Escape to Santa Fe on the Turquoise Trail Driving Tour (Tuesday)
New Mexico is known for its stunning views, and the 2023 Grand National driving tour will be no exception. Join us for a scenic trip through our panoramic winding back- roads. Take the Turquoise Trail, the picturesque route along the back side of the Sandia Mountains to Santa Fe, seeing the villages of Madrid and Los Cerillos along the way. Once in Santa Fe, the tour heads into the Guadalupe district, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. This leads us to our lunch location! Pull up a chair at Tomasita’s, Santa Fe’s favorite New Mexican restaurant. Once lunch is wrapped up, the afternoon is yours. You can explore Santa Fe at your leisure, perhaps for some niche shopping, or take a tour through one of the many amazing chapels and cathedrals.
Power Tour (Wednesday) UPDATED
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Established in 1969, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is the nation’s only congressionally chartered museum of its kind. The museum was established as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear science in the past, present, and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers.
The Unser Racing Museum will no longer be open for tours during the Grand National. Therefore, we have found a replacement that everyone is sure to love! The Power Tour will now be going to the Glorieta Station Collection. The collection includes the largest collection of neon signs in the world! It is NOT open to the public, so we are very fortunate to see this private collection.
Note: This tour is sold out.
The Unser Racing Museum will no longer be open for tours during the Grand National. Therefore, we have found a replacement that everyone is sure to love! The Power Tour will now be going to the Glorieta Station Collection. The collection includes the largest collection of neon signs in the world! It is NOT open to the public, so we are very fortunate to see this private collection.
Note: This tour is sold out.
Wheels and Gems on Route 66 (Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday)
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The Wheels Museum is located at the site of the historic Santa Fe Railroad shops in downtown Albuquerque. The museum is currently housed in what the Santa Fe Railyards once referred to as The Storehouse, a long and narrow structure built in 1914, in which was kept an enormous inventory of all manner of parts and supplies for the larger maintenance shops and the entire Santa Fe railroad system in general. The Wheels Museum focuses on the history of transportation in Albuquerque and New Mexico with an emphasis on the impact on the development of the area. The collections embrace the history of the railroads, the impact of the rail yards on Albuquerque, as well as automobiles, horse and wagon, and other modes of transportation. After enjoying the exhibits, take a free train ride around the site. Stop for a bite at the 66 Diner on Central Avenue/Route 66. This local icon will make you think you’ve stepped back into the ’50s and ’60s with its eclectic ambiance!
The Turquoise Museum (Wednesday only) is located inside the Gertrude Zachary Castle and houses the world’s largest collection of natural turquoise. The Turquoise Museum displays many specimens and jewelry items from Zack Zachary Jr. and his wife Lillian’s collections. Zach's father Jesse Zachary Sr. managed the Villa Grove Turquoise Mine located in Colorado. After moving back home to New Mexico Jesse traded in turquoise, jewelry, and Indian arts and crafts. Zach grew up learning about turquoise from his father. Zack traveled the world in pursuit of his passion for turquoise, including Europe and Iran. He extensively traveled the United States and personally knew many of the iconic mine owners from most of the famous American turquoise mines. His collections represent turquoise from over 100 turquoise mines from 6 continents.
The Route 66 Visitors Center (Thursday & Friday only) is a multipurpose center situated on Route 66 at the western edge of Albuquerque, features a museum and taproom. Albuquerque has the longest stretch of the historic mother road in the country, so it is only fitting that it also have a Rt. 66 museum. The center is brand new, opening in 2023.
Note: The Thursday and Friday tours are sold out. The Wednesday tour is still available.
The Turquoise Museum (Wednesday only) is located inside the Gertrude Zachary Castle and houses the world’s largest collection of natural turquoise. The Turquoise Museum displays many specimens and jewelry items from Zack Zachary Jr. and his wife Lillian’s collections. Zach's father Jesse Zachary Sr. managed the Villa Grove Turquoise Mine located in Colorado. After moving back home to New Mexico Jesse traded in turquoise, jewelry, and Indian arts and crafts. Zach grew up learning about turquoise from his father. Zack traveled the world in pursuit of his passion for turquoise, including Europe and Iran. He extensively traveled the United States and personally knew many of the iconic mine owners from most of the famous American turquoise mines. His collections represent turquoise from over 100 turquoise mines from 6 continents.
The Route 66 Visitors Center (Thursday & Friday only) is a multipurpose center situated on Route 66 at the western edge of Albuquerque, features a museum and taproom. Albuquerque has the longest stretch of the historic mother road in the country, so it is only fitting that it also have a Rt. 66 museum. The center is brand new, opening in 2023.
Note: The Thursday and Friday tours are sold out. The Wednesday tour is still available.
Roundtable with Technical Advisors (Wednesday)
Here is an exciting new technical seminar at the Grand National. Do you have issues with your car that you jsut can't figure out? Are you having trouble finding that elusive part? Do you have issues that keep you up at night, or cause you to wake up in the middle of the night screaming because you can't figure our what's causing that ticking noise in your engine? Then come to the roundtable discussion and let some of the CLC's brightest technical minds try to help you figure it out. Even if you don't have a present issue, you never know what you might learn. All answers come with a money back guarantee! If the answer you receive doesn't solve your problem, you will get all of your $0 seminar entry back. How can you lose?
The 10th Annual Gathering of the Cadillac Queens (Wednesday)
The theme this year will be the Queens’ Birthday Party. We have a lot of celebrating to catch up on, so join the CLC Ladies for a party. And, of course, it’s our birthday, so we will have to have cake!
Tech Seminar—Car Appraisal
Join us for another technical session as Jim Dobier talks about the car appraisal process to help you understand what an appraiser looks for and how they determine the value of your vehicle. Jim is the President/Owner at Auto Appraisal NM.
Meet and Greet with Dennis Little (Wednesday)
The very charismatic Dennis Little was formerly the chief exterior designer at Cadillac. In 30 years at General Motors, he focused on design projects with Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Chevrolet. Before becoming chief designer for the Cadillac Studio, he was chief designer for the EV-1, the first electric car made for production by General Motors. You won’t want to miss his presentation, “Behind Locked Doors.”
Fiesta de Cadillac and LaSalle (Wednesday)
New Mexico is “The Land of Enchantment.” With the rich local history and culture, we thought we’d do things a little differently this year and hope you will enjoy your official welcome celebration with a local theme! Note, T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops are prohibited.
New Mexico Ancestral Tour (Thursday)
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The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Pueblo Indian art, culture, and history. The Center is comprised of museum and gallery space, a collection of murals and other Native arts and artifacts, a library, archives, an education department, a teaching kitchen/restaurant, and cultural programming and events – each celebrating the Pueblo culture of New Mexico. After learning about Pueblo culture, dine at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, an unforgettable Indigenous dining experience.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center and Museum depicts thousands of years of Hispanic and pre-Hispanic history. It is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts and humanities. The Center presents exhibitions, lectures, book readings, performing arts and educational programing that are meaningful to the local community. It also offers the Hispanic, Chicano and Latinx artist a place to present their work and bring it to the national stage. The Center encompasses a 20-plus-acre campus which includes a plaza, three theaters, an art museum, a historic designated building, an education center, a library, a genealogy center, and a restaurant.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center and Museum depicts thousands of years of Hispanic and pre-Hispanic history. It is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts and humanities. The Center presents exhibitions, lectures, book readings, performing arts and educational programing that are meaningful to the local community. It also offers the Hispanic, Chicano and Latinx artist a place to present their work and bring it to the national stage. The Center encompasses a 20-plus-acre campus which includes a plaza, three theaters, an art museum, a historic designated building, an education center, a library, a genealogy center, and a restaurant.
The Sky’s the Limit Tour (Thursday & Friday)
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Take the Sandia Peak Tramway, America’s longest aerial tram, from the northeast edge of Albuquerque to Sandia Peak, 2.7 miles above deep canyons and rugged terrain, for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. You will arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent view before returning to ground level to head to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is home to one of the most complete collections of artifacts, images, and stories from the world of ballooning. It has interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and special exhibits to help tell the story. Since the first balloon flights in 1783, ushering humans into the age of aviation, hot air and gas balloons have been used for exploration, sport, and adventure. The permanent exhibition at the Balloon Museum helps visitors to understand the rich history of ballooning.
Note: Both the Thursday and Friday tours are sold out.
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is home to one of the most complete collections of artifacts, images, and stories from the world of ballooning. It has interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and special exhibits to help tell the story. Since the first balloon flights in 1783, ushering humans into the age of aviation, hot air and gas balloons have been used for exploration, sport, and adventure. The permanent exhibition at the Balloon Museum helps visitors to understand the rich history of ballooning.
Note: Both the Thursday and Friday tours are sold out.
High Desert Cadillac Soiree (Thursday)
Sold out!
Charles Phoenix Presents! (Friday)
I KNOW! The Cadillac & LaSalle Club proudly presents midcentury pop culture expert Charles Phoenix. Known for his spirited “slide show” performances, Joyride classic car videos, colorful coffee table books, and fun “field trip” tours, Charles has appeared on many television programs. The New York Times dubbed him the “King of Retro.” If you've never seen his videos, just do a YouTube search and you'll find hours of entertainment. CLC members who sponsor this event will also be part of a private VIP meet and greet with Charles before the dinner and show.
Taillights at Twilight (Friday)
After the conclusion of the Charles Phoenix show, join us under the outdoor covered pavilion on the north side of the hotel for music and cocktails! A DJ and taillight display with a cash bar will provide a fun evening social, so come and enjoy the company, music, cars, and stars!
Old Town Albuquerque Shopping (Saturday)
Founded in 1706, Albuquerque Old Town’s narrow streets and century-old adobe houses are home to New Mexican eateries serving local cuisine and artisan shops selling artworks, jewelry, rugs, and pottery. Old Town Plaza is a charming spot overlooked by the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church. Spend the day enjoying this unique shopping venue.
And now for the disclaimers, legal talk, and technical details that are explained very quickly during the late night infomercials.
For all events and tours, you must be preregistered and have the appropriate tour ticket to gain admission. The Grand National Committee reserves the right to alter tour routes or attractions due to unforeseen circumstances. Every effort will be made to notify participants of changes in advance.
For all events and tours, you must be preregistered and have the appropriate tour ticket to gain admission. The Grand National Committee reserves the right to alter tour routes or attractions due to unforeseen circumstances. Every effort will be made to notify participants of changes in advance.