Route 66 is Santa Fe Ave. through town ,and there are several 66 motels along the strip. The Zia Motel and The Franciscan Lodge are two that still seem to be in operation. The entire town looks as though nothing has changed since sometime in the forties.
Additionally, Grants is a good jumping off point for trips to several interesting places including the Acoma Pueblo (505-252-1139 or 800-747-0181), El Morro National Monument (505-783-4226), the Perpetual Ice Caves (505-783-4303), Chaco Culture National Historic Park (505-988-6716, 505-988-6727), El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area (505-285-5406), the Laguna/Zuni Pueblos (505-552-6654), Bluewater Lake State Park (505-876-2391)and Red Rock State Park (505-722-3839).
This area of New Mexico is so rich in culture and so incredibly beautiful that any traveler could easily spend more than a week based in Grants or Gallup, exploring the Native American lands to the north and south.
Sleeps:
Zia Motel ΓÇó 411 W. Santa Fe Ave, tel# 505-285-6610
Franciscan Lodge ΓÇó 1101 E. Santa Fe Ave., tel# 505-287-4424
Eats:
The Monte Carlo Restaurant ΓÇó 721 W. Santa Fe Ave., tel# 505-287-9250
Blake's Lotta Burger ΓÇó This fast food burger chain can be found in many towns along 66. 1021 E. Santa Fe Ave., tel# 505-287-8438.
Grants Restaurant ΓÇó 932 E. Santa Fe Ave., tel# 505-287-7553
Sites:
New Mexico Mining Museum ΓÇó In Grants itself, a trip here is well worth a visit. Tours down into the mine shafts are available. 100 Iron St., tel# 505-287-4802, 800-748-2142
