re: Some photos from Route 66 / New Mexico trip ( even more images added in OP)

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I'm going to be taking 66 when heading from Tennessee to Cali in a few weeks. Any recommendations for stops along the way? Including restaurants

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As for your stops, you asking about stops for just a few minutes or maybe a 1/2-day excursion?

Unfortunately, most of Route 66 in New Mexico no longer exists. They laid I-40 on top of it, but if you are going to travel I-40, try and stop at some of the towns where you will see markers stating "Route 66". Tucumcari and Santa Rosa are two of the towns. It is sad, but these towns are pretty much dead. We stayed in Tucumcari, and it looked like 80% of the businesses where boarded up. The towns have very little revenue.

Points of interest from Amarillo to Santa Fe exit (I didn't go to Albuquerque).

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo (free)

Glenrio exit on TX/NM line, if you go left under I-40, you can take the original Route 66 (pre-1937). It is a dirt/gravel road with a couple ghost towns. It travels for quite some time. We took it from Glenrio to Endee

The truck stop in Endee has an awesome car museum (free).

Tucumcari has a couple good restaurants, KIX is a roadside diner that only serves breakfast and lunch, they close at 2pm. The other is Dale's (I believe). It is next to KIX and is the same owners. They are open all day. We didn't eat at Dale's, but I heard it was good. We did eat breakfast at KIX, it was really good.

Tucumcari has three museums, Dinosaur, Route 66, and Railroad museums. The Dinosaur museum is kind of like the Kids' Museum in New Orleans.

If you SCUBA dive and have your equipment, the "Blue Hole" is a must in Santa Rosa. It is an 80' deep natural spring that is a constant 65 degs. If you don't SCUBA div, you can still just swim in it. Its $5 to park, free to swim, plus there is a swim park next door.

Santa Fe is the most beautiful city I have ever seen in the US. It is an hour or so north of I-40 and I highly recommend stopping for at least a day. The original (pre-1937) Route 66. Visit Canyon St and the Plaza for restaurants and shops. There is also a railroad museum.

stop for the night in Shamrock Tx. stay at Rt66 motel, $25.00 !