Nostalgic Roadside Neon Signs of the Southwest United States

I grew up with signs. Although they were outside, they are very nostalgic to me.

In my hometown in Ohio, I used to stand outside the theater marquee and watch the neon lights and flashing colors. I don't remember many other neon signs other than that theater and the local drive-in, both owned by the same company.

Taking trips with my Father and Mother to other states exposed me to further neon and I was fascinated.

I was a child who always looked for treasures. I used to dig in old dumps along the creeks (where people disposed of their garbage years ago) and found many old things. These things kept my imagination busy. I loved looking at them and thinking about their history.

In the past twenty years or so, old objects have become part of decor. Whether using just photos of the objects or the objects themselves, many modern designs utilize these objects.

Neon signs, whether lit or unlit and weathered, are very popular and I have put many images of them in this website. By traveling in the Southwest United States, you don't see a lot of color as most things are pale or pastel. These pops of color show their beauty in contrast to the desert backgrounds.

The sign that is on the Rabbit Ears Motel in Steamboat Springs Colorado, below, is one of my favorites and I am highlighting it.

Please take a journey into the Southwest with me and to keep you interested, I have included some participatory fun.

Flickr Commons

Photo taken by author, tvyps

If you are nostalgic, this is the place to go!

Almost everyone knows the story of how Route 66 was built to cross the continental United States.

A cool portion of the route goes through Northern Arizona and the city of Flagstaff. It has hundreds of little stores, restaurants, hotels and souvenir locations that remind you of time gone by.

Many of the original buildings still exist and if you love to take photos, this is a nostalgia lover's photographic Eden.

I have been there many times and although I have seen it, I always seem to see or find something new.

While Flagstaff is not the only city that Route 66 passes through, many traveled here because of its proximity to the Grand Canyon. You know, that big hole in the ground that Nik Wallenda just walked a tightrope over?

Take a trip to Route 66 with me through the lens of my camera, as well as other Southwest locations, where the neon shines brightly!

Flickr Commons

Despite the television show recording and soundtrack of the 1960's, Nat King Cole originally recorded this in 1946.

In later years, Natalie Cole also sang along with her Father on a a dubbed recording.

Photo taken by author, tvyps

Although you may not want to put an old object such as a sign in your home, you may be surprised how they can give your decor a character and charm that nobody else has.

Here are some simple tips to use when putting signs in your home or incorporating them into your design.

• Don't overdo it! You can one or a few signs into your decor but you probably don't want your wall covered in them.
• Use signs that have a meaning to you. Many times, you can find a sign of a product that you loved growing up or even one with your name on it.
• Don't repaint your signs; leave them with the original patina. It gives them character.
• Learn about your sign. Every sign tells a story. I love doing research on historical objects and can only imagine how many people have seen it or used them.
• Find signs with color that blend with your design. I wouldn't put a neon sign into a pastel decor.
• Match the sign with your decor. The textures and colors can enhance your design.
• Be original. I once saw a person use road signs as a back splash in their kitchen decor.

Photo taken by author, tvyps

Flickr Commons

Flickr Commons

Flickr Commons

Flickr Commons

If you don't know which type of photo you like the best, why not try both?

This easy Photoshop tutorial will help you turn a daytime into a Nighttime photo.

Flickr Commons

Flickr Commons