Route 66 - Needles, California

 

Needles, California is located directly on old Route 66, the pre-1930 road, as the sign below tells us. 

 

 

There are multiple old motels that are abandoned, complete with neon signs that no longer work, and probably have not worked for decades.

 

 

 

A few old gas stations are still standing and a couple look like they've been maintained, one of the gas pumps on this one shows the last sale of one gallon at 34 cents.

 

This one has no pumps, but someone was working there, possibly restoring the old truck.

The train station is large and is well used.

 

 

 This looks like it was a popular place back when Route 66 was well traveled.  The sign looks pretty good, but the building needs help.

 

The murals are all over town, on restaurants, mechanic shops and other buildings.  I'm sure they're not the original ones, but I'm glad the residents keep Route 66 alive as much as they can.

Tucumcari, New Mexico, at night.

 

 

This little shop has jewelry and all sorts of other little trinkets, even pretty rocks and agates from other areas.

This little motel seems to be the nicest of the vintage ones.  And they have "refrigerated air"!

 

 

 

 Basic, historic and restful and they have wifi!   

 

 

 

 This is not far from a truck stop and right off one of the interstate exits.  They probably have good food.

 



 

 

This is one of the basic motels - and they have phones, probably not a big draw anymore!

 

I've enjoyed this town, it was probably well visited back a few decades ago.  There are so many abandoned, derelict buildings and businesses that it's a little depressing.  But the people are friendly, helpful and care deeply about their town.  And I believe they actually value their visitors, unlike lots of places.