Monique Fragua

As told to Roadrunner editor, Madison Garay.

What does Route 66 signify for you?

To me, Route 66 signifies change. I can only imagine the change that happened with Route 66 coming into small towns, villages and communities. They must have experienced a huge shift. Headlights at all hours of the night, tourists out to explore and the wonder and excitement with access to jobs and opportunities. Change is something that makes people uncomfortable, allows us to see things differently and keeps us moving forward. With the coming of the road in 1926, I’m sure the changes were monumental!

What is one of your favorite spots along Route 66 in Albuquerque?

This is an easy one: Buffalo Exchange (3005 Central Ave. NE in Nob Hill). When I think of Buffalo Exchange, I am immediately reminded of my days as a college student struggling to get by. I would stop at Buffalo Exchange between classes to do a quick exchange and treasure hunt. To this day, I find upcycling and purchasing secondhand an important aspect of my life. This value that I continue to carry is something that Buffalo Exchange was a huge part of!

Nob Hill facing east, towards the University of New Mexico. Buffalo Exchange is in the turquoise building left of the Lobo Theatre. Photo courtesy of Dominic Valdez.

More vintage digs on Albuquerque’s Route 66.

Describe a memory you have of Route 66.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Katrina Parks at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center as she completed her film “Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road.” Katrina’s passion for her project was contagious and it was amazing to learn how much she’s traveled and researched, and to see all the love and passion she had to gather stories from women along Route 66. The finished film is amazing, and it even includes two Pueblo women, Ms. Marla Allison and Ms. Katherine Augustine, both from the Pueblo of Laguna and with connections to Route 66. Katrina’s passion is a memory that I’ve cherished and have carried with me. I hope to do things that I do with the same passion, heart and commitment that Katrina has in her love for the Mother Road.

What do you recommend for road-trippers who wish to understand Pueblo country better? 

When people come to New Mexico to experience culture, they may feel disappointed if they cannot visit a Pueblo community independently on the date they arrive.

I’d encourage them to do some research in advance to learn more about where they are visiting and all the opportunities to explore and experience what we have to offer. Our Pueblos are living and breathing communities filled with families. While a Pueblo may not be “open to the public,” it’s for good reason. 

I’d remind our guests that there are other opportunities to learn and explore. From Taos Pueblo and Nambé Falls in the north, to the A:shiwi A:wan Museum in Zuni or Sky City in Acoma, our Pueblo experiences are worth an extra day or two to explore. I’d recommend visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in 2026, as we’ll be celebrating our 50th Anniversary! Let us help you to craft the perfect day trip to explore, and who knows – you may stumble upon a once in a lifetime experience.

Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum in Acoma Pueblo, on Route 66. Photo courtesy of Sky City.

What’s a birthday wish you have for Route 66?

I wish the happiest of birthdays for this cherished road and all who travel. I hope they create memories, cherish the people they are traveling with and experience something new along the way.

Lowrider cruising down Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque, with the KiMo Theatre in the background. Photo courtesy of NMTD.