Once upon a time, downtown Mesa was drenched in the glow of neon lights. Businesses like motels, diners and cocktail lounges buzzed with vibrant color as their illuminated signs beckoned the public.

It’s been a hard day and you’ve decided to kick back and enjoy a nice, cold beer. But don’t toss that empty bottle or can, it might be a collectible! Folks love their beer, and everything about beer.

Seattle-based photographer John Barnes has been fascinated with the art of neon signs, or 'liquid fire,' since he was a boy in the 1960s. Source: Neon Road Trip Barnes remembers visiting New York City ...