Roadside Wigwams and Teepees
On a theme today, we look at wigwam and teepee tourist attractions along Route 66.
Wigwam Motels
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook Arizona
811 W Hopi Drive
Have You Slept in a Wigwam Lately?
Actually, it seemed like no one had slept at the Wigwam Motel in Arizona in quite some time when we drove by a few years ago and took these pictures. However, according to various sources on the web it appears that the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook is open for business. I thought that Wigwam was a motel chain at one time because the San Bernardino Wigwam Hotel has the same slogan (it also still seems to be in business), but the original owner’s son explains the story at the official Holbrook Wigwam website. Apparently, the owner Chester E. Lewis already owned several motels when he saw one in Kentucky (they are also referred to as Wigwam Village Motels. Arrangements were made with the Kentucky owner so that Lewis could use his plans to build his own. At one time there were 7 Wigwam Villages in the U.S. Check out the website for some great stories about the motel as well. Also, according to the Route 66 University site, the Kentucky Wigwam Motel that inspired the Holbrook motel pictured above is one of the last 3 wigwam villages that are operational – it’s in Cave City Kentucky.
Tee Pee Gift Shops
Tee Pee Curios, Tucumcari New Mexico
According to Travis Good at waymarking.com, the Tee Pee Curios souvenir shop is a family-owned business with a long history as a Route 66 landmark. I’m pretty sure I bought my Tucumcari fridge magnet there but I can’t remember for sure – I do remember entering the store through the Tee Pee and enjoying myself immensely – I love browsing through the roadside gift shops almost as much as I love buying food from roadside concession stands, tourist attraction concessions, or diners. Susanne Van Hulst has taken an excellent photo of this shop in context with its surroundings, you can check it out (or purchase a print) at fineartamerica.com.
Tee Pee Restaurants
Tee Pee Mexican Food
It’s not actually shaped like a a tee pee, and they serve Mexican food. As if things couldn’t possibly get more confusing, the Tee Pee Mexican restaurant is located on 4144 East Indian School Road. Okay, I know that’s not actually very confusing, but it is kind of funny! I am extremely serious, however, about how good the food is at this restaurant. The atmosphere is awesome, too. If you’re in Phoenix make sure you check this place out.
Do you know of any other Wigwam or Tee Pee shaped motels, gift shops, or restaurants? Please share this information with readers in the comments section:
