WITH MORE THAN A HUNDRED Route 66–era buildings and a necklace of neon bling along the 18-mile Route 66 stretch known as Central Avenue, Albuquerque could easily be considered the Route 66 capital of New Mexico. Two alignments bring drivers into the city: the 1926 option along Fourth Street running north and south, and the post-1937 alignment traveling east and west along Central. That means the Duke City is also home to the only place in the country where Route 66 crosses itself.
Driving west into Albuquerque on Central leads through Nob Hill, a neighborhood with an authentic fusion of old and new vibes. Vintage shops, trendy boutiques, and popular restaurants line the street. Fuel up for the day with a fresh-roasted coffee or wind down aprés shopping with natural wine from Little Bear Coffee, located in a converted vintage garage.
Colorful murals mark the artsy Barelas neighborhood.
Photograph by Ungelbah Dávila.
In downtown Albuquerque, Route 66 landmarks abound. The KiMo Theatre, built in the short-lived Pueblo Deco style, had lost its neon until historic preservationist Johnnie Meier initiated a project to replicate it in 2011. “It just livens up the city,” he says, noting that the renovation sparked other businesses to commission fresh neon. “People remember that KiMo sign, and it triggers great memories for them.”
Following Fourth Street south leads to the Barelas–South Fourth Street Historic District, a colorful neighborhood that’s as old as Albuquerque. “It’s a diverse neighborhood, and all of our customers are like family,” says Sara Nuñez, whose family owns La Mexicana Tortilla Co. While her great-grandparents founded the restaurant as Albuquerque’s first tortilla company, in 1932, Nuñez’s four-year-old son, Benjamin, is already learning the ropes, packing tortillas and making bizcochitos.
“I was born in this neighborhood,” she says. “We’re right here by the train station, so a lot of people from all over come in and out of here. We enjoy feeding everyone.”
Read more: The Lindy’s Diner co-owner and chef serves up a heaping helping of tradition.
