Route 66 is a cultural icon of the automobile age. The whole route famously winds “from Chicago to L.A.,” crossing New Mexico from east to west. The Mother Route crosses through several MainStreet communities: Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Grants and Gallup. Albuquerque is a four-way crossroads of Route 66 in New Mexico, where a turn in any direction leads up the old highway and its quirky scattered remnants. Heading east on Central Avenue offers some of the best-preserved motel courts, diners and theaters.

Albuquerque, NM

Photo by Gary Casio.

Local New Mexico MainStreet Program:
Nob Hill MainStreet
nobhillmainstreet.org