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Cruising Historic Route 66
Driving down Albuquerque's
well-preserved, 18-mile historic stretch of
Route 66 will give you a taste of America's
original “Main Street.” Albuquerque's Central
Avenue follows the path of Route 66 and will
bring you back into the days of neon decorating
roadside motels and gas stations.
Route 66 was the nation's first “interstate”
built in 1926 and ran for more than 2,400 miles
between Chicago and Santa Monica. Today New
Mexico has the longest intact stretch of the
historic highway and the largest inventory of
relevant roadside architecture. New Mexico's
portion of the route is part of a national
scenic and historic byway.
Route 66 was originally marked by roadside mom
and pop businesses – gas stations, motels,
kitchy attractions, restaurants and small cafes,
where they offered gas, food and lodging in one
stop. Many of these favorites still exist. While
cruising the strip, check out some of
Albuquerque's Route 66 attractions including the
Historic Nob Hill district, a residential and
commercial district made up of art deco style
buildings housing boutiques, art galleries and
restaurants.
The University of New Mexico , founded in 1889,
is the state's largest university, which
features Pueblo Revival architecture, relaxing
ponds, gardens and several museums. The
District, Albuquerque's downtown area, has
restaurants, upscale retail shops, a 14-screen
movie theater and dynamic arts and music scenes.
Alvarado Transportation Center, built on the
grounds and in the style of the majestic
Alvarado Hotel, is the center for Albuquerque's
ground transportation.
The Crossroads Mall commemorates the crossroads
of Route 66 and US Highway 85. The KiMo Theatre
(1927) Pueblo deco and Art Gallery , which
recently underwent extensive renovation, was
originally built to house vaudeville acts.
Historic Old Town, the center of the original
Villa of Albuquerque, Old Town's quaint streets
now house a variety of Southwestern shops,
restaurants and art galleries.
America's most infamous highway continues to be
treasured by visitors from around the world. You
don't want to miss this feel of true 1950s
nostalgia.
Submitted by:
www.itsatrip.org
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