Wonderful Wigwam Motel...

When Chris and I plotted this trip out West, we were determined to take in as much of the Route 66 as we could.  One of our favorite reference guides has been the Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers, 2nd Edition  written by Jerry McClanahan.

 The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook AZ totally lived up to my kitschy standards. 

It has been one of  our most memorable motels on our Route 66 tour.

 The Wigwam Motel is owned by the original family since they were built in 1950.

Look how cozy our wigwam looks at night!!

 They are bigger on the inside than they look and feature the original furniture.

 Many of the family's personal cars are parked around the motel and add a 50's feel. A definite photo opportunity even if you don't spend the night. In case you are wondering, we paid with taxes $64 for a family of four. Well worth every dollar.  Yes.  It had A/C.
 
Here is a short video tour of the wigwam for our family back home.  Enjoy!

Getting our kicks on Route 66!

 

We've traveled another 660+ miles since my last post.  

If you have any reason to be in Clinton OK, their Route 66 Museum is fabulous. 

Since Memphis, we've made our way through AR, OK, TX and we're now in New Mexico. 

 A few of my favorite photos from stops along the way.

Big Texan Steak House in Amarillo TX

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo TX

Cherokee Trading Post in Calumet OK

Indian Muffler Man in Calumet OK.

The buffaloes were also at this trading store.  Their prices were great. 

Cactus Inn McClean TX

Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, NM

Mural also in Tucumcari NM.

Old Town in Albuquerque NM

Old Town in Albuquerque NM


It's been extremely hot (the van has been showing 105 on average).

A less expensive version of this headdress is now with us.  It was found at Clines Corners in NM.  We're now on our way to AZ to stay in the Wigwam Motel Thursday night. More heat and adventures await! 

 

1,000 miles down...

We've traveled just a little over 1,000 miles since heading out Saturday morning. 

We've driven through IN, IL, MO, AR, TN and we're back in AR.

Along the way, we've been scooping out kitschy stops.

We stayed at the Heartbreak Hotel Sunday night. It was exactly what I imagined.

You can even watch 24 hours of Elvis movies in your room.

The girls did swim in the heart-shaped pool after our tour of Graceland.

Doesn't everyone need a pink fuzzy sparkly phone?

Snowglobes and Elvis glasses are abundant in the never-ending gift shops. 

We managed to hit the last Graceland tour on Sunday.

The crowds were minimal and perfect for exploring the estate. 

Even Emma enjoyed listening to the audio-tour and learning more about Elvis.

A few of the many rooms found in Graceland.

Love the fabric-covered ceiling in the pool room.

Imagine the dinner parties in this glitzy dining room!

Stained glass peacock windows...would you expect anything less?

Long live the KING!

Josie's favorite restaurant on the trip so far was in Little Rock Arkansas. Our lunch was brought to our table via a mini train suspended on the ceiling.  

On Tuesday, we are back in the car for another 6.5 hours. We're headed across Oklahoma to visit the OK Route 66 Museum before we end the night in Amarillo TX.  

The fun continues!

Hitting the road!

Today is my last day of work for two whole weeks! The tank is full of gas, our bags are packed, routes have been determined, lodging has been secured, and our house sitter moves in this evening.  Thank you "J".  Penny and Luna will be happy to have company! 

Last summer we took the girls on a   mini Route 66 trip and had a great time exploring IL to MO.

This time, we'll be taking a slightly different route.  

We're traveling through 10 different states in 14 days.

Emma will help with the driving on this trip.

Yes.  We are staying at the Wigwam Motel one night.

PS. Even though I probably won't update my blog until we're home, I'll try and peek at your blogs every now and then.  Don't have too much fun without me.