Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [14]
Navajo County Historical Museum
Holbrook’s wild history is told at this museum that doubles as the town visitor center and courthouse. 928-524-6558; Holbrook, AZ; donations appreciated; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat & Sun
Old Route 66 Visitor Center
One man’s living shrine to all things Mother Road, this is the coolest visitor center in Arizona. 928-769-2605; Route 66, Hackberry, AZ; admission free; call for hours
Route 66 Auto Museum
Desperate to motor down Route 66 in a restored 1950s Chevelle? Buy one at this museum doubling as an antique car dealer. 505-472-1966; www.route66automuseum.com; 2766 Rte 66, Santa Rosa, NM; adult/child under 12 $5/free; 7:30am-7pm May-Aug, to 5pm Sep-Apr
Route 66 Museum
The museum is also home to Kingman’s excellent Power House Visitor Center. 928-753-6106, 866-427-7866; www.kingmantourism.org; 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, NM; adult/child/senior $4/free/3; 9am-6pm Mar-Oct, 8am-5pm Nov-Feb;
EAT & DRINK
Cruiser’s Café 66
This Americana diner plays up the roadster theme big time. Grab a cheeseburger, fries and thick vanilla shake. 928-635-2445; 233 W Route 66, Williams, AZ; dishes $7-16; 11am-9pm;
Del’s Restaurant
Try Del’s take-away service if you’d rather dine from the comfort of your motel bed. 505-461-1740; 1202 E Tucumcari Blvd, Tucumcari, AZ; mains $5-15; 7.30am-9pm Mon-Sat
Joseph’s Bar & Grill
A popular local hang-out, Joseph’s serves burgers, steaks and lots of green chile. 505-472-3361; 865 Will Rogers Dr, Santa Rosa, NM; mains $6-12; breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mr D’z Route 66 Diner
Get your American Graffiti fix at this modern-vintage diner with its hot-pink and turquoise color scheme and cool memorabilia. 928-718-0066; 105 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ; dishes $4-13; 7am-9pm
Oatman Hotel
The hotel is no longer taking guests, but you can still order a couple of tacos and beers at this old-fashioned saloon on the first floor. 928-768-4408; 181 Main St, Oatman, AZ; call for hours
Snow Cap Drive-In
Cheeseburgers with cheese and “dead chicken” are menu staples at this classic Route 66 drive-in. 928-422-3291; 301 E Rte 66, Seligman, AZ; mains $4-8; Mar-Nov
World Famous Sultana Bar
Play pool, have a beer and mingle with colorful locals at this bar that used to sell moonshine during Prohibition days. Sometimes there’s live music. 928-635-2028; 301 W Rte 66, Williams,AZ; 10am-2am
SLEEP
Blue Swallow Motel
Spend the night in this beautifully restored motel and feel time slide in reverse. The place has a great lobby, friendly owners and vintage, uniquely decorated rooms. Wi-fi available. 505-461-9849; www.blueswallowmotel.com; 815 E Tucumcari Blvd, Tucumcari, NM; r from $59
Hotel Brunswick
Cash-strapped solo travelers can shack up in the 12 super-basic cowboy/girl singles with shared baths. Breakfast and wi-fi included. 928-718-1800; www.hotel-brunswick.com; 315 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman; r $35-95
La Posada Hotel
Gracious Southwesternstyle in an exquisite 1930s Harvey House, the hotel has hosted everyone from Einstein to John Wayne. 928-289-4366; www.laposada.org; 303 E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ; r from $100
Sheps Miners Inn & Yesterday’s
A friendly Western guesthouse with simple rooms and the most lively saloon for miles. 928-565-4251; 9827 2nd St, Chloride, AZ; r $35-65, mains $7-20
Wigwam Motel
Comfy enough on the inside, with plenty of retro touches, the exterior of the faux wigwams are fine examples of roadside kitsch. 928-524-3048; www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam; 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ; r $48-58
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.azrt66.com
www.rt66nm.org
LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
7 Dam Diving
26 Flagstaff’s Northern Playground
38 Albuquirky
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Return to beginning of chapter
Rafting the Colorado
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WHY GO There’s a reason they call it the trip of a lifetime. Rafting the Colorado River is truly awesome,