Route 66 ABQ


 

When it comes to Route 66 in New Mexico there are so many great stops that you can see. To the east you have all the great murals and hotels of Tucumcari, and the car museum in Santa Rosa. To the west you have the iconic sign in Grants, and the famed haunted hotel in Gallup. But part of Route 66 that is often overlooked is the part of it that drives through Albuquerque. While construction and modernizing the city has left it disjointed and a shell of itself if you look closely there are still great aspects of Route 66 alive in Albuquerque that are must see items. 

While most of Route 66 is now Central driving through downtown there is still plenty to see, and things to do that will remind you of the famous highway. A great place to start is at the 66 Diner where you will feel nostalgic before even stepping inside. The outside looks like a quintessential diner, and at night the neon reflects it, but the main feature before you walk in is a massive wall full of vintage signs from gas stations, road signs, and sodas that guests will always stop to photograph. Once you walk inside you are transported back in time to a classic diner with more vintage signs, classic food including blue plate specials, and some of the best milkshakes you will have. After a great meal it is great to drive up and down Central and see some of the great murals dedicated to Route 66. 

All along Central in both directions there are amazing murals, but when it comes to Route 66 there are two that stand out more than the others. The first is East on Central on the side of an apartment building all about James Dean. To see a vibrant painting of James Dean leaning against a classic car instantly makes me think of the 50s and 60s with classic cars cruising the street. The other mural is much larger and easier to see on the 2nd and Central and it is dedicated entirely to Route 66. The mural is massive and shows classic cars cruising on the iconic highway. It is very detailed, and is worth stopping at the look at and take some pictures of. Now there is one very unique aspect of Route 66 in Albuquerque that most people drive by without even noticing, and that is it intersects itself. At the intersection of 4th and Central Route 66 runs in both directions, and it is only visible by little signs on  the traffic lights, adding yet another unique quirk to this road. 

While generally speaking time was not kind to Route 66 in general it is especially true in Albuquerque. Large buildings, and changes in roads have made this road almost obsolete, but thankfully artists, restaurants, and culture have kept it alive. While it doesn’t have the charm of Tucumcari or the other towns in New Mexico what is still alive of Route 66 is still great to see. My love of this iconic highway will always be there, and I love that I can be on it in no time whenever I feel the desire to remember the history of what used to be a great drive. 

To see photos of my adventures follow my Instagram at the_nm_tx
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