Route 66 - New Mexico
Around Santa Fe and Albuquerque - New Mexico
Glenrio
Description: Glenrio is a tiny town on old Route 66, located just over the Texas border in New Mexico. In 1906, the town was founded as a railroad loading station. In 1926, Route 66 was built right through the town, giving it a huge boost. It served travelers as a stopover on their long journey between Los Angeles and Chicago. The First Motel in Texas was known far beyond the borders of the country. In 1940 the small town served the movie The Grapes of Wrath for a few scenes as a setting. When the interstate was built right next to the town in 1973, Glenrio, like many places on old Route 66, was left to decay.
Our rating: There is something morbid about driving through the ruins of the old Route 66. But the old buildings have a certain charm and always offer great photo opportunities. The remaining buildings in Glenrio, however, may not be entered and can only be viewed from the road.
Tucumcari
Description: Findings suggest that there was already a trade center in the area at the time of the Anazazi. But it was not until the construction of the railroad at the beginning of the 20th century that the first modern settlement was built here. The town experienced a boom when Route 66 was built in 1926. Then, when the interstate was built in the 1970s, the decline began. The town still exists. Today it has a little more than 5000 inhabitants. Throughout Route 66 there are still the old relics of long ago. The Blue Swallow Motel is still in operation today and gives a great insight into the time when Route 66 was still the traffic artery between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Our rating: If you're in the area, you should definitely stop by here. The old neon signs and buildings are worth a little detour. We would love to come back in the evening when the old neon signs light up.
