Scott Shinn - Founder & CEO

Blacktop Candy’s
American Classic
Auto Tours

322 Village Loop Dr
Apex, NC 27502

866.437.4077 Toll Free
919.439.8733 x301
866.370.2189 Fax

8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST

Just on the east side of Tucumcari, New Mexico, past the rows of kitschy souvenir shops and old time gas stations, sits a bona fide piece of Route 66 history. The Blue Swallow Motel first opened for business sometime in 1942. Though it has changed hands a couple of times, the most recent owners, Nancy and Kevin Mueller have been running it since 2011.

An Authentic Motor Hotel

There are literally hundreds of old motels along Route 66. Some might even be older than the Blue Swallow. But, age alone isn’t what makes this place so special. Instead, it’s the feeling that you’re in another time and place – a time when motels were run by real people and not corporations and excellent customer service was the rule rather than the exception. Kevin and Nancy have taken great care to restore the 14-room motel to its original glory. New neon, authentic rotary telephones and period touches are a treat!

The motel features three room types; the single queen sleeps two, the double queen sleeps four and the popular Blue Swallow Family Suite can comfortably accommodate more than five people. Modern conveniences such as top of the line toiletries, premium mattresses and luxury linens made my stay a comfortable one. Thousands of tourists looking to experience Route 66 in all its glory make it a point to stop here every year. It’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“It’s such a slice of history,”’ says Kevin. “And it’s more than just the building – it’s what happens to people when they get here. From the time they check in till the time they leave, they’re transported back in time. Our guests sit out front and they talk to each other – they share their journeys and their experiences on Route 66. They arrive as strangers and they leave as friends.”

Living History

It’s not often that a piece of history is perfectly preserved and ready for life in the 21st century the way the Blue Swallow is.  If your tour of Route 66 takes you through Tucumcari, stop by the Blue Swallow Motel.  You’ll be glad you did.