Though maybe not a frontier town anymore, El Paso still seems to be a little rough around the edges in parts.  For example, heed a little caution as you enter the SE side of town on Alameda (Texas 20).  An guy with a camera really stands out here and I would not traverse this area after dark on a weekend (These are my own experiences.  Yours may be completely different).  This is unfortunate, because the east end of town includes several fine examples of old motels, great old neon signs and corner drugstores galore.  One such example is the Sun Valley Motel.  One of the most exquisite signs I've come across, I'm kicking myself now for only taking three or four photos.  What do you think?  If a neon sign like this doesn't symbolize the adventuresome spirit of the west, then I don't know what does.  Oh BTW, that orange sun is probably 15 feet across to give you a sense of scale.  

     Another example of a surprising diamond in the rough is the Stagecoach Motel.  On the SW corner of Alameda and Evergreen, I knew that this place looked somewhat familiar, so I checked when I got home, and yessirree!  I had an old postcard of this place when it was called the Red Mill Court.  Check out this undated linen era (30's to early 50's) postcard.  Look for the telltale window & wall structure above the car in the postcard and compare it to these photos from June of '03.  A little worse for the wear and renamed somewhere along the line, but the evidence is irrefutable: the old Red Mill Courts are now known as  the Stagecoach Motel.  A little worn down, but still a charming place.  

     Through the eastern side of El Paso following Alameda, you will eventually encounter an intriguing sight. At the three-way intersection of Alameda, Texas and Myrtle, there exists this 'Gas For Less' sign utilizing a Thunderbird motif on the western corner.  I noticed this motif on a couple of old stations near Socorro as well.  Was this strictly a local chain of stations, or were these stations somehow related to the Whiting Brothers chain of 'Gas For Less' signs that once were so common in new Mexico and Arizona??  There doesn't appear to be any station or logo similarities, so maybe I'm just 'reaching' here!  
     Addendum: Per Richard Coon of Salt Lake City who used to live in El Paso, this strictly local chain of stations was known as 'T-Bird gas'- named after a locally famous natural landmark on Mt. Franklin that looks like a giant Thunderbird.  Unfortunately, like so many others, this chain is no longer with us.  Thanks for the info Richard!

     At the aforementioned three-way intersection, be sure to head westbound on Texas towards downtown.  On my second trip through the area, I got out and explored the downtown area which is chock full of vintage architecture and is certainly a bustling area worth exploring.  Afterwards, I hung a right on Mesa Street and continued north on Texas 20 (still old 80).  After emerging from the downtown area, I was welcomed to a couple of pleasant surprises on the west side of the road.  I ran into the La Posta Lodge which I immediately recognized from a postcard I have.  Except for the sign, it has not changed one bit.  Check out 40's era linen postcard for a comparison.  However, we may be in danger of losing this little gem.  I spoke to the desk clerk who informed me that the owners may sell the office building to a small computer store company (this was in 06/03).  He wasn't sure what would become of the rooms.  I hope the store doesn't ruin the facade or style of the place.

     Just north of the La Posta was the great 60's-era brick building housing the Charcoaler (what a great name!) restaurant on the NWC (northwest corner) of Mesa St. and Mesa Hills.  There were three of these tubby little fellows around, but per the menu, the Charcoaler obviously doesn't serve breakfast so I wasn't able to satisfy my hunger cravings. I was salivating as I just new this place had to be great!  
Addendum- Roadie Report: Also per previous El Paso resident Richard Coon, the Charcoaler's #2 hamburger is "the best hamburger in the world'!  He drives straight there when visiting the old stomping grounds before even going home, so be sure to check them out and tell them not to change their great sign and 'waiters'!
Addendum #2:  Per my May/04 trip, the author can attest to the fact that these burgers are perdy darn good.  Maybe not the best in the world, but a good old fashioned charbroiled burger that is made to order.

     Lastly as we leave the El Paso area behind, another great old photo comes from this undated postcard (also used with permission from texasfreeway.com) which shows the turn off from Highway 80 onto Alternate 80 (looking south) with both heading into El Paso.  Today, this is the junction where TX 20 veers eastward while Donavasn heads south along the old RR tracks.  Again, according to previous El Paso resident Richard Coon, this intersection of 80 and Alternate 80 has been known for a longtime as "The Crossroads".  That is Mt. Cristo Rey off in the distance.  Thanks for the verification of the photo and the info Rich.

     I hope you've enjoyed my Highway 80 pics from the El Paso area.  From here, the New Mexico border awaits.  Just click on one of the horses below to go back east in Texas or on into New Mexico.  Of course, you can explore any other Highway 80 state immediately by just clicking on that state below!  Enjoy!