Teepee Curios on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico - Neon Sign Print - Road Trip Art - New Mexico Photography on Paper/Canvas/Acrylic/Metal

Staying at the world-famous Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, was like stepping into a time capsule of Route 66’s golden age. The neon glow of the motel's sign lit up the twilight, but my photographic adventure didn’t stop there. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I strolled along the historic road, camera in hand, hunting for more luminous treasures.

Among them stood the iconic Teepee Curios, its neon sign blazing against the deepening blues of the evening sky. Originally built in the 1940s as a gas station and souvenir shop, the Tepee Curios became a must-see spot for travelers on Route 66. The entrance of the building itself was shaped like a teepee, a nod to the fascination with Southwestern and Native American culture that once captivated road-trippers from across the country. Over the decades, it evolved into a full-fledged gift shop and has become one of Tucumcari’s most beloved landmarks.

I positioned myself to capture the vibrant details of the scene. The hum of the neon buzzed faintly, adding a rhythmic backdrop to the occasional whoosh of cars on the highway. A soft desert breeze carried the scent of dry earth and sage, mingling with a faint whiff of gasoline from a nearby filling station. The gravel crunched beneath my boots as I shifted to frame the shot.

The vibrant bull-shaped sign above the door cast its neon glow on the surrounding walls, while a mural of a Route 66 shield painted on the shop’s façade was illuminated by the last light of day. Through the windows, I could see shelves stocked with pottery, jewelry, and souvenirs. An old Ford Pickup added an extra touch of nostalgia, its orange paint catching the neon’s reflection.

Click. The shutter captured the moment as it unfolded—a perfect blend of history, nostalgia, and artistry. The scene was more than just a photograph; it was a story, a celebration of Route 66’s enduring legacy and the unique charm of small-town America.

Tucumcari’s Tepee Curios encapsulates the spirit of the Mother Road, reminding every passerby of a time when road trips weren’t just about reaching a destination—they were about the journey, the discoveries, and the memories made along the way. As I walked back to the Blue Swallow, the neon lights of Tepee Curios glowing behind me, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have captured a piece of that story.

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Production and Shipping Time: 5-7 business days

Premium Photo Paper: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.

Ready-to-Hang Canvas: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.

There are 5 ways to print these images.

1) Premium Photo Paper are high quality, professional paper-prints.
Sharp, Vivid and rich Color sets this apart from a casual photo print.
You'll feel like you're there.
Premium Photo Paper will last a long time.
This option is available in 8x10 inches, 11x14 inches, 16x20 inches or 24x36.
They are designed to be placed in a glass frame, which can be purchased separately (starting at a few dollars at your local Target or online.)

2) Ready to Hang Canvas are ready to hang right out of the box with zero assembly required. Ultimate convenience.
Gorgeous finished look. It comes out of the shipping box finished and ready to hang with a simple nail in the wall.
Canvas Prints are a well-known, high-end way of displaying photographs.
0.75 or 1.5 inch thick (depending on which size that you order) wooden stretcher-bars that give it shape, in the same way an oil painting is traditionally assembled. There are no staples or ugly lines visible on the sides (very important.)
Estimated delivery time for printing, assembling, packing and shipping is around 10 days.

3) Ready to Hang Canvas (split into 3 panels)
This is for larger pieces, and the photograph is split into 3 even panels, 3 separate canvas panels which together make a single large image.
This gives a modern look, and allows spectacularly large sizes on your wall!

4) Aluminum Metal Prints
Create elegant wall decor that shines with high-end, exclusive and unique aluminum metal prints.
Create a polished addition to any home or office. 3/64" thick aluminum panel. Features a glossy coating and rounded edges.
UV resistant ink prevents fading. All metal sizes are ready to hang on your wall, right out of the box.

5) Acrylic Prints
Create eye-catching home decor with modern acrylic prints. Light refracts through the museum-quality acrylic bringing vibrancy and depth to your photos. The 1/8" thick, clear acrylic produces superb image quality from edge to edge and absolutely stunning, brilliant color!
UV resistant ink prevents fading. All acrylic sizes are ready to hang on your wall, right out of the box