Editor’s note: As I was going through old photos recently, I encountered this one of Chef Bernie’s Restaurant in Farmington and was reminded of a little essay I wrote a decade ago. Here it is, updated. On a trans-Wyoming reporting trip years ago, as I made my way from a new wind power facility on the plains to a once-booming gas field along the border with Colorado, I pulled off the interstate to check out the little town of Rawlins.
And then there is Grand Junction; aside from the street # IMO so haphazard with every Big Box / franchise retail outlet to have ever come into existence. It reminds me of one big modern “Rendezvous” site or perpetual urban flea market.
Good column. Reminded me of I-80 Nevada towns like Fernley, Fallon, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain that have the same good downtown bones (and a neon-lit Owl Club in most of 'em).
Thoughts on boomtown architecture
And then there is Grand Junction; aside from the street # IMO so haphazard with every Big Box / franchise retail outlet to have ever come into existence. It reminds me of one big modern “Rendezvous” site or perpetual urban flea market.
Been through Rawlins several times and always stop at the State Prison for the tour and gift shop. Too, there is a great dive bar down town.
Good column. Reminded me of I-80 Nevada towns like Fernley, Fallon, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain that have the same good downtown bones (and a neon-lit Owl Club in most of 'em).