife and I recently had a chance to spend the night. If you'd like to see more pictures of the motel, or see what it's like to spend the night here, check out this Youtube video: youtu.be/FaEBemQOI2Q Visit my website at: seemidtn.com/ See all of the pictures in this gallery at: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/Ge... Here are my Savannah photos: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=94502827@N00&text=sava... GA&view_all=1 My photos from all over Georgia: seemidtn.com/flogr/index.php?type=sets&setId=72157622... Slideshow of the haunted Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, GA youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok
Thunderbird Inn 2nd Floor - Savannah, GA The Thunderbird Inn in Savannah is a retro hotel with many features which remind you what a hotel stay was like in the 1960s. The hotel still has it's original neon sign and exterior, and the rooms feature throwback lighting and furnishings. My wife and I recently had a chance to spend the night. If you'd like to see more pictures of the motel, or see what it's like to spend the night here, check out this Youtube video: youtu.be/FaEBemQOI2Q Visit my website at: seemidtn.com/ See all of the pictures in this gallery at: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/Ge... Here are my Savannah photos: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=94502827@N00&text=sava... GA&view_all=1 My photos from all over Georgia: seemidtn.com/flogr/index.php?type=sets&setId=72157622... Slideshow of the haunted Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, GA youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok
Thunderbird Inn postcard mural - Savannah, GA This mural was made in the design of old photo letter postcards: In each letter, we have: S: Tree-lined drive to Wormsloe Plantation A: Gold-domed City Hall V: William Jasper Monument at Madison Square AN: Forsyth Park Fountain N: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist A: William Gordon Monument at Wright Square H: Cotton Exchange. The Thunderbird Inn in Savannah is a retro hotel with many features which remind you what a hotel stay was like in the 1960s. The hotel still has it's original neon sign and exterior, and the rooms feature throwback lighting and furnishings. My wife and I recently had a chance to spend the night. If you'd like to see more pictures of the motel, or see what it's like to spend the night here, check out this Youtube video: youtu.be/FaEBemQOI2Q Visit my website at: seemidtn.com/ See all of the pictures in this gallery at: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/Ge... Here are my Savannah photos: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=94502827@N00&text=sava... GA&view_all=1 My photos from all over Georgia: seemidtn.com/flogr/index.php?type=sets&setId=72157622... Slideshow of the haunted Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, GA youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok
Thunderbird Inn neon sign at dusk - Savannah, GA The Thunderbird Inn in Savannah is a retro hotel with many features which remind you what a hotel stay was like in the 1960s. The hotel still has it's original neon sign and exterior, and the rooms feature throwback lighting and furnishings. My wife and I recently had a chance to spend the night. If you'd like to see more pictures of the motel, or see what it's like to spend the night here, check out this Youtube video: youtu.be/FaEBemQOI2Q Visit my website at: seemidtn.com/ See all of the pictures in this gallery at: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/Ge... Here are my Savannah photos: www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=94502827@N00&text=sava... GA&view_all=1 My photos from all over Georgia: seemidtn.com/flogr/index.php?type=sets&setId=72157622... Slideshow of the haunted Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, GA youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok
Hotel Chisca ghost sign The Hotel Chisca was built in downtown Memphis in 1913. 100 years later when I took this photo in 2013, I believe the historic Hotel Chisca was vacant. We had a ghost painted sign and an empty scaffolding sign. Since then, it has been redeveloped into the Stay Alfred at Chisca. Since then, the sign has been repainted. When I look at Google Street View from 2018, the scaffolding said LYFE Kitchen, but it appears that restaurant is now out of business. From 1949-56, the hotel was the home of the radio program "Red, Hot and Blue" on WHBQ. This was notable as Dewey Phillips was the first to broadcast an Elvis record on July 7, 1954. Later, Elvis's first radio interview was conducted here. When the hotel closed in 1971, it was acquired to be the headquarters of the Church of God in Christ denomination. They abandoned the building in the late 1990s.
Wishing Well Motel - Whiteland, IN This motel is still in business and is located along highway US31 south of Indianapolis.
Restored wall ads - Meridian, MS This restored wall mural is located in Meridian, MS along First St. at the Union Hotel building. Union Hotel was a railroad hotel serving passengers of the train station across the street. Who remembers when hotels cost $1? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think European means amenities such as meals are not included in the price. The mural also features Uneeda Biscuit from National Biscuit Company (which became Nabisco.) Also featured is Wrigley's Spearmint Pepsin Gum When I look on Google Street View, the ads were restored before 2008, but Visit Meridian was added circa 2017.
Angus Motel neon sign - Washington, GA This vintage motel sign is in Washington, GA along Business US78 on the east side of town.
St. James Hotel - Selma, AL This 1837 hotel reopened in 2020 before this photo was taken. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Water Avenue Historic District. Here is a history: www.historic-hotels-lodges.com/2018/05/the-saint-james-ho... Highlights from the article: The first Black man to serve in the U.S. Congress, Benjamin Sterling Turner, was previously the manager of this hotel. In the 1880s when the hotel was not considered as fancy, Jesse James stayed here. According to legend, he had a mistress here named Lucinda who haunts this hotel today. Missing or damaged shutters on the top floor was caused by Hurricane Katrina.
SkyVu Motel neon sign This sign is on display at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. According to their display: The early 1950s porcelain enamel neon sign originally identified a Kansas City are motel along Highway U.S. 40. It is a "transition sign" from the standpoint that it bridges the neon and the plastic eras as is evident in the plastic sun/moon and cloud formation, which are internally illuminated with neon.
Colonel House Motel neon sign - Owensboro, KY Located along Triplett St. which used to be US231.
Tazewell Motor Lodge The Tazewell Motor Lodge is located half a mile north of the middle of town along the Old Dixie Highway which is now US Highway 25E.
The Fitzpatrick Hotel (Maybe haunted) Staircase - Washington, GA The Fitzpatrick Hotel on the Washington, GA town square dates back to 1898. It closed in the 1950s but reopened in 2004 after thorough refurbishment. The National Register of Historic Places property features Queen Anne architecture style with fantastic details inside and out. My wife and I loved the look of it and decided to spend the night here on a whim. After we got settled in, a family member write to tell me it is haunted. I had an opportunity to walk around and explore and photograph much of the building. I turned these photos into a narrated slideshow which you can view on Youtube here: youtu.be/ifmUWKl0zok If you just wanted to see photos without narration: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=Outside_Tennessee/G... In the Narration, I tell the story of how we decided to stay here, what's different because of Social distancing, and how I learned it was haunted. I tell the popular ghost legends associated with the hotel. Then I show off our room 100 and the experience of staying here. Finally, I show off building details outside and in.
Town Motel - Sneedville, TN This motel is located along Main St. (TN33) across from the Hancock County Courthouse. However, I think the motel is now closed as the first floor is now a clothing store.
New neon Magnolia Pegasus - Dallas, TX My dad once told me how as a child growing up in Dallas in the 50's, he could see this neon Pegasus illuminating the skyline. It was rotating atop the tallest building in town. Mobil Oil owned that building for their headquarters and they used the winged horse Pegasus as their logo. Originally, the building was owned by the Magnolia Petroleum Company and the Pegasus was erected in 1934. After a merger with Mobil, they kept the Mobil name and the Magnolia Pegasus. Over the years, the Pegasus became a symbol for the city of Dallas. Eventually Mobil moved out of the building, and in 1999 it became the Magnolia Hotel. By that point, the sign already had severe mechanical problems. in 1999, it was taken down for repair, but they found it's problems too extensive for a quick repair. In its place, a new Pegasus was placed atop the Hotel, and was first illuminated at midnight of the new millennium. Fast forward to 2015, the original Pegasus underwent a complete restoration. It can now be seen atop a replica oil derrick in front of the Omni Hotel downtown. For the full story: interactives.dallasnews.com/2015/pegasus/
Trade Winds Motel - Grand Prairie, TX This motel with vintage sign is located along highway TX180 (old US80), the old highway which connects Dallas and Fort Worth. There are several old motels and neon signs along the route. I think I saw three with palm trees, although I don't really associate those with this part of the state. Most of Grand Prairie is in Dallas County, but this motel is located in the small portion on the Tarrant County side.
Union Hotel neon sign - Meridian, MS Here is the well-worn neon sign for Meridian's historic railroad hotel, which is two blocks from the passenger depot. The hotel opened ca. 1908 and is part of the Meridian Downtown Historic District. The hotel closed in 1973 but is not used as urban apartments.
Russell Street Church of Christ - Nashville The Russell Street Church of Christ is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Edgefield Historic District. Originally when constructed in 1904 it was a Cumberland Presbyterian church. Today, the building has been converted into a boutique hotel called "The Russell." Below, I have it's information from the NRHP nominating form. npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/c496c045-2ef5-4f6b-8726-ce24c6... (on Page 5) The Russell Street Church of Christ is Richardsonian Romanesque in style. Most of its door and window openings feature round-arches, with a few having lintels. This building has two towers rather than three, both on the Russell Street side. As with the Baptist Church, the taller tower is at the right-hand corner. Both are topped by octagonal spires and have a single entrance at the base. Stained glass in the lunettes above the doors spell out "Faith, Hope and Charity" over the left door and "Jehovah — is in His Holy Temple" over the right. The large rose windows at each street façade also are filled with stained glass of fine quality. Decorative bands of stone run around the building at different levels forming the imposts from which spring the arches over the several doors and the arches of the large rose windows as well as forming lintels for smaller rectangular windows. Contrasting stone is also used in the apex of the two street façade gables, to cap buttresses on the taller tower, and to form decorative oversize keystones for many of the arched openings. The description mentions two towers, but the taller one which would have been atop the closest corner was destroyed in the April 16, 1998 Tornado. "Jehovah is in his Holy Temple" has been replaced above the front door with the street address number of 819. At the last step before the front door, they have painted "Welcome Friends" and a fence in the back has a floral message of "You Belong."
Hotel Grim - Texarkana, TX With a name like Hotel Grim, this sounds like the perfect place to stay for Halloween. Rumor has it that it really was one of the most haunted hotels in the state. This hotel opened in 1925 on the Texas side of Texarkana, just a stones throw from the state line. It is named after William Rhodes Grim who was a prominent local businessman. At the time, it was an opulent destination with marble floors and stone walls. However, they closed in 1990 and 30 years of neglect gave it a truly Grim outlook. However, the building has been recently restored and turned into apartments. loftsatthegrim.com/
Ashley Motel - Plainfield, IN Old neon sign for a motel which is still open. It's located along US40 about 3 miles west of the Indianapolis airport.
67 Motel - Worthington, IN This motel is now permanently closed and the neon tubes are long gone. This is along Indiana Highway 67 (also US231) on the south side of Worthington. On the left of the current 67, there's an old visible 6. When I look on Google Street View in 2008, this was pained as "67 INN" with MOTEL painted over a green background. The current look was between then and 2012.
Grand Victorian Inn - Park City, KY The Grand Victorian Inn is a former Railroad Hotel located in Park City. I drove through here while tracing the old Dixie Highway over a decade ago. At the time, the place was in disrepair. Thankfully, new owners bought the place and lovingly restored it since then. While I was here, I happened to meet the owners and they recounted the story of how much work was required to turn it back into a functioning Inn. I stopped by because I was passing through and I heard they had a good reviewed restaurant inside. As it turns out, the cook decided to quit with no notice in March and the owners decided to permanently close the restaurant, although they noted they will still provide breakfast for the overnight patrons. Here's the listing from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renfro_Hotel The Renfro Hotel, located on S. Dixie Ave. in Park City, Kentucky, was built in 1903. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is a brick and wood building built by Schyler Renfro, the owner. It became the Fishback Hotel in 1928 and in 1940 it became a school for boys
Union Station (2022) - Nashville, TN en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_(Nashville)
Avon Motel neon sign - Afton, OK this is the rusty and crusty neon sign for the Avon Motel on the west side of Afton, OK along Route 66. Originally, there were seven units but only 3 remain and carports were between each unit. They originally opened in 1936, and remained in business for over four decades; likewise, they have been closed for half a century.
Abandoned Route 66 Motel - Afton, OK At one time, this place was the Avon Motel on the west side of Afton, OK along Route 66. While it is desolate today, the walls were built to last. Originally, there were seven units but only 3 remain and carports were between each unit. They originally opened in 1936, and remained in business for over four decades; likewise, they have been closed for half a century.
Ranger Motel - El Reno, OK Seen along Route 66, the Ranger Motel is on the Southeast Side of El Reno.
Lincoln Motel - Chandler, OK Lincoln Motel is a vintage motel along Route 66 in Chandler. This is also in Lincoln County, named for President Lincoln. Standalone rooms aren't really seen any more, although these are each dual units which would make them small by today's standards.
Lincoln Motel neon sign - Chandler, OK Lincoln Motel is a vintage motel along Route 66 in Chandler. This is also in Lincoln County, named for President Lincoln.
Chelsea Motel neon sign - Chelsea, OK The Chelsea Motel is located at an intersection of two different alignments of Route 66 in Chelsea, OK. One interesting touch of this sign is the wavy neon arrow at the top. When I check Google Street View, the red on this sign was painted between 2016 and 2018. The blue arrow at the bottom used to be a sign pointing to the office. On the area which says No Vacancy, the other side had a sign advertising showers. As for the motel itself, I wonder if someone attempted to renovate this place. during the same time, someone at least repainted the exterior, although it's a long way from being rentable. Still, someone might live here or the house behind it as often the street view shows a couple of cars here and the grass is usually mowed.
Mineral Springs Hotel - Paoli, IN This 1896 Hotel on the Paoli town square is part of the Paoli Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is the text from the nominating form: Mineral Springs Hotel, 168 S. Court Street, 1895. One of the outstanding buildings in the historic district, the hotel is a three-story, brick structure. There is a recessed, gable roofed center section flanked by twin, hipped roofed towers. In the recess between the towers, there is a porch on the first story and balconies on the upper stories. Windows in the center section are double hung, wood. On the third floor, windows have round arched openings. There are oriel windows on the second story of the towers. The storefront on the east tower is intact. The storefront of the other tower has been altered, and the central entry doors replaced. An historic photograph shows that there were modillions under the eaves of the towers. These are now gone. Generally, however, the building has a good degree of integrity. A group of local businessmen, including Amos Stout, John Mans, S.R. Know, Charles Boyd, and J.P. Throop, built this hotel in an effort to promote local tourism. The hotel also served as a center of local cultural and recreational life. It had an Opera House in the lobby and a bowling alley and pool room in the basement. The hotel had 80 rooms, and continued to operate until 1958
Classen Inn Superette - Oklahoma City Classen Inn appears to be a 1960s Motel in Oklahoma City which was renovated in 2020 to become a trendy retro stay. Looking at Google Street view: www.google.com/maps/@35.4760687,-97.5285964,3a,46y,25.53h... This sign has undergone some changes over the last 15 years. Back then, the pink part of the sign was dark red and the rectangle was blank. By 2011m much of it was dark red and MOTEL was added to the rectangle. The motel advertised new owners and low rates. In 2020 the motel was under renovation and the sign was temporarily removed. By 2021, it was made to look like this. The tubing for Vacancy must be beyond repair. This motel is located on Classen Blvd. in Oklahoma City. I would have considered staying here if I knew about it before my trip.
Rest Haven Motel - Afton, OK Here's the rusty neon sign for the Abandoned Rest Haven Motel along Route 66 in Afton, OK. The letters spelling Rest Haven at the top are a little easier to read on the other side, while almost all the neon tubing is missing. Route 66 through town is also still highway US60.
Will Rogers Motor Court - Tulsa, OK Will Rogers Motor Court is one of several neon signs at Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa, OK. This park is located at the Southwestern end of the 11th Street Bridge. This was historically the bridge which carried Route 66 over the Arkansas River near downtown Tulsa. This bridge was bypassed and closed in 1980, but preserved for its Route 66 history. The park contains three motel neon signs: Will Rogers Motor Court, Oil Capital Motel, Tulsa Auto Court. Each of these were prominent motels along Route 66 in the Tulsa area. Sadly, the original neon signs no longer exist, and these are replicas. They do light up at night. There is no parking here, so your best bet is to park in the lot a block east of Cyrus Avery Plaza, and walk across the replacement bridge here. There is a marker about the motel, which reads: Will Rogers Motor Court 5737 East 11th Street Paul and Dora Johnson purchased the Motel in the mid 1940s, a few years after it was built. Their son, Paul Jr., started managing the property in 1947. The iconic neon sign was built 4 year later. That shining beacon, coupled with awards from AAA and Duncan Hines, attracted leisure travelers from all over. The motel had 36 rooms with all of the amenities. A swimming pool was added in 1958 along with several more rooms to handle the increased traffic. The office switchboard was not only connected to each room, but also McCollum's Restaurant next door. The local diner provided room service for their guests. After the bypass was completed, business dwindled. The Johnson family sold the motel in 1977, after which it was used for storage. Sadly, it was demolished a few years later.
Omni Severin Hotel The original front of this hotel in on the left in this picture. The modern entrance faces the old train station. This hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Indianapolis Union Station-Wholesale District en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omni_Severin_Hotel The Omni Severin Hotel is a historic hotel, opened in 1913. It is a contributing property in the Indianapolis Union Station Wholesale District historic district. The hotel is located directly across Jackson Place from the Union Station head house. It is a member of Historic Hotels of America, an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. History The Hotel Severin was constructed by Henry Severin Jr., with help from Indianapolis Motor Speedway founders Carl G. Fisher and James A. Allison. It was built on the site of the earlier Grand Hotel, which opened in 1876 and burned down in 1905. The first event at the hotel, the Christamore Settlement Ball, was held on August 22, 1913. The Hotel Severin received its first registered guest the next day, Indiana Congressman James Eli Watson. The Severin was bought by Warren M. Atkinson in 1966. He renovated it, at a cost of $2.5 million, and renamed it The Atkinson of Indianapolis. Mansur Development Corporation bought the Atkinson in July 1988. The hotel underwent a $40 million restoration and expansion, which added two wings to the back of the original 1913 building, forming a U-shaped structure. The hotel's entrance was moved to the rear, where a new lobby was constructed. The 424-room hotel reopened on February 3, 1990 managed by Omni Hotels, as the Omni Severin Hotel. Ten years later, Mansur sold the Severin to Omni Hotels. The hotel retains many original 1913 elements. The Severin Ballroom Lobby is the lobby of the original hotel, and its immense Austrian crystal chandelier, marble staircase and other fittings are all original. The original mailbox still serves the hotel. The large antique dressers on each elevator landing were originally in the guest rooms. The Omni Severin is the oldest and longest operating hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
Loveless Cafe Neon Sign - Nashville, TN This southwest Nashville restaurant is a local landmark and this day was my first visit in 16 years. Their brochure used to mention Weatherman Willard Scott's claim they have the best biscuits in the world. The Motel has been closed for a long time and is used for retail shops instead. They now have a historic marker: In 1951, Lon and Annie Loveless began serving fried chicken, biscuits and jams at picnic tables to hungry travelers from Highway 100, then the main road between Nashville and Memphis. They soon converted their 4-room home into a restaurant, added the 14-room Loveless Motel, a smokehouse and the iconic neon sign. Known for scratch-made Southern meals using recipes passed down by Lon and Annie, The Loveless Café remains a staple that welcomes over half a million guests each year.
The Stag Motel neon sign If you wonder why this photo looks funny, the sign was laying on its side and I rotated the picture to make the sign look upright. It was located outside the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. After a brief internet search, this appears to originally have been in Beaver, Utah - halfway between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. They must have catered to deer hunters since there is part of a deer head in the top left corner and there was a large deer herd in the area. I like how the background of MOTEL looks like a wood grain, as if it was a hunting lodge. The best for less
Skyliner Motel - Route 66 - Stroud, OK No Vacancy
Christmas at the Chattanooga Choo Choo The historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, the former train station which is now a hotel, has now setup their 2022 Christmas Tree. It is located in the middle of the most prominent building, the Grand Terminal. The tree is directly underneath the large dome, so this view is only possible with a wide angle lens.
Western Motel on Route 66 This vintage motel with neon sign are in Bethany, OK - a suburb to the west of Oklahoma City
Kool Breeze Motel - Dallas, TX This mom and pop motel is located in Dallas along the old highway to Irving (TX356). I saw a photo of this neon sign from 15 years ago where the background was red instead of blue. While I was in Dallas, I saw a nice lithograph of a montage of many neon signs in town. This was the only one I'd found which I had photographed. Thus, I wonder if this sign is considered iconic locally, or if it was randomly chosen.
Desert Hills Motel neon sign - Tulsa, OK My Wife and I stayed at this vintage Route 66 Motel on our road trip last summer. The pros of staying here: This fantastic vintage sign. The Motel has retained some vintage features of a high end motel from back in the day - the walls facing the parking lot are zig-zagged or accordion-style for a memorable look. The bathroom had heated floors, which was very nice. The room itself was practically a museum - our room had a vintage black-and-white TV, a rotary telephone and typewriter. There were also modern amenities like a modern flat screen TV and a mini-fridge of retro design. The owner was nice. I asked if he sold post cards and he gave me one for free. the con of staying here: It's in a questionable neighborhood, and priced cheaper than the dependable chain motels. Thus the clientele was a mix of tourists and riff raff. The young couple in the next room drove a 60's station wagon, but there was a guy across the way who was yelling and cussing at me while I took this sign. Despite that, I'm glad I stayed here.
El Rancho Motel @ American Sign Museum This neon sign is located outside the entrance to the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. It's complete with a neon cactus and Pete. This motel opened in Desoto, KS in the 1950s but closed in the 1980s.
Warren Hotel - Indianapolis Today, this is Le Meridian. It is part of the Union Station Wholesale District on the National Register of Historic Places. Here's the paragraph on this hotel from ca. 1979: The last hotel built on Illinois Street before the Depression was the Warren Hotel (1928-29; Bennett Kay of Indianapolis, architect). Built by Samuel and Julius Falender, two junk dealers, and Otto Meyer, a banker, the hotel originally carried the name Hotel Lockerbie, for reasons unknown. In the 1930*s, Glenn F. Warren, a successful hotel operator of the city, took over the ailing Lockerbie and reopened it carrying his name. As the passenger trains decreased in number, the clientele of the Warren likewise decreased, forcing the hotel to close in the mid-1970's.
The James Robertson Hotel - Nashville, TN Today, this is known as the Hyatt Holston House. When it was built in 1929, The James Robertson was a nice downtown Nashville hotel with 300 rooms and 25 suites. For decades, it had been an Affordable Housing apartment complex until it was sold to new owners in 2015.
Oil Capital Motel - Tulsa Oil Capital Motel is one of several neon signs at Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa, OK. This park is located at the Southwestern end of the 11th Street Bridge. This was historically the bridge which carried Route 66 over the Arkansas River near downtown Tulsa. This bridge was bypassed and closed in 1980, but preserved for its Route 66 history. The park contains three motel neon signs: Will Rogers Motor Court, Oil Capital Motel, Tulsa Auto Court. Each of these were prominent motels along Route 66 in the Tulsa area. Sadly, the original neon signs no longer exist, and these are replicas. They do light up at night. There is no parking here, so your best bet is to park in the lot a block east of Cyrus Avery Plaza, and walk across the replacement bridge here. There is a marker about the motel, which reads: Oil Capital Motel 802 West Skelly Drive Robert and Bette Saxby opened the Oil Capital Motel in 1958, one year before the road was designated as the US 66 Bypass. The exterior was made of cedar and each of the 24 rooms were filled with cowboy-style oak furniture. The oil derrick and pumpjack out front were donated by Bethlehem Steel and lit at night; this unique feature along with the large neon sign made it easy to remember for traveling salesmen that came through regularly. The on-site swimming pool and the Bellaire Drive-In across the street also contributed to the motel's popularity. The Saxbys, along with business partners John and Earl Lewis, sold the property in 1962 to Lee and Oleta Vaughan. It remained the Oil Capital Motel until 1994.
Temperance Hall Hotel Temperance Hall is a small community in Southern DeKalb County. The community hotel from the mid 1800s predates the name of the town. Several local pro-temperance activists held meetings in the building's large upper chamber, thus the room became Temperance Hall. Eventually, the locals decide to adopt this as the town's name. Today, it is a private residence.
Oasis Motel - Route 66 - Tulsa, OK I wish I had a chance to see this one before dusk. It is located along the 11th St. alignment or Route 66 through Tulsa.
Hotel New Yorker - Miami Modern District Here is an explanation of MiMo from Wikipedia: Miami Modernist architecture, or MiMo, is a regional style of architecture that developed in South Florida during the post-war period. The style was internationally recognized as a regionalist response to the International Style. It can be seen in most of the larger Miami and Miami Beach resorts built after the Great Depression. Because MiMo styling was not just a response to international architectural movements but also to client demands, themes of glamour, fun, and material excess were added to otherwise stark, minimalist, and efficient styles of the era. The style can be most observed today in Middle and Upper Miami Beach along Collins Avenue, as well as along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor starting from around Midtown, through the Design District and into the Upper Eastside. Today, the area along Biscayne Boulevard is the designated MiMo Architecture Biscayne Boulevard Historic District or also known as "MiMo on BiBo", for "Miami Modern on Biscayne Boulevard". MiMo Historic District runs roughly from 50th Street to 77th Street along Biscayne Boulevard, although MiMo can be found heavily in the Miami Design District and Midtown. Many annual festivals are held to promote MiMo architecture, such as "Cinco de MiMo" a play on "Cinco de Mayo" in early May. Biscayne Boulevard throughout the Upper East Side fell to urban decay after the 1980s, and experienced increased crime, prostitution and drug dealings. In the 2000s, preservation efforts began to bring development interest into the neighborhood, and Biscayne Boulevard began to improve. Today, the boulevard is in a fast upwards transition along with many other nearby neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood and Edgewater, with strong preservation efforts to preserve the MiMo architecture.
Tulsa Auto Court Tulsa Auto Court is one of several neon signs at Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa, OK. When it lights up at night, there are green neon tubes above and below both Tulsa and Court. All of the words and outline of the car are white tubes. This park is located at the Southwestern end of the 11th Street Bridge. This was historically the bridge which carried Route 66 over the Arkansas River near downtown Tulsa. This bridge was bypassed and closed in 1980, but preserved for its Route 66 history. The park contains three motel neon signs: Will Rogers Motor Court, Oil Capital Motel, Tulsa Auto Court. Each of these were prominent motels along Route 66 in the Tulsa area. Sadly, the original neon signs no longer exist, and these are replicas. They do light up at night. There is no parking here, so your best bet is to park in the lot a block east of Cyrus Avery Plaza, and walk across the replacement bridge here. There is a marker about the motel, which reads: Tulsa Auto Court 8833 East Admiral Place When Route 66 was originally established in 1926, it came into Tulsa from the east on 11th Street but turned north on Mingo road for one mile and continues into town on Federal Drive (now Admiral Place). Although the Tulsa Auto Court was established in the 1950s-long after highway 66 was re-aligned to take 11th Street all the way into downtown-it joined a host of other automobile-and-traveler related businesses that were established during those early Mother Road years. The neon sign out front was a vibrant way to encourage people to stop for the night. Originally owned and operated by Mrs. Charles Wyatt, this motel also featured wall furnaces, full tile bathrooms, and kitchenettes. It continued to be known as the Tulsa Auto Court until 1989.
Majestic Neon Sign - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Henrosa Hotel Neon Sign - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
The Gale - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. 1690 Collins Ave.
Royal Hotel - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
800 Collins - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Whitelaw - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Hotel Shelley - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Franklin Hotel - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Fairwind Hotel - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Tudor House - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Palmer House - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Kent Hotel - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Marlin Hotel - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Hotel Victor - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Bon Air - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Hotel Astor - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Essex House - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Hotel Edison - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Congress Hotel - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Congress Hotel Sign - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Waldorf Towers - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Majestic Hotel - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Hotel Breakwater - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Beacon - Miami Beach Art Deco District This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years.
Holiday Inn sign outside the American Sign Museum Holiday Inn was known for their iconic 1950's motel sign during the golden age of automobile travel. This sign is located outside the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. This specific sign came from Las Vegas as described here: www.americansignmuseum.org/collection_item/2-00201e11-51/ I first learned about this wonderful museum because this sign appeared in a friend's social media post. He's not particularly interested in neon signs like I am, but he was asked to officiate a wedding which was held here. The wedding party, including my friend, had a group portrait in front of this sign.
The Colony Hotel Lobby and painting - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. The lobby features a mural over the fireplace painted by Paul Simone in 1939. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel (corner view) - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel (Front cloudy night view) - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel (Front dusk view) - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel Neon Sign (Front View) - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel (Daytime View) - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel Neon Sign (Angled View) - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel (Front Night View) - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
The Colony Hotel - Miami Beach The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. I usually don't post so may photos of one subject, but for once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday.
La Jolla Resort neon sign - Islamorada, FL Located along the Overseas Highway (US1) in the Florida Keys.
Sinbad Motel - Miami Modern District Here is an explanation of MiMo from Wikipedia: Miami Modernist architecture, or MiMo, is a regional style of architecture that developed in South Florida during the post-war period. The style was internationally recognized as a regionalist response to the International Style. It can be seen in most of the larger Miami and Miami Beach resorts built after the Great Depression. Because MiMo styling was not just a response to international architectural movements but also to client demands, themes of glamour, fun, and material excess were added to otherwise stark, minimalist, and efficient styles of the era. The style can be most observed today in Middle and Upper Miami Beach along Collins Avenue, as well as along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor starting from around Midtown, through the Design District and into the Upper Eastside. Today, the area along Biscayne Boulevard is the designated MiMo Architecture Biscayne Boulevard Historic District or also known as "MiMo on BiBo", for "Miami Modern on Biscayne Boulevard". MiMo Historic District runs roughly from 50th Street to 77th Street along Biscayne Boulevard, although MiMo can be found heavily in the Miami Design District and Midtown. Many annual festivals are held to promote MiMo architecture, such as "Cinco de MiMo" a play on "Cinco de Mayo" in early May. Biscayne Boulevard throughout the Upper East Side fell to urban decay after the 1980s, and experienced increased crime, prostitution and drug dealings. In the 2000s, preservation efforts began to bring development interest into the neighborhood, and Biscayne Boulevard began to improve. Today, the boulevard is in a fast upwards transition along with many other nearby neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood and Edgewater, with strong preservation efforts to preserve the MiMo architecture.
Miami Beach Umbrellas This was specifically taken by Lummus Park in South Beach with the hotels of Middle Beach in the background.
Shamrock Motel - Texarkana, TX This vintage neon sign is missing all the neon tubes, but at least they kept it. It's located along State Line Ave. on the Texas side. State Line Ave. is US71 and the motel is at the intersection with US82 & US67. Before Interstates, lots of travelers would have passed through here.
The Crown - Miami Beach The Crown is a 14-story Art Deco Hotel built in 1940. It originally was called the Lord Tarleton Hotel, but today is operated as apartments. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Collins Waterfront Architectural District.
Saturn Motel - Miami, FL This motel is along US1 (Biscayne Blvd.) in Miami. There are several vintage motels in the area, which is now the MiMo District. Here is an explanation of MiMo from Wikipedia: Miami Modernist architecture, or MiMo, is a regional style of architecture that developed in South Florida during the post-war period. The style was internationally recognized as a regionalist response to the International Style. It can be seen in most of the larger Miami and Miami Beach resorts built after the Great Depression. Because MiMo styling was not just a response to international architectural movements but also to client demands, themes of glamour, fun, and material excess were added to otherwise stark, minimalist, and efficient styles of the era. The style can be most observed today in Middle and Upper Miami Beach along Collins Avenue, as well as along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor starting from around Midtown, through the Design District and into the Upper Eastside. Today, the area along Biscayne Boulevard is the designated MiMo Architecture Biscayne Boulevard Historic District or also known as "MiMo on BiBo", for "Miami Modern on Biscayne Boulevard". MiMo Historic District runs roughly from 50th Street to 77th Street along Biscayne Boulevard, although MiMo can be found heavily in the Miami Design District and Midtown. Many annual festivals are held to promote MiMo architecture, such as "Cinco de MiMo" a play on "Cinco de Mayo" in early May. Biscayne Boulevard throughout the Upper East Side fell to urban decay after the 1980s, and experienced increased crime, prostitution and drug dealings. In the 2000s, preservation efforts began to bring development interest into the neighborhood, and Biscayne Boulevard began to improve. Today, the boulevard is in a fast upwards transition along with many other nearby neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood and Edgewater, with strong preservation efforts to preserve the MiMo architecture.
Versace Mansion - Miami Beach, FL One of the most notable sites along Miami Beach, this was the home of famous Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace and the site of his murder in 1997. Originally called Casa Casuarina. it was built in 1930 by Ronin Wolf in a Mediterranean Revival style for Alden Freeman, the heir to the Standard Oil fortune. It was later converted into a 24 unit apartment called Amsterdam Palace. Versace bought it in 1992 for his personal residence. In 1997, after he walked back from the nearby News Cafe, he was shot and killed outside the mansion's front entrance. Today, it is a botique hotel known as Villa Casa Casuarina and is included on the Miami Beach Architectural District.
Henry Hotel neon sign - Mineola, TX Along US80 in Mineola. I wonder how the sign was damaged.
Sid & Roxie's Green Turtle Inn neon sign (dusk) - Islamorada, FL Despite the name, this is today only a restaurant - It was a motel at one time, but the original building was replaced in 2004. It's located in Islamorada along the Overseas Highway (US1) in the Florida Keys. Sid & Roxie Siderious ran this establishment starting in 1947 until they sold it in 1996. I can't find a date on the old sign, but the neon turtle appears animated.
Sid & Roxie's Green Turtle Inn neon sign (day) - Islamorada, FL Despite the name, this is today only a restaurant - It was a motel at one time, but the original building was replaced in 2004. It's located in Islamorada along the Overseas Highway (US1) in the Florida Keys. Sid & Roxie Siderious ran this establishment starting in 1947 until they sold it in 1996. I can't find a date on the old sign, but the neon turtle appears animated.
Boulevard Hotel - Miami Beach, FL While not the most specifically photographed hotels in historic Miami Beach, its prominent red neon and placement along Ocean Blvd. make it appear in hotel group shots often. Today, it appears to operate only as a restaurant. This building is part of the Miami Beach Architectural District. The National Register of Historic Places nominating form notes the building is of an International Style which means it is rectilinear with expressive massing of parts but largely devoid of applied decorative details. The hotel was originally the Bolivar Hotel in 1950, but has major exterior alterations which have changed the character and details of the original design.
Conty's Motel - Naples, FL Located along US41 - Tamiami Trail
Motel Ankara - Miami Beach This Motel was originally the Banana Bungalow in 1954. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Collins Waterfront Architectural District. The Waterfront Motel is built in the Miami Modern (MiMo) Architecture style.
Stardust Hotel - Miami Beach, FL
Barbizon Hotel - Miami Beach, FL The 1937 Barbizon Hotel is another of the Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive in the Miami South Beach area.
Barbizon Hotel at Dusk - Miami Beach, FL The 1937 Barbizon Hotel is another of the Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive in the Miami South Beach area.
Avalon Hotel - Miami Beach, FL The Avalon Hotel is one of the most seen hotels in the Miami South Beach area with its prominent location along Ocean Blvd. It was designed by Albert Anis and opened in 1941. It is also a contributing property to the Miami Beach Art Deco Architecture District on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a 3-story Decorated Moderne Art Deco Building. This style is noted how it does not have curved or rounded corners. The design usually incorporates applied decorative motifs frequently with vertical emphasis.
Avalon Hotel at Dusk - Miami Beach, FL The Avalon Hotel is one of the most seen hotels in the Miami South Beach area with its prominent location along Ocean Blvd. It was designed by Albert Anis and opened in 1941. It is also a contributing property to the Miami Beach Art Deco Architecture District on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a 3-story Decorated Moderne Art Deco Building. This style is noted how it does not have curved or rounded corners. The design usually incorporates applied decorative motifs frequently with vertical emphasis. Photo of the 1955 Oldsmobile: flic.kr/p/2py7meJ This photo was taken right after my wife and i ate at their outdoor restaurant named "A Fish Called Avalon."
Shelborne - Miami South Beach 1940 Art Deco Hotel in Miami's South Beach
Mansion House/John Simpson Hotel - Jonesborough, TN From the town's walking tour brochure: Built in 1843 by Jonesbrough’s first official postmaster, John W. Simpson, this building was one of Jonesborough’s earliest hotels. It served stage coach travel through the Great Stage Road, running from Philadelphia into the southeast. In 1851, the building was known as the John Simpson Hotel, but by 1853 it became the Mansion House. The second story porch was added to the home in the 1880s, at the same time and probably by the same craftsman who added the porch to the Chester Inn. The Mansion House ceased operations as a hotel prior to 1862, when the building and the adjoining back lot was sold to Dr. Mahoney. The back lot held original slave quarters and a large stable, which is now the home at 103 First Avenue. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/oldest-town-in-tn/ The Oldest Town In Tennessee That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/incredible-tn-trips/ 11 Incredible Trips In Tennessee That Will Change Your Life
Clevelander Hotel (daytime) - Miami Beach With a prominent location along Ocean Blvd. in Miami South Beach, the Clevelander is one of the most colorful and vibrant Hotels in the area at night. This building is part of the Miami Beach Architectural District. The National Register of Historic Places nominating form notes the 5-story building is of a Decorated Moderne style, which means it does not have curved or rounded corners but instead has decorated motifs with vertical emphasis.
Clevelander Hotel (Pink and Blue) - Miami Beach With a prominent location along Ocean Blvd. in Miami South Beach, the Clevelander is lit up with Pink and Blue lights, colors often associated with Miami Beach. This makes it one of the most colorful and vibrant Hotels in the area at night. This building is part of the Miami Beach Architectural District. The National Register of Historic Places nominating form notes the 5-story building is of a Decorated Moderne style, which means it does not have curved or rounded corners but instead has decorated motifs with vertical emphasis.
Clevelander Hotel (at dusk) - Miami Beach With a prominent location along Ocean Blvd. in Miami South Beach, the Clevelander is lit up with Pink and Blue lights, colors often associated with Miami Beach. This makes it one of the most colorful and vibrant Hotels in the area at night. This building is part of the Miami Beach Architectural District. The National Register of Historic Places nominating form notes the 5-story building is of a Decorated Moderne style, which means it does not have curved or rounded corners but instead has decorated motifs with vertical emphasis.
Wotel South Pacific - Miami, FL After you saw this picture, did you assume it said Motel? I did. It took me a while to realize it said Wotel instead of Motel. So what's a Wotel? It Motel is short for Motor Hotel, then Wotel is short for Work Hotel. So what is a Work Hotel? This former Motel is located in the Miami Modern (MiMo) District. (Notes below explain more about this district.) The people who preserved South Pacific thought the best way to do so would be to turn the former guest rooms into small workplaces. If you were a sole proprietor and only needed a small place to meet clients, perhaps this is more fun and affordable than a traditional office park or strip mall. Here is an explanation of MiMo from Wikipedia: Miami Modernist architecture, or MiMo, is a regional style of architecture that developed in South Florida during the post-war period. The style was internationally recognized as a regionalist response to the International Style. It can be seen in most of the larger Miami and Miami Beach resorts built after the Great Depression. Because MiMo styling was not just a response to international architectural movements but also to client demands, themes of glamour, fun, and material excess were added to otherwise stark, minimalist, and efficient styles of the era. The style can be most observed today in Middle and Upper Miami Beach along Collins Avenue, as well as along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor starting from around Midtown, through the Design District and into the Upper Eastside. Today, the area along Biscayne Boulevard is the designated MiMo Architecture Biscayne Boulevard Historic District or also known as "MiMo on BiBo", for "Miami Modern on Biscayne Boulevard". MiMo Historic District runs roughly from 50th Street to 77th Street along Biscayne Boulevard, although MiMo can be found heavily in the Miami Design District and Midtown. Many annual festivals are held to promote MiMo architecture, such as "Cinco de MiMo" a play on "Cinco de Mayo" in early May. Biscayne Boulevard throughout the Upper East Side fell to urban decay after the 1980s, and experienced increased crime, prostitution and drug dealings. In the 2000s, preservation efforts began to bring development interest into the neighborhood, and Biscayne Boulevard began to improve. Today, the boulevard is in a fast upwards transition along with many other nearby neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood and Edgewater, with strong preservation efforts to preserve the MiMo architecture.
Motel Windmill - Gatlinburg, TN This windmill has seen better days. I thought it was at an abandoned property, but found it's the very back of Zoder's Inn and faces US231. They call this part of their hotel "Windmill Town."
Fiesta Inn - Arlington, TX Located along the decommissioned US80 between Dallas and Fort Worth, this motel was originally the Fiesta Motor Inn. Today, Division St. in Arlington is TX180 and the hotel is part of the Budget Host Inn chain and America's Best Value Inn before that. At least most of the sign is unchanged and dates back to the 1950s.
Starlite Hotel in the day- Miami Beach, FL While not the most specifically photographed hotel in historic Miami Beach, its prominent colorful neon and placement along Ocean Blvd. make it appear in hotel group shots often. The Starlite opened in 1952 at 750 Ocean Dr. and was designed by Master of Modernism architect Gilbert Fein. This section was taken from the Miami Beach Art Deco District nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places on page 516: North of the district boundaries, postwar hotels developed into expansive flamboyant resorts as the local MiMo style emerged. Within the MBAD, Postwar Modem hotels were restricted by the size of available real estate. Small postwar hotels in the MBAD followed closely the pattern set by small hotels constructed here before World War II, although with fewer decorative pretensions. They were built on single lots with front patios and maintained the tight knit scale and distinctive frontage of the established district with compatible lot coverage and massing. This consistency in size, materials and spacing contributes to the sense of place that is conveyed by the district as a whole. These hotels do not interrupt the rhythm of the street, rather they add to the cohesive nature of the district while employing design elements that are clearly of the postwar era. The fenestration of Post War Modem hotels was often highlighted with boxed windows, as well as continuous ribbon windows and eyebrows. The windows themselves tended to be single-light windows - sometimes jalousies, but as air conditioning became more common, operable windows were no longer needed in order to cool a building, and thus, postwar windows were often fixed. Gilbert Fein’s 1952 Starlite Hotel at 750 Ocean Drive is a prominent example of the Postwar Modem style as applied to the famous hotel row along Ocean Drive. The building was constructed on a single lot, has a raised front patio, is relatively low-scale with its four-story height and is made of concrete and stucco, like its neighbors. Fein contrasts a vertical orientation on the north with a traditional horizontal emphasis on the rest of the building. The windows are boxed, and on the north, wrap around the comer and project from the main face of the building. The smooth stucco is broken by score lines forming a grid on the north and between the boxed windows.
Starlite Hotel at Dusk - Miami Beach, FL While not the most specifically photographed hotel in historic Miami Beach, its prominent colorful neon and placement along Ocean Blvd. make it appear in hotel group shots often. The Starlite opened in 1952 at 750 Ocean Dr. and was designed by Master of Modernism architect Gilbert Fein. This section was taken from the Miami Beach Art Deco District nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places on page 516: North of the district boundaries, postwar hotels developed into expansive flamboyant resorts as the local MiMo style emerged. Within the MBAD, Postwar Modem hotels were restricted by the size of available real estate. Small postwar hotels in the MBAD followed closely the pattern set by small hotels constructed here before World War II, although with fewer decorative pretensions. They were built on single lots with front patios and maintained the tight knit scale and distinctive frontage of the established district with compatible lot coverage and massing. This consistency in size, materials and spacing contributes to the sense of place that is conveyed by the district as a whole. These hotels do not interrupt the rhythm of the street, rather they add to the cohesive nature of the district while employing design elements that are clearly of the postwar era. The fenestration of Post War Modem hotels was often highlighted with boxed windows, as well as continuous ribbon windows and eyebrows. The windows themselves tended to be single-light windows - sometimes jalousies, but as air conditioning became more common, operable windows were no longer needed in order to cool a building, and thus, postwar windows were often fixed. Gilbert Fein’s 1952 Starlite Hotel at 750 Ocean Drive is a prominent example of the Postwar Modem style as applied to the famous hotel row along Ocean Drive. The building was constructed on a single lot, has a raised front patio, is relatively low-scale with its four-story height and is made of concrete and stucco, like its neighbors. Fein contrasts a vertical orientation on the north with a traditional horizontal emphasis on the rest of the building. The windows are boxed, and on the north, wrap around the comer and project from the main face of the building. The smooth stucco is broken by score lines forming a grid on the north and between the boxed windows.
Starlite Hotel Neon Sign - Miami Beach, FL While not the most specifically photographed hotel in historic Miami Beach, its prominent colorful neon and placement along Ocean Blvd. make it appear in hotel group shots often. The Starlite opened in 1952 at 750 Ocean Dr. and was designed by Master of Modernism architect Gilbert Fein. This section was taken from the Miami Beach Art Deco District nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places on page 516: North of the district boundaries, postwar hotels developed into expansive flamboyant resorts as the local MiMo style emerged. Within the MBAD, Postwar Modem hotels were restricted by the size of available real estate. Small postwar hotels in the MBAD followed closely the pattern set by small hotels constructed here before World War II, although with fewer decorative pretensions. They were built on single lots with front patios and maintained the tight knit scale and distinctive frontage of the established district with compatible lot coverage and massing. This consistency in size, materials and spacing contributes to the sense of place that is conveyed by the district as a whole. These hotels do not interrupt the rhythm of the street, rather they add to the cohesive nature of the district while employing design elements that are clearly of the postwar era. The fenestration of Post War Modem hotels was often highlighted with boxed windows, as well as continuous ribbon windows and eyebrows. The windows themselves tended to be single-light windows - sometimes jalousies, but as air conditioning became more common, operable windows were no longer needed in order to cool a building, and thus, postwar windows were often fixed. Gilbert Fein’s 1952 Starlite Hotel at 750 Ocean Drive is a prominent example of the Postwar Modem style as applied to the famous hotel row along Ocean Drive. The building was constructed on a single lot, has a raised front patio, is relatively low-scale with its four-story height and is made of concrete and stucco, like its neighbors. Fein contrasts a vertical orientation on the north with a traditional horizontal emphasis on the rest of the building. The windows are boxed, and on the north, wrap around the comer and project from the main face of the building. The smooth stucco is broken by score lines forming a grid on the north and between the boxed windows.
Savoy Hotel - Miami Beach The Savoy is a historic 1935 Art Deco hotel at Miami South Beach. Here is the text from one of their Post Cards from the 1940s: The Savoy Plaza Hotel located directly on the ocean at 5th Street and Ocean Drive, in the heart of all social activities and only ten minutes to all railroad and airport stations. Offers excellent facilities for your vacation. All guest rooms have ocean view and private bath and shower - solarium for men and women, terrace overlooking the ocean, recreation rooms, and private beach for surf bathing from your room without crossing street are also a few outstanding features of our hotel for the comfort of our guests, Our Summer Rates - Daily Single - $3.00 to $5.00 Double - $4.00 to $6.00 Ocean Front Single - $6.00 to $8.00 Ocean Front Double - $8.00 to $10.00 (Rates subject to OPA Rental Control) Dine in your bathing suit in our Beach Front Dining Room. THE SAVOY PLAZA HOTEL At 5th Street and Ocean Drive Miami Beach, Florida Open All Year 'Round
Boulevard & Starlite Hotels - Miami Beach While not the most specifically photographed hotels in historic Miami Beach, these two motels with prominent and placement along Ocean Blvd. and colorful neon make them appear in hotel group shots often. Today, the Boulevard appears to operate only as a restaurant. The Starlite opened in 1952 at 750 Ocean Dr. and was designed by Master of Modernism architect Gilbert Fein. This building is part of the Miami Beach Architectural District. The National Register of Historic Places nominating form notes the building is of an International Style which means it is rectilinear with expressive massing of parts but largely devoid of applied decorative details. The hotel was originally the Bolivar Hotel in 1950, but has major exterior alterations which have changed the character and details of the original design.
Knoxon Wotel - Miami, FL After you saw this picture, did you assume it said Motel? I did. It took me a while to realize it said Wotel instead of Motel. So what's a Wotel? It Motel is short for Motor Hotel, then Wotel is short for Work Hotel. So what is a Work Hotel? This former Motel is located in the Miami Modern (MiMo) District. (Notes below explain more about this district.) The people who preserved Knoxon thought the best way to do so would be to turn the former guest rooms into small workplaces. If you were a sole proprietor and only needed a small place to meet clients, perhaps this is more fun and affordable than a traditional office park or strip mall. Here is an explanation of MiMo from Wikipedia: Miami Modernist architecture, or MiMo, is a regional style of architecture that developed in South Florida during the post-war period. The style was internationally recognized as a regionalist response to the International Style. It can be seen in most of the larger Miami and Miami Beach resorts built after the Great Depression. Because MiMo styling was not just a response to international architectural movements but also to client demands, themes of glamour, fun, and material excess were added to otherwise stark, minimalist, and efficient styles of the era. The style can be most observed today in Middle and Upper Miami Beach along Collins Avenue, as well as along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor starting from around Midtown, through the Design District and into the Upper Eastside. Today, the area along Biscayne Boulevard is the designated MiMo Architecture Biscayne Boulevard Historic District or also known as "MiMo on BiBo", for "Miami Modern on Biscayne Boulevard". MiMo Historic District runs roughly from 50th Street to 77th Street along Biscayne Boulevard, although MiMo can be found heavily in the Miami Design District and Midtown. Many annual festivals are held to promote MiMo architecture, such as "Cinco de MiMo" a play on "Cinco de Mayo" in early May. Biscayne Boulevard throughout the Upper East Side fell to urban decay after the 1980s, and experienced increased crime, prostitution and drug dealings. In the 2000s, preservation efforts began to bring development interest into the neighborhood, and Biscayne Boulevard began to improve. Today, the boulevard is in a fast upwards transition along with many other nearby neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood and Edgewater, with strong preservation efforts to preserve the MiMo architecture.
Route 66: Hamons' Court / Lucille's Place Hamons Court was a small 5-room motel adjacent to Lucille's Place Service Station along Route 66 near Hydro, OK. The vintage neon sign which used to appear here is now in the Smithsonian. About 10 years ago, either the Motel underwent a major restoration or was completely torn down and rebuilt. If you look it up on Google Maps from 2013, this motel was in serious disrepair. During this remake, one of the doors was removed so now it appears to be 4 rooms. I also made a video of the Route 66 drive leaving east from here into El Reno along some of the original pavement. youtu.be/B74uo-UEdgM?si=YBytsPgYfqJpvZ4E
Park Central Hotel - Miami Beach, FL With a prominent location along Ocean Blvd. in Miami South Beach, the Park Central Hotel is lit up with Pink and Blue lights, colors often associated with Miami Beach. This makes it one of the most colorful and vibrant Hotels in the area at night. This building is part of the Miami Beach Architectural District. The National Register of Historic Places nominating form notes the 7-story building is of a Decorated Moderne style, which means it does not have curved or rounded corners but instead has decorated motifs with vertical emphasis.
Glancy Motor Hotel - Route 66 - Clinton, OK
Waterside Hotel - Miami Beach, FL The Waterside Hotel is a quintessential MiMo design in Miami Beach. Architect Robert M. Nordin designed the hotel in 1957 with a joined gabled roof, brise-soliel and round, vibrant letters on the façade.
What Lifts You Mural - Nashville This mural is signed by Kelsey Montague Art and is at the W Hotel in Nashville's Gulch area. Part of the mural is a Suitcase which can be part of your decoration. It's easier to link to a map than describe where it is: www.google.com/maps/@36.1528343,-86.7843401,3a,25.5y,300....
Colorful Miami Beach Art Deco Hotels at night These three South Beach hotels are frequently photographed together with their colorful appearance and their central location. The Colony Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Miami Beach, in an area known for it historic hotel architecture. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Miami Art Deco District. This district has the world's best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world with hundreds of contributing properties in the district. This concentration of Art Deco motels was caused by the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane which destroyed many prior properties, plus the increasing popularity of the area as a tourist destination over the next 25 years. In particular, The Colony Hotel was one of the first, designed by Henry Hohauser in 1935. It's also in a prime location along Ocean Blvd. with Lummus Park and South Beach across the street. With the distinctive blue letters, several hotels in the area are often photographed together to demonstrate the area's varied and vibrant color at night. For once I decided to stay at an iconic hotel. Compared to other places in the area, it was surprisingly affordable. They had several bad reviews, but I believe most of them were before new ownership and a remodel. I would love to visit again someday. For the Boulevard Hotel, it appears today to operate only as a restaurant. This building is also part of the Miami Beach Architectural District. The National Register of Historic Places nominating form notes the building is of an International Style which means it is rectilinear with expressive massing of parts but largely devoid of applied decorative details. The hotel was originally the Bolivar Hotel in 1950, but has major exterior alterations which have changed the character and details of the original design. The Starlite opened in 1952 at 750 Ocean Dr. and was designed by Master of Modernism architect Gilbert Fein. It is a prominent example of the Postwar Modem style as applied to the famous hotel row along Ocean Drive. The building was constructed on a single lot, has a raised front patio, is relatively low-scale with its four-story height and is made of concrete and stucco, like its neighbors. Fein contrasts a vertical orientation on the north with a traditional horizontal emphasis on the rest of the building. The windows are boxed, and on the north, wrap around the comer and project from the main face of the building. The smooth stucco is broken by score lines forming a grid on the north and between the boxed windows.
Route 66 Cotton Boll Motel - Canute, OK The Cotton Boll Motel along Route 66 in Canute, OK opened in 1960 but closed in 1979. I'm glad this much of the sign has survived another 45 years. The owners, Mr. & Mrs. Penick, were cotton farmers before opening this motel. There is a small logo for Seright Neon, which means it was likely created by the Seright Neon Sign Company of nearby Elk City.
Washita Motel neon sign - Canute, OK This sign for a long-closed motel in Canute, OK is located along Route 66. Washita is the name of the county this motel is in. Washita was written in neon in the top rectangle where No Vacancy was in the lower one. For those of you more familiar with neon signs, what's going on with the metal bars in front of the MOTEL part of the sign? Was it made to protect the neon tubes? Would it have been vintage or added more recently?
Western Motel - Route 66 - Sayre, OK The Western Motel and it's intact neon sign is located on the east side of Sayre, OK. A post card from the 1960s describes the motel as "The newest and most modern motel in Sayre." Based on that, I'll say this sign is about 60 years old. There is a small logo for Seright Neon, which means it was likely created by the Seright Neon Sign Company of nearby Elk City.
West Winds Motel - Route 66 - Erick, OK This motel was originally built and operated by Floyd Pamplin in the late 1940s. The faded upper part of the neon sign features a bucking horse. It is on private property, so my view was taken from the street. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Winds_Motel The West Winds Motel is a historic motel located on old U.S. Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma. The motel opened in the mid-1940s to serve travelers on Route 66; at the time, tourism drove Erick's economy, and the motel was one of several in the city. The motel had a typical motor court layout with two lodging buildings and an office forming a "U" shape around a central courtyard. The lodging buildings have a Mission Revival design with stucco walls and red metal roofs designed to resemble tile. The motel units have individual garage spaces in front of their entrances, a style which was common in the 1930s and 1940s but fell out of favor in later years. The motel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 27, 2004.
West Winds Motel - Route 66 - Erick, OK This motel was originally built and operated by Floyd Pamplin in the late 1940s. The rusty vehicle on the left is a Ford Panel Truck from about the same time as when the hotel opened. It is on private property, so my view was taken from the street. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Winds_Motel The West Winds Motel is a historic motel located on old U.S. Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma. The motel opened in the mid-1940s to serve travelers on Route 66; at the time, tourism drove Erick's economy, and the motel was one of several in the city. The motel had a typical motor court layout with two lodging buildings and an office forming a "U" shape around a central courtyard. The lodging buildings have a Mission Revival design with stucco walls and red metal roofs designed to resemble tile. The motel units have individual garage spaces in front of their entrances, a style which was common in the 1930s and 1940s but fell out of favor in later years. The motel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 27, 2004.
Texas Motel and Restaurant - Route 66 - McLean, TX Along the stretch of Route 66 through McLean, the eastbound and westbound lanes are a block apart. This motel and restaurant occupies space between the lanes on the east side of town. It originally opened in the 1960s as the Dixie Motel but became the Texas Motel in 1968. At one time, there were 23 units, but it has long been abandoned.
Texas Motel and Restaurant sign - Route 66 - McLean, TX Along the stretch of Route 66 through McLean, the eastbound and westbound lanes are a block apart. This motel and restaurant occupies space between the lanes on the east side of town. It originally opened in the 1960s as the Dixie Motel but became the Texas Motel in 1968. At one time, there were 23 units, but it has long been abandoned.
Old neon sign - Lyons, GA This old neon sign has long been missing all the neon tubes but is currently repainted with Magic City Barbers. Their building connects to Yorke Motel, and at one time the sign advertised the motel and restaurant. It is located along highway US1 on the north side of Lyons. How it would have looked: YORKE MOTEL RESTAUTANT
Cactus Inn Motel sign #2 - Route 66 - McLean, TX On our Route 66 trip, my wife and I stayed one night at this motel, and we are glad we did. Our room had several modern amenities, although the plumbing had some issues. We could tell the owner really loves the cactus - she had all sorts of cactus trinkets around. She gave us stickers which said "I got poked at the Cactus Inn" Also, I wore a Cactus shirt. www.instagram.com/p/C8FLi0xsHa4/ This motel originally opened along Route 66 as the West Wind Motel in 1956. The original neon sign was shaped like a cactus but with the original name. Since then, the original sign moved across from the parking lot and a second neon sign was built in the first spot. Along with the name change, all of the original neon is removed, but replaced with carved letters.
Cactus Inn Motel sign - Route 66 - McLean, TX On our Route 66 trip, my wife and I stayed one night at this motel, and we are glad we did. Our room had several modern amenities, although the plumbing had some issues. We could tell the owner really loves the cactus - she had all sorts of cactus trinkets around. She gave us stickers which said "I got poked at the Cactus Inn" Also, I wore a Cactus shirt. www.instagram.com/p/C8FLi0xsHa4/ This motel originally opened along Route 66 as the West Wind Motel in 1956. The original neon sign was shaped like a cactus but with the original name. Since then, the original sign moved across from the parking lot and a second neon sign was built in the first spot. Along with the name change, all of the original neon is removed, but replaced with carved letters.
Triangle Motel neon sign - Route 66 - Amarillo, TX The Triangle Motel is a vintage Route 66 stop on the east side of Amarillo. The Triangle was formed where highways US66 and US60 met, both coming from the east, but at different angles. After the airport was built nearby, that southern alignment of Route 66 was covered and realigned with US60 on the north. When this happened, this sign in the picture also moved to the north side. The motel itself was completed in 1952 with a Streamline Moderne design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The complex included a Cafe and Gas Station. The motel appears to be closed, although a couple of cars were parked there.
Woods Inn - Route 66 - Amarillo, TX Woods Inn is located along Amarillo Blvd. on the east side of town. This road is historically Route 66 and currently still US60. The hotel originally opened as Biltomore Courts in 1945 but today operates as apartments.
Cowboy Motel - Route 66 - Amarillo, TX 3618 E. Amarillo Blvd. Along US66/US60 about a mile east of US87
Vagabond Motel - Miami Modern District Located in the MiMo district, the Vagabond Motel dates back to 1953. Today, it operates as a retro motel highlighting its period style. Here is an explanation of MiMo from Wikipedia: Miami Modernist architecture, or MiMo, is a regional style of architecture that developed in South Florida during the post-war period. The style was internationally recognized as a regionalist response to the International Style. It can be seen in most of the larger Miami and Miami Beach resorts built after the Great Depression. Because MiMo styling was not just a response to international architectural movements but also to client demands, themes of glamour, fun, and material excess were added to otherwise stark, minimalist, and efficient styles of the era. The style can be most observed today in Middle and Upper Miami Beach along Collins Avenue, as well as along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor starting from around Midtown, through the Design District and into the Upper Eastside. Today, the area along Biscayne Boulevard is the designated MiMo Architecture Biscayne Boulevard Historic District or also known as "MiMo on BiBo", for "Miami Modern on Biscayne Boulevard". MiMo Historic District runs roughly from 50th Street to 77th Street along Biscayne Boulevard, although MiMo can be found heavily in the Miami Design District and Midtown. Many annual festivals are held to promote MiMo architecture, such as "Cinco de MiMo" a play on "Cinco de Mayo" in early May. Biscayne Boulevard throughout the Upper East Side fell to urban decay after the 1980s, and experienced increased crime, prostitution and drug dealings. In the 2000s, preservation efforts began to bring development interest into the neighborhood, and Biscayne Boulevard began to improve. Today, the boulevard is in a fast upwards transition along with many other nearby neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood and Edgewater, with strong preservation efforts to preserve the MiMo architecture.
Astro Motel - Route 66 - Amarillo, TX This motel is located on the west side of Amarillo along Route 66. It originally opened in 1950 as the Sunset Motel.
Warm Mineral Springs Motel sign This motel is located along the Tamiami Trail (US41) in the town of Warm Mineral Springs, FL
Robert E. Lee Hotel - Athens, TN This hotel is located on the town square in Athens, TN According to the marker: In the early 1920s with the completion of the Dixie Highway, the first concrete highway built in East Tennessee and in McMinn County, Athens experienced a surge in building. The Robert E. Lee Hotel opened in 1926 and was billed as the finest hotel between Knoxville and Chattanooga.
![Located in Old Town Winchester, here is the text of the Virginia Civil War Trails marker:
Taylor Hotel
“Packed with Confederate wounded”
The Taylor Hotel was a major stopping point for travelers because of its location on the Valley Turnpike and also was the center of town life. During the war, it was the headquarters for several commanders, including Confederate Gen. Thomas J. “Stone-wall” Jackson, who came here in November 1861. His stay was short-lived, however. Disturbed by throngs eager to meet the celebrated “Stonewall,” he moved days later to the privacy of the Lewis T. Moore house (now the Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum).
Cavalry commander Turner Ashby, “the Black Knight of the Confederacy,” received his promotion to brigadier general here on May 27, 1862—just 10 days before he was killed near Harrisonburg. He is buried at Stonewall Cemetery a few blocks east.
The hotel also served as a soldiers' hospital for both sides. In May 1863, Union Gen. Robert Milroy ordered repairs “to fix the damage done to the ‘Taylor Hotel’ … by the troops of this Division, resulting from its use as a hospital.” Winchester diarist Mary Greenhow Lee wrote on July 25, 1863, “The sick & wounded Yankees, left at Taylor's Hotel, are without guard.” After the Third Battle of Winchester on September 19, 1864, Northern illustrator James E. Taylor wrote, “A yellow [General Hospital] flag fastened to one of the pillars and railing of the hotel porch proclaimed [its] present use. … I found every available space packed with Confederate wounded conveyed from the battlefield, fortunate indeed, to find such excellent quarters.”](https://live.staticflickr.com/1787/42075822715_55c5778a91_b.jpg "Taylor Hotel - Winchester, VA")
