More than halfway through Route 66, we’ve reached the Land of Enchantment: New Mexico! Other than awesome Mexican food, the state has a proud Route 66 heritage, with a bunch of great places for you to visit along the historical Mother Road. So let’s jump right in!
Glenrio, NM
Right as you cross over the state line, you’ll drive past Glenrio, which is half in Texas and half in New Mexico. But that’s not the only interesting thing about it.
At Russell’s Truck & Travel Center (I-49, exit 369) you’ll find a hidden gem: a free, unofficial auto museum. It is a rather impressive private collection of cars and memorabilia that’ll make you feeling nostalgic. There’s a donation box at the entrance for you to show your appreciation, with 100% of the money going to help feed the poor.
Santa Rosa, NM
If you can’t make it to Russell’s, there’s a Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa as well. Not only can you check out a bunch of gorgeous classic cars, you can also hang out with Mater from the movie Cars!
Need to cool off from the hot New Mexico weather? Take a dive into the Santa Rosa Blue Hole.
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Tucumcari, NM
Tucumcari has really embraced its Route 66 heritage and has quite a few things to offer, including a rather cool monument in front of the Tucumcari Convention Center.
The city is also home to a Route 66 Museum, which focuses on the Mother Road’s history in the state of New Mexico.
The Blue Swallow Motel is one of the most photographed spots on Route 66. With its neon sign and groovy design, you can certainly see why!
Tee Pee Curios used to be a gas station back in the hayday of Route 66. Now it’s mostly selling Route 66 keepsakes. It’s also a great photo op spot!
Who doesn’t like dinosaurs? At the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum you can find 10,000 square foot of dinosaur skeletons alongside many other exhibits!
Albuquerque, NM
No trip to New Mexico is complete without a visit to the ABQ. If you spend the night in the city, make sure you take a tour History & Ghost Tours of Old Town, a story-telling 90 minute walk around the main square and dark alleys of Old Town.
If you’re too much of a scaredy cat, there are other ways to spend your evening in Albuquerque. You can catch a show at the old KiMo theater, which was built in 1927 and to this day offers some of the best entertainment in town, from theater shows to film screenings, concerts and even backstage tours. Though we must warn you, there have been reported ghost hauntings in the building, though those have been “disproven” so far.
Feeling hungry? Visit the 66 Diner, a classic diner with good ol’ American food.
If you’ve enjoyed all of the neon signs on the Route 66 businesses in the city, go straight to the source: Absolutely Neon.
Gallup, NM
Shortly before leaving New Mexico, you’ll be driving through Gallup. The shopaholics among you can go rummaging for treasure at Richardson’s Trading Post. It has been operating as a trader with the nearby reservation since 1913, offering a massive selection of Native American gems, including some gorgeous rugs and jewelry.
If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, look no further than the El Rancho Hotel. Other than the Wild West hunting lodge feel it has going on, the hotel, built in 1937, played host to Hollywood elite – including Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn, and John Wayne – as they were filming in the area.
As we bid farewell to the Land of Enchantment, we prepare to cross over to Arizona, where more adventure awaits!