by Guest Author
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Fri January 23, 2026
This article
originally appeared in the January issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe
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Editor's Note: The following was written by Michelle Juergen
Every Sunday evening in downtown
Albuquerque, New Mexico, shiny, candy-painted lowriders cruise, hop and bounce
down Central Avenue as bystanders cheer on the spectacle of artistry and
craftsmanship. Onlookers might see a glittering rainbow creation from low rider
artist and educator Rob Vanderslice, or a gleaming 1963 Chevy Impala SS
convertible from Artemis Productions’ Joe Romero, organizer of the Albuquerque
Super Show.
These low-and-slow
cruisers drift past the neon lights of the historic pueblo deco-style KiMo
Theatre. They lift and drop alongside Native American artist Lynnette Haozous’
“Cultural Crossroads” mural outside 505 Central Food Hall, one of several
projects commissioned by the City of Albuquerque for the Route 66 Remixed
public art showcase. They glide past the retro-chic Arrive Albuquerque — a new
137-room hotel that’s a historic rehabilitation of the 1965 Downtowner Motor
Inn — before gathering to socialize over the latest in lowrider creativity.
A mecca for this
vibrant community, Central Avenue represents the longest continuous urban
stretch of U.S. Route 66, which spans 18 miles across Albuquerque. The
2,400-mile “Mother Road,” which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is
one of America’s first highways, running from Illinois through Missouri,
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before ending in California.
Throughout its history, Route 66 has served as a westward path for Dust Bowl
migrants fleeing the Great Depression, a military transport corridor during
World War II and a marker of leisure in the 1960s, as diners, motels and
tourist attractions sprang up to entice road-trippers eager to hit the
pavement.
This year also
marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of
Independence. This crossover of centennial and semi-quincentennial uniquely
spotlights U.S. history and Americana, offering a fresh perspective on our
nation.
For clients
looking to explore in their own backyard, tour operators are ready with Route
66 and 250th anniversary trips and activities.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is home to the longest urban stretch of famed Route 66. (Photo Credit: New Mexico Tourism Department)
Get Your Kicks
Tour operator Cosmos,
part of the Globus
Family of Brands, will guide travelers through eight states on its 16-day
Highlights of Route 66 itinerary, hitting sites such as St. Louis’ Gateway
Arch, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, El Malpais National
Monument, Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center, Los
Angeles’ Sunset Strip and more. Meanwhile, Globus’ 10-day Celebrating America:
250 Years Strong tour includes historic spots such as Boston’s Freedom Trail,
the U.S. Capitol, Independence Hall and New
York’s Stock Exchange and Statue of Liberty, as well as chances to enjoy
classic American staples along the way, such as the Philly cheesesteak.
American Magic
The Walt Disney
Company’s Disney Celebrates America initiative is already underway, featuring
special programming, storytelling and experiences across its brands to
commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. This summer, theme parks Disneyland
Resort and Walt
Disney World Resort will unveil “Soarin’ Across America,” an immersive new
flight experience on the Soarin’ attractions, as well as showcase “Disney’s
Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” a holiday weekend
fireworks show at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park.
History Comes
Alive
Guests on Collette’s
nine-day Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary tour will hit historic U.S.
highlights, including the Museum of the American Revolution, West Point and
Arlington National Cemetery, as they trace the story of America’s founding
through Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
A River Runs
Through It
American
Cruise Lines is kicking off 250 years of independence in epic style,
offering the 52-day The Great United States Cruise, which spans 18 states on
three different cruise experiences, starting with a sailing in Lewis and
Clark’s footsteps in the Pacific Northwest, followed by a journey along the
Mississippi River and ending with a New England cruise culminating in fireworks
over Boston Harbor. The 36-day Civil War Battlefields Cruise, meanwhile,
crosses 12 states, following the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers to explore
significant Civil War fronts.
Riding the
Rails
In partnership
with Amtrak
Vacations, Railbookers
has launched its Stars and Stripes Collection, a series of train vacation
itineraries for clients who want to experience the different facets of
America’s landscapes, from Route 66 and U.S. national parks to heritage trails
and coast-to-coast adventures.
America the
Beautiful
For more
America-themed ideas for clients this year, Brand USA is highlighting
destinations and experiences across the country through its America
the Beautiful campaign, which also includes America the Bespoke, a
spotlight on luxury travel experiences.
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