I WALKED ROUTE 66—AND SAW WHAT DRIVERS MISS

Megan Spurrell, a travel writer for Condé Nast Traveler, recently walked the bustling urban section of historic Route 66 in Albuquerque. While driving the highway is often a quick, soubrette‑style pass, Spurrell slowed her pace to explore the local sights. Her article shows what drivers typically miss along the asphalt trail.

Spurrell’s walk took her past street‑level tattoo shops, neon‑lit hot‑dog joints, and forgotten roadside landmarks that capture Albuquerque’s unique culture. She spent several minutes in each spot, noting the stories of local artists and long‑time residents. By foregrounding these lesser‑seen elements, her piece emphasizes how the highway functions as a living community corridor, not merely a vehicle route.

Route 66 remains a national icon, but only a fraction of its length lies in an urban setting—Albuquerque hosts the largest continuous urban stretch of the highway. The article invites readers to rethink the road as a cultural heritage site that continues to shape the city’s identity.

• Writer Megan Spurrell walked Albuquerque’s Route 66, taking her time instead of rushing.
• She visited local tattoo shops, hot‑dog joints, and several forgotten landmarks.
• Spurrell’s observations highlight the cultural and historical layers of the urban highway section.
• The largest uninterrupted urban stretch of Route 66 is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Her article demonstrates that the highway serves as a living community corridor, not just a transportation route.

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