Posted on by David

9-26-19 On the Road Again – Williams AZ

On the road again
Just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can’t wait to get on the road again
On the road again

Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again

The song, by Willie Nelson says it all. We are on the road again. This time we have left Southern California and are heading back to the East Coast. First stop was a quick visit with my brother in Indio – and then on to Prescott Arizona. Prescott was an overnight visit with our friend Dave – he and I worked together for 16 years in Glendale and we both retired within 2 months of each other in 2017. Nice visit. It seems that taking pictures over the last couple of days just hasn’t happened. So actual proof we were there is unavailable.

Now we are in Williams Arizona – the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”.

The Arch over the road

It seems that Janeen has never been to the Grand Canyon so we have a tour set for tomorrow which should be both educational and fun. However, today it is all about Williams. With a population of only 3,158 (as of 2017) its major claim to fame is that it was the last city on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40. The community was bypassed on October 13, 1984 and it is clear it thrives on tourists and those particularly nostalgic for the old route 66.

Painted on the side of the building to commemorate when I-40 opening and the end of Route 66

The Historic Downtown district covers 6 square blocks with a number of interesting shops and restaurants. This place is clearly one of the major inspirations for the Disney – Pixar movie Cars.

This reminded us of Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure. Live music in the patio too.
Proof we were there.

As we drove into town Janeen and I both said how it reminded us of the movie and Cars Land at Disneyland California Adventures.

Pete’s Rt 66 Gas Station Museum
Just walking along the sidewalk
Lot’s of 50’s and 60’s references throughout the place.
Seems the couldn’t get this old car out.

One of the attractions is the Grand Canyon Railway. The original Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway were completed in September 1901. After declining ridership, it was eventually purchased by private investors in 1988 that restored the faculties and passenger cars. Since that time, the railroad has taken hundreds of passengers to and from the south rim of the Grand Canyon on a daily basis.

Grand Canyon Railway – the create a nice experience to the South Rim.

The Grand Canyon Railway on it’s way to the south rim

Other highlights include the Grand Canyon Brewing Company,

Seems there is always a local brewery in every town we visit.

AZ Wine and lots of shops with Indian and local artist creations.

This Chevy is parked outside this place very day. Lots of car parts both inside and out of this shop.

We had a nice time just wandering around and visited one of the original Route 66 Trading Posts for southwestern native jewelry and pottery. Tomorrow the Grand Canyon!