On interstate 40 last week on the way to a class reunion in Arizona. The Texas Panhandle is pretty flat but the skies were interesting. Lots of people tell me how “boring” this stretch of road is. I don’t find it boring at all! Oh no, I see all sorts of interesting things while driving.
I stopped for gas in Shamrock, Texas. Shamrock is home to the Tower Gas Station. A beautiful art deco structure from the 1930’s. It has been restored and is beautiful. It is no longer a gas station but more of a visitor center.
Attached is “Do Drop Inn” a former restaurant that has also been preserved. Roadside America has a post on this stop. The gas station and former cafe are big stops for Route 66 fans.
Further to the west on the freeway is the Bug Ranch. It is kind of like Cadillac Ranch (for a later post). I found it fun. It’s free and they take donations so I gave them a couple dollars. It’s another Route 66 attraction. Most references call it the slug bug ranch.
You can buy spray paint but I declined. I just wanted to take photos.
They had a couple of other vehicles as well.
I love road trips. The rest of my family hates them. I kind of like the Route 66 attractions but I don’t spend much time driving Route 66. Too slowwww!!!
I am linking with Skywatch Friday and My Corner of the World
Hermosa gasolinera. Lindos autos. Te mando un beso.
I love road trips too and you’re right there’s always a whole lot to see, whatever the landscape might be. It’s nice to see all that you saw along the way.
That gas station must have been one with a lot of character. ‘Do Drop Inn’ is such a cool name! Love that! And the Bug Ranch looks like a lot of fun. I’d love to see that sometime.
Drove by Shamrock on our way to Oklahoma, didn’t stop as I didn’t know about this. Looks fantastic.
The bug ranch looks like an interesting place. Love the old spray painted cars.
…I love the psicodelic bug ranch! For me Conoco is a name from the past.
Looks like a fun road trip! Pretty sky and the Gas Station looks cool.
I love the old painted cars. Take care, enjoy your day!
Very beautiful art deco design.
Really cool pictures. The art deco gas station looks like it’s in good condition.,
What a novel idea, letting people spray paint old cars. Giving what some would say is junk a brand new face. But like you, I’d probably just take their pictures. 🙂
Great sky shot and love the ‘bug ranch’ photos ~ very colorful ~ I found Route 66 fascinating when we were there ~ The Tower is also fascinating ~
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Fun stuff! I’ve learned over the years that the secret to good road-tripping is in appreciating the journey as well as the destination! But you have to be willing to stop whenever the occasion for appreciation (and good photos) occurs!
Interesting places! I’ll probably never get there, unless someone comes out with a self driving RV.
that’s the fanciest gas station I have ever seen.
Gorgeous sunny day – I love the blue skies and white clouds. You always find interesting places to visit. Thank you
You find some cool stuff! I’ve never seen a gas station like that, and I’m a fan of vintage gas stations.
Looks amazing, Loved the post and pics.
Happy Weekend
My husband and I spent one September night in – 1979? – in Shamrock, Texas, on the way home from an out west vacation. Back then, Rt 66 wasn’t in the public consciousness, either. We found out, several years later, that one of our neighbors in rural Arkansas had spent some time in Shamrock when it was a boom oil town – or maybe it was his father. Not sure we’ll ever be back, but – wow, that gas station Enjoyed the first picture of the sky, too.
the bug range made me giggle.
Coffee is on and stay safe.
I thought you meant bugs as in real bugs aka insects but I do like the cars and how they’ve been painted.
Have read a lot of Route 66. Hope to ride there someday! Am a roadtripper too! 🙂
It does look like you found plenty to keep the trip from being boring. You have such big skies there! I enjoyed your Idaho Falls photo on the Skywatch page.
Great photos from your road trip. The sky and clouds was pretty. Love the art deco style gas station and the Bug Ranch was fun and colorful.
What a funny trip! I love these little “adventures” too.
So great to drive with you on this legendary road.
I love road trips- I would rather drive anywhere as opposed to flying or train. Even short road trips to new places are fun for me. I haven’t been much on route 66, but one day I will.
Thanks to your Skywatch Friday blog and linking parties, I find myself taking pictures with the sky in mind, and it is never boring, road traffic included!
Love the tower. Fun attractions to break up the miles.