NSEDA.net

Newberry Springs Economic Development Association

Tag: Route 66

  • Growing the Oasis: How Newberry Can Expand Its Hospitality Sector

    Growing the Oasis: How Newberry Can Expand Its Hospitality Sector

    As tourism on Route 66 grows, so does the demand for unique lodging. Newberry Springs is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the “Boutique Stay” trend. By utilizing the NSEDA Tourist’s Guide, local property owners can see where the gaps in our current hospitality sector lie.

    From converted vintage trailers to quiet desert retreats, there is immense room for growth in our short-term rental market. The NSEDA is here to help residents navigate the regulations of launching a hospitality business, ensuring that as we grow, we maintain the quiet, rural quality of life that makes Newberry Springs so special in the first place.

  • Service Industry Tips: Turning “Pass-Throughs” into Customers

    Service Industry Tips: Turning “Pass-Throughs” into Customers

    With the I-40 and Route 66 running through our backyard, Newberry Springs has a “captive audience” of thousands. The key to growing our hospitality sector is shifting the tourist’s mindset from “driving through” to “stopping in.”

    NSEDA Tip: High-visibility signage and “Instagrammable” moments are key. Tourists today are looking for unique, authentic desert experiences. Whether you run a cafe, a shop, or a roadside stand, simple upgrades—like a dedicated Route 66 photo spot or a “Local Guide” pamphlet—can drastically increase your foot traffic and average spend per customer.

  • The Orcutt Legacy: Preserving the House that Named a Town

    The Orcutt Legacy: Preserving the House that Named a Town

    If you’ve driven past the historic Orcutt House, you’re looking at the birthplace of Newberry Springs’ modern identity. In the 1960s, it was Mrs. Orcutt who spearheaded the petition to change our name from “Newberry” to “Newberry Springs,” forever linking our town to its most precious resource.

    The house and its distinctive driveway are more than just architecture; they represent the civic pride that built this community. Preserving these “Hotspots” is a primary mission for the NSEDA. By honoring the Orcutt legacy, we provide visitors with a narrative of Newberry Springs that goes deeper than the pavement of Route 66—we show them a story of determination and community spirit.

  • Hollywood in the High Desert: The Global Legacy of the Bagdad Cafe

    Hollywood in the High Desert: The Global Legacy of the Bagdad Cafe

    Long before it was a cult-classic film location, the site of the Bagdad Cafe was a vital rest stop for travelers braving the Mojave. Today, it stands as arguably the most famous landmark in Newberry Springs, drawing a constant stream of international tourists from France, Germany, and Japan.

    For Newberry Springs, the Bagdad Cafe isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a cultural anchor. It proves that our community has “Global Brand Recognition.” As we approach the centennial of Route 66, the Bagdad Cafe serves as the perfect example of how local history can be preserved while fueling a modern tourism economy. It is a reminder that in the desert, a warm welcome and a cold drink are timeless commodities.