Junkyards & Showtimes: Grants New Mexico is a Route 66 Adventure

Hey there, fellow Route 66 adventurers! Big Mike here, your personal guide to Grants, New Mexico, a town that’s a true hidden gem along the Mother Road. Now, when you first roll into Grants on that legendary highway, you’re gonna be hit with a wave of nostalgia. It’s the signs, folks, the signs! Those vintage motel neon glows, the faded restaurant relics, all those classic Route 66 symbols – it’s like stepping into a living, breathing roadside museum. You can almost hear the rumble of those old cars and the chatter of travelers from decades past. It’s a visual feast for any Route 66 enthusiast. I’m excited to show you around this unique New Mexico town, to dig into the stories etched in its brick and mortar, and to uncover the heart of Grants, right here on the Mother Road. We’re not just passing through; we’re exploring a slice of authentic Americana. So, let’s get started and see what treasures Grants has to offer.

Now, when you’re exploring Grants, you’ve got to make a stop at the Historic Route 66 Plaza. It’s a real highlight! The star of the show? That eye-catching drive-through Route 66 neon sign. It was put up to celebrate the highway’s 90th anniversary, and it’s a fantastic spot for grabbing some photos as you journey down New Mexico’s longest stretch of the Mother Road. Standing there, you can practically feel the echoes of all the travelers who’ve passed through. And don’t miss the historical markers – they’re filled with the stories of Grants’ deep connection to Route 66. It’s a place where you can really get a sense of the road’s significance.

So, get this: 1926 rolls around, right in the thick of all that change, and Route 66 gets established. They laid it right along the National Old Trails Road, which was already a main artery connecting New Mexico to California. And when Route 66 came to Grants, it really kicked things up a notch. We became a key stop for travelers, a place where they could rest and stock up on supplies.

Now, for anyone who truly gets the soul of Route 66, you’ve gotta see these junkyards in Grants. They’re not just scrap yards; they’re outdoor museums, telling the real stories of the Mother Road. You’re looking at the actual vehicles that traveled this highway, the cars and trucks that carried families heading west, the delivery trucks that kept the towns alive, the workhorses of a bygone era. Each dent, each rust spot, each faded paint job – it’s a chapter in the Route 66 story. These are the witnesses, the survivors, the tangible pieces of history that connect us directly to the road’s golden age. You’re not just seeing old cars; you’re seeing the history of the Mother Road, right there, rusting in front of you. It’s powerful stuff, a real reminder of how important this highway was to America.

Now, Grants isn’t just about old cars and signs, we’ve got a real piece of history right here on Route 66: The West Theater. This place has been standing strong since 1959, right along the Mother Road, showing first-run movies, can you believe that? Back then, J.C. West, he saw the potential. He took over a theater that was still being built, called the El Sol, and turned it into the West Theater. Opened it up as a single screen, with a balcony, real classic style. Later on, they split that balcony off, made it a second screen, you know, kept up with the times.

“And get this, Mr. West, he was a real movie mogul in Grants. He already owned the Lux Theater, built the Sahara Drive-In, and then there was the Trails Drive-In too. That’s four theaters in one town, all thanks to him.

“Then, in the 80s, Roy McDowell took over. This place has seen a lot, even had a little fire scare with the popcorn machine back in 2010. But it bounced back, like Grants always does. You gotta respect a place that’s stood the test of time, right here on Route 66.

You know, Grants has this really unique spot, the Junkyard on 66 Brewery. Now, this place has a history, let me tell you. For 35 years, it was Oscars Auto Salvage, a genuine, working junkyard. Then, this US Air Force veteran, Henry, he came along and saw something different.

“Henry’s idea? To build a brewery right in the middle of this still-operating junkyard. And he did it. He wanted to serve up some great beer and food in a place you won’t find anywhere else. Mission accomplished, I’d say.

“The whole vibe here is junkyard-themed. You’ll see antique cars, auto parts turned into decorations, a bar made from a truck, and tables made from tailgates and hoods. And the beer? They’ve got names that fit the theme perfectly.

“When the weather’s good, you can grab a drink outside. And if you’re looking for some entertainment, they’ve got games inside, like pool and chess. They also have an outdoor stage and movie screen for live music and movies during the warmer months. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place, a real Route 66 experience.

While Grants itself is a treasure trove of Route 66 history, the surrounding landscape offers a dramatic counterpoint. The Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, located nearby, showcase the region’s geological wonders, reminding visitors of the ancient forces that shaped this land.

Route 66 Attractions in Grants, New Mexico.

1. Route 66 Roadside Stops: While driving through Grants on Route 66, you’ll come across some classic roadside stops, including diners, motels, and old gas stations that offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
2. Neon Signs and Vintage Architecture: Like many Route 66 towns, Grants features some vintage neon signs and architecture that evoke the spirit of the highway’s heyday.
3. the Junkyard on 66 Brewery
4. Historic Route 66 Plaza: Grants has a dedicated Route 66 Plaza with a Drive Though Route 66 Shield, information, historic markers, and photo opportunities for visitors interested in the history of the highway.
5. The West Theater This place has been standing strong since 1959
6. Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano