Amboy, CA

Amboy is home to Roy's Motel and Cafe'. It's been in lots of movies and TV commercials, and is one of the classic Route 66 sites.

Roy's was started as a garage in 1927 by Roy Crowls. Roy's daughter Betty married Buster Burris, and in 1940 Buster became Roy's partner. In 1945, Roy and Buster added a 24 hour cafe' and in 1948 added a motel and expanded the cafe'. At one time Roy's had 90 full-time employees.

Roy's did not fare well when I-40 bypassed Amboy and it has not offered full services for years. It currently has a small convenience store that sells soft drinks, pre-packaged food and gas, but there is no kitchen or motel. It is not always open, so don't count on being able to get gas there.

There is a restoration effort underway, and you can make a donation right at Roy's. Apparently the fundraising effort has not been successful so far, because no restoration efforts are underway. Still, things look pretty well preserved, and it's a fun place to stop for a few minutes.

A few miles West toward Ludlow, check out the Amboy Crater. This is a volcanic crater, not a meteor crater like the one in Arizona. It was formed about 6,000 years ago and last erupted about 500 years ago. It is 250 feet high and 1,500 feet across. Climbing is allowed, and there is a walking trail to the top that will let you peer into the crater. If I ever climb up there I'll post a photo.