Day 2: New Mexico

Day 2: Hello, New Mexico! We’ve narrowed down the places to stay in New Mexico between El Rancho Hotel and Blue Swallow Motel.

Photo Credit to El Rancho Hotel. Check out the virtual tour page, where you can see what the hotel is like – Just click on the picture!

El Rancho Hotel, or “The Home of the Movie Stars” is in Gallup, New Mexico and is offering a room with 2 queen beds, where various notable figures have stayed, for $125 on their hotel website. They also offer a room with two twin beds for $115. These prices remain the same on Expedia.

Another option we were considering was staying at the Blue Swallow Motel, where room options range in cost from $84.95 to $139.95 on their room reservation webpage. TripAdvisor has also named or awarded the Blue Swallow Motel as its Travelers’ Choice for 2018. Many reviewers on TripAdvisor have commented on the hard work the owners have put in to maintain its 1940’s, 1950’s theme since 1939. They also have a gift shop online and in-person – Take a look!

We can’t wait to admire the classic neon sign outside of Blue Swallow Motel in person! Photo Credit to Blue Swallow Motel.

As for activities and attractions in New Mexico, we’re considering eating at the 66 Diner in Albuquerque. Are there any suggestions out there on what is best to eat? According to the 66 Diner site, a part of the diner used to be a Philip’s gas and service station, so they still have a hydraulic lift there.

We also have to see the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, which people can scuba dive, with a $20 Scuba permit, or swim in, for a fee. The water in the 82-foot-deep spring is known for its clarity, which is maintained because the water renews itself every six hours. Check out more about the Blue Hole, or Sapphire here.

Tucumcari has a few places where we would like to stop, such as the Motel Safari to see Clyde the Camel, TeePee Curios for the souvenirs and to see the teepee joined with the store building, and Del’s Restaurant for their food. Anybody have favorite foods here?

We also heard that the Georgia O’Keefe Museum ($13 general admission) and The Pink Adobe in Santa Fe were neat places to visit, but they are an hour away from Albuquerque and Route 66. We hope we do have time to visit!

Stay tuned for info on the Texas portion of our Route 66 itinerary!