Traveling Route 66 in New Mexico

10 Stops on Route 66 in New Mexico

New Mexico is known for its famous chiles, stunning landscapes, and diverse selection of attractions. You won’t want to miss out on the first atomic bomb test site or the beautiful caves. The next time you are driving through the Land of Enchantment, be sure to plan for these interesting and unique stops along U.S. Highway 66 in New Mexico.

Blue Swallow Motel

The Blue Swallow Motel takes you back in time to the height of Route 66’s popularity and the days of sock hops and poodle skirts. This traditional motor court has been perfectly preserved and is fit with period-appropriate amenities.

Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru Sign

If you are looking for a cool photo location to mark your trip, be sure to check out the Route 66 neon drive-thru sign in Grants, New Mexico. This sign is shaped like a giant Route 66 highway shield sign and has a drive-thru portal that is big enough to fit RVs. This location is best to visit after dusk when the sign is fully illuminated.

El Rancho Hotel

R.E. Griffith opened El Rancho Hotel in 1937 as a base for movie operations. It offered excellent service and was in close proximity to several iconic Wild West locations and towns. The hotel also hosted many Hollywood stars like Errol Flynn, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and John Wayne. The hotel started to slowly decline when people began to travel I-40 instead of Route 66. It was bound to face a wrecking ball in the 1980s, but a businessman bought the hotel and restored it to its original glory.

Richardson’s Trading Company

Richardson’s Trading Company is one of the oldest and most respected old-school trading companies around. You will find a bit of everything here: kachina dolls, headdresses, and Navajo wool rugs. This also makes for a good place to pick up decade-old treasures from the long-standing pawn shop.

Whiting Brothers

Way back when in New Mexico, the Whiting Brothers had gas stations and hotels dotted all along the U.S. Route 66 in Gallup, Tucumcari, Moriarty, and between McCartys and San Fidel. The Moriarty station is the last operating location amidst the iconic chain. Today, people know it as Sal & Inez’s Service Station which features the refurbished red and yellow Whiting Brothers sign.

Kelly’s Brew Pub

If you choose to dine on the patio of Kelly’s Brew Pub, you will have the opportunity to look right out over the historic Route 66. This pub is also the former home of an old service station and dealership, Jones Motor Company. The Route 66-era garage was designed to attract customers and was one of the first westbound icons along the highway.

KiMo Theatre

KiMo Theatre has been a landmark in Albuquerque since it opened its doors in 1927. It has an oddly ornate Pueblo Deco style that is distinguishable from the street, but the true treat is the interior. The interior features various significant Pueblo symbols including rain clouds, buffalo skulls, and birds. The name is said to be a combination of the two Tewa words meaning “mountain lion” or “king of its kind”.

San Miguel Church

Prior to 1938, when the highway was realigned, Route 66 went through Santa Fe, NM. Along the original route was the San Miguel Church, which is America’s oldest church dating back to 1610. The original adobe walls and altar were constructed by the Tlaxcalan Indians who accompanied Don Juan Onate from Mexico.

Comet II

A poll from Route 66 enthusiasts voted this throw-back diner as one of the top 20 places to eat along the “Mother Road”. Comet opened in 1929 and has been in the same family for several generations. It is well-known for its made-from-scratch Mexican fare such as dishes featuring the famous “PDL green chile” from Puerto del Luna. This diner was originally a drive-in, but it hasn’t had any carhops since 1994 when the original Comet burned down, hence the name Comet II.

New Mexico ChilesTucumcari Ranch Supply

Amongst all the hardware and feed at this ranch supply store, you will find a unique array of trailer parts, tourist gear, western wear, and rusty treasures. One of the biggest surprises you will find is the bakery, which has an extensive donut menu and features Watson’s BBQ.

Snowbirding 101 Featured Image

Snowbirding With Your RV

What does it mean to call someone a snowbird?

The term “snowbird” is used to describe travelers that like to migrate to a warmer climate for the winter months. Often, snowbirds consist of active adults and pairs of retirees who tend to start their travels between November and January. Several well-established snowbirds will stay up to three months at their desired destination, but newer snowbirds might only stay one to two months. Knowing what to pack and where the best snowbird destination and campgrounds are are just two of the many things that go into making your winter getaway a success.

Check out our list of tips and tricks on how to be the best snowbird you can be!

Getting Started Out As A Snowbird

Many successful snowbirds, especially those who choose to stay long-term, learn to fall in love with their adoptive state. When you visit the same location year after year, you create a social network and become integrated into the community. This is how several snowbirds start their progress toward an official permanent relocation. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and say hello to fellow travelers! The RV community is a friendly one and as you first start out in the lifestyle, you will be grateful for all the new connections and friendships formed.

Wondering if snowbirding is a good lifestyle for you? Start out slow! Beginners will often rent first or stay with friends or family to test out the ways before deciding to purchase a camper equipped for extended stays or full-time living. Contact a local real estate agent who will be happy to assist you in finding a short-term rental to test out the area with a condo, apartment or home rental before setting roots. You may also have luck looking into long-term RV rentals allowing you to still enjoy the flexibility of RV travel.

Popular Snowbird Destinations

One of the most popular snowbird destinations is the Sunshine State. Florida has been a retirement destination for years which is reflected by the number of active adult communities spread across the state. Several people choose to travel to Florida for the beaches, affordable housing options, and comfortable coastal climate. Florida’s east coast has the highest concentration of long-stay properties and is decorated with several miles of gorgeous beaches. You are also relatively close to Miami and Orlando which means there is an abundance of activities to do and places to see. Florida’s west coast is also known as the “Nature Coast” and is full of wetlands and bayous. The central part of the state has over 37 golf courses but remains one of the most popular vacation destinations due to its proximity to Walt Disney World.

Another popular destination is Arizona which allows travelers to enjoy the resort-style golf courses and unique scenic landscapes. Phoenix offers snowbirds access to fantastic restaurants and entertainment and is positioned perfectly for quick trips to California, Nevada, or New Mexico. Scottsdale is one of the biggest resort areas in the USA and has championship golf courses, upscale restaurants, and relaxing spas. Glendale, AZ is home to Camelback Ranch, the Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers spring training facilities making it a dream destination for any sports enthusiast.

A few other states that rank amongst the most popular snowbird destinations and campgrounds include California, Nevada, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Before you embark on your journey be sure to research the best places to stay and make reservations early!

Snowbird Checklist

Are you ready to say goodbye to your winter coat and hello to warm, beautiful weather? Whether it is your first trip as a snowbird or your 100th, knowing what to pack can be overwhelming.

What should I pack?

  • Important documents such as your passport, ID, health insurance, and car insurance policy information
  • Necessary medical information such as your prescriptions.
    Tip: If you have medications you take daily, be sure you find a pharmacy at your travel destination to be able to get them filled.
  • Clothing layers in case the weather shifts and becomes cold or rainy
  • Pet supplies such as food, medications, and leashes if traveling with furry friends
  • Outdoor gear specific to your destination such as hiking and sporting equipment
  • Electronics and any work/office supplies for individuals who may work remote
    Tip: Don’t forget chargers and adapters!

If you are renting an RV or property, be sure to double-check beforehand that all your desired food prep and bathroom appliances, toiletries, and accommodations such as sheets, towels and blankets are provided.

For more RV travel tips and road trip resources, read more from the ROUTE 66 RV Network Blog now!