Sun-N-Sand Motel
Kanab, UT
Photo courtesy Paul Bauke

The neon-lit marquee at Sun-N-Sand Motel points the way into this longtime Kanab lodging destination. With its bright neon and directional design, the sign was built to catch the attention of travelers exploring southern Utah's scenic highways.

Opened in 1949, the Sun-N-Sand Motel has welcomed visitors for generations. Like many roadside motels of the era, the property relied on an eye-catching neon sign to stand out from the competition and attract travelers passing through town.

UPDATE: The Sun-N-Sand Motel continues to operate in Kanab, and the vintage neon marquee remains standing out front. It's always nice to see a classic motel sign still doing what it was designed to do, welcoming travelers at the end of a long day on the road. 06-26

Sands Motel
St. George, UT
Photo courtesy Paul Bauke

The Sands Motel. features a large neon sign that has become a favorite subject for roadside photographers over the years. With neon lettering on both sides of the marquee, the sign was built to be seen and still manages to catch the eye of travelers passing by.

Opened in 1954 along the former U.S. Route 91 corridor, the Sands Motel is a reminder of the days when independent motor courts lined America's highways. Like many motels of the era, the sign was designed to do the talking, helping attract travelers making their way through southern Utah.

UPDATE: The Sands Motel continues to operate in St. George, and the classic neon marquee remains illuminated at night. It's always great to see the sign glowing on both sides, beckoning travelers along the sometimes-busy St. George Boulevard corridor just as it has for decades. 06-26

Golden Hills Motel (Gone)
Mt. Carmel, UT
Photo courtesy Paul Bauke

The Golden Hills Motel featured a nice neon display on a rather scenic sign. One of the more interesting details was the painted backdrop, which depicted rolling golden hills and helped give the marquee a personality all its own.

Located along U.S. Route 89, the motel catered to travelers exploring southern Utah's scenic landscapes and nearby national parks. While many motel signs relied solely on neon, the Golden Hills sign combined colorful artwork and illumination to create a memorable roadside landmark.

UPDATE: The property continues to operate under new ownership as the 89 & Nine Motel. Unfortunately, the original Golden Hills marquee with its painted hills and neon lighting is no longer standing. I used to stop at the nearby Thunderbird Restaurant and then make my way over here, especially at dusk, to catch the sign as it began to glow against the evening sky. Its disappearance marks the loss of another memorable piece of southern Utah roadside neon. 06-26

Carriage Motor Inn
Denver, CO
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The sign for Carriage Motor Inn lit up just in time for dusk, despite the interesting activity roaming the boulevard. Featuring a horse-drawn carriage atop the marquee, the sign adds a touch of old-fashioned charm to one of Colorado's most famous roadside corridors.

Located along East Colfax Avenue, the Carriage Motor Inn is part of a long tradition of roadside lodging that catered to travelers making their way through the Denver metro area. The horse-and-carriage graphic helps set the sign apart from the countless motels that once lined the route.

UPDATE: The Carriage Motor Inn continues to operate along East Colfax Avenue, and the horse-and-carriage marquee remains standing out front. While much has changed along the boulevard over the years, the sign still lights up the roadside each evening much as it did when this photo was taken. 06-26

Lazy S Motel (Gone?)
CO
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

There's nothing like saddling up at the Lazy S Arrow Motel for the night, especially under the glowing red hue of its neon sign. The arrow marquee lit up the roadside southeast of Grand Junction and gave this old motel plenty of western roadside character.

Located along Highway 50, the Lazy S Arrow Motel was built in the shape of an old western fort. Between the fort-style buildings and the glowing red neon arrow out front, this was the kind of place that could make a traveler hit the brakes for a closer look.

UPDATE: The Lazy S Arrow Motel has been closed for decades, and the old fort-style buildings now sit abandoned along Highway 50. The vintage neon arrow sign, however, remains standing on the property, still marking the spot where another classic Colorado roadside motel once welcomed travelers. 06-26