Shamrock, Texas, has a population of just 1,773. Yet, at the height of the tourist season, as many as 15,000 visitors can show up in one day. Shamrock sits on the historic Route 66 and is home to the 1936 Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café. The Art Deco masterwork is one of the most photographed buildings on the Mother Road, said Crystal Hermesmeyer, economic development director for the city of Shamrock.

But for all of that interest, the café in the historic building seats just 33 people at a time. So, over the years, the city, which owns the building, has come up with other strategies to improve the way that Route 66 travelers can experience the building, which is on the National Register for Historic Places.

“We are always on the lookout for something to do to help revitalize our portion of Route 66,” Hermesmeyer said. Read article