Heading down south for a Rt. 66 trip next week. Starting at Victorville CA, probably ending up at Albuquerque, NM. What are your favorite off the radar, little, tacky, great food/beer and must see places?

What's a good route to come back?

You must stop at the Snowcap in Seligman, AZ. Opened in the mid-50s, drivin-type place, ice cream and burgers - GREAT atmosphere. Be prepared to be slightly abused and give as good as you get from the service at the window. It is still the original family owning and operating it.
So definitely ride Rt 66 from Kingman to Seligman and then its also called Crookton Road to just east of Ash Fork.

Then....The Jackrabbit Trading Post, Joseph City, AZ, (between Winslow and Holbrook) is a souvenir stand noted for its signage. There is a fiberglass jackalope with saddle out front. Store is not so big, not so great, but a landmark right on a drivable strip of Rt. 66 that runs from Joseph City. On our visit, the sign desperately needed a paint job.

Howdy Shoshin!

It's a little off the 66, but there are some really nice side trips you can make just North of Albuquerque. If you have a couple of days available to you (or one long day), head north to Bernalillo, then northwest to San Isidro, then northeast on highway 4 through the Jemez mountains. You could stop at the natural hot springs on the way (short hike into the woods to the seven different springs. Clothing optional, just bring a towel ).

North from there takes you through Los Alamos and gets you to hwy 285. From there you can go south to Santa Fe and back to Albuquerque behind the Sandia Mountains on hwy 14 to I-40 OR you could go on one of the most scenic rides anywhere and head north on 285 towards Taos.

Once you get to Taos (Lots of good food and places to stay) you can head on hwy 64 just a few miles away and check out the Rio Grande Gorge bridge, fantastic views. Then back to Taos and north on 522 up to Questa, then east on hwy 38 through Red River towards Eagle Nest. From there you take hwy 64 southwest back to Taos. That loop takes you around Wheeler peak and has incredible vistas. You will love it!

There are a ton of side trips to be made of course, but these are awesome and easy riding.

Be safe and have fun.

Ratl.

there is a old coffeshop/truck stop in victorville only open till 2 pm good food saw it on diners drive-ins and dives name slips me( iam old lol)

when you reach Barstow stay on the I-40 1 mile paat the marine base to NEBO Raod exit there go left under the overpass to national trails (route 66) and head to Ludlow ca 50 miles get gas food and Drink... next stop is Needles Ca
note the route 66 in Ca is full of potholes and rough

have fun visit old town alb at 4th and rio grande ave the zoo too.

I lived in NM for years and don't miss Hwy 64 or the loop around Mount Wheeler (red river, Angel Fire, Taos). Also Turqouise Trail and for sure through the Jemez and see the ruins at Bandelier. Lots to do and see and all of it is gorgeous. Enjoy!

Thanks guys,

The ideas are now on the list. Much appreciate the input!

Just remembered another way to avoid the Interstate from Gallup to Albequerque.

Get off after the refinery town where there is a casino, and cross to the frontage road, this leads you all the way into Grants, and you are on the old road right through the old section of Grants where all the old 50's signage is before the interstate came through. Step back into a ghost town feel. The old hotels, and signage are there, but all boarded up, kinda like a feel of the Postman Movie.