Roadside Motels in the deep south

[gemmamc]

I am looking for a list of all the roadside motels in the states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi? I am planning a trip and only want to stay in classic old style motels with neon signs, where truckers stay. If anyone can help me find this information or can give me some ideas that will be great thanks.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am looking for a list of all the roadside motels in the states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi? I am planning a trip and only want to stay in classic old style motels with neon signs, where truckers stay.

Welcome to the Forum! Truckers don't stop over-night at "classic old style motels" because there is no room to park. 73% of professional drivers pause for their required "rest hours" at
truck stops, and the rest stop at a variety of roadside rest stops, vacant lots, etc. I have a colleague that compiles a list of the type of places you are looking for and I think they could provide a detailed report for you. The umbrella organization is the Society for Commercial Archeology and I believe their resources list will be of help to you.

Enjoy the planning!

mark

[gemmamc]

Thanks for that information, as you can probably tell I've obviously never been to America before so the thanks for clearing up the trucker thing. I'll check out the links thanks. If anyone can reccomend any motels in those states, then please let me know.

[Quebec Gen]

Gemmamc,

Here's a link to another site that diplays some of those old fashioned roadside motels in the south east.

as you can probably tell I've obviously never been to America before so the thanks for clearing up the trucker thing

Most of the truck drivers I know sleep in their vehicle at truck stops. These trucks are usually fully equipped : microwave, fridge, bunk, storage facilities, T.V., DVD player, satellite radio, etc. It's amazing how the designers managed to put that much stuff in such a tiny space!

Good luck on your research!
Gen

[RoadDog]

Classic motels are always a good way to go. They are not you cookie-cutter places like most national chains are. In addition, they are usually cheaper, always a good thing. And many have fantastic signs.

With the national chains, however, you are fairly-well assured of what you're going to get. Unfortunately, you never know what to expect with a mom and pop place. Generally, one good indicator is how well the grounds and office are kept up. Look at the rooms and cars in the parking lot.

If you have any misgivings, go on down the road.

Also, check out the regional food whenever possible. Ever hear of grits? I always try to eat at places that aren't chains. Order things you've never heard of, but perhaps do a little inquiring first.

Also, get off the interstates whenever possible, and enjoy the backroads to get a real slice of Americana.

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. -- RoadDog

Hope you enjoy your visit.

[lawdeda]

check out

http://www2.sjsu.edu/faculty/wooda/motel/
and
roadsidepeek.com

[gemmamc]

Great Thanks...Roadsidepeek.com is where I started, they do have some great pictures, the guy from that site has emailed me back which was useful, as for the motelamericana.com, i am going to check that out now..thanks for all of the advice.

Gemma

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am planning a trip and only want to stay in classic old style motels

There is a motel I have wanted to stop at, but never could fit it in. It doesn't have a neon sign, but it is unlike any other place in America. It is called the "Shack Up Inn" and guests stay in in refurbished sharecropper shacks on the old Hopson Plantation (a cotton farm). The Shack Up Inn is located near Clarksdale, Mississippi and friends have stopped there and say it is quite fun and very original. Here is reservation information.

Mark