Albuquerque lies at the epicenter of Route 66’s centennial celebration.
The Mother Road traverses eight states, beginning in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, California. Albuquerque claims the longest intact urban stretch of Route 66 within a single city; this section totals 18 miles and has been renamed Central Avenue. Central Avenue connects Albuquerque’s major entertainment district to historic Old Town Albuquerque. Landmarks and iconic attractions, buildings and boutique hotels have been restored to their original character, while former gas stations have been creatively repurposed into restaurants.
Art-Fueled Road Trip
Excitement surrounds the debut of “Route 66 Remixed.” In partnership with New Mexico-based Meow Wolf and Refract Studio, the public art project features 18 art installations ranging from murals and sculptures to augmented reality activations. At each installation, a cell phone pulls up a web-based portal, and the camera views the image through augmented reality. Albuquerque’s first poet laureate, Hakim Bellamy, narrates the project. Illustrated maps are available at the Old Town Visitor Information Center and at Blake’s Lotaburger locations.
“The project’s artists represent our entire community, from Native American to African American and Latino to Anglo,” said Brenna Moore, director of communications and public relations for Visit Albuquerque. “No matter what time of year someone visits, this will be a unique way to experience Route 66. The installations are lasting landmarks that will inspire tours and events long after the centennial.”
Happenings and Must-Do’s
A perfect introduction to Albuquerque via the ABQ Trolley highlights Route 66 sites, including a Route 66 speakeasy tour. Guided or self-guided walking and bicycle tours will also be available. After the sun goes down, drive up Nine Mile Hill, where Elvis Presley pulled his pink Cadillac over to view the city lights and majestic Sandia Mountain range.
Following Central Avenue and starting at the Nob Hill neighborhood on the city’s east side, there’s an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries and locally owned businesses. Heading into downtown, visitors can see the spot where the Mother Road actually crosses itself at Central Avenue and Fourth; travelers can stand on the corner of Route 66 and Route 66 due to directional alignment changes in 1937. Historic Old Town features San Felipe de Neri Church, the city’s oldest building, plus museums, more than 100 stores and 24 art galleries.
Downtown’s 1927 KiMo Theatre offers a full schedule of entertainment, from concerts to productions and ballet. Group tours highlight the theater’s elaborate Pueblo Deco, Native American and Art Deco craftsmanship. Original murals in the lobby feature the Seven Cities of Cibola and complement the intricate iron railings, plaster buffalo skulls and Native American symbols.
“Groups come from around the globe to see the KiMo’s one-of-a-kind artwork and architecture,” Moore said. “In October, the theater will premiere a commissioned Route 66 documentary.”
Special events are continually being added, including special programming and pop-up events at the Route 66 Visitor Center. On May 2, the Cinco de Mayo Lowrider Fiesta will showcase lowriders, classic cars and viclas — customized motorcycles rooted in Chicano culture. On July 18, Albuquerque’s pinnacle event, Route 66 Summerfest, will occupy a mile-long stretch in Nob Hill. The free, city-sponsored event will showcase local bands on multiple stages, as well as a car show, a climbing wall, food trucks and more.
Mother Road Eats
The whimsical 66 Diner, originally a Phillips 66 gas station, sports white adobe walls adorned with vibrant neon signs and impressive Route 66 memorabilia. Customers dine in turquoise vinyl booths or at the soda fountain. Waitresses, dressed in ’60s-style uniforms, serve burgers, fries and giant milkshakes in a variety of inventive flavors. Nearby Little Bear Coffee is housed in a former Save Way gas station.
“Along Central Avenue, there’s a mix of fine dining and casual experiences in revitalized buildings like M’tucci’s Bar Roma in Nob Hill,” Moore said. “The restaurant is in the former Jones Motor Company building and still has the original Texaco gas pumps and signs on their patio.”
Downtown, in the former Firestone Station, Ex Novo Brewing Company serves elevated New Mexican ranch cuisine accompanied by craft beer, cocktails and wine on its heated patio. Across from the KiMo Theatre, Lindy’s Diner is Central Avenue’s longest continually operating diner, and 505 Central Food Hall is home to several local vendors serving Japanese ramen, Chinese cuisine, Detroit-style pizza and hot chicken. Duran Central Pharmacy satisfies cravings from its New Mexican scratch kitchen, and diners can browse the specialty shop. Since the 1960s, family-owned Garcia’s Kitchen has served authentic dishes.
Nostalgic Stays
Albuquerque’s renovated Route 66 hotels deliver fun and whimsy. Opened in 1937, the art deco-style El Vado Motel was one of the nation’s first motels built on Route 66. Its taproom and lobby sport the original fireplace and vigas rafters. Former guest parking in front of the rooms has been converted to an expansive patio courtyard with a food court, shops and pool built around the original parking medians that are now filled with trees and plants. Charming suites include original guest rooms and their adjoining converted carports.
“During restoration, workers discovered walls stuffed with newspapers from the 1940s to 1970s used as insulation,” Moore said. “Clips from those papers now hang in the public parlor for guests to read.”
Next door, the Monterey Motel’s mid-century vibe offers regular guest rooms and “StayAts,” guest accommodations featuring several beds with a community suite and kitchen. Every other Tuesday night and on weekends, guests gather in the Momo Lounge and outdoor patio for live music and local wines and spirits. Several blocks away, The Imperial’s sherbert-colored guest rooms showcase the 1960s Jet Age era. Check-in at the front office doubles as a coffee shop. Guests can sunbathe at the original swimming pool and enjoy the property’s cocktail bar, food hall and local shops.
Boutique hotel ARRIVE Albuquerque boasts upscale amenities and offers views overlooking Central Avenue to watch the city-sanctioned Sunday cruise of parading hot rods and lowriders. The hotel’s DWTNR Cocktail Bar & Lounge serves Americana comfort food and Pan Asian American classics around its fire pits and the Zia-shaped pool. The ABQ Artwalk on Route 66 through downtown includes the Secret Gallery, which curates Indigenous art, accompanied by live music and cocktails.
Hotel Zazz, reimagined by a mother-daughter team, explodes with a kaleidoscope of color. At its speakeasy, Zema Vinyl Lounge, cocktails accompany live music and varied entertainment. Amenities include a heated pool with movie nights, a daily Popsicle happy hour and an on-property spa.
