Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Tolleson, Arizona

Driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Tolleson, Arizona might seem like a straightforward journey. However, taking the time to stop along the way can uncover some surprising gems. This approximately 375-mile drive can be completed in around six hours, but who wants to rush? Here are five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Albuquerque to Tolleson that will enrich the journey.

Holbrook, AZ - The Halfway Point

Holbrook, AZ marks the halfway point on the drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Tolleson, Arizona. Holbrook is a small town with a lot of character and history. One of the most striking landmarks is the Wigwam Motel, one of only three left in the United States. These are concrete teepees, each with a small porch and furnishings inside. Some people book a room to sleep in a nostalgic setting. Others stop by to take pictures since it's a novelty. Holbrook is also home to the Petrified Forest National Park, which has fossils of petrified wood and ancient aboriginal sites.

Favorite Food: Teepee Burger at Joe and Aggie's Cafe. This cafe opened in 1943 and has been serving up classic American diner fare ever since. There's something charming about eating in such an old place, especially amid all the Route 66 memorabilia. The Teepee Burger is named after the Wigwam Motel and is a classic cheeseburger with a twist. Instead of a bun, the meat is sandwiched between two slices of grilled sourdough bread.

Winslow, AZ - Standin' on the Corner

Winslow, AZ is famous thanks to the Eagles song, "Take it Easy," which references the town's main drag in the opening lines. It's a small place, but ideal for a pit stop. There's a statue and a mural of a man in a flatbed Ford standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona. This is a perfect photo opportunity, especially if you're an Eagles fan. A few blocks away is the La Posada Hotel, a grand early 20th-century Harvey House with a charming gift shop.

Favorite Food: Cheeseburger at Sipp Shoppe. This drive-up burger destination is on the historic Route 66 and has been serving simple, juicy burgers since the 1950s. It has a cash-only policy, but the prices are low enough that it's hard to break the bank. Stop by this little spot for a bite and a satisfying experience.

Petrified Forest National Park, AZ - Otherworldly Landscapes

The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a mesmerizing place to visit. This national park is a geological wonder with interesting and unique landscapes that feature petrified wood, colorful mesas, and badlands. The park also has incredible hiking trails, fossils, and artifacts. One of the things that visitors often find most impressive is the view of Painted Desert.

Favorite Food: Southwestern Tacos at Painted Desert Diner. This diner inside the park offers delightful Southwestern tacos that include fresh guacamole. The portions are generous, and the prices aren't bad either.

Sedona, AZ - Red Rocks and Vortexes

Sedona is a small town in Arizona that boasts a thriving art and wellness scene. It's also famous for the towering red rocks that surround it. These are said to be imbued with healing and mystical powers, and many visitors come to hike through the forests, rest, and relax. Sedona has a wide variety of galleries, craft shops, yoga studios, and wellness retreats.

Favorite Food: Oaxaca Restaurant. This delightful Mexican restaurant in Sedona has a wide variety of dishes on their menu, but their chiles rellenos are outstanding. These are poblano peppers with a cheese stuffing and a crispy coating that is served with beans, rice, and guacamole.

Jerome, AZ - Art, Wine, and Mine History

Jerome is a town that sits on top of a hill at an elevation of 5,200 feet. It's a quirky, artistic, and historic place that has gone through many transformations in its long history. In the early 20th century, it was a thriving copper mining town, but when the mines closed, it became a ghost town. Since the 1960s, it has been artist's haven and is famous for its galleries and wine tasting rooms. Be sure to check out the Ghost Town Tours or learn more about the town's history at the Mine Museum.

Favorite Food: Haunted Hamburger. This eatery in Jerome may seem like ordinary burger fare, but it's the view from the patio that is the real attraction. Views across the valley are stunning, and the burgers and fries are precisely what they should be.

Conclusion

Driving from Albuquerque to Tolleson might be a somewhat unremarkable journey if you take a direct route, but adding some of these stops will make the trip more memorable, entertaining, and educational. From an old motel shaped like teepees to petrified forests, Sedona's red rocks' mystique, Jerome's artful history, and Winslow's "Corner," there is plenty to pique the interest of travelers. Be sure to take your time and discover the unexpected.