If you’re traveling Route 66 with your mutt and roll into Kingman, Ariz., there’s a place where both of you can stretch your legs — Lewis Kingman Park at 2201 E. Andy Devine Ave.
It’s an off-leash park for dogs. And it has a historic link to the Mother Road, reports the Kingman Daily Miner.
“It was constructed by the Arizona Highway Department as a rest area when Route 66 was in its heyday,” said Darel Fruhwirth, director of the Kingman Parks and Recreation Department.
“We see hundreds of visitors there each year. Senior citizens stop to tell stories about the park they remember when they were youngsters traveling with their parents.”
The Off-Leash Recreational Facility opened three years ago. A second expanded area for dogs under 30 pounds is scheduled to open in late September, Fruhwirth said.
That’s great! Any other trips for traversing the Mother Road with Man’s Best Friend? I’ve been thinking about driving Route 66 from Chicago to California; daydreaming, mostly, but also wondering what I’ll do with my two dogs if I can find a way to take 2-4 weeks for a nice long roadtrip. Two dogs in a MINI Cooper (with a driver) doesn’t leave much room for more than a change of underwear, so I’d have more problems than just what to do with them when I want to go sight-seeing, but I’d still like to have them with me…
Given you cramped car, I’d suggest boarding your dogs at a local kennel.
Barring that, I can make these suggestions:
— Buy the Route 66 Federation’s “Dining and Lodging Guide.” These can be purchased for less than $10 from http://www.national66.com. It has listings of recommended motels, mostly of the mom-and-pop variety, and whether they accept pets.
— Motel 6 does have pet-friendly policies.
But here’s why I recommend boarding: In about 50 percent of your trip on Route 66, you’re going to be dealing with desert. That car of yours can become dangerous in just a few minutes under a New Mexico, Arizona or Mojave sun. Even if you driving down the road with the A/C cranked during the spring, summer and fall, it’s probably going to get toasty in there.
I recommend boarding, simply for your pets’ safety. Someone else can give the pets the care they deserve while you’re on the Mother Road, and you can have a more comprehensive, enjoyable road trip.
Ron,
what a gorgeous website !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many thanks for the link to my one – I’m going to be a permanent guest on your’s
regards, Stefan
Appreciated the compliment, Stefan. Your Web site isn’t exactly bad, either. 🙂