Arizona Buzz News
Start Your Engines -
It's Time for the 2006 Historic Route 66 Fun Run!
We've journeyed Arizona's Historic Route 66 during the past few months from Seligman to Kingman. In fact, the stretch of roadway can claim the bragging rights to be called the longest continuous portion of Route 66 still in existence. In Arizona there are more than 200 miles of the original Route 66 still around.
It's Time for the 2006 Historic Route 66 Fun Run!
Now you are more than ready for the 2006 Historic Route 66 Fun Run. The Fun Run can be enjoyed both as a spectator as well as a participant. Last year's event attracted more than 800 entrants and included all kinds of vehicles from the old to the new. That's the "fun" of this road rally - any (and we really do mean any) street legal vehicle can participate.
Also, the event is not timed so you can take in some of the sites along the way. The one goal is to have fun and enjoy a bit of cruising on the Route. This year's event will be held May 5th through 7th. During the three days, participants will travel approximately 140 miles from Seligman to the final destination of Topock/Golden Shores.
How it All Started
2006's Fun Run marks the 19th anniversary of the event first held in 1988. The event attracts Route 66 and car enthusiasts from around the world and is hosted by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. A non-profit corporation, the organization is charged with the preservation, promotion and protection of Route 66.
The organization grew out of efforts to keep Route 66 alive and "kickin". In fact, the association operates a visitor's center in historic downtown Kingman. Located in the Powerhouse Visitor Center, you will find a gift shop and as well as a plethora of information. You can even join the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. The association has more than 900 members from Arizona and around the globe.
The Fun Begins on Friday
The Fun Run is a unique experience with registration and activities beginning on Friday in Seligman. The festive mood helps to set the tone for Saturday’s big event. The day and evening ahead includes music and other entertainment. Stroll the streets and watch the cars drive by during the "Route 66 Cruising Parade". Enjoy visiting the unique shops and stop for a tasty ice cream cone.
And They're Off - Saturday's Start in Seligman
Saturday is the big day. By early morning, the portion of Route 66 is lined with hundreds of cars. What a sight - literally vehicles of all years, makes and models are ready to go. Everyone is waiting for the official send off. Engines reviving, car enthusiasts ogling and chrome shining - what a way to start the day! The town is bustling or rather bursting at the seams with people and cars.
Then, the big send off. Cars start to roll out of town and westward to Kingman. The journey is the goal
not the pace. Along the way are the Grand Canyon Caverns area, Peach Springs, Truxton, Valentine, Hackberry and Valle Vista. Participants are encouraged to stop along the way and take in the sights of old Route 66.
The fun continues in Kingman. In the afternoon, the Fun Run cars are a part of the "Show-N-Shine", which allows for a closer look at the participants' cars. The daylong festivities carry into the evening with music, a street dance and cruise night.
Sunday's Start From Kingman
Once again participants line up for the great send-off. On this day's agenda is a drive through the Black Mountains to the historic town of Oatman. From here, Historic Route 66 is designated as a Scenic Back Country Byway. The final destination is the town of Topock/Golden Shores, which will host the Awards Ceremony and Farewell Reception.
The Fun Run is an event you won't want to miss for the ultimate trip on Route 66. For more information about registration and the event, visit the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona's website. Additional sources of information include:
The Kingman Buzz
The Oatman Buzz
Route 66 Buzz
The Seligman Buzz
Sierra Verde Trading
Seligman – A Drive Into the Past
Start Your Engines
A Day Trippin’ visit to Seligman kicks off our tour down historic Route 66 in Arizona. Each month we will be visiting a different town along Route 66 – Peach Springs, Valentine, Hackberry, Kingman and finally Oatman. Discover a bygone era as you drive down this American icon.
The History
First a bit of a primer regarding the “Mother Road” before we begin our journey. The numerical designation 66 was assigned to the Chicago-to-Los Angeles route in the summer of 1926. That designation brought with it an acknowledgment the highway was the nation's principal east-west arteries.
After the designation came the creation. Route 66 was born when many of the existing roads from Chicago to Los Angeles were joined to create a continuous highway. It took 11 years for the route to be fully paved. And, when it was, the great highway stretched for approximately 2,400 miles and traversed 8 states - Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
Throughout Arizona, Route 66 encompassed approximately 376 miles across the state, beginning at Lupton on the New Mexico line. A few miles beyond Kingman, the highway approached Oatman Hill, which was known as the last great obstacle before reaching the California border.
Travelers encountered a variety of terrain during their journey through the Arizona portion of the highway – windswept plateaus, cedar-studded mesas, rolling hills and deserts. Millions traveled down the road seeking the West. Along the way many small diners, motels, gas stations and other small businesses to cater to travelers sprang up along the way. Small communities the great highway ran through prospered.
However, in 1985 Route 66 was officially decommissioned when officials determined the route was no longer relevant. The route was essentially replaced by the Interstate Highway System. Efforts have been made to keep Route 66 still kickin’.
Arizona now can boast of having the longest stretch of Route 66 still in existence between Chicago and Los Angeles. Beginning just west of Ash Fork, the route separates from I-40 at exit 139 (Crookton Road) and becomes AZ 66 at Seligman.
The route then continues westward from Seligman through Peach Springs and the Hualapai Reservation to Kingman. Just west of Kingman, the post 1950’s route again merges with I-40; however, the original Route 66 cut through the Black Mountains.
Seligman
(Right) The Annual Route 66 Fun Run, hosted by the Historic Route 66 Association, starts off in Seligman. The three-day event travels a 140 miles from its start in Seligman to Topock/Golden Shores. Started in 1988, the event draws hundreds of participants and spectators. This year’s event is slated for May 5th – 7th. And, best of all, the event is open to all street legal vehicles. For more information, visit www.azrt66.com
Now that you are up to speed on the history of Route 66 it is time to visit Seligman, which marks the beginning of the remaining stretch of Route 66 running through Arizona. This is a town where the past still lives. If you want to get away from it all and live life at a pace less than the fast lane, this is where you will want to go. Taking a stroll through town you can visit quaint gift shops, interesting restaurants and just soak in some good, old fashioned, small town hospitality. Stop at the Snow Cap for a tasty ice cream cone – just make sure to ask for a little humor on the side. Or how about the Road Kill Café? Doesn't it make you wonder what will be on the menu? Take a peak into the windows of the historic Seligman Sundries building. The Seligman Sundries building opened in 1904 and throughout the years has played host to a theater, dance hall and trading post/soda fountain. At one time, the only phone in Seligman was located in this building. During the 1920’s cowboy Tom Mix even decided to make an appearance.
As of 2000, the town had 456 residents. Many of the town’s original structures still – motels, shops and restaurants – stand. A number of historic homes and cottages are in the process of being renovated.
And, to make things even more interesting – the town you can stroll through today was not originally located in its current location. The town, founded in 1886, was located more than a mile to the southeast of the present location. Most of the houses and structures were moved piece by piece to where they are today.
A must do is the Walking Tour through town. This self-guided tour takes you on a journey through Seligman’s past. Maps for the tour can be picked up at the Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop and Visitor Center. You can't miss it as you head into town on the main street.
If you are lucky, you might even be able to chat with Angel Delgadillo who is created with being one of the leaders in preserving Route 66. He lobbied the Arizona State Legislature in 1987 to preserve Route 66 as it ran through Arizona as a historic highway. In November of that year, the state dedicated US 66 from Seligman to Kingman as “Historic Route 66”.
But don't limit your time in this unique town. Stay the night in one of the town’s historic motels. Pretend that you yourself are making the trek to the West and enjoy living a page out of America’s history.
Seligman is located approximately 85 miles from Flagstaff, Kingman, Prescott; 170 miles from Phoenix and 270 miles from Tucson.
Restaurants
A&W 928-422-3554
Copper Cart 928-422-3241
Route 66 Roadkill Cafe 928-422-3554
Snow Cap 928-422-3291
West Side Lilo's 928-422-5456
Lodging
Aztec Motel 928-422-3055
Route 66 Motel 928-422-3204
Supai Motel 928-422-4153
The Canyon Lodge 928-422-3255
www.route66canyonlodge.com
The Deluxe Inn 928-422-3244
www.route66deluxeinn.com
For more information about Seligman and Route 66 visit:
Route 66 Association of Arizona
Williams - Gateway to the Grand Canyon
September is the perfect time to head to the tiny mountain of Williams, located a short drive west of Flagstaff on Interstate-40. From the towns railroad claim to fame to Historic Route 66, Williams is a charming town that you will want to linger in. Williams also bears the moniker of being the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon". So, whether Williams is your destination or starting point, spending time in Williams makes a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of Arizona's metro areas. The town sits at the edge of a Ponderosa pine forest atop the Mogollon Rim. Surrounding Williams is the Kaibab National Forest. It's time to take life at a slower pace and enjoy the scenery, shops and restaurants with a visit to the past in the historic town of Williams.
Williams takes its name from William “Bill” Sherley Williams, an honest to goodness “Mountain Man” who traveled throughout much of Arizona in the 1800’s. Williams served as an itinerate preacher for nine years, followed by another 12 years on the frontier and additional seven as a plains and mountain man, according to comments made by his contemporary and acquaintance Zebulon Pike. Williams was killed in 1849 after the ill-fated Fremont expedition. Williams acted as a guide when the expedition started; however, his role changed over the course of the expedition that was to have traveled from Colorado to California beginning in November 1848. Williams ceased his guide functions when Capt. John Fremont rejected Williams’ recommended travel route. Weather being what it is in the Rockies during the winter, trapped the 33-man expedition and brought it to an untimely end. Williams was killed on his way to recover any salvageable equipment. A short two years later in 1851 the name Bill Williams was cited on a surveyor’s map. The result, an Arizona mountain and a river both take their name fr A statue of Bill Williams is located in Monument Park, on the west side of Williams. For more information about Bill Williams, Click Here. Williams was founded in 1880. A sign of a growing community, the town could boast of having a post office by 1881. The railroad arrived a short time later in September 1882. It was the Santa Fe line that helped Williams to emerge as a railroad and logging town. Williams also served as a cattle ranching center. Williams at one time was a rough and tumble Western frontier town with its array of saloons and gambling houses. Vestiges of Williams’ past still remain today for visitors to enjoy. Old brick commercial buildings from the late 19th century line the main street. Not far away, small Victorian homes are amidst tree-shaded streets south from the railroad tracks. Similar to Prescott’s history a fire swept through the town and the business district felt the greatest damage. In 1901, 36 commercial buildings, two hotels, and 10 homes were destroyed in the fire. The fire prompted a fire district to be formed. Any mention of Williams wouldn't be complete without a nod to the railroad that has developed into the current Grand Canyon Railway. Originally completed in September 1901, the railway – then known as the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway – ran from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Approximately 65 miles of track ran from the town to the South Rim. For many years, the steam train was a popular way to reach the canyon. Millions of The ambiance of traveling by train and seeing more than the highway never really disappeared. In 1989, 88 years after its inauguration, rail service to the Grand Canyon resumed and the Grand Canyon Railway was born. It’s all aboard from the 1910 train depot and on to the Grand Canyon. The train depot was previously home to a Harvey Hotel. The train depot and the railway line are on the National Register of Historic Places. Every year thousands of people board the restored vintage 1920’s coaches pulled by vintage steam and diesel locomotive for an experience that is not to be forgotten. The train runs daily, which the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas, to the South Rim. The 65-mile trip takes a little more than two hours each way. A three-hour layover allows passengers to take in the canyon’s sites. The railway does offer stay and ride packages. A comfortable hotel is located adjacent to the train depot. Historic Route 66 Williams offers charming historic lodging accommodations in addition to the Grand Canyon Hotel. The Red Garter Bed and Bakery accommodations in a restored 1897 saloon and bordello decorated with the 1890's in mind. The Bakery is located on the first floor and lists its specialties as scones, cinnamon rolls, croissants and Danish pastries. The Red Garter has a rich history as one of the most colorful establishments on Williams Saloon Road. For a slice of Route 66 it is necessary to move forward to 1936 when the Gateway Motel was constructed. The motel was originally named the Del Sue Motor Inn and was the first motor court hotel in Williams. Williams has its share of privately owned, non-franchised restaurants. Twisters Soda Fountain , a traditional 1950’s style soda fountain is located right on Route 66. It’s specialty – the Route 66 Beer Float. Another popular restaurant also located on Route 66 is Rod’s Steakhouse , which boasts of fine dining since 1946. The house specialty – slow roasted prime rib. Another Americana restaurant is Cruisers Café 66, which is partially housed in a 1930’s gas station. The menu runs the gamut from steaks, spicy wings, and pizza to calzones. Route 66 memorabilia abounds at Cruisers. For more information about Cruisers call 928-635-2445. A popular attraction in the Williams area is the Grand Canyon Deer Farm Petting Zoo , located 8 miles east of Williams. In addition to the tame deer, which will literally eat out your hand, the farm hosts pronghorn antelope, wallabies, llamas, peacocks and a buffalo. The farm is open during September through November daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the winter, the farm is open weather permitting. Wild West Junction recreates an Old West town. The recreated town includes the Territorial Museum, a saloon/restaurant, general store and the Drovers Hotel. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon Williams is located a little less than 60 miles from Arizona’s greatest gem, Grand Canyon National Park . Williams with its amenities is a perfect starting point for visiting the park. The travel time to the park take about an hour. The South Rim of the canyon is among the most scenic places in Arizona. Recreational activities abound at the canyon from hiking to tours by bus or air. The more adventuresome can ride to the bottom of the canyon by mule. Additionally, free shuttle buses will take you throughout the park beginning from Grand Canyon Village. You will want to allot two hours to view all of the points of interest. The four routes include Hermit’s Rest, Village, Kaibab Trail and Canyon View/Mather Point. The fee to enter the Grand Canyon is $25 per private vehicle and is good for seven days. The admission fee covers entrance to the North Rim and South Rim. For individuals entering by foot, bicycle or motorcycle is $12 per person. Kaibab National Forest The Kaibab National Forest surrounds Williams. Boarding both the North and South rims of the Grand Canyon, the forest includes 1.6 million acres that range in elevation from 5,500 feet in the southwest corner to 10,418 feet at the summit of Kendick Peak on the Williams Ranger District. As all of the national forest located in Arizona, popular activities at Kaibab include camping , fishing , hiking and, of course, wildlife viewing.
Four lakes within the forest are located near Williams – Cataract, Dogtown, Kaibab and Whitehorse lakes. Cataract Lake Cataract Lake, approximately a mile west of Williams, is a popular fishing lake stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Facilities at the lake include 18 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, pit toilets, and a concrete boat-launch ramp. Dogtown Lake Dogtown Lake is located approximately six and half miles from Williams. The lake takes its name form the extensive prairie dog towns, which once covered the open areas near the lake. The lake is stocked with trout, crappies and channel cats. Facilities at the lake include 51 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings as well as one group site and a concrete boat launch ramp. Vault toilets and water facets are scattered throughout the campground. Kaibab Lake Kaibab Lake is located approximately 4 miles from Williams. The lake is routinely stocked with rainbow trout as well as brown and brook trout. Occasionally, channel cats are stocked. The facilities include 70 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets, water faucets and a paved boat launch area. Whitehorse Lake Whitehorse Lake is located approximately 19 miles from Williams. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. While this lake is located a greater distance from Williams than the other lakes, it is worth the drive. The campground near the lake offers easy access to scenic Sycamore Canyon. Hiking trails are also nearby. Facilities at the lake include 94 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, two pit toilets, and a concrete boat-launch ramp. For additional information about Williams, visit
The Man Behind the Town’s Name
om Bill Williams. The town of Williams is located at the base of his mountain namesake – Bill Williams Mountain. The Bill Williams River is a scenic river in a little-known area of Arizona. The river flows from the Alamo Reservoir through the wild Buckskin Mountains. The river joins the Colorado River at Lake Havasu, just above Parker Dam. Located in the west central part of Arizona near Lake Havasu City, this is an area to be featured in an upcoming Day Trippin’ feature. Williams’ History
The Great Train
people rode the rails throughout its heyday. But, in 1968, the train stopped carrying passengers. In 1974, after years of struggling, the Santa Fe Railway ceased service. Part of the railway’s demise could be attributed to the rise of touring by car rather than the railway. 
Route 66 also plays a significant role in the towns past. Arizona has the longest stretch of Route 66 still in use today. A portion of the original Route 66 still continues to be Williams main street. Williams was the last town on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, which happened in October 1984.
Quaint shops and restaurants line the Williams portion of Route 66. In fact, the entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown district covers six square blocks that includes the train depot and the Grand Canyon Hotel, a 2-story European style boutique built in 1889.
Historic Lodging
Unique Restaurants
Other Area Attractions
Grand Canyon Deer Farms
Wild West Junction
