Gallup had a brush with Hollywood during the early years of Route 66 when it was the shooting or staging site for hundreds of Westerns. While the town has quieted down today, it is a great place to stop and check out both the town's main street and the Navajo and Hopi lands to the north and the Zuni lands to the south. If you don't stay at the El Rancho, make sure you stop by and check out the lobby and have a steak at the hotel's restaurant.
Sleeps:
El Rancho Hotel and Motel ΓÇó First opened in 1937, the El Rancho Hotel has been visited by many Hollywood greats. The rooms are now named after famous hotel guests who include the likes of Ronald Reagan, Allan Ladd, Jane Wyman, John Wayne, and the list goes on. The hotel has been beautifully restored by Armand Ortega. The second floor mezzanine has lots of great photos of famous guests. Located just past the intersection of Routes 66 & 666 at 1000 E. Highway 66, tel# 505-863-9311, 800-543-6351
Roadrunner Motel ΓÇó This motel sports one of the coolest signs on all of Route 66. It's not a bad place to stay either. 3022 E. Highway 66, tel# 505-863-3804
Eats:
The Butcher Shop ΓÇó If a great steak is what you're after, look no further than this Gallup institution. 2003 W. Highway 66, tel# 505-722-4711
El Rancho Hotel ΓÇó 1000 E. Highway 66, tel# 505-863-9311
Eagle Cafe ΓÇó 220 W. Highway 66, tel# 505-722-3220
Earl's Restaurant ΓÇó 1400 E. Highway 66, tel# 505-863-4201
Virgie's Restaurant ΓÇó 5800 W. Highway 66, tel# 505-863-5152
Sites:
Richardson's Trading Co. & Cash Pawn ΓÇó This is one of the most authentic Trading Posts left on Route 66. Make sure to stop by after 9:00 AM when it opens every day except Sunday. When you're here, don't forget to check out the other Trading Posts along this city block. Richardson's may be the best, but treasures can be found in each and every one. 222 W. Highway 66, tel# 505-722-4762
