Grants, New Mexico

The town of Grants, New Mexico, is home to more than 9,000 residents. It is one of the towns along Route 66 on the westward route to Albuquerque. The city traces its beginnings as railroad camp established by three Canadian brothers who found their way there during the 1880’s, as part of their quest to build a section of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad through that region. The town saw a brief period of prosperity with the boom of the logging industry, but developments slowed when the logging industry declined in the early 1900’s. The town once again saw a degree of prosperity when a Navajo shepherd by the name of Paddy Martinez stumbled upon a source of uranium in the area. The boom did not last long, however, and the town’s progress was once again slowed. The town, however, has an innate tenacity and has currently pulled itself out of the economic down slope through its newly revived tourism industry.

Things to Do

While in Grants, you will never run out of possible things to do. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the town by visiting areas throughout town where traditional pueblos are situated. Learn more about the Navajo Nation by visiting their territory and getting a first-hand opportunity to get acquainted with their culture and traditions. Meanwhile, a couple of national parks allow you to enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities such as hiking, ATV riding, bird watching, and horseback riding. The night sky over Grants is strewn with stars, and presents you with the opportunity for a spot of basic “astronomy” and star gazing. Grants is also a great venue for cross-country skiing and cycling.

Best Hotel Accommodations

If planning to visit Grants during peak season, make your reservations early on in order to get a good room for your stay. Major hotel franchises are in operation in the area, including Best Western, Travelodge, and Holiday Inn Express. Feeling adventurous when it comes to finding a place to stay? There are a number of “old timer” lodging houses along the east side of town at Mother Road worth checking out, e.g., Leisure Lodge and El Dorado Motel. Book your Grants Hotels with Reservations.com.

Exploring the City

The town population of Grants is not a gauge of its size. Grants is actually a sprawling town, and many of its hotels and business establishments are located relatively far from the downtown area. Biking throughout town enables you to truly explore the area attractions and get to places you want to visit quicker. On the other hand, getting to other attractions located in surrounding areas is ideally done by car. A local bus plies through the main thoroughfares of the town. A couple of sites worth checking out are a viewpoint between Grants and Albuquerque (showcasing a breathtaking view of the Sky City) and a turnout a few kilometers south of the highway, which features views of a volcanic basalt flow.

Restaurants and Dining

Numerous restaurants and eating places in Grants offer visitors a sumptuous dining experience. Diners can enjoy hearty New Mexican dishes and tasty steak at La Ventana. Hankering for dimsum or other Chinese fare? Canton Cafe can definitely satisfy your craving for Oriental dishes. Other notable eating establishments include El Cafecito, El Ranchero, and Wow Cafe.