Places like drive-in movie theaters and vintage diners always have an air of nostalgia. These establishments serve as mini time capsules, reminding us of how life used to be. If you want to look back fondly on times gone by, or see what people mean when they talk about how things were “back in the day,” visit these 10 retro spots in the Land of Enchantment.
- Fiesta Drive-In Theater, 401 W. Fiesta Drive, Carlsbad
Facebook/Fiesta Drive-in Theatre America’s two great loves - cars and movies - combine to make for a nostalgic night out. The Fiesta Drive-In is unusual, not just because it’s one of only a few surviving drive-in movie theaters left in the state, but also because it has three different screens to choose from.
- Fort Union Drive-In, 3300 7th Street, Las Vegas
Flickr/Birdie Jaworski There’s also a drive-in movie theater in Las Vegas. It can accommodate 340 vehicles and charges by the carload.
- Cliff’s Amusement Park, 4800 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque
Yelp/Cliff’s Amusement Park Nowadays amusement parks tend to get caught up in having the fastest or highest ride, or the one that ties in with a popular movie franchise. Sure, there are thrill rides at Cliff’s, but the park also has a wooden rollercoaster - the New Mexican Rattler. Now, that’s old school.
- Route 66 Diner, 1405 Central Avenue NE, Albuquerque
Yelp/David V.
Yelp/Kimberley K. Walking into the Route 66 Diner is like entering the 1950s. The wonderfully kitschy décor includes a massive Pez dispenser collection and cardboard cutouts of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. There’s even an entire menu devoted to milkshakes – try the 66 Diner Pink Cadillac.
- Roller Skate City, 400 Paisano Street NE, Albuquerque
Yelp/M T. Remember when birthday parties were held at roller rinks? At Roller Skate City you can still make that dream a reality. If your skating skills are rusty and you don’t want to be shown up by kids, go after 8 p.m. on Sunday for adult night.
- Jezebel Soda Fountain, 2860 Highway 14, Madrid
Yelp/ Maisha R. Grab a shake at this soda fountain, which is tucked away at the back of an art gallery!
- Hinkle Family Fun Center, 12931 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque
Facebook/Hinkle Family Fun Center Two words: lazer tag. Admittedly, Hinkle’s version has been dragged into this century with various special effects. At 4500 square feet, the course is pretty big. When you’re done there are also go karts, a climbing wall, and an arcade with vintage games.
- The Classical Gas Museum, HC89 Box 3A, Embudo
Flickr/Kent Kanouse If this doesn’t scream retro, nothing does!
- Becky’s Drive-In, 901 W. Church Street, Carlsbad
Yelp/Virginia R. This is a traditional drive-in, where carhops attach the food tray to your window. The menu consists of classic fare such as burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and homemade corn dogs.
- Russell’s Travel Center, exit 369 off I-40, Glen Rio
Yelp/Crystal P. This is not your average truck stop. Inside is an incredible collection of vintage cars and memorabilia.
Have you been to any of these retro places in New Mexico? What vintage spots have we missed?
Facebook/Fiesta Drive-in Theatre
America’s two great loves - cars and movies - combine to make for a nostalgic night out. The Fiesta Drive-In is unusual, not just because it’s one of only a few surviving drive-in movie theaters left in the state, but also because it has three different screens to choose from.
Flickr/Birdie Jaworski
There’s also a drive-in movie theater in Las Vegas. It can accommodate 340 vehicles and charges by the carload.
Yelp/Cliff’s Amusement Park
Nowadays amusement parks tend to get caught up in having the fastest or highest ride, or the one that ties in with a popular movie franchise. Sure, there are thrill rides at Cliff’s, but the park also has a wooden rollercoaster - the New Mexican Rattler. Now, that’s old school.
Yelp/David V.
Yelp/Kimberley K.
Walking into the Route 66 Diner is like entering the 1950s. The wonderfully kitschy décor includes a massive Pez dispenser collection and cardboard cutouts of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. There’s even an entire menu devoted to milkshakes – try the 66 Diner Pink Cadillac.
Yelp/M T.
Remember when birthday parties were held at roller rinks? At Roller Skate City you can still make that dream a reality. If your skating skills are rusty and you don’t want to be shown up by kids, go after 8 p.m. on Sunday for adult night.
Yelp/ Maisha R.
Grab a shake at this soda fountain, which is tucked away at the back of an art gallery!
Facebook/Hinkle Family Fun Center
Two words: lazer tag. Admittedly, Hinkle’s version has been dragged into this century with various special effects. At 4500 square feet, the course is pretty big. When you’re done there are also go karts, a climbing wall, and an arcade with vintage games.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
If this doesn’t scream retro, nothing does!
Yelp/Virginia R.
This is a traditional drive-in, where carhops attach the food tray to your window. The menu consists of classic fare such as burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and homemade corn dogs.
Yelp/Crystal P.
This is not your average truck stop. Inside is an incredible collection of vintage cars and memorabilia.
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