The legacy lives on- “The Mother Road” of the USA.
Also known as “The Main Road of America,” it passed through a number of states including New Mexico, as it meandered approximately 4000 kilometres from Chicago to Los Angeles.
I’ve just spent a few days in Albuquerque and walked the Historic Route but there’s not much to see. It was one of the original highways in the US and in the 1950’s was lined with neon signs, diners, motels and gas stations but it’s mostly all gone. They’ve changed the name to Central Avenue and you wouldn’t know it was the Historic Route 66, if it weren’t for the signs.
Sadly the biggest remnants are an over-supply of cheap motels, many of them in complete disrepair. Most have historic protection but the sheer glut has led operators to rent them as cheaply as possible leaving the city wondering what to do.
It’s worth a look if you happen to be in a state that the old route runs through but not sure it’s worthy of a roadie.