Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine

The landmark Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari, New Mexico, landed the cover image of the current issue of New Mexico Magazine. Not only does the Route 66 motel that dates to 1939 appear in the magazine's lead article "The Magic of Route 66" and others in the issue, but so do Motel Safari and Roadrunner … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine

Hurray for the Riff Raff’s new music video shot in Tucumcari area

Hurray for the Riff Raff, a music act that hails from New Orleans, recently released a video for the song "Hawkmoon" that was shot in the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, New Mexico. Viewers will notice the city's Palomino Motel and the Kix on 66 restaurant. https://youtu.be/IbPgztgsqQA?si=0FJ4btZqAbLdig8o The video was directed by Jeff Perlman and … Continue reading Hurray for the Riff Raff’s new music video shot in Tucumcari area

Route 66 in New Mexico listed on National Geographic’s top travel experiences in 2024

National Geographic recently listed its "20 of the coolest travel adventures in 2024" as part of its annual Best of the World feature, and Route 66 in New Mexico made the list. The iconic magazine stated the list serves as "a celebration — of travel’s power to transform us and our connections with one another." … Continue reading Route 66 in New Mexico listed on National Geographic’s top travel experiences in 2024

Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

A group of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Route 66 Association began efforts Thursday and Friday to restore nail-damaged neon tubing on historic signs along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Among the signs worked on were TeePee Curios, Del's Restaurant, La Cita restaurant, Motel Safari and Loretta's Burrito Hut. Fast TV Network … Continue reading Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

New Mexico Route 66 Association helps launch effort to repair hail-damaged neon in Tucumcari

The New Mexico Route 66 Association and Tucumcari MainStreet are joining forces to repair a dozen historic Route 66 neon signs in Tucumcari, New Mexico, that were damaged by a severe hailstorm in late May. In a news release, the association stated its damage assessment identified more than 60 pieces of broken neon tubing among … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association helps launch effort to repair hail-damaged neon in Tucumcari

A look back at Vice TV’s “Abandoned” episode in 2016 about Route 66

I remember when Vice TV's "Abandoned" episode about Route 66 first aired in 2016, but the full 43-minute program was uploaded to YouTube just a few weeks ago. The gist is two skate punks travel Route 66 from west to east, seeking assorted abandoned places to use their skateboards (natch), talk to the locals, and … Continue reading A look back at Vice TV’s “Abandoned” episode in 2016 about Route 66

Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale

The owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced on social media this week he soon would put the Route 66 establishment on the market. Larry Smith, who has owned the motel at 722 E. Route 66 Blvd. for six years, stated he was "feeling that my time here at the Safari … Continue reading Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale

Flash flooding closes Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee

A severe storm Thursday night into Friday morning washed out a new bridge on Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee, New Mexico, prompting the closure of the road indefinitely. That's part of the 17-mile gravel-road alignment of Route 66 between the border ghost town of Glenrio and San Jon. An estimated seven inches … Continue reading Flash flooding closes Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee

New Mexico Route 66 Association to give Heritage Award to Tucumcari Chamber

The New Mexico Route 66 Association announced this week it would give its annual Heritage Award to the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce. The honor is in recognition of the updated beautification of the chamber building by its executive director, Scott Crotzer, while keeping its original mid-century architecture charm from its groundbreaking in 1966. The … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association to give Heritage Award to Tucumcari Chamber

New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project

The New Mexico Route 66 Association last week announced it would pause its annual motor tour this year because of the complexities of moving its office to Tucumcari. Sue Montgomery, vice president and membership officer with the association, stated in an email: So good news is that the NM Rt 66 Association in conjunction with … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project