Check Out These Glamorous Texarkana Motels Back in the Day

Most recently I was driving around one Sunday afternoon in Texarkana and I began to flashback in my mind on just how many motels this town has had over the years. I also realized just how many are still here.

Many of the motels I passed have either changed names or still have the same name and some are just a foundation with just a sign out front where it once proudly stood. Others just need to be fixed back up or torn down. Time has a way of changing things, nothing ever stays the same but I sure do miss seeing these motels in their glory days of the 60s and 70s.

Sahara Motel - Hwy 67 North

This motel was known for having 50 rooms, year-round AC & heating, TV, radios, playground, in-room phones, pool, grill, and dining room

The Ritz Motel - Hwy 67 North

No, this was not the Ritz-Carlton but back in the day, it was fairly nice. Modern, air-conditioned rooms, vented heat, located a mile from downtown Texarkana. Their motto at the time, "Your Home Away From Home," Unfortunately, I don't think you could say that today.

Two State Motel - Hwy 67 and 59 West

Free TV, heated pool, full-service gas station, hobby shop, barbershop, coffee shop, florist. I can remember going to the hobby shop where they sold model airplane kits and there were a lot of planes in the window.

Holiday Inn - 4505 State Line Avenue

This was touted as the Nation's Innkeeper for years. Back in the day staying in a Holiday Inn was considered a luxury.

Motel Sands - West 7th

There you could enjoy real comfort, complete air-conditioning, I surely would hope so. New Simmons beds and furniture. heated swimming pool, fine dining. One stay here and you were staying uptown or should I say, downtown.

Park Plaza Hotel -East 7th and Hickory

When you stayed here you got year-round air conditioning, a swimming pool, playground, in-room phone, TV, radio, and the Town House restaurant

Ramada Inn - Stateline

Their slogan was, "Where only the hospitality is old-fashioned." Now it's just old.

Magnolia Manor Motel -  1220 West 7th Street

Located 10 blocks from downtown featured air-cooled, and air condition units, fireproof, that's nice to know, and private tile baths. Their slogan was, "Your home on the side of the road."

Roadway Inn - Hwy 71, State Line Avenue

They had a 24-hour restaurant named the Pitt Grill, I ate there many times, great home-cooked food. They also had a swimming pool and color television, woo-hoo! The Pit Grill is now a Mexican restaurant. Notice the Mobil gas station next door which is now Popeye's.

So, do you get a little nostalgic today when you pass one of these motels in Texarkana?