There’s something magically nostalgic when it comes to the classic roadside motels as well as the throwback moments documented through images along the historic Route 66. Route 66 has long since been known as the penultimate road trip experience. With its neon-lit motor lodges and series of quirky roadside attractions, it truly captures that glorious spirit of adventure as well as the open road that so many folks love to lose (or find) themselves on. Even though some of the motels as well as landmarks have faded away in history, there are others that still remain preserved to perfection, and are able to offer a powerful glimpse into mid-century Americana.
We’ll now take a look at some of the best images of classic roadside motels and Route 66 pit stops.
1. Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico ’69
Those were busy, fast-moving times on Route 66.
2. Route 66, Arizona, 1947
It looks to be an especially quiet day out there on old Route 66.
3. Hitchhiker with his dog “Tripper” on Route 66, where it crosses the Colorado River at Topock, Arizona, May 1972
Now that’s an adorable, well-traveled puppy if I’ve ever seen one.
4. Inside Duda’s Tavern on Route 66 in Madison County, Illinois (1934)
You just know that they probably made some truly amazing food.
5. Holiday Inn sign in the 70s
The lobster was very likely something special, indeed.
6. Motel Wigwam Village, Orlando, Florida, December 1955
What a throwback shot.
7. No-Tel Motel, 1970s
That logo would make for one exceptionally cool, vintage shirt.
8. The Pink Shell Motel, Wildwood NJ, circa 1950s
Looks to be a nice, electric blue-skied day out at the Pink Shell.
9. Dogwood Motel, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 1964
The pink takes the motel’s aesthetic to a whole another level.
10. An exceptionally cool-looking crew on Route 66 in Oklahoma, 1950s
People just knew how to dress plain old cool back in the day.
11. Holiday Inn in Columbus, Georgia, 1961
The Holiday Inns were truly everywhere back in the day.
12. Beauty contestants arrive at the Hampton House Motel, Miami, 1967
They’re all ready and excited for the pageant.
13. Sierra Motel, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Dec, 1960
The Sierra Motel seems like it could be one of those motels with a particularly interesting pool setup.
14. Twins waiting at a bus stop on Route 66, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1947
There were many times where all you could do was wait it out on Route 66.
15. The Rio Motel, in mint green, in New Jersey’s Wildwoods in the 1960s
The mint green was the perfect touch for that motel’s exterior aesthetic.
16. Ramada Inn Postcard with Room and Lounge Interiors
The carpeted floors at the Ramada Inn, only made better by making them red.
17. Leilani Village Motel, November 1962
You never know what you’ll end up finding out in Wisconsin.
18. Someone’s great uncle and his Route 66 snake farm (1972)
The fact that he had a 7 foot Anaconda renders the image even more absurd than it already is.
19. Roy’s Motel, vintage gas station and motel on Route 66, near Joshua Tree
That dog is on the hunt for something.
