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The Road Trip is uniquely American. It is one of the only ways to really get to know other parts of the Country, and its people.I've been Road Tripping since I was a child. We took family trips across Texas to see relatives in far away places like El Paso, and deep East Texas. I took it for granted for years, not really noticing the special event that was occurring at first. In the 1980's, my folks split up and I moved to Houston to live with my Dad. For some reason, He decided that we would hit the road for points unknown every chance that we had to take off of work and school. I guess He was going through some middle age crazy or something. Now I'm glad things worked out this way.
I began to take notice of things like old Neon Signs and one of a kind Mom n' Pop Gas Stations. We once rolled in to Hot Springs Arkansas and my fate was sealed. Both sides of the old main Highway were strewn with flashing neon signs. It affected me in a way that I haven't recovered from since, and I hope that I never do.
On a side note, I've been back to Hot Springs since, and most of these glowing jewels are gone.
We still take Road Trips together occasionally, and I've been on many road trips with other folks.
He is still my favorite road tripper, along with my Wife.
Okay, so now I'm gonna hip you to some tricks to make any road trip an amazing journey.
There are some things that are essential.
HAVE WITH YOU:
Good company . This is a must. If you spend several days in a car with someone, you get to know them pretty well.
Good music. I love Fred Eaglesmith, but you MUST have some C.D.'s by Wayne Hancock. His music was made to drive to.
Plenty of time. Old Highways are slower, with many red lights and stop signs.
Old highway atlas map from 1946-1955. You can purchase these from Ebay for next to nothing.
You want the ones that have every state in the union, not just a fold out map of one state.
Garmin GPS device. I'm not a big fan of 'tech gadgets' but this one will save you time and help you find the unique places that you seek.
Camera that takes telephoto pictures when you push the button.
A notebook to document your trip.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Check or replace all belts and hoses
Good Wipers
Make sure that you have good tires. I've always used top grade Michelins and can't remember when the last time I changed a tire on the highway.
BOOKS ABOUT ROAD TRIPS
Blue Highway by William Least Heat Moon
John Steinbeck's Travels with Charlie and Rocananto
On the Road, Jack Kerouac.
Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig-brutal read, but worth it.
John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath
THINGS TO DO
Look for old architecture( Gas Stations, Courthouses)
and old neon signs.
Buy a memento of the trip, from anywhere but a souvenir shop.
Try to stay in old motels. This can be tricky, some of them are pretty crappy. Ask to look at the room first before paying if you are not sure. One chain that has bought many old motels and refurbished them is Budget Host, they are consistently clean and well stocked.
Try to notice and appreciate what is unique to the area.
If you get a chance, talk up one of the locals, they are usually very friendly.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST CAFES
William Least Heat Moon( Blue Highway) says ones with many calendars next to the cash register. While true, there is a problem with this logic. You have to stop and go inside before you can see how many calendars they have.
I say the best ones have lots of Pickup trucks outside.
Other good places are hamburger joints with someone's last name.
HOW TO FIND THE OLD HIGHWAY
On maps from the 1940's, the roads in red are the main highways of their day. They are usually bypassed with 1956 and newer super highways.
Old roads run next to railroad tracks,
They usually run past the courthouse, or close to the old downtown section.
They are usually more curvy, running along the terrain.
Business designation roads that run through town.
Look for evidence of old infrastructure, concrete bridges, etc.
Old Highways ( Besides route 66)
Lincoln highway
Highway 54
Highway 61
Old Highway 90
MY FAVORITE ROAD TRIPS SO FAR
The first ones I took as a kid, Hot Springs Ark. and all through Louisiana.
I drove an 18 wheeler from Huntsville Tx. to Bristol Conn., Oconomowoc Wis., and Chicago. Then spent 3 days in Chattanooga Tenn.
The road trip I took with my friend Randall to New Braunfels, Tx. I discovered Austin on this trip and knew instantly that I wanted to live here forever.
I did a tour with my buddy Wayne "the train" Hancock in Aug '01. I turned 34 in Albuquerque, N.M.
My trip to Tacoma with Dad in '05. Read the blog.
Our recent trip to Memphis and Nashville. We toured the Natchez Trace, a beautiful drive.
My Honeymoon to Santa Fe in '07
Always Remember,The trip IS the Destination
I was recently featured in a UK magazine called PINSTRIPING & KUSTOM I was recently featured in a UK magazine called PINSTRIPING & KUSTOM GRAPHICS(pandk.com).
The Editor, Lynda Johnson, was in my studio a few months ago, and thought that I'd be perfect for their publication. It is their Jan/Feb 2010 issue.
Also included in the issue is the neon genius Lili Lakich, The American Sign Museum ( an amazing place) and the process of making neon signs.
They also tell you how to make Tiki Cocktails, as well as tips on airbrushing and pinstriping.
It is a real honor to be getting some attention across the pond in England. most of my work is purchased in the U.S. I can create neon signs and ship them anywhere, including the UK. Their electrical power is 240 volts, instead of 120, but aside from that they are essentially the same.All photographs were taken by my friend Dan Winters. He is an amazing photographer who does work for many books and magazines. He recently published his own book, Periodical Photographs. Do yourself a favor and get one, you'll be amazed!
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Hey,check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/55921576@N00/3377601968/and http://www.flickr.com/photos/36347533@N05/3496672933/to see the newest work from Roadhouse Relics.
It is a bar in New York City called Trailer Park Bar and Grill. Their website is trailerparklounge.com
The marquee sign is 2 sided, with a change copy reader board.
The other sign is approx. 10' wide and is 1 sided.
The Bar is located in the Chelsea district, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Meet your next ex wife at the trailer park!
These days, magazines are having a real challenge in trying to stand
apart from the crowd. It seems like it has all been done, but there is a solution.
Many savvy designers are utilizing a best kept secret in advertising.
Vintage Neon Signs, made to order!
There is a company that specializes in creating custom 1950's era neon signs from scratch, and even weathers them to perfection.
The Company is called Roadhouse Relics, owned by Todd Sanders.Roadhouse Relics was begun in 1996, dedicated to celebrating American Pop Culture. Many Movies and T.V. commercials have taken advantage of their talents, and now print media designers have caught on.
Basically, if you can imagine it, Roadhouse Relics can make it!
In the past year, Roadhouse Relics has made custom, vintage style neon signs for several magazines and print ads. The magazines include Esquire, Los Angeles magazine, Texas Monthly and Paste.
Did these projects create a splash? Well, the critics have spoken and they have won a few awards. The June '08 Texas Monthly magazine won the American Society of Magazine Editors Service Cover of the year!
Visit http://www.texasmonthly.com/2008-06-01/feature.php
Los Angeles magazine also won the year's best inside cover.
Roadhouse Relics also created an awesome Neon Marquee for an L G Phone print ad.
You can see it in many magazines in October '09 issues.
Texas Monthly has hired Roadhouse Relics again! If you view the Oct. '09 issue, you will see a custom vintage neon sign on pg. 148 in an editorial. It's a funny sign that reads 'WEED'.
It is a tongue in cheek take on an old Motel sign, except that where it is supposed to say NO VACANCY, it says ILLEGAL. I bet that it will win an award or two.
The fun thing about nostalgic neon signs is that they will never go out of style, because they are timeless.
To view more examples of Roadhouse Relics amazing work, go to roadhouserelics.com.
I've been a collector of odd things and antiques since I was little. This is probably part of why I make art that looks like antique found objects. I love cool old stuff, and always have.
Many days have been spent driving to some far away place with my Wife or Dad to look for that one special item that is fun to own and makes a great story. Years pass between the really special finds, no matter how hard I search.
I had an experience last weekend that made up for many long roads that led nowhere (antique wise anyway).
My wife Sarah and I went to the CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE, here in Austin. She's been the one who has been finding the treasures lately. She found a Johnny Cash Sun Record for $12 in Luling, Tx. about 2 months ago. About halfway through the sale, She pointed out this great looking postcard with an illustration of a dancer on it. The postcard read' LIDO PARIS'. I instantly admired it, I LOVE pinup girls, and this was a great one, so I picked it up and gave it a closer look.
The back wasn't filled out, but it did have a signature on it. After a closer inspection I was finally able to make out the signature.
ELVIS PRESLEY
Although I was taken aback, I was skeptical.
It looked like his handwriting, but was Elvis ever in Paris?
I know that Col. Tom would not let him tour oversees. Then I thought, 'Oh Yeah,
He was in Germany in the Army! He may have gone over to Paris on leave.
But this postcard was only $10, how can it be real?
I actually put it down and walked away, which sometimes can be a big mistake. Before I went one more aisle, I told Sarah "I have to go back and get it, even if its not real, it's a great image."
So I went back.
There were 2 people looking at it, and a few other things right by it.
My heart was in my neck.
After an eternity, they walked on ,and I picked it up. I asked the Lady where she got the postcard and she joked "The last time I was in Paris!" Then she said "no, it was just in a box of stuff I bought. Isn't it a great postcard? I don't know who the lady on the front is, but she signed the back. I just can't read her writing."
I smiled and gave her the $10 and walked away..
I felt compelled to go back and tell her it was Elvis' signature and not the lady on the front. I felt kinda bad that I didn't tell her, so I decided to give it to Elvis Presley's #1 fan of all time, My Mom.
On a side note, I was 10 when my friend next door came over to where I was playing in the yard and said " Did you hear that Elvis Died today?" The first thing that I thought was, "Oh no, I wonder if Momma knows." I ran in the house and saw her curled up in a ball on the chair, sobbing uncontrollably.
Yep, She knows.
She was touched that I wanted her to have it.
Anyway, I did some research, and here it is.
I found this on elvispresleynews.com
Elvis In Paris - June 1959 -June 21, 1959 - Elvis, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and Rex Mansfield flew a chartered plane to Paris. The gang went to the Lido nightclub and upon spotting Elvis called him to the stage where he played an impromptu piano version of "Willow Weep for Me" The boys visited the Lourve, the Eiffel Tower and stayed in the hotel de Galles. At nights they frequented the Folies-Bergere, the Moulin Rouge & 4 O'clock Club where they conned the entire cast back to their hotel. The 10 day trip cost $10,000 which Elvis paid in full
I don't know what it is worth, it doesn't matter. It will never leave my family, but it is exciting to find something like this in a garage sale.
This is a great example that great finds are still out there, you just have to get out there and dig.
Even if you don't find anything, looking for antiques with people that you love is always time well spent.
I recently completed a custom neon sign for ZZ TOP'S Billy Gibbons.
It is a replica of an actual sign that is here in Austin,a place called The Horseshoe Lounge.
It has all of the signature details of a Roadhouse Relics piece. Custom made,hand painted and weathered.
The coolest part is, it is made in miniature(see the pencil?)
The Summer has been a busy time. I've had a lot of fun projects lately.
I sent a custom neon sign reading 'EAT' to DIY network's new show,
Garage Mahal featuring Guy Fieri from diners drive ins and dives.
Man Vs. Food T.V. show also rented 3 pieces of neon art for their upcoming season.
Did you know that Roadhouse Relics is available as a photo shoot location?
Many folks love using the neon boneyard behind the gallery as a backdrop for wedding photos, music videos, etc.
The Avett Brothers were here during SXSW to be included in their Paste Magazine spread(photos by Jeff Fasano).
Anthropologie also chose Roadhouse Relics as a photo location for their June '09 catalog.
Mercury Charlie brought his own incredible work of art,Sweet Nadine, a 1951 Mercury that has been radically customized and took some amazing pic's among the delicious red Austin Neon sign.
Other recent projects
I custom made a Big Tex Cowboy,reminiscent of the one in the Dallas State Fair for a loft owned by Alex Gillespie and Sue Bornstein.
Shepard Fairey's OBEY Clothing is also a proud new owner of my neon pieces.
Keep a look out in October for a LG phone magazine ad, featuring a custom designed/ fabricated neon Theater marquee reading GRAND ROYALE.
I'm looking forward to many more great clients and exciting projects in the upcoming Months.
Yesterday my wife and I returned from a 4 day trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. It was her first trip. I've been several times, but not since Hurricane Katrina.The old city was very much the same, and in a way, I'll never see it as it once was ever again.The old girl is having a rough time, with many old familiar places now closed or going out of business. Although many sights saddened me,I want to talk about what is still great about New Orleans, and its wonderful people.We arrived on Thursday afternoon and checked in to the Monteleone Hotel, standing at the foot of the majestic Rue Royal Street. Although the Monteleone was created in 1886, the section we stayed in was built in 1903, I believe.After a brief rest we wandered out in to the worn cobblestone streets and began exploring the old haunts that once were visited by the likes of Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Jean Lafitte and Jim Bowie, as well as other Saints and Sinners.Our first stop was the Absinthe House(not to be confused with the Old Absinthe Bar, which I've always loved but is now gone forever) Where Sarah and I both had the signature drink of the Quarter, the Hurricane. One is plenty, and two is about three too many!We walked Rue Canal for awhile and went to bed.Friday, We had another signature experience found only in New Orleans, Beignet's at Cafe Du Monde. Although it is a MUST DO while visiting the city, I think it is overrated (give me a Shipley's do-nut any day).We wandered the French Market, the old Jax Beer Brewery and visited some great sights, including the WAX Museum. I had a great Irish Coffee at Molly's at the Market Bar.New Orleans is known for excellent food, and we did our best to experience the best the town had to offer. Here are a few spots that I absolutely loved and highly recommend. Felix's Seafood, Johnny's Po Boys (only open 'til 4 P.M.). Irene's Place, Court of Two Sisters, and Nacho Mama's on Magazine St.The real reason I've gotten off of my butt and doing my first blog in over a year are to write about some kindred spirits we met and wanted to share. On Saturday, We went down Magazine Street to do some shopping. As we were driving, Sarah noticed a sign shop which made my mouth water. It is called Mystic Blue Signs, 2212 Magazine St. This wonderland of curiosities is operated by Yvette Rutledge and Vince Mitchell.I couldn't believe our luck! The work was absolutely stunning, and they couldn't have been more welcoming.The other serendipitous meeting was at a place recommended by Yvette called Sputnik Ranch, They are Gary and Debra Parky. These guys are super cool, and so is their shop. There are many places that have been forced to close since Katrina, but this is a success story. Sputnik ranch was created after the flood in a spot that became available because a C.D. shop decided to hang it up after the flood wiped out their inventory. From Manuel/Nudie suits to vintage bicycles to great artwork by Tim Biskup, Nina Friday, And L.S. Williams, they have an amazing eye for the coolest stuff. I wanted to take it all home. Sarah did buy a framed print called Rock N Roll Angel by Mitch O'Connell, which she absolutely loves.These guys have a band called The SophistiCats, you should check them out. We listened to a C.D. that they gave us as we were leaving NOLA, awesome music. They would do well at the Continental Club in Austin, Tx.One sad note about New Orleans is the antique neon signs that vanished after the storm. Some were saved and went to collections, some simply disappeared and will never be found. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true.Some of my favorite signs are no longer there including the Sugar Bowl Courts, Red Goose Shoes, Picadilly, and The Civic, but many have survived. My favorite survivors are Half Moon, Monteleone Hotel, The Pearl, Walgreen's on Canal, and Tujague's.New Orleans is one of the only cities that has its own neon style. I can see a photo of a neon sign and can tell that it is from New Orleans. Chicago is the other city with its own neon style. Oddly, the 2 cities are very much the same style. Both have an opulent flavor that stops me in my tracks. It would be a dream come true to be a part of the design and fabrication of new "vintage" neon signs to decorate New Orleans.Saturday night we went back to Canal and watched a parade for a few hours. We made more friends, including a great guy called "Charlie Two Shoes". Charlie holds court along Canal and Royal, and is Sarah's new best friend.Sunday Morning came too soon. We packed up our gear, had one last Beignet and coffee, and headed West.We'll be back very soon, and in the meantime New Orleans will surely be missed.
