Vintage Neon

Recently, we took an extended weekend trip to Northwest Arkansas and stayed at a great outdoor adventure lodge in the heart of Eureka Springs. 

When we checked in we had the opportunity to chat with the new owner of The Wanderoo Lodge. The place had originally been opened by his great-grandparents in 1929 as “Camp Joy.” In addition to the campground, there were originally several cabins with kitchenettes.  Over the years more cabins were added and the outdoor camping was eliminated.  In the 60s and 70s, several of the cabins were eliminated.  They were replaced with motel-style units and the property was renamed “The Joy Motel.” 

Through all these changes, the property remained in the family until it was sold in 2004.  After a series of several owners in a short amount of time, the property was again put up for sale in 2017.  Since he had grown up around the lodge, he decided to buy the property.  He also acquired his great-grandparents arts and crafts house adjacent to the motel. 

He began renovations by gutting 10 rooms to the studs. Those rooms have now been completely remodeled and include entirely new bathrooms with glass, walk-in showers.  But even the classic mid-century modern rooms have received upgraded appliances and a facelift. His great-grandparent’s beautiful arts and crafts house has been restored and now houses the front desk.  And in the remainder of the first floor, work is almost complete on adding a bar area featuring craft beers. 

The vintage neon sign still proudly sits on the property.   Some of the neon tubes have been broken and the sign is no longer lit.  However, the new owner has plans to eventually restore the sign to its former glory.  The sign really spoke to me.  It made me harken back to family road trips in the 1960s when this style motel sign dotted the highways.  Even though the sign no longer lights up, I could not resist capturing a picture to preserve the memory of my recent road trip and the incredible hospitality we encountered at the Wanderoo Lodge. 

After getting home from the trip, I decided I would attempt to digitally restore the glow of the neon lights.  Through the power of Photoshop,  I think the resulting image above is a good tribute to the memory of the road-trip era of my youth.