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A vintage magazine cover featuring a 1951 Plymouth car with a driver and passengers.

Staycations & Smart Road-Tripping that Doesn't Break the Bank

Let’s face it: air travel lately feels like a game of hockey and you’re the puck. Between rising fuel costs, packed flights, and the general chaos of modern transit, the idea of a “relaxing getaway” can start to feel… optimistic. So, here’s a radical… Read more
A historical black-and-white photo of multiple telephone operators at switchboards, connecting calls in a busy telecommunications office.

Don't Get Catfished by a "Reservation Desk"

If you think you’re talking to Raton Pass Motor Inn , you should actually be talking to… well… Raton Pass Motor Inn . Not “Guest Reservations.” Not “Reservation Desk.” Certainly not “Totally-Not-a-Call-Center-We-Promise dot com.” And DEFINITELY not s… Read more
A black SUV parked on a gravel road with a vast landscape and blue sky in the background.

Skip the TSA. Take the Scenic Route.

Let’s be honest—air travel has lost a bit of its sparkle. What used to feel like the glamorous age of jet-setting now looks more like a competitive sport: sprinting through terminals, wrestling with carry-ons, and hoping your shampoo doesn’t get flag… Read more
A new Rheem water heater is on a wooden pallet outside a building with a turquoise exterior and red door.

Water Heater Woes

We inherited our water heater when we bought the motel in late 2020. Far more robust than any residential model, twice the size and BTU’s of most. Still, from time to time, we had issues. The pilot light would go out if the winds were strong enough, … Read more
A woman in a plaid suit speaks into a vintage rotary phone at a reception desk.

"We spoke with your answering service."

No…you did not speak with our answering service. Scams are all over the place, and travelers are a big, juicy target. One issue our guests have been encountering is deceptive online reservation services. When searching the internet for motels in Rato… Read more
A hand adds ice to a black water bottle surrounded by various containers and bags of ice.

Refills While You Travel

Tips to Top Off Your Tankard and Get You Back on the Road. For many when they travel, having their trusty metal cup or mug in hand is essential. For others, it’s a thirst-quenching insulated water bottle. I get it! My husband uses a tall Yeti for his… Read more
A black-and-white dog sits next to a vintage, rusty pickup truck in a gravel yard surrounded by trees.

Tips for Traveling With Your Furry Companion

If you are like us, pets are family members. Fun family members, the type we like to take with us on our trips, as opposed to the family we need a break from. Sometimes it is a hassle, but it is almost always worth it once we arrive at our destinatio… Read more
A man and woman stand behind a counter with a bottle of sparkling wine, surrounded by rustic decor and signs.

One year!

It’s been too long since we put together a post, but as we celebrate our first year, it is the perfect time for an update. 2021 was a whirlwind of activity, with new experiences, new faces, and new friends! Starting out at the motel during the off-se… Read more
A retro diner sign stands near a motel with teal rooms and a mural, set against a backdrop of trees and hills under a clear blue sky.

Valentine's Day Weekend Destination: Raton, New Mexico

It was one year ago that we took a little road trip for Valentine’s Day weekend. We dropped the dogs off at dog camp, and took off from Dallas. A social media post from Raton Pass Motor Inn had caught our eye a few weeks prior, announcing that about … Read more
Map depicting the territorial claims of the Republic of Texas and surrounding regions in the United States and Mexico.

The Santa Fe Trail

In 1821, a Missouri judge gave William Becknell one year to pay off $20,000* in debt. If he failed, the recently freed Becknell would have to return to prison. Then 33 years old, a former soldier accustomed to a life of hunting and trading, Becknell … Read more