Texas Motel
As you traverse along the historic Route 66 in the United States of America, you get to discover the ranches, lush meadows, farms and scenic motels that speak of bygone times of this great country. As you zoom along the entire length of Route 66, the hot Texas winds beckon you for relaxation at its homely motels.
Away from the hustle bustle of a city life, a sojourn at these motels creates a sense of nostalgia to any traveler. These places have accommodated thousands of tourists wanting to rest before a long drive down the highway.
Texas is known not just for cowboys, piney woods, wonderful tales, scenic landscape and majestic Guadalupe Mountains. It is also the state of historic motels that entice the traveler with old time charm. Hotels and motels are found everywhere from the north to south of the state.
Some of most remarkable historic Texas motels include:
The Big Texan motel: Perfect place for steak freaksIf you have a great appetite for steak, this is the place for you. Famous for its 72oz steak eating challenge, The Big Texan has been named the Worlds tenth Best Place to Pig Out by the Travel Channel. To get a free meal, all one has to do is eat a baked potato with shrimp cocktail and few other stuff within an hour. The participant has to sign the agreement of health liability before participating in the steak eating challenge. The rules of dinner are explained by the manager of the motel.
Located in Amarillo, the largest city in the Texas panhandle, The Big Texan Steak Ranch opened in 1960, on Route 66. Later it moved on to Interstate 40 in 1970. It was reopened with better facility in 1977, following a fire accident.
Texan Motel is a highlight for Texas tourism. The place has unique displays, live rattlesnakes and live music. Yet another interesting thing about Big Texan is a swimming pool shaped like the state of Texas. The motel is open on all 7 days. Reflecting the old west charm, Big Texan offers many amenities, on-site laundry and continental breakfast.
Austin Motel: The 50s style motelRecognizing the potential of the motel concept, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart built the Austin Motel on the old San Antonio highway, in 1938. This was the time when the United States was experiencing a boom in the automobile sector. Over 65 years of continuous operation, this home grown business has survived several generations. Austin motel has 41 rooms and a swimming pool of the 50s style.
Jesses cafe: For a yummy pie and a hot cuppaThis cafe was originally called Mid Point cafe. The place was enlarged in the 60s and was called Jesses cafe. Located in Adrian (halfway of Route 66), between Chicago and Santa Monica, this is a lively place for a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. The pies are all homemade. This cafe is located at the mid point of Route 66 and is the oldest cafe between Amarillo, Texas and Tucumcari, New Mexico.
Vega motel: Far from the madding crowdYet another favourite on Route 66, Vega motel was built in 1947. It was originally called Vega Court. Vega is a Spanish word meaning ?grassy plain? or ?meadow?. Historic ambience, vintage furniture, clean surroundings, pink and red brick-look exterior and individual carports make the place quite pleasant. This motel was featured in various articles by the Chicago Tribune and also in a documentary about Route 66.
Motel history: Travelers in the early twentieth century had little facilities. Most of them preferred camping instead of expensive hotels. The word Motel (Motorists hotel) referred initially to a single building of connected rooms whose doors face a parking lot. Motels with low rates sometimes serve as housing for people who cannot afford an apartment. It was initially known as mom-and-pop motor courts. Built on the border of a town, they attracted the first road warriors as they crossed the U.S.
Motels emerged as a result of increased driving distances on the United States highway system. The word motel was coined with the establishment of Motel Inn of San Luis Obispo, constructed in 1925 by Arthur Heinman.
The individual cabins were laid out in L or U shape. These places are often identified with neon signs reflecting pop culture such as images of cowboys with a welcoming grin, Indians and contemporary ones like spaceships as well. Each motel welcomed the weary traveler to stop and take a break. Facilities like swimming pools, television sets and air conditioning often tempted the highway adventurer.
First motel in Texas: One of the oldest and first motels in Texas at Glen Rio is an intriguing place to stopover and explore on its former glory. Lying between the border of Texas and New Mexico, Glen Rio is now a ghost town. The old motel was once advertised as the First in Texas and Last in Texas. The remains of the courtyard motel can still be found.
Bed and Breakfast (B&B): In addition to motels, Texas also provides homely Bed and Breakfast Inns (B&B). If you are fond of wineries and peach orchards, Fredericksburg is the best bet for a weekend getaway.
It is always better to check if the property is approved by Historic accommodations of Texas (HAT). It is the State Organization of Texas Finest Bed and Breakfasts, Country Inns, Distinctive Hotels and Guest Houses.
Often referred to as a B&B, these boarding houses are run by large single families at their residences. Staff often consists of the houses owners and members of their family. B&B roadside signs first became popular in the British Isles.
Route 66: Historic highway
Established on November 11, 1926, US Route 66 is one of the original federal routes running 2,448 miles. It originally ran from Chicago, Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California before ending at Los Angeles. Route 66 once stretched for 178 miles across the Texas Panhandle. Cyrus Avery of Tulsa, Oklahoma and John Woodruff of Springfield, Missouri conceived the idea of linking Chicago to Los Angeles. Avery is considered as the Father of Route 66.
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