Imperial Inn in Albuquerque likely will reopen to overnight guests next month

The long-moribund Imperial Inn in east downtown Albuquerque probably will reopen to overnight travelers sometime next month after city officials hailed a $7 million redevelopment of the Route 66 motel. The Imperial, located at 701 Central Ave. (aka Route 66), now has 56 guest rooms, 16 residential suites and 4,400 square feet of commercial space … Continue reading Imperial Inn in Albuquerque likely will reopen to overnight guests next month

Owners of Lindy’s Diner in Albuquerque to put up for sale on New Year’s Day

Lindy's Diner, a Route 66 landmark in Albuquerque for generations, will be put on the market on Jan. 1. Co-owners Steve Vatoseow and his wife, Dawn Vatoseow, told the Albuquerque Journal they will put the Bliss Building, which houses the diner, for sale. Lindy's is at 500 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) in downtown Albuquerque. … Continue reading Owners of Lindy’s Diner in Albuquerque to put up for sale on New Year’s Day

County seeks artists to create sculptures along Route 66 from Tijeras to Albuquerque’s east side

The arts board of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, is seeking proposals from artists to create sculptures along Route 66 from the east side of Albuquerque to Tijeras. Sculptures also will be along Highway 14, aka The Turquoise Trail, to Sandia Park north of Tijeras. All will be part of Phase 3 of the Outposts public … Continue reading County seeks artists to create sculptures along Route 66 from Tijeras to Albuquerque’s east side

City of Albuquerque wants augmented-reality projects for its stretch of Route 66

The City of Albuquerque is inviting artists to submit augmented-reality projects to help celebrate Route 66's centennial in 2025 and 2026. The city's Department of Arts & Culture has issued a request for proposals through Jan. 31 "to identify AR projects that will immerse, educate, engage, and entertain the public and visitors in Route 66 … Continue reading City of Albuquerque wants augmented-reality projects for its stretch of Route 66

May Cafe, known for its lumberjack Muffler Man, to close temporarily around Christmas

The May Cafe, a Vietnamese restaurant in Albuquerque for over 30 years, will close temporarily around Christmas, its owner told the Albuquerque Business Journal. The restaurant is famous among Route 66 enthusiasts for its Paul Bunyan fiberglass statue, known generically as Muffler Men. The statue was restored in 2019 after a windstorm tore off its … Continue reading May Cafe, known for its lumberjack Muffler Man, to close temporarily around Christmas

Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced six grants this year totaling about $165,000 to varying historic preservation, research, oral history, interpretative and educational projects. I noticed the grant awards this year were capped at $30,000. Still, 30 grand is 30 grand. Here are the grant awards: Round Barn siding repair in Arcadia, OklahomaApplicant: Arcadia Historical … Continue reading Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Near-total solar eclipse will occur in much of New Mexico on Oct. 14

A lot of New Mexico and a sizable chunk of its Route 66 will experience a near-total solar eclipse on the morning of Oct. 14. The eclipse on that day is described as an annular eclipse -- when the moon passes between the sun but is at or near its farthest point from Earth. As … Continue reading Near-total solar eclipse will occur in much of New Mexico on Oct. 14

Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue closing its Albuquerque Central Avenue location after 50+ years

Mr. Powdrell's Barbecue House is closing its Central Avenue location in Albuquerque at the end of this month after more than 50 years at that Route 66 location. Albuquerque Business First (subscription required) reported the restaurant at 11301 Central Ave. NE will close on Sept. 30. Mr. Powdrell's second location at 5209 4th St. NW … Continue reading Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue closing its Albuquerque Central Avenue location after 50+ years

Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66

The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County each approved resolutions to improve an original stretch of Route 66 running south of the city before the highway's centennial in 2026. The Albuquerque Journal reported the efforts will involve Sunset Road and Isleta Boulevard, from Central Avenue to the Pueblo of Isleta. The two roads started as … Continue reading Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66

Albuquerque sets aside $432,000 to restore or renovate historic Route 66 signs

The City of Albuquerque this week announced it is providing a total of $432,000 in grants to restore or renovate historic signs along its Central Avenue (aka Route 66). The city's Department of Arts and Culture and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency have developed a Sign Improvement Program for owners of historic signs who can restore … Continue reading Albuquerque sets aside $432,000 to restore or renovate historic Route 66 signs