“New Mexico, we’re coming!”

As you leave Amarillo, Adrian welcomes you as the geographical midpoint of Route 66. Celebrate reaching this landmark by grabbing a slice of pie at the nostalgic Midpoint Café, an establishment that has been serving travelers for decades. Pass through Glenrio, a fascinating ghost town, and then visit San Jon's Old Route 66 Welcome Center. Don't miss Tucumcari's vintage Blue Swallow Motel and Route 66 Museum. In Santa Rosa, the Blue Hole offers an intriguing natural wonder for divers.

Past Santa Rosa, we recommend taking the “Santa Fe Loop” which will lead you via Old Route 66 and the historic Santa Fe Trail straight into Santa Fe, a town not to be missed.

Finally, reach your destination: Santa Fe. Unlike most towns along Route 66, Santa Fe has a distinct adobe skyline, shaped by its Native American and Spanish past. Stroll through the Plaza, visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and explore the myriad galleries and boutiques that make Santa Fe a hub for artists and art lovers alike.

Through this Route 66 stretch, you'll encounter a tapestry of American history, culture, and natural wonders. Each stop provides its unique flavor, making this journey not just a road trip, but an experience of a lifetime. Safe travels!

The 280 miles for today seem a bit overwhelming but there are large stretches of I-40 (with Route 66 right underneath) which means faster riding and making up time.

Vega, TX

Vega serves as a meaningful introduction to Texas on Route 66. In this small town, you'll find a beautifully restored 1920s Magnolia gasoline station that seems like it was frozen in time. Its preservation is meticulous, down to the antique gas pumps. But the real gem here might be Dot's Mini Museum, a private collection of Route 66 artifacts started by Dot Leavitt in 1944. Although Dot and her husband are no longer with us, their children have kept the museum open in their parents' memory, offering a nostalgic dive into the Route 66 era.

Adrian, TX

Adrian is well-known as the self-proclaimed "midpoint" of Route 66. Whether or not it holds that title officially, the town has embraced its identity wholeheartedly. The iconic Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop, open since 1928, stands as a testament to the town's claim. You can sip on a cup of coffee and nibble some "Midpoint Ugly" pie while contemplating the remaining 1,139 miles to Santa Monica. For those interested in gifts and antiques, the Sunflower Station next door is a worthy stop. A newly restored 1947 café, The Bent Door, is poised to add more vintage flair to Adrian.

Santa Rosa, NM

Santa Rosa is often referred to as the "Scuba Diving Capital of the Southwest" because of the Blue Hole, an 80-foot deep natural artesian spring. While not strictly a Route 66 attraction, it's a popular detour. Route 66 Auto Museum, aka Bozo's Garage, is the main attraction here for road warriors, featuring a collection of classic cars and Route 66 memorabilia. The neon signs of the Sun 'n Sand Motel and the La Loma Motel are also particularly photogenic, making Santa Rosa a retro paradise for photographers.

Santa Fe, NM

To get here we recommend I-40 exit #256 and take Hwy 84. The old pre-1937 segment of Route 66 will continue after Dilia. To get into Santa Fe the fastest, take the very scenic I-25 South and take exit #284 toward the Old Santa Fe Trail (67) which leads you right into Santa Fe's center.

Though the "official" Route 66 bypassed Santa Fe in 1937, the city was a part of the original 1926 alignment, and it remains a worthy detour for any Route 66 traveler. The "City Different," as Santa Fe is known, offers a completely distinct flavor from the other stops along Route 66 due to its rich cultural history and the melding of Native American, Spanish, and American influences.

Route 66 Alignment through Santa Fe

The original Route 66 came into Santa Fe from the south and then went out to the northwest. This alignment can still be driven on what is now known as the Old Las Vegas Highway and Cerrillos Road, which then becomes Old Santa Fe Trail, eventually reaching the Santa Fe Plaza. Some original stretches of this early alignment are still discernible, lined by cottonwood trees that give an authentic feel of the past.

Santa Fe Plaza and La Fonda Hotel

The heart of Santa Fe, the Plaza has been the city's geographical, cultural, and historical center for over 400 years. While the Plaza itself predates Route 66 by several centuries, it's a hub for travelers and a place where many cultures meet. The historic La Fonda Hotel, sitting at one end of the Plaza, dates back to 1922 and was a popular lodging choice for early Route 66 travelers. The hotel, filled with handcrafted furniture, authentic Southwest artwork, and a rooftop terrace, offers a rich history intertwined with Route 66.

Museums and Cultural Sites

While in Santa Fe, you'll find multiple museums and cultural landmarks that, although not strictly Route 66 attractions, add depth to your journey. The New Mexico History Museum, just off the Plaza, is an essential stop if you're interested in the broader history of the state through which Route 66 runs. 

Vintage and Antique Shopping

Santa Fe is renowned for its antiques, many of which date back to the Route 66 era and earlier. Shops around the Plaza and along Canyon Road offer everything from Native American jewelry to vintage Americana, some of which are Route 66 memorabilia. 

Gastronomy

Lastly, Santa Fe offers a unique culinary scene that differs from typical Route 66 diner fare. With a heavy influence of Native American and Spanish cuisines, dishes like green chili stew and sopapillas are common. Some restaurants in the city even have Route 66-themed menus or décor to pay homage to the "Mother Road."

Santa Fe serves as a culturally rich, historical, and aesthetically different stop along your Route 66 journey. Even though the city was bypassed in the 1937 alignment, it remains a treasure trove for any road warrior interested in the deeper layers of American history and culture.

Each of these towns represents a unique slice of American life and history, reflected through the lens of the iconic Route 66. From Vega's nostalgic museums to Santa Fe's cultural melting pot, this stretch of the Mother Road offers a vivid cross-section of America’s heritage.

Often catching travelers off guard as they traverse the arid landscapes of New Mexico, Santa Rosa's Blue Hole is a beloved natural oasis. Once a refreshing pit stop for Route 66 wanderers and cowboys alike, it has now become a sought-after destination for leisurely swims and is even ranked among the country's best diving locations. 

Known for its stunning azure hue, Blue Hole is a unique natural spring that replenishes itself with 3,000 gallons of water every minute. The waterhole is bell-shaped, with a surface diameter of 80 feet, expanding to 130 feet at its base. With remarkably clear waters, one can easily view the bottom of the spring.

Things to Do at the Blue Hole:

• Scuba Exploration
• Aquatic Leisure & Cliff Diving
• Angling at the Adjacent Fishing Pond

Delving into the Depths: Scuba Opportunities at Blue Hole

Famed across the United States as a scuba diving haven, Blue Hole invites seasoned divers to explore its more than 80-foot depths. Due to New Mexico's elevated terrain, the water pressure varies at deeper levels compared to typical conditions. While the site is open to the general public, diving here does necessitate specific permits. On-the-spot permits are available for scuba diving, but free diving without gear calls for additional authorization. 

For diving neophytes and experts alike, the Blue Hole Diving Center on location offers rental gear and serves as an initiation ground. A local diving supply store is also conveniently situated nearby.

Swimming and Thrill-Seeking Cliff Jumps

In the sizzling New Mexico climate, Blue Hole is a must-visit, maintaining a steady temperature of 62 °F, perfect for a refreshing plunge. Because of its proximity to major urban centers, the site draws both locals and tourists alike.

For the thrill-seekers among us, the surrounding cliffs offer an exhilarating point to leap into the inviting waters below. These elevated platforms are a favored spot for an inaugural swim, and staircases are in place to facilitate easy access for those looking to make the jump.

The Blue Hole is located just south of Route 66 on 1085 Blue Hole Rd. in Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa and Santa Fe have tons of popular and well-reviewed eateries. A number of them, especially in Santa Rosa and Santa Fe, have been operating since the Route 66 era. Be sure to try the green and red chile – they love to smother it on just about anything in New Mexico! WOW, are you in for a culinary treat today!

Here's a full and detailed list of great places to eat along the way. Usually, the blue “thumbs up” dots state our top recommendation(s), but since these are all so very good, we have refrained from placing a blue thumb on any of them. With one exception, which is the restaurant we always went to during our tours and which you can't go wrong with. But that shall by no means keep you from trying any of the other places.

PS: since we don’t know when you’re feeling peckish, we have included an “along the way list” - pick your poison…

Congrats! You have successfully mastered Day 7 of Route 66.