ROUTE 66

Photos Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, “America’s Main Street”—or, as John Steinbeck called it in The Grapes of Wrath, “The Mother Road.” While many parts of Route 66, which spans 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif., are now US Highway 40, many portions of the original route remain, with all the nostalgia to go along with it. And, as luck would have it, Denver is an easy car ride (or plane trip) to a significant portion of the route. 

From 1926 to 1937, Santa Fe, N.M., (about a six-hour drive from Denver), was part of Route 66; today you can travel on the Santa Fe Loop to explore this very special part of the highway. Among the many landmarks along the way is the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the United States (dating back to 1610). For a truly unforgettable place to stay, reserve a room at the historic Inn and Spa at Loretto, with the famous Loretto Chapel on the property. The stunning hotel is close to  shopping and restaurants in the heart of Santa Fe. If you are looking for a historic place to eat, Palace Santa Fe offers modern American cuisine in a building close to 200 years old. A speakeasy in the back of the restaurant is a must visit for an after-dinner nightcap.

Just an hour drive from Santa Fe, Albuquerque boasts the longest urban stretch of Route 66. The Hotel Parq Central sits right on Route 66 and is having its 100-year celebration as well. Once a railroad hospital, constructed to treat the workers of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, now a national and city landmark, the hotel includes a rooftop bar, The Apothecary, perfect for watching the sun set. Mid-century modern enthusiasts should bring their cameras: Alburquerque is home to many revamped travel motels and hotels, some complete with food halls, cocktail lounges and those famous neon signs. Just off Central Avenue, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center educates visitors about the state’s Indigenous residents. Nearby, Golden Crown Panaderia has been a staple in Albuquerque since 1972. Founder Pratt Morales and his son Christoper run the bakery, which is known for its traditional biscochitos, New Mexico’s official cookie. The DWTNR at the newly opened Arrive Albuquerque hotel is the go-to for poolside cocktail vibes and the best churro French toast you’ve ever had. The Michelin guide will be coming to New Mexico in 2026, with several James Beard-nominated restaurants already in the state.

Traveling on the historic Route 66 in New Mexico is like taking a trip back in time, but with modern conveniences. As Nat King Cole sang, you can absolutely “Get your Kicks on Route 66.” Happy traveling!

With 465 miles of Route 66, the Land of Enchantment hosts more of the historic highway than any other state. Here are some upcoming attractions to mark the route’s 100th anniversary in New Mexico:

The “Route 66 Remixed” project, led by Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture, is the signature attraction for the city’s centennial celebration. Central Avenue will be transformed into what organizers describe as an “art-fueled road trip,” featuring large-scale public installations and digital experiences that reflect local stories and traditions. The project includes partnerships with Santa Fe’s Meow Wolf, Refract Studio and local artists. While murals and an audio tour are still being developed, visitors are now able to experience individual sites or follow a curated route via a web interface. Hakim Bellamy, Albuquerque’s inaugural poet laureate, will serve as narrator and storyteller for the road-trip experience. The installations include augmented reality experiences at locations such as the Guild Cinema and Albuquerque Museum’s Sculpture Garden, as well as physical artworks.. Other city departments have worked together to implement infrastructure improvements,  lighting restoration, housing initiatives and redevelopment projects along Route 66, ensuring that the centennial efforts leave a lasting impact in Albuquerque. visitalbuquerque.org

Route 66 Summerfest in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood will take place on Saturday, July 18. This annual event celebrates the iconic “Mother Road” with a mile-long blend of concerts, food, art and fun to capture the spirit of Route 66 and the vibrant culture of Albuquerque. cabq.gov

From revived roadside motels (El Vado in Albuquerque and El Rey Court and The Mystic in Santa Fe) and new art installations to a glamping and sculpture park in Tucumcari and ongoing neon sign restoration, the centennial adds fresh depth to the nostalgia of the classic drive. elvadoabq.com, elreycourt.com, themysticsantafe.com, visitartcity.com

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture’s new educational program, Driving Change: Route 66 in New Mexico, will launch later this year to help celebrate. indianartsandculture.org