We can't escape them; signs are everywhere. If you think Boyce Luther Gulley saw a sign when he was inspired to build his Mystery Castle, then get a load of the way some people took the idea of a "desert sign" quite literally. All along Main Street in Mesa, AZ, we were treated to bevy of beautiful neon markers for motels, hotels, and businesses of all kinds. Here are some of the best signs that we saw.
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| Sunland Motel This one reminds me of the original Del Taco logo (it might be a regional thing). It's a shame that too few motels offer the practicality of the kitchenette. |
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| Kiva Lodge Motel I want this sign in the worst way. How awesome would my western room be with a giant Chief's head illuminated by neon? Really awesome. |
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| It's all about the details. The vacancy sign masquerading as Native American pottery |
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| Deserama Mobile Ranch The name is pure poetry; someone needs to write a book called "Deserama" based on the desert's never ending awesomeness! By the way, don't you already get the feeling that some lonely Deserama resident really does have 55+ pets in her mobile home? |
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| Trava-Leers Motel This is one of my favorites because it evokes the nostalgia of 50's Disneyland. |
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| El Capitan Lodge Motel They've got vacancy and TV; what more could you ask for? |
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| The Plainsman Motel |
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| Highway Host Motel The signs all have such a feeling of optimism and hope. Or maybe I read too much into a white starburst... |
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| Dairy Queen This might not be that exciting to you, but in our neck of the woods, the oldest Dairy Queen is in a tan, stucco building circa 1989, neon not included. |
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| The Hambone Sports Bar & Grill Save for the fact that I DO wear glasses and I DON'T drink beer, it looks like they knew I was coming. |
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| El Rancho Motel From what direction would one be approaching the old El Rancho? Based on the arrow they were projecting a Jetsonian future where we would come in on hover cars. How much do we love the "MOTEL" font? But we still can't figure out what they mean by "Itscat." |
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| Frontier Motel Remember, at one time Phoenix was the wild frontier of America...but not for very long. Look at the vacancy sign; with the push of a single button, a little flap goes up and visitors are UNwelcome. |
We drove up and down Main Street, Mesa at least three times trying to make sure that we didn't miss any of that amazing signage (we probably did). The residents of Mesa sure are lucky to have such a concentration of neat signs to color the skyline of their hometown. Do you have any amazing neon signs in your town that deserve more appreciation?
"Signs" - Five Man Electrical Band
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
