As we entered Tucumcari, New Mexico, we knew it was going to be one of those places where we wished we had more time so we could stay a day or two. I’m looking forward to retracing our drive one day so we can plan accordingly based on the unexpected discoveries of this trip.
Tucumcari
It’s not as if there was a whole lot going on in Tucumcari but there was just something about the nostalgic vibe of the town that captured our imaginations. The town really seemed to depict the 40’s and 50’s as there were many small classic motels and restaurants still operating. And the neon signage was some of the best we’ve seen. Being a lover of all things retro, it would be worth spending the night (or two) just to be able to see the signs light up the night.
Lunch With the Locals
Referring to our handy dandy – Route 66 guidebook – we had lunch with the locals at Del’s Restaurant. Looking at a vast menu we couldn’t figure out what to have when we noticed most of the people were ordering Mexican food so we went with the crowd. I don’t know if it was the vibe of the town, or the great mood we were in, or the food was just that good, but by far it was probably one of best Mexican meals we’ve ever had.
It was so good I felt the need to speak to the cashier (who maybe was a manger or owner) and told her we were driving across the country and it was one of the best meals on our trip!
A Sign That Read Tourist
We always like to people watch when we’re traveling. In Del’s every man and boy in the restaurant was wearing Wangler jeans, (with the tell-tale tin of chaw in the back pocket) boots. And, of course, a cowboy hat. Abi said he might as well be wearing a sign that read, “Tourist”. That’s how much he stood out from the crowd in his shorts and t-shirt. It was probably fortuitous that he didn’t wear his Hawaiian shirt that day!
Across the street from Dell’s we visited the TePee Curios shop.
Tucumcari, Who Knew?
Tucumcari, New Mexico, who knew? We left wanting more, way more, and isn’t that always the best time to take your leave? Definitely one of our most favorite unexpected finds along this amazing Route. When is the last time you left somewhere wanting more?
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We only did a small part of route 66, I would love to return one day and do the complete route.
Freya recently posted…Exploring Santa Cruz Island Galapagos
Everytime you guys get farther west in a post I got more apprehensive about Route 66 series coming to a close! Maybe you turned around and went all the way back the other way and wrote about it ha ha! 🙂 That Blue Swallow Motel also had the “Inspection Invited” sign towards the bottom! Wow, talk about customer service days of yesterday. Of course my favorites are the old diner places. My grandmother was a waitress in Lovelock, Nevada at Felix’s for over 40 years. Place would be a ghost town just like these pics above if it weren’t for OJ and his prison estate. Can’t wait for the next installment, Patti! 🙂
Mike recently posted…My Top 10 +1 Favorite Romantic Comedy Movies
That’s so funny Mike because as we drove further west, I started worrying about reaching the end. I was so excited to keep traveling and see what’s next, but at the same time I didn’t want it to end! Thanks for following!
How fab! It’s so close to us (relatively speaking) that we have no excuse. It looks so cool! We’re done a bunch of the AZ stretches and the historic stretches (pre-1939) near Santa Fe.
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If you’re a fan of nostalgia and the Route, it’s well-worth a visit. I don’t know how much is actually going on in Tucumcari but it’s a pretty cool place – and it reminds me of several scenes from the Pixar movie – Cars! Would love to see the main drag at night with all of the classic neon signs lit!
Love the wall art! And who knew Route 66 went through NM?
Charu recently posted…Why Young Mothers Should Travel More
Yes – Route 66 extends from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, CA. Thanks so much for reading!
I know I’ve told you this before, but your Rt. 66 series is bringing back such great memories for me. Isn’t “Tucumcari” an awesome name for a town? Anyway, keep the posts and pics coming!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted…The Subtle Beauty of Cisternino
Thanks! And you know what? It’s been really fun for me to remember our trip and I’m having a great time posting the memories. We loved Tucumcari, not only is the name great but we just had such a fun afternoon there. Would love to go back sometime and learn more about the town and its history.