San Luis Obispo

Founded as a mission in 1772, San Luis Obispo grew into a full-fledged town only after the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1894. San Luis Obispo gave birth to both the concept and the word "motel," a contraction of "motor hotel."

In 1925 when the Spanish-Colonial Milestone Mo-tel (now the Motel Inn) opened, it was the first roadside hostelry to call itself a motel. There was a sign at the entrance telling travelers how to pronounce the new word, and Pasadena architect Arthur Heineman, who designed the place, even copyrighted it.

J. Edgar Hoover, former F.B.I. director, attacked motels in 1940 as "assignation camps" and "crime camps" contributing to the downfall of America. And seemingly innocent San Luis Obispo is where the downfall of America began.

Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa was founded by father Serra in 1772, the fifth in the chain. It was originally built from tules and logs, then five-foot-thick adobe with tiled roofs to prevent native people from torching the place. The mission was named for the 13th century French saint, the Bishop of Toulouse. Daily 9-5 Donations ph: 805-543-0638

Madonna Inn (100 Madonna Rd) has 109 "theme" suites and pink is everywhere - trash cans, pay phones, and Coke machines are all pink. The restaurant serves pink toast.