Gallup New Mexico
This is one of those cities who although were not designed for tourists still make a great tourist attraction. As part of the Old Route 66 you can check into the some of the least expensive motels in the United States and experience first hand the art and craft of the Native American population.
Gallup New Mexico is most famous for the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial which is the biggest of its kind and happens every year in the second week of August. The festivities take place in the Red Rock State Park, situated only a few miles outside the city. The Navajo legacy of culture and craft along with many others communities can be experienced here.
The Native Americans also provide most of the appeal to this small city. Every time you get your meal in one of the town's cafes, there will be vendors offering you genuine art. Bargains can be found at every step, but still nothing compares with the big festivity.
The locals may seem rather grumpy, but after decades of dealing with bikers who can blame them. The motels are the stuff of legend. If some of them are actually quite clean and have very low prices, some of them are downright cheap, but the lack of services may cause you an outburst of laughter or crying depending how impressionable you are. This is the genuine face of another America, now mostly wiped out by the chains of hotels. The bartenders will help you with anything from changing a tire to a motor. The personalities of the people might not be very charming, but as sure as hell are very strong.
Although you might want to book over night in a decent hotel I throw the challenge to live one night in of those cheap motels. 35 dollars a night is not exactly a treasure and the experience will be a funny one. One word of advice though… Don't go to the shower… Trust me on this one.
Gallup New Mexico remains one of those raw and authentic travelling experiences. The spectacular desert scenery and the town itself are a must visit for every American who want to experience a bit of the past. Obviously the best time to visit is mid August as this will allow to best experience the Native American culture, but if you are not really into Navajo artwork you can safely visit this town just about anytime you want.