So help me explore the rest of the state!  There have to be plenty of goodies remaining on roadways such as U.S. 60 and 70 which still traverse the state.  So c'mon, show me what's out there!  Until then, I do have a couple of little tidbits...

     If you've seen the rest of my web, you know that I've traveled New Mexico just a little!  My explorations of old highway 80 have taken me through Las Cruces, home to New Mexico State University.  Once a major crossroads (U.S. 70, 80 & 85 converged here), Las Cruces now has that 'sleepy' feel to it.  However, due to its climate and the coming retiring of a vast portion of the American population, the Las cruces area is again showing some new growth.  Let's hope these relics of a different time such as the 21st Century Motel (sign pictured here) on highway 70 continue to hang on and can perhaps revitalize... 

     I have a neat sepia-toned postcard (postmarked 1946) of the old Club Cafe, also from Las Cruces.  It looks to be located downtown.  Any relation to its famous route 66 brother in Santa Rosa??  I do not know if the Club was on old highway 70, 80, or 85-perhaps none of the above, but I'll bet it was a happenin' place when it was open!

     Heading up old highway 85 (now essentially replaced by I-25 in New Mexico), you parallel the continental divide on the eastern, drier side of the mountains.  I imagine towns with unusual names like Truth or Consequences with their various facilities were welcome respites from the barren landscape and monotonous drive.  One such establishment was the Ace motel.  I've come across a great, colorful postcard (no postmark-undated) of the Ace.  Judging by the car, this card hails from the mid to late 40's.  As of 08/03, the Ace was still there, but in an unrecognizable form from this postcard.  It has morphed into some ugly, 60's-era conglomeration of buildings.

     Truth or Consequences (known locally as T or C) was already famous for one thing:

long before the highway era.  Indians had been using the natural hot springs in the area for centuries before the 1st settlers moved into the vicinity.  Many a spa opened up to take advantage of the 'healing and recuperative' powers of the natural hot springs and thus the town quickly became a destination spot.  The fledgling highway system only increased the popularity of this once remote area as it made the trip easier for the citizens of Albuquerque and Las Cruces to arrive.  In fact, T or C has the highest concentration of old motels and spas that I have encountered on my travels.   I only wish we hadn't passed through so late at night-the sun had already set else I would have taken hundreds of shots!  For a quick peek of what I did capture, check out this great looking unknown deco motel.  

     Another fantastic find in T or C was the Marshall Hot Springs Spa and Motel (see their colorful business card).  This joint has been around since the turn of the century, but is recently under new ownership.  The new owners are taking their recent acquisition and refurbishing the wonderful deco units and grounds.  With 109 degree hot springs, the spa was being enjoyed by folks relaxing after a fun-filled day at nearby Elephant Butte lake.  Looked like a fun place to chill out, so support these folks on their new endeavor. In the meantime, check out these great looking units and the matching shower building.  Classic.

     Planting visions of beautiful Indian blankets, stunning jewelry; wonderful architecture coupled with interesting history and scenery, I was able to talk my sister into a visit to the Santa Fe/Taos area this last Spring ('03).  I don't think she was disappointed at all.  In fact, it seemed as if a three day weekend wasn't even close to being enough time to see all she wanted to see.  There were also roadie goodies for me along the way!  On the way up, I spied a fantastic collection of old gasoline signs and paraphernalia along the east side of the road in Embudo.  With brakes smoking, I forced my complaining female companions to stop and humor me for a moment.  Imagine my surprise when I found out that I had stopped at 'The Gas Museum' run by no other than Johnnie Meier-president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association!  I could have chatted for hours, but we had to mosey on...I was starting to get evil-eyed stares as the ladies were anxious to go spend some money!  However, enjoy a couple of pics of some of the goodies at the Gas Museum, and be sure to stop in and say hi to Johnnie and support his great establishment.

   We had a great time in Santa Fe/Taos, but the day was not over yet!  Returning to our motel from an exhausting (to me anyways) day of shopping/browsing in Taos, we passed through the little town of Espanola.  Imagine my great surprise when I saw the fantastic neon of the Arrow Motel lighting up the night!  Once again, smoking brakes and squealing tires announced my arrival as I had to get a couple of shots to share with you, the reader.  I hope you enjoy!