TranslateDay 5: Tucumcari, NM to Santa Fe, NM
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La Cita Restaurant in Tucumcari, NM
Before Interstate 40 drained away its traffic, downtown Tucumcari promoted itself as an oasis in otherwise empty eastern New Mexico ("2,000 motel rooms!"). At the time, many westbound travelers on Route 66 got their first taste of Mexican food at Tucumcari's La Cita restaurant. Business was so good that in 1961 the restaurant built a 30-foot-tall, 15-foot-wide stucco sombrero above its front door. The hat's exaggerated shape, embellished with Las-Vegas-style neon letters on its brim, has been unfavorably compared to a traffic cone sitting in a washtub, but generations of hungry tourists and shutterbugs have found it endearing. Depending on what year you stopped by, the peak of the hat could be painted fuescha, pepper red, or habanero yellow, while the restaurant building itself cycled from turquoise to pink to peach. In 2004 panic swept the Route 66 community when La Cita went out of business, but by 2006 it had reopened with new owners, a restored neon sign, and yet another color scheme on the hat.
Trails West Lounge, Tucumcari, New Mexico
Five episodes of the Western TV show “Rawhide” were filmed at Tucumcari ranches in 1959, with Clint Eastwood as star. Apparently the crew and actors used to hang at this establishment during their downtime. It is said that Clint Eastwood told the owner of the bar that he would pay off the mortgage if he brought in a piano. The owner supposedly complied and Eastwood lived up to his end of the bargain.
Texaco Gas Station on Historic Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. A vintage Texaco gas station reborn to look like the old Texaco Gas Station it once was. With the addition of several murals, featuring, Route 66 shield, & retro vehicles. Now a Gift Shop, & Trade Station.
Tee Pee Curious on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico
Funny how the neon sign is misspelled
Route 66 mural with bison by Doug Quarles at the Tee Pee Curious in Tucumcari, New Mexico
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico
The 12 room Blue Swallow Motel on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico was built in 1939 and is still open for business.
James Dean mural in Tucumcari, New Mexico
James Dean mural with the "Tucumcari Tonite" slogan at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico
