Have you ever driven through New Mexico and spotted those iconic highway signs pointing to Clines Corners Travel Center? For locals and Route 66 travelers alike, Clines Corners is more than just a pit stop – it’s a New Mexico institution with a rich history and a unique charm that keeps people coming back. Since 1934, this travel center has been serving weary travelers, offering everything from gas and food to souvenirs and a quirky roadside experience. Let’s dive into what makes Clines Corners so famous and why it deserves a spot on your New Mexico road trip itinerary.
A Journey Through Time: The History of Clines Corners
Back in 1934, Roy E. Cline had a vision: to create a haven for travelers. He wanted to build a place where people could rest, refuel, and refresh themselves on their journeys. Little did he know that his venture, located strategically between Moriarty and Santa Rosa at the junction of New Mexico Highways 2 and 6, would blossom into a beloved landmark. Clines Corners has been thriving ever since, evolving with the times while retaining its classic roadside appeal.
Entrance sign for Clines Corners Travel Center on Route 66, New Mexico
Route 66 and the Mother Road Connection
Clines Corners’ enduring popularity is inextricably linked to its prime location on the legendary Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road.” This historic highway, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, has captivated adventurers and travelers from around the globe for decades. Even today, Route 66 continues to draw crowds eager to experience its nostalgic charm and iconic roadside attractions. At Clines Corners, you’ll hear a medley of languages as motorcyclists from Europe, families from South America, and road trippers from across the USA converge, all drawn to the allure of Route 66. It’s this unique intersection of cultures and journeys that adds to the vibrant atmosphere of Clines Corners.
More Than Just a Stop: Discovering the Clines Corners Experience
What exactly is it about Clines Corners that sparks such enthusiasm? As one Albuquerque server aptly put it, “You aren’t a New Mexican until you’ve had your own Clines Corners experience!” But what constitutes this experience? Let’s explore what awaits you.
Navigating to Clines Corners
Long before you even arrive at Clines Corners, the anticipation builds thanks to the classic roadside billboards that dot the landscape along Route 66. Whether you’re driving from the east or west, you’ll spot those familiar signs, culminating in the towering red sign proclaiming “TRAVEL CENTER” in bold yellow letters against the vast New Mexico sky. As you exit the highway, you’ll pass the entrance to the RV Park, before arriving at the main parking area where you can access the gas station and the expansive store.
Angled view of Clines Corners building and sign showcasing its 30,000 square feet of retail space
RV Travelers Welcome: The Clines Corners RV Park
For those exploring Route 66 in an RV, Clines Corners offers a modern and convenient RV Park, established in 2020. With 36 full-service pull-through sites, complete with power hookups, it’s an ideal place to rest and recharge. The Clines Corners RV park is frequently bustling with travelers, solidifying its reputation as a perfect overnight stop on a Mother Road adventure.
Retail Therapy and Unique Finds: 30,000 Square Feet of Shopping
Step inside Clines Corners, and you’ll enter a shopper’s paradise spanning 30,000 square feet. If you’re searching for the perfect New Mexico souvenir or a sweet treat, this is your destination. Famous for their homemade fudge, Clines Corners also boasts aisles of t-shirts, Native American jewelry, and an impressive collection of thimbles, among countless other items. Beyond souvenirs, practical amenities like showers and a laundromat are available for travelers. And for a touch of whimsy, don’t miss the chance to get your fortune told by Zoltar or encounter an Alien – you have to see it to believe it!
Clothing racks inside Clines Corners travel center offering a variety of apparel options for travelers
Zoltar fortune teller machine at Clines Corners providing a classic roadside attraction
The Essence of the “Clines Corners Experience”
Ask any New Mexican, and they’re likely to have a Clines Corners story. For many, it’s a routine gas stop that turns into a souvenir splurge. As the general manager once noted, “People stop for gas, and they spend $20 on souvenirs. If they’re hungry, they eat.” However, the significance of Clines Corners goes deeper. Positioned along stretches of Route 66 that are far from other services, it has become a vital and welcoming oasis for travelers in need of respite.
Clines Corners RV Park sign, inviting travelers to stop and stay at their full-service facilities
As the Albuquerque server articulated, “At one point or another, we have all broken down near Clines Corners, or we’ve been on a road trip and needed to sleep. It’s a great place.” This sentiment captures the true essence of Clines Corners. While it might initially appear as a typical truck stop, albeit with striking signage, it’s so much more. It’s a place where families in RVs create lasting memories, where bikers share stories of the road, and even cyclists on Route 66 find a welcoming haven.
New Mexico flag art painted on an exterior wall at Clines Corners, showcasing local pride
Full exterior view of Clines Corners building and parking lot, highlighting its role as a roadside oasis
So, when does a travel stop evolve into a state icon? Perhaps it’s when it becomes woven into the fabric of people’s journeys and memories. The best way to understand the magic of Clines Corners? Plan your trip and experience it for yourself. You might just find yourself creating your own Clines Corners story.
