Visual Traveler & Chocolate Blog

                                      Photo Credit: Lisa Waterman Gray  

​What's in This Post  
1) '50s Vibes at 66 Diner
2) 66 Diner Food
3) Milkshakes and More at 66 Diner
4) 66 Diner Slideshow

'50s Vibes at 66 Diner

Once comprising 18 miles of legendary Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Central Avenue has been home to 66 Diner since 1987. Operating inside a converted 1945 Phillips 66 gas station, this restaurant is a must-try destination full of 1950s diner vibes. During our visit PEZ dispensers with cartoon character faces lined an upper wall and a life-sized Elvis cuttout stood near an interior doorway. Betty Boop decorated the dining area where we sat, while a working jukebox and numerous neon accents continue to punctuate the space. 

Beloved initial recipes came from several generations of family, and neighbors. Originally opened by Tom and Christy Willis, the restaurant was rebuilt and reopened after a 1994 fire. Today Christy and her daughters still own and operate this diner.   

66 Diner Food

66 Diner's big menu features plenty of choices. Burger options include a classic patty, plus BBQ Bacon & Cheddar or Mushroom & Swiss burgers. Two burgers that celebrate New Mexico's status as a green chile hub include the Bleu & Green (chile) Burger or the Green Chile Cheeseburger. Other diner-style sandwiches include The BLT, Grilled Cheese, Hot Meatloaf, Classic Reuben, or Sloppy Joe.

Several members of our group ordered New Mexico Favorites, including a massive plate full of French Toast with a side of breakfast potatoes and sausage patties. My mouthwatering Huevos Rancheros - with beans and pan fries on corn (or flour) tortillas - was generously smothered in red and green chile then topped with chopped lettuce and tomato. True to classic diner menus, you'll also find hot dogs, soups and salads. In keeping with modern menus, there are plenty of gluten-free options too.

Milkshakes and More at 66 Diner

Milkshake lovers will be thrilled with the enormous variety of creamy deliciousness available at 66 Diner. Think decadent flavor bombs with names like Black Forest, The Elvis (of course featuring peanut butter and banana), Dreamsicle, Caramel Apple, Grasshopper, Strawberry Lemonade, Cappuccino, Rootbeer, Turtle or Mud Pie. Not a milkshake fan? Order a slice of fresh fruit or cream pies, plus decadent chocolate or carrot cake. Or indulge your inner child by sampling 66 Diner's Rice Krispie Treat. 

​Hungry yet? The next time you're passing through, or overnighting in Albuquerque, be sure to check out this classic 66 Diner.

       The Mardi Gras Museum, Lake Charles. Photo Credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post    
1) Mardi Gras in Lake Charles
2) Beyond Lake Charles Parades
3) Year-Round Mardi Gras Pageantry in Lake Charles
4)  Lake Charles Mardi Gras Slideshow

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles

There’s more than one place in 'The Bayou State' to enjoy Mardi Gras season. And during one of those seasons I had the pleasure of celebrating in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Are there crowds? Plenty. Is rowdiness a hallmark of the primary parade? Not from what our group saw.

This is - in fact - the state's second largest Mardi Gras celebration. Occurring on Fat Tuesday, each year, the Krewe of Krewes Parade is Mardi Gras' local finale. It features more than 60 krewes, riding on elaborate floats as they throw purple, green and yellow bead necklaces to crowds along the roadway, plus toy doubloons, and other goodies. Riding on one of those floats while wearing a feathered boa and mask was a total blast. So was sampling several Mardi Gras cakes during our multi-day visit.

Beyond Lake Charles Parades 

But Lake Charles offers several other great ways to celebrate and acknowledge this festive 'season.' On one evening we received a rare, behind-the- scenes tour as participants donned costumes and makeup, before numerous krewes gathered inside an event venue full of bright lights and brilliant pageantry. There was even a royal court of young women wrapped in regal dress. 
 
Year-Round Mardi Gras Pageantry in Lake Charles

I also loved our visit to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, housed inside Central School Arts and Humanities Center. What an amazing opportunity to see the intricate, sparkling beadwork and brocade that are hallmarks of most Mardi Gras costumes and vibrant hued feathers that decorate many. I especially loved several costumes whose predominant color palette incorporated turquoise to teal. 

If attending a family-focused Mardi Gras celebration sounds appealing, be sure to check out what Lake Charles offers at this time of year. It's a celebration you won't soon forget. 

​                                      Lake Charles Mardi Gras Slideshow              

Disclaimer: As a writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they accurately reflected this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.