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November 11, 2025 marks the 99th Anniversary of Route 66! The New Mexico Route 66 Association invites you to join us at the 66 Diner in Albuquerque, a.k.a. the New Mexico Route 66 Association headquarters, for a casual dinner gathering to celebrate this momentous occasion.
In consideration of the 66 Diner, those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to ensure adequate wait staff. The dinner will be dutch treat—to help the 66 Diner, as with all small businesses, please try to bring cash to pay for your meal rather than credit card. This puts what would be credit card charges to the credit card companies toward the small business instead. When you RSVP, please include your name and how many will be in attendance. You may RSVP by sending an email to [email protected] We look forward to seeing you there!  The New Mexico Route 66 Association is excited to announce four signs in the Roadside Attraction Sign Project have been delivered! Pictured below (left to right): Joseph’s Bar & Grill, Santa Rosa | website Motel Safari, Tucumcari | website Tee Pee Curios, Tucumcari | Facebook Americana Motel, Tucumcari | website Be sure to visit these supporters of the association and check out their business (and sign)! The New Mexico Route 66 Association is currently accepting applications for additional signs. Please consider ordering soon to receive it in time for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. Additionally, individuals—or companies—may purchase signs for abandoned historic sights. In doing so, a “donated by” line will be included on the sign. Complete information about the Roadside Attraction Sign Project along with an application form can be found online at: https://www.rt66nm.org/roadside-attraction-sign-project.html  Native American Travel App–Route 66 Map Initiative Designated Official Route 66 Centennial Project10/22/2025
The Road Ahead Partnership is excited to announce that the American Indigenous Tourism Association Native American Travel App–Route 66 Map Project has been officially designated as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. In partnership with the Route 66 Centennial, the association is developing a digital Route 66 Map to be featured on its consumer-facing website, DestinationNativeAmerica.com. The project will highlight Native Nations, destinations, and attractions along the iconic highway—offering travelers authentic cultural experiences that reflect the deep and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples along the historic route. Route 66 stretches more than 2,400 miles across eight states—from its starting point at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, to its western terminus near the Santa Monica Pier in California. While many travelers begin their journey heading west, the American Indigenous Tourism Association’s interactive map aims to guide all Route 66 enthusiasts, regardless of direction, toward discovering Native American communities and tourism opportunities along the way. This initiative builds upon the association’s earlier publication, American Indians & Route 66, also available at DestinationNativeAmerica.com, which explored Indigenous histories and stories tied to the route. "Route 66 is more than just a road—it's a journey through America's cultural heartland. Recognizing and uplifting Indigenous voices along Route 66 ensures we honor the full story of this iconic highway," said Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner - U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. "This project from the American Indigenous Tourism Association is vital to preserving the cultural integrity and rich traditions of the Native Nations that have long called this corridor home." “This designation as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project is a powerful recognition of the enduring and vital role Native Nations play in the story of this historic highway," said Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association. "Our new digital map isn't just a guide; it's an invitation for travelers to connect authentically with the rich history, vibrant cultures, and unique destinations of Indigenous communities. By bringing these stories to the forefront, we are not only enriching the Route 66 experience but also driving economic opportunity that honors the traditions and values of our people."  The New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group is hosting its next Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group meeting on Monday, October 20, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Join us to share your ideas and perspective for how New Mexico can celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in 2026! Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 Time: 1-4 p.m. Venue: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Location: 2401 12th Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 The New Mexico Tourism Department has provided an agenda, and you can RSVP here.  In 2023, the association received a grant from the National Trust for Historic
Preservation to help repair neon signs in Tucumcari damaged by a hailstorm. The grant also covered the expense of producing two videos documenting the repair of the signs. Due to the length of the project and the opportunity to provide even more valuable content, the project is now a four-video series. Recently completed, these videos will be available to everyone at no cost. Fast TV Network will be releasing the four-video series on Fast TV Network on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, online at FastTVNetwork.com and on the New Mexico Route 66 Association YouTube channel free of charge in late 2025. About the project Restoration updates New Mexico Route 66 Association meeting rescheduled to September 13 This meeting will include:
Join us if your are...
Details Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m.-12 noon The De Anza 4305 Central Ave NE (Route 66) Albuquerque, NM 87108 Parking Parking available on Graceland Drive. There are only a few parking spots in the parking lot facing Central Avenue. We appreciate you leaving these spots open for those with handicap stickers. Look for the association banner at the main gate facing Central Avenue/Route 66. Someone will be there to greet you and let you in. The De Anza asks that you please do NOT park in spaces marked Reserved. These are for residents of The De Anza only. RSVP Please RSVP to https://www.rt66nm.org/contact.html Thank you. We look forward to seeing you soon!  It is with deep sadness that the New Mexico Route 66 Association announces the passing of James “Bozo” Cordova on Saturday, August 30, 2025. A beloved figure in the community and a passionate advocate for the rich history and culture of Route 66, Bozo leaves behind a remarkable legacy of preserving the beauty and history of the open road. Together with his cherished wife, Anna Cordova, they opened the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, more than 20 years ago. This treasured establishment features a remarkable collection of over 30 vintage vehicles, gas pumps, and an array of memorabilia that tells the story of America’s iconic highway. Through their work, Bozo and Anna created a space where history comes alive, inviting visitors from all over the world to experience the nostalgia and charm of a bygone era. Bozo's vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm for life left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of vintage automobiles and Route 66 was evident in every aspect of his work. He took great pride in sharing the stories and memories that made this iconic highway a cherished part of American history, inspiring others to appreciate the beauty of the journey. As a supportive partner to Anna, who serves as a board member of the Association, Bozo was a steadfast presence in the community, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. His kindness and generosity will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of Bozo's life will be held on Saturday, September 6. Further details are provided on the Chavez Funeral Home website: https://www.chavezfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-bozo-cordova As we remember Bozo, let us honor his legacy by cherishing the memories he created and the passion he instilled in all of us for the beauty of vintage automobiles and the spirit of Route 66. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his warmth and enthusiasm. May he rest in peace.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation has a Grant Program for legacy businesses, non-profits, and public agencies OPEN NOW! Grants will generally not exceed $10k and can be used for a variety of projects, including capital improvements, planning, and marketing. Locations can be on or near Route 66, provided they can illustrate a connection to the road’s history. Is a match required? No match is required for either the non-profit/public agency grant or the legacy business grant. However, please count any matched dollars or in-kind donations to make your application stronger! What projects are eligible? Previous funded projects include HVAC, window restoration, exterior and interior paint, signage, historic interpretation, lesson plans, multimedia and film projects, and structural repair. What is a Legacy Business? Small, independently owned businesses that have been operated for many years and contribute to Route 66's history and culture. New businesses helping to revitalize an underutilized Route 66 historic building are also eligible. The current round is open for applications from August 4 until September 30; check out their website or contact the National Trust with any questions. Rhys Martin, manager of the Preserve Route 66 program, has been involved in the greater Route 66 community in a variety of roles since 2015. More information: preserveroute66.org [email protected] 539-302-8580  Up to $42,500 in grants are available for Route 66 businesses and attractions through the Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program this year. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 with its Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program [PED]—an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. The PED program will provide $42,500 to support Route 66 businesses and attractions this year. Up to 20 grant awards of $2,125.00 each will be made by a Route 66 PED Grant Program Review Committee, which acts independently of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. The program's goals include helping Route 66 businesses and attractions stay in operation or reopen. Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, said, "The Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program also supports preserving, restoring, or expanding - as well as starting new - Route 66 businesses and attractions." Businesses and attractions located on Route 66 that employ fewer than 20 full-time employees or are a small, locally owned franchise with five or fewer locations may apply. Eligible activities include capital improvements, historic preservation planning or work, and accessibility or community outreach. Applications for the Route 66 Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program are available now and will be accepted through September 29, 2025. Apply here.  Five communities have been designated Official Satellite City status for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026. The five satellite cities will join the live, online media event combined with Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off celebrations in Springfield, Missouri, the Official Host City. The five Official Satellite Cities include Joliet, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Santa Monica, California. The five Official Satellite Cities were selected through an RFP process to promote themselves and attract visitors to their Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off events and activities. Joliet, Illinois Joliet will host its satellite city celebration at the historic 1858 Old Joliet Prison Site. Joliet Area Historical Museum chief executive officer Greg Peerbolte said, "The 'Joliet' in Joliet Jake, was made famous in The Blues Brothers and Prison Break movies and was known for many years as 'America's Toughest Prison.’ The property is now an economic development engine and community gathering space, welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors since the project's inception.” St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis will celebrate a century of the Mother Road with concerts, car displays, a 6.6-mile bike ride, documentary screenings, presentations, and family activities. Amarillo, Texas Amarillo's iconic 6th Street will feature archived photos, recordings, and Route 66 memorabilia during its kick-off event by day. At night, festivities will explore the evolution of Route 66 and Amarillo's role in shaping American travel. The city is also planning the installation of a commemorative monument in Amarillo's Historic Route 66 District. Amarillo, Texas, executive director Kashion Smith said the city is classic Texas: cowboy boots, wide-open skies, and friendly, down-to-earth people. "But there's more beneath the surface. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Palo Duro Canyon, the retro charm and local flavor along Amarillo's Historic Route 66 District, and a community proud to preserve and promote its Route 66 heritage." Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque's celebrations will feature music events downtown at the historic KiMo theatre, incorporating the nearby crossroads at 4th and Central, where the original and then final Route 66 crossed. The city will also feature an art-fueled road trip, which will have four stops within a two-block radius of the KiMo. Santa Monica, California Santa Monica will host its kick-off ceremony at Mel's Diner on Lincoln Boulevard, featuring live performances by California musicians. Santa Monica travel and tourism president and chief executive officer Misti Kerns said Route 66 holds a significant place in Santa Monica's history. "As the 'End of the Trail' for Route 66, Santa Monica became emblematic of the American Dream and the promise of the open road. The highway officially concluded at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard, near the Pacific Ocean. This final stretch of Route 66 represented the culmination of countless journeys across the United States, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration that defined an era." The virtual Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off will feature a Centennial Kick-Off concert with a-list entertainment in Springfield, Missouri, a two-hour simulcast of the live-streamed event worldwide, and cut-ins during the simulcast from each Official Satellite City. Satellite Cities will also benefit from recognition on the Route 66 Centennial website and in all publicity for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off event. Bill Thomas, chairman of Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, said, "We are so excited for our Official Satellite Cities to join Springfield, Missouri, the Official Host City, in kicking off our year-long celebration."  The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is a national nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing and sustaining Route 66 as a national icon and international destination. It is responsible for the Route 66 Centennial website, a key component of the Route 66 Centennial Communications Plan recommended by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. The website focuses on Route 66 preservation success stories and spotlights future needs.
Donatella Davanzo is an Italian American cultural anthropologist and documentary photographer whose body of work focuses on the connection between communities and their landscapes. Photography is the key vehicle and tool in Donatella Davanzo's visual ethnographic research and documentation of the unique cultural practices and spatial organizations of diverse human communities in the Southwestern United States and abroad. Donatella is widely recognized for her in-depth exploration and lectures centering on the acequias—centuries-old, communally managed crop irrigation systems in New Mexico. She is also known for her visual ethnographic studies and document analyses of the stretch of Route 66 that runs through New Mexico. Based on visual documentation contained in her doctoral dissertation, Donatella’s grant-funded Route 66 Centennial project, Route 66 Connected, comprises an innovative interactive exposition of original commercial properties developed between 1937 and 1970 along Route 66 in New Mexico that are still in operation today.   Most recently, Donatella participated in the 2025 New Mexico Route 66 Association Motor Tour, taking photos and preparing the tour guide with her numerous photographs and detailed descriptions and history. The guide is an invaluable resource for the motor tour participants, and for the New Mexico Route 66 Association that hosted the event. To date, Donatella has authored two books. Tango in Venice: Expression of a Rite views tango dancers from an anthropological perspective, concentrating on their use of movement and space, and their use of dance as a ritual. Through International CultoMusica: An Ethno-Photographic Account by Donatella Davanzo, she documents eleven different religious cults still present in Trieste during eleven different musical concerts. To learn more or to connect with Donatella about her photography, visit her Route 66 Connected website at: https://donatellaabq.wixsite.com/route-66-connected    By Jonathan Bullington and E. Jason Wambsgans Source: Chicago Tribune It was created to connect us, a fused chain of existing roadways many unpaved that stretched 2,448 miles across eight states and three time zones, starting steps from Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago and ending near the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica’s famed fishing pier. Route 66, “The Main Street of America.” There is perhaps no better-known highway anywhere in the world. In its 100-year history, it has offered safe passage to Dust Bowl refugees, World War II transports and vacationing families. John Steinbeck called it “the mother road, the road of flight.” Nat King Cole crooned about its kicks in a 1946 hit song. Disney and Pixar took inspiration from it for a 2006 blockbuster. The famed highway conjured images of quirky roadside attractions, mom-and-pop diners, neon-signed motels and art deco service stations. Each mile promised freedom, escape, adventure, exploration. It introduced countless Americans to their country, to vast lands that previously existed only in the collective imagination. Despite being decommissioned in 1985 in favor of a faster and wider interstate highway system, Route 66 continues to capture our imaginations in the remnants of its past glory that remain today. Now, Route 66 boosters in all eight states (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California) are gearing up to celebrate the iconic route on its centennial in 2026. Ahead of next year’s anniversary, the Chicago Tribune will set out across Route 66 to introduce readers to the people and places it was designed to connect the entertaining characters and roadside oddities, the business owners trying to revitalize their pieces of history and the voices that had been previously obscured in the roadway’s lore. In pursuit of the unknown, we're starting our journey at the farthest point from home, in Santa Monica, and working our way back to Chicago. Along the way, we’ll explore whether the highway still has the power to unite a deeply divided country and learn what it has to tell us about the current state of our nation. Read full story and learn about each of their stops along the way: https://www.chicagotribune.com/route-66-turns-100/  By Fallon Fischer, Junko Featherston Source: KRQE (Copyright Nexstar Media Inc.) A 1950s-era motel on historic Route 66 in Albuquerque is set to get a new lease on life. El Don Motel is now owned by Albuquerque native Randy Bowen, who plans to completely renovate the 24-unit property into a boutique motel. "So the plan for it right now is to have 20 high-end, kind of like chic boutique hotel rooms. And then the two-story section that’s behind us here with the deck is hopefully going to be a cocktail lounge," Bowen said. Bowen purchased the property in October and plans to bring an operating partner on board. He is currently working with an architect on the design and the city to get everything up to code. "So currently, right now, it’s being used as an apartment. The initial pitch when it was brought to me was to try to keep it as an apartment. But unfortunately, with the amount of money that has to go in to get it to being safe and functional, it doesn’t pencil out with making it affordable housing,” Bowen explained. The U-shaped motel needs a lot of work, according to Bowen. The 1950s-era plumbing will need to be updated along with the electrical wiring; the building also needs a new roof, HVAC system, windows, stucco, flooring, and more. The property’s iconic neon sign, which features a cowboy lassoing the motel's name, will be redone too. Despite the extensive repairs and new additions planned for the motel, Bowen said he is eager to work on what he calls a passion project. "I just, I like the idea of the history of this. I like the idea of preserving this rather than just scraping it and starting over with something new," he said. Bowen hopes to get started on the project in about two months. He previously has worked on residential projects, including multi-family developments. Read full story: https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/1950s-era-route-66-motel-in-albuquerque-to-undergo-major-renovation/  El Don Motel on Route 66 in Albuquerque. Photo courtesy Tadson Bussey.
By Larry Baker Source: KRQE News (Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. ) ‘Build it and they will come.’ It’s not just a memorable line from a movie. Consider a weed-choked vacant lot on Albuquerque’s West Mesa. Beginning in 2021, construction crews transformed barren acreage into a multi-million-dollar, two-story architectural masterpiece. And then, a year later, a parade of community leaders and politicians celebrated with a marathon ribbon cutting ceremony complete with music, food, specially designed t-shirts, and a host of political and community leaders. Among the 36 guest speakers, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “This is a celebration bigger than the West Side, bigger than Albuquerque. This is about the Land of Enchantment and about the story of America,” Mayor Keller proclaimed. And, State Senator Michael Padilla. “You’re going to be able to tell your children, your babies, your grandbabies, your great grandbabies, ‘I was there the day that they opened the Route 66 Visitor Center’. I’m so excited,” Senator Padilla said. Welcome to Albuquerque’s newest government attraction, the Route 66 Visitor Center. But don’t be deceived by the enthusiastic ribbon-cutting crowd. Once the hoopla died down and the politicians headed home, reality set in. It has been three years since that ribbon-cutting celebration. However, as a tourist destination, the project has been a bust. Today, the parking lot is empty, the gates are locked, and the building is closed. Over the last decade, city, county, and state politicians have poured more than $13,000,000 into a facility plagued by mismanagement, financial improprieties, and procurement violations. In fact, from the very beginning, the Route 66 Visitor Center had all the tell-tale signs of a pricey government venture gone wrong. “This was probably not the best use of public funds, but officials pushed forward with it anyway,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas. Read full story at: https://www.krqe.com/news/larry-barker/politicians-sink-13m-in-closed-new-mexico-tourist-attraction/ See article from Route 66 New Mexico magazine, Spring/Summer issue regarding this subject: Association Meets with West Central Community Development Group in Albuquerque to Discuss Proposed Route 66 Visitors Center  Left to right: Rendering of Route 66 Visitor Center; locked gate at the Route 66 Visitor Center; Route 66 Visitor Center
An Underrated City In New Mexico Makes Retirement Feel Like A Sun-Soaked Dip Into Route 66 Nostalgia By Leslie Veliz Source: Islands.com Choosing where to spend your golden years is one of life's most important decisions. From Florida to Portugal, the possibilities are endless. Retiring in New Mexico, known as the "Land of Enchantment," is also a wonderful choice. The state is home to beautiful retirement-friendly cities including Santa Rosa, an underrated sun-soaked destination where you can savor this chapter of your life. In fact, Santa Rosa has been rated one of the top places to retire in the American Southwest. Located about two hours from Albuquerque — one of the best film cities in America — Santa Rosa is home to a section of the iconic Route 66 and is steeped in nostalgia. However, it's the city's affordability that truly makes it stand out. Real estate and rental prices in Santa Rosa are lower than the national average. With a population of less than 3,000, Santa Rosa is a small and laid-back community. Residents enjoy convenient access to nearby amenities such as grocery stores and the Guadalupe County Hospital. Thanks to Route 66 bringing travelers through town, Santa Rosa flourished in the 1930s. While those days are long gone, retirees will discover that traces of the Mother Road's glory days remain. This stretch is laden with vintage inns, motels, and eateries, including the retro diner Joseph's Bar & Grill. There's also the Route 66 Auto Museum, packed with many classic vehicles that undoubtedly once traversed this legendary highway. The city is ideal for those who prefer to venture off the beaten path and spend time in the great outdoors. Santa Rosa offers a variety of outdoor adventures for retirees Having an active lifestyle after retirement is key to physical longevity and mental wellbeing. That said, there are plenty of ways to stay happy and healthy in Santa Rosa, nicknamed the "City of Natural Lakes." Aside from its Route 66 claim to fame, this destination is renowned for its aquatic destinations, including the Blue Hole. This serene body of water has been named one of the best swimming holes in the country. The water is a cool 62 degrees Fahrenheit, an inviting temperature for a dip. The Blue Hole is 80 feet deep, so you can even get your certification to go scuba diving. Retirement grants you the opportunity to discover new interests and hobbies, so why not embrace it? There's so much more to discover in Santa Rosa. A few minutes outside of town is Santa Rosa Lake State Park, another breathtaking site that puts New Mexico's natural beauty on full display. Aside from hiking, visitors can swim, fish, and go boating, all for a nominal entrance fee. Those with grandkids will be happy to learn that Santa Rosa's Park Lake transforms into a bustling inflatable water park during the summer. Beyond this, Santa Rosa is a great location for retirees who are eager to explore the Southwest. New Mexico's own Las Vegas is just an hour's drive away. Santa Fe, a world-renowned artsy and cultural paradise, is about two hours away. And if all of this is not enough incentive to retire in Santa Rosa, seniors earning under $100,000 a year don't have to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits in New Mexico. Read full story at: https://www.islands.com/1858114/retirement-hidden-gem-santa-rosa-new-mexico-sun-soaked-route-sixty-six-nostalgia/  |
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