Tucumcari, NM

"I reached some plains so vast, that I did not find their limit anywhere I went, although I travelled over them for more than 300 leagues ... with no more land marks than if we had been swallowed up by the sea ... there was not a stone, nor bit of rising ground, nor a tree, nor a shrub, nor anything to go by."    

  
Francisco Coronado, Spanish conquistador 1541

 Less than an hour inside the New Mexico border, you will find the small city of Tucumcari. Once nestled along Route 66, this historic town is home to legendary Route 66 motels, beautiful murals depicting a bygone era, grand mesa views and the fascinating Mesalands Dinosaur Museum (an interesting stretch-your-legs stop with child-friendly exhibits). Enjoy breakfast or lunch at classic diner Kix on 66.

                            www.theroadwanderer.net/66NMex/tucumcari.htm

o   For a wealth of knowledge about Tuc-town, including the origin of the town’s name (a colorful Indian legend) and some great photos (including a tour of Tucumcari neons).

Take the business route exit to enjoy a drive down historic Route 66, keeping an eye out for the famous Blue Swallow Motel. Opened by Ted Jones, a prominent eastern New Mexico rancher, in 1942, the motel is a classic example of lodging enjoyed by mid-century motorists traveling the Mother Road. It became a Route 66 icon when Lillian Redman and her husband bought the motel in the 1950s and made it a haven to road weary travelers for over 40 years. In describing the special and close connection she had with Route 66 motorists, she said, “I end up traveling the highway in my heart with whomever stops here for the night.” Although I-40 took business away from Tucumcari’s main thoroughfare at the end of the 1960s, the motel continues to operate as a popular overnight destination.

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·         www.blueswallowmotel.com

·         www.mesalands.edu/museum/museum.htm  (dinosaur museum)

·         www.kixon66.com

·         www.rte66motel.com:  Stay at the Historic Rt. 66 Motel—celebrating 50 years of cool! (Rates starting at $32!)