Words by Christine Van Dyk
The motor courts in my beach town were candy-colored drive ups advertising air-conditioning and color television, lit by a surprising number of neon mermaid signs. In the summer, kids would race toward the surf, hoping to escape mom before she coated them in sunscreen. At night, they dared each other to ride the ferris wheel beyond where the boardwalk ended while eating enough salt-water taffy to guarantee a bellyache.
In those days, motor courts were everywhere—mountains, beaches, deserts. However, when the interstate system by-passed small towns and overtook two-lane highways, most closed. Then one day, not so long ago, a pandemic hit and reminded us of the magic of road trips. No longer speeding from point A to point B, these quirky roadside motels gave us a reason to slow down and revisit the places we’d once seen on swivel postcard racks.
Instead of sterile hotel chains, today’s travelers crave nostalgia and community. While vacations used to mean ‘getting away from everyone,’ these re-imagined motor courts have given us reason to gather again. There are house concerts, pop-up shops, yoga classes, and kombucha cafes—all best enjoyed with a crowd. So point your bumper toward the kitsch and fill your social media feed with neon. Here are our favorite Southern roadside motels:
Austin Motel (Austin, Texas) — What’s old is new again. What began as a way to capitalize on American’s love of automobiles, has turned into a cultural icon. The Austin sits just south of the Colorado River, within walking distance of the famous bat bridge. There’s a bodega for late-night snacks, quirky suites with Magic-Finger vibrating beds, and the best swimming pool in town. Stay the night in the heart of Congress Avenue or join the locals for a day pass to enjoy a DJ splash party. Just be sure to grab a selfie in front of the legendary Austin Motel sign—it’s one-of-a-kind.
The Local (St. Augustine, Florida) — For years this iconic motor court has topped the list of USA Today’s “Best Roadside Motels.” The 20-room property is pretty in pink at its spot near the Matanzas River overlooking historic St. Augustine. Whether it’s a couple’s getaway, a girl’s trip, or a family vacay, The Local is giving all the old Florida vibes. You can ride bikes to the beach, climb to the top of the lighthouse, or stroll the Bridge of Lions to the Ancient City. It’s the perfect spot to relax on the cabana-inspired pool deck or enjoy the Nights of Lights, the city’s world-famous Christmas lights display.
Rhode’s Motor Lodge (Boone, North Carolina) — Named for an abbreviation of ‘rhododendron,’ this motor lodge became well known in the car culture of the mid-century when folks flocked to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Situated on the main drag between Boone and Blowing Rock, it feels a bit like a log cabin hidden in the hills. The property features cabin-like amenities like repurposed tent lights, cozy wool blankets, and Coleman coolers for those High Country outings. There’s live music, a restaurant with locally-sourced Appalachian dishes, and fire pits to relax in the shadow of the mountains.
The Groovy Nomad (Trenton, Georgia) — This quirky motor court sits in the mountains of Georgia just down the road from Chattanooga. With themed rooms, colorful murals, and mid- century vintage furniture, it’s definitely a vibe. Popular with the Chaco-wearing crowd thanks to a location next to Cloudland Park, the Groovy Nomad is also a great place to explore the roadside attractions of yesteryear—Ruby Falls, Rock City, Lookout Mountain, and the Wilderness Outdoor drive-in. According to USA Today, there’s no better place to “experience the nostalgia of the open road” than this classic motel rated a “10 Best Readers’ Choice Award.”
The Dive Motel (Nashville, Tennessee) — If you need convincing this motel is the coolest around, consider this…every room has a party switch that activates a disco ball and specially- curated Dive Radio. The Dive got its name from its throw-back ambiance and legendary swim club which makes it one of the city’s favorite spots on any given summer evening. Hit the lobby bar, enjoy upscale Chinese Food in the restaurant, or live it up in the retro Honeymoon Suite—just don’t leave without hanging out poolside with a cold beer and a chlorine chaser.
Ozarker Lodge (Branson, Missouri) — In the heart of the Ozarks, this boutique hotel has all the nostalgia of a family road trip. As your basecamp for all things Branson, it features creekside soaking tubs, an on-site mercantile, and s’mores around the fire pit. Your kiddos will love the poolside movies and in-room bunks. You’ll love morning yoga, live music, and drinks at golden hour.
The Thunderbird (Savannah, Georgia) — You know you’re in for an experience when the marquee reads “At the intersection of “yes Ma’am and dude.” Voted one of the top retro hotels in America, the two-story Thunderbird is known for special touches: RC Cola and moon pies in the rooms, popcorn and lemonade every afternoon, and Baker’s Pride donuts to start the day. Bring your pets and enjoy the vintage decor and free-spirited atmosphere that make this a favorite of pop-culture lovers.
