Our road trip through the Southwest USA continues, and in this post we embark on one of the most scenic and historic stretches of Route 66. Leaving behind the crisp mountain air of Flagstaff, we set off on a day filled with small-town charm, vintage Americana, and the vast landscapes of Arizona’s high desert. Our destination for the night: Needles, California. But first, we had a full day of adventure ahead.
Morning Coffee and a Cowboy Hat in Williams
Our first stop was Williams, Arizona, a town that proudly calls itself the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Nestled among the pines, Williams has that perfect old-school Route 66 vibe, complete with neon signs, vintage diners, and classic cars parked along the main drag. We stopped at a cozy little café for coffee, taking a moment to soak in the retro charm of the town.
While we sipped our drinks, my friend Selma wandered into a nearby shop, drawn in by the selection of Western wear. She emerged triumphantly, sporting a brand-new cowboy hat, looking every bit the part of a Route 66 traveler. It was the perfect souvenir from Williams, a town where time slows down and the spirit of the Wild West is still alive.
Seligman: The Birthplace of Route 66
From Williams, we continued westward to Seligman, a place that holds a special significance for Route 66 enthusiasts. Known as the "Birthplace of Historic Route 66," Seligman was instrumental in the preservation of the road, thanks to the efforts of Angel Delgadillo, a local barber who fought to keep the highway’s legacy alive.
Walking through Seligman felt like stepping into a time capsule. The town is packed with quirky roadside attractions, old motels, and vibrant murals celebrating the golden age of Route 66. It was easy to see why this place inspired the animated movie Cars—the colorful storefronts, rusted-out vintage cars, and neon signs looked straight out of Radiator Springs.
Every inch of Seligman oozed nostalgia, making it one of the most memorable stops of the day.
The Classic Vibes of Hackberry General Store
Back on the road, we soon arrived at Hackberry General Store, a true gem along Route 66. This stop felt like a perfect blend of history and fun—a roadside museum filled with vintage gas pumps, classic cars, and every bit of Route 66 memorabilia imaginable. We loved the atmosphere here, from the rusty old Chevrolet parked outside to the friendly owners who welcomed travelers with stories of the road.
Inside, we browsed through the countless souvenirs and postcards while soaking in the store’s retro aesthetic. It felt like we could have stayed here for hours, just admiring the collections and chatting with fellow travelers. But the road was calling, and we had more places to see before reaching Needles.
Burgers and Locomotives in Kingman
Next up was Kingman, Arizona, a town with deep ties to both the railroad and Route 66. By this point, we were more than ready for lunch, and what better place to experience a true American classic than In-N-Out Burger? This was our first time trying the famous burgers, and they did not disappoint—juicy, flavorful, and just what we needed after a long stretch of driving.
Cool Springs Station: A Desert Relic
Continuing along the historic route, we came across Cool Springs Station, a beautifully restored gas station nestled in the rugged Black Mountains. This small stop, once a forgotten ruin, now stands as a testament to Route 66’s resilience. Surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, the station was a fantastic place to stretch our legs and snap some photos before heading deeper into the mountains. There was also a great Route 66 sign on the road in front of the Station.
Sunset in Oatman: A Wild West Experience
As the sun began to set, we arrived in Oatman, one of the most unique and fascinating stops of the day. Once a thriving gold mining town, Oatman now feels like a place frozen in time, with its old wooden storefronts, saloons, and dusty streets.
The real highlight of Oatman,
though, was the town’s famous burros. These wild donkeys, descendants of
the animals brought by miners, roam freely through the streets,
completely unbothered by the tourists snapping photos. They were
everywhere—nosing through souvenir shops, blocking traffic, and
generally acting like they owned the place (which, in a way, they do).
The real highlight of Oatman, though, was the town’s famous burros. These wild donkeys, descendants of the animals brought by miners, roam freely through the streets, completely unbothered by the tourists snapping photos. They were everywhere—nosing through souvenir shops, blocking traffic, and generally acting like they owned the place (which, in a way, they do).
Oatman also has a fascinating history, including being the place where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their honeymoon in 1939. We walked through the historic Oatman Hotel, taking in the old-world charm before reluctantly leaving the lively little town behind.
Resting in Needles
As night fell, we finally arrived in Needles, our stopping point for the day. Tired but satisfied, we checked into our hotel and headed straight for dinner at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant—a classic Route 66 eatery where we enjoyed a comforting meal before calling it a night.
With another incredible day of adventure behind us, we were eager to see what the next stretch of Route 66 had in store. The road trip was far from over, and we couldn’t wait to continue our journey through the heart of the American Southwest.
To be continued...
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American culture through and through. So much history as well
ReplyDeleteI like Selma's hat. The last time Laura and I were through there was when we moved from Phoenix back to the SF Bay Area. That's been a while. Another delightful post.
ReplyDeletewow truly amazing series of photos. Just loved it.
ReplyDeleteI have been greatly enjoying your nostalgic road trip on Route 66. I've driven part of it, but not the western part you are showing here. Thanks you for these great posts.
ReplyDeleteYou saw so much of the old time and iconic America West!
ReplyDeleteI like all the vintage signs.
ReplyDeleteSelma has a great hat! You are driving right through Americana at its finest.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics. Route 66 is super cool.
ReplyDelete