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Jasper44 · 10-16-2013, 05:55 AM

We are traveling from GA to Phoenix in November. In trying to breakup the trip, we are looking at a stop in Tucumari. Has any one done this? Is it worth more than an over night stop? Also, what is the best way in Tucson or Flagstaff?

JBrockey · 10-16-2013, 06:19 AM

I had a front tire blowout there about 2 months ago. Met several very nice people that were extremely helpful, but didn't see much of the area. Seems like a nice place. FYI, Watch your Speed in that area, lots of New Mexico State Police speed traps.

Jasper44 · 10-16-2013, 06:40 AM

Thanks. Good heads up on the speed

JFNM · 10-16-2013, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasper44

We are traveling from GA to Phoenix in November. In trying to breakup the trip, we are looking at a stop in Tucumari. Has any one done this? Is it worth more than an over night stop? Also, what is the best way in Tucson or Flagstaff?

I'm in Los Lunas (just south of ABQ) and don't know too much about Tucumcari. Seems many folks go to Conchas Lake (northwest of town). I would think the sightseeing would be better between ABQ and Gallup, NM.

To Flagstaff, just stay on I-40 and you can't miss it.

To Tucson, probably easiest to take I-40 to ABQ, south on I-25, and then west on I-10. Hint: route 26 at Hatch, NM is a very good, wide, two-lane road to shortcut the corner around Los Cruces, NM. However; if you are up for some real sightseeing and white-knuckle driving, give Highway 60 out of Socorro, NM a try. This takes you past the VLA, Pietown, NM, Show Low, AZ, the Salt River Canyon (spectacular if you are brave enough to take your eyes off the road

), and thru Globe, AZ. Please note, this is NOT a great route for big rigs, winter driving, or someone that has never driven on a hill.

Rpwainc · 10-16-2013, 07:04 AM

We stopped in Tucumcari overnight on our way to Gallup for a mission trip and stayed at Mountain Road RV Park. The CG is easy access to/from I-40 and perfect for overnight and would be good for a couple of days, nothing fancy, but just what we needed. Visit Old Route 66 strip, it is a very interesting step back in time, and maybe help out the economy at one of the local restaurants. There is also a large state park and lake nearby that have CG as another option. RV Park Reviews has more CG options. Enjoy and safe travels.

CoCoDave · 10-16-2013, 07:09 AM

If you're thinking Tucumcari then your trajectory has pointed you at Flagstaff rather than Tucson. Though we've been through Tucumcari many times I know little of its charms.

I-40W to I-17S into Phoenix would be the more scenic but there is a small chance that weather could be a problem in November. Flagstaff is much higher than Tucson. And "scenic" is in the eye of the beholder.

I-10W will take you within ~25 miles of Hatch, NM, (chili peppers) and through some very pretty desert. Also close to Tombstone and some very large caverns near Sierra Vista, AZ.

I-17S will take you near Sedona, Jerome, and Prescott on the way from Flagstaff to Phoenix. The Grand Canyon is just west of Flagstaff.

You could make a loop out of it if you're planning on returning to GA.

FWIW

P.S. Words like "near" and "close" are relative in this context.

skigramp · 10-16-2013, 07:54 PM

My "snowbird" route has taken me through Tucumcari multiple times.

The "main" street of Tucumcari is the original route 66. There are three restaurants where we have eaten ... our favorite (for breakfast and lunch) is "Kix on 66" ... it looks like a 50s diner ... the food is excellent and plentiful ... there is a big parking lot behind for your RV.

Just east of "Kix" (0n the same side of the street) is another restaurant that is open for dinner. The food there is good ... the atmosphere is very southwest ...

There is another restaurant on the "west" end of town on the north side of Main street ... we ate there several years ago ... the food was okay ... we have not been back because we like the other two places better.

We are Passport America members ... we stay at the PA campground in Tucumcari ... it is on the Spartan side ... but the electric is good ... all the sites are full hookup ... and the rates are good.

DAN L · 10-17-2013, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rpwainc

We stopped in Tucumcari overnight on our way to Gallup for a mission trip and stayed at Mountain Road RV Park. The CG is easy access to/from I-40 and perfect for overnight and would be good for a couple of days, nothing fancy, but just what we needed. Visit Old Route 66 strip, it is a very interesting step back in time, and maybe help out the economy at one of the local restaurants. There is also a large state park and lake nearby that have CG as another option. RV Park Reviews has more CG options. Enjoy and safe travels.

thanks for the campground reference

Jasper44 · 10-18-2013, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skigramp

My "snowbird" route has taken me through Tucumcari multiple times. The "main" street of Tucumcari is the original route 66. There are three restaurants where we have eaten ... our favorite (for breakfast and lunch) is "Kix on 66" ... it looks like a 50s diner ... the food is excellent and plentiful ... there is a big parking lot behind for your RV. Just east of "Kix" (0n the same side of the street) is another restaurant that is open for dinner. The food there is good ... the atmosphere is very southwest ... There is another restaurant on the "west" end of town on the north side of Main street ... we ate there several years ago ... the food was okay ... we have not been back because we like the other two places better. We are Passport America members ... we stay at the PA campground in Tucumcari ... it is on the Spartan side ... but the electric is good ... all the sites are full hookup ... and the rates are good.

Looks like we will be stopping here. Thanks for all the information. Your restaurant tips are great. We will look forward to trying one.

Jasper44 · 10-18-2013, 10:02 AM

Just a quick thanks to everyone that responded. I am grateful for all the help. It is wonderful to be able to get this kind of first hand information.

Grimesy · 10-18-2013, 10:11 AM

Several years back DW and I spent a week there one night. Stayed at the Elks Lodge campground. Remembered it was our anniversary and went to a kids "Cow" show at the fair grounds. Must be getting old and living in the past.

Don G.