This self-guided journey showcases artisanal makers, family farms, and regional delicacies along the legendary highway.
So, ready to get your fill of thrills and grills on the New Route 66 Cheese Trail?
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Prepare for a delicious adventure!
A fresh cheese trail is debuting along
To develop this project, the guild teamed up with the established California Cheese Trail, aiming to replicate its success in drawing food enthusiasts while championing small-scale agriculture.
The New Mexico Cheese Guild noted that when the Mother Road was originally established, travelers enjoyed local snacks and authentic conversations. They believe people are now moving away from processed convenience in favor of heritage foods made by real people, and this guide provides an insider's look at those meaningful flavors. While planning your road trip, you might even find airport parking deals to help save on the logistical side of your journey.
Featured stops include the grass-fed herds at DeSmet Raw Milk Dairy in Bosque Farms, New Mexico, and the Mouse Hole Cheese Shop in Albuquerque, where award-winning cheesemonger Hanna Lee operates. In addition, the Route 66 Visitors Center is working to blend agricultural history into the modern travel experience.
Organizers describe these locations as a curated map of independent producers and cultural landmarks. The goal is to offer a "real food" alternative to the typical landscape of massive gas stations and pre-packaged snacks. If you are flying into a starting city, keep in mind that domestic airport parking charges can vary depending on the terminal you choose.
The trail arrives just as Route 66 prepares for its 100th anniversary. The highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica through states like Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Along the way, travelers can find vintage motels and quirky landmarks, such as the Gemini Giant in Illinois, the Blue Whale in Oklahoma, and the massive neon bottle at Pops 66. Travelers looking to save money often opt for off-airport parking before heading out to explore these roadside wonders.
Outside of this specific route, travelers can explore world-class cheese cultures in other regions. Famous examples include the Parmesan trails of Italy's Emilia-Romagna, the vibrant cheese community in Madison, Wisconsin, and the popular tours available at Oregon's Tillamook Creamery.
