Route 66 Tucumcari


 

Anybody that has read this blog or followed me on social media knows that I have a real affinity for Route 66. So, living in New Mexico, one of my favorite aspects is the ability to be on the Old Mother Road whenever I feel like it. While most of the time that keeps me in Albuquerque, I know I have the whole state to explore. I have done Moriarty and that only scratched the itch of wanting to drive this highway. Recently, on a total impulse, I decided to take an amazing day trip to the eastern most part of Route 66 in New Mexico which helped served as the inspiration for an iconic Pixar movie. Of course, I am talking about a trip to Tucumcari. 

The excitement began before I was even technically in the town, when I drove upon a recreation of a very iconic cartoon tow truck. Then, I pulled into the town and saw an amazing Route 66 sculpture outside of the Convention Center shaped after the tailfin of a classic car. While I had an agenda for what I wanted to see in this small town, that was quickly thrown out as soon as I arrived and stopped by the Chamber of Commerce. It was there that I was handed a map and learned that Tucumcari is known as the Town of Murals. All in all, there are over 30 murals throughout the town, in addition to the great Route 66 gift shops, some sculptures, great mountain scenery, and of course the iconic hotels. So much to do in such a small town that my excitement for what to see exceeded my own expectations.

In a town that features so many murals and sculptures seeing them all can be tricky. While I wasn’t able to see them all, there were plenty of beautiful ones that I would recommend taking the time to see. The first is the one most people will agree with seeing, and it is the Legendary Road mural on the side of the Lowe’s grocery store. This mural embodied so much of the culture of this town from the Route 66 aspect to the old southwestern culture it is also part of. It is so detailed and beautiful you will want to sit and stare at it for a while because there is so much detail. Another one that you must see is the Tucumcari, NM one near the Safari Hotel. It is colorful and bright. Of course, being Route 66, there are plenty of car themed murals all over town including a great Texaco one, and a “Get Your Kicks” one that embodies the culture. Lastly, there are also some historical murals that pay homage to the past including the notorious Billy the Kid. 

While the murals were amazing to see, the highlight of this town occurs when the sun sets and the neon signs all around the town light up. This is no truer than at the iconic Blue Swallow Motel where the bright blue, red, and green neon light up the night sky with a classic car underneath it. Photos do not do it justice, and it is a sight that must be seen in person. All up and down the street neon lights are vibrant from the classic gas pumps, to the Teepee Curios shop, and even a Laundry Mat. It is a great throwback to the heyday of Route 66 driving down the road looking for a place to stay for the night, and taking in all the sights of a road trip. 

All I can say is that this was an amazing day, and an equally amazing experience. Like most of Route 66 these towns have been forgotten, and have seen better days, but thankfully people are caring about preserving the past again. This town was absolutely beautiful, and one that I never would of visited had I not moved to New Mexico. It was a fun day trip that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of art, history, or cars. I’m not sure when I will make a return trip, but it is something that I know will happen again. 

To see photos of my adventures follow me on Instagram at the_nm_tx or tag me using #thenmtx
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