Friday, March 20, 2026

The Restaurant(s) At The End Of T̶h̶e̶ ̶U̶n̶i̶v̶e̶r̶s̶e Soda Lake Road

(Disclaimer: These are actually located about 2 miles from the end of Soda Lake Road where it intersects with CA 58)

Several years ago the owner of the California Valley Motel (née Lodge) got what he thought was a deal on a couple of modular Rally's/Checkers drive-in restaurants. ($50K a piece). His fast food dreams came to a screeching halt after he discovered the price of permits and attendant infrastructure came to over a million smackeroos. So now the derelict drive-ins sit forlornly (can a modular building be forlorn?) behind the motel, gradually succumbing to the elements.



Friday, March 13, 2026

One Of Our Cooler Posts

"The Barn" Antique Store / Santa Margarita CA

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Vintage Hotel Postcard Category: Pete Townshend Stayed Here.


Casual fans might be aware of the song "Sheraton Gibson" from Pete's first solo album. The Valencia Hotel (below) probably doesn't ring a bell unless you're a TSG regular and saw our earlier post "Townshend Tales: Goings-on at the La Valencia Hotel".