Blue Swallow Motel on Route 66 - The View from Room 1, Travel Photo, Neon, New Mexico, Road Trip Photography, Paper/Canvas/Acrylic/Metal

After a long and rewarding day of photographing everything Route 66 had to offer between Albuquerque and Tucumcari, I pulled into the parking lot of the iconic Blue Swallow Motel. The sun had just dipped below the horizon, and the warm glow of the neon sign, humming softly in the cool desert air, felt like a beacon welcoming weary travelers to step back in time. The Blue Swallow, a Route 66 treasure since 1941, has been a symbol of hospitality and vintage charm, with its retro architecture and neon-lit allure drawing travelers from around the world.

As I walked into the office to check in, I had a single request: “Is Room 1 available?” The owner, a kind soul with a deep love for the motel’s history, smiled and confirmed that it was. Room 1 had the best view of the Blue Swallow’s famous neon sign, and I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to capture it in all its glowing glory. I grabbed my room key, an old-fashioned metal one with a plastic tag, and made my way to the door. The room was as charming as I’d imagined, with vintage decor that echoed the heyday of the Mother Road.

Once I’d settled in, I began setting up for my shot. I wanted something truly special, a perspective that would capture both the sign and the spirit of the room itself. Standing by the window, I could see the neon in all its brilliance, reflected perfectly in the vintage glass, its colors dancing faintly in the imperfections of the pane. Outside, the sign proclaimed “Blue Swallow Motel” in vibrant pink, green, and blue, while a classic car parked beneath it added the perfect finishing touch to the scene.

Initially, I planned to use a technique called focus stacking, ensuring every detail of the image was razor sharp—from the delicate curtains framing the window to the glowing sign outside. But as I reviewed the images, I found that something was missing. The sharpness didn’t feel right for the scene. Instead, I decided to let the imperfections of the window glass and the soft focus of the room interior add character to the shot. By keeping the neon sign as the sole focal point, the image gained a timeless, dreamlike quality, as if the viewer were peering into the past.

The Blue Swallow Motel’s history only added to the magic of the moment. The motel is one of the most photographed stops along Route 66. It has survived the rise and fall of the Mother Road, thanks to the dedication of owners who have lovingly preserved its charm. Each room features a garage, a relic from the days when motor courts were designed to accommodate travelers and their cars. The motel’s iconic neon sign has become a symbol of enduring Americana, lighting up the Tucumcari night and inviting guests to experience the golden age of road trips.

As I clicked the shutter, the room fell silent except for the faint hum of the neon outside and the occasional passing car. Through the window, the soft glow of the sign seemed to tell its own story—of countless travelers who had passed through this very place, drawn by the promise of rest, adventure, and a touch of magic.

This photo, taken from Room 1 of the Blue Swallow Motel, is more than an image—it’s a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a reminder that even after a long day, there’s always beauty waiting to be discovered.

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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