Old Smoky’s Restaurant building in Williams torn down

The Old Smoky's Restaurant building that stood for more than 70 years on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, was torn down earlier this month. The restaurant itself, however, continues to operate down the street at 125 W. Route 66. The Williams News on Tuesday posted a photo of the building being torn down, although the … Continue reading Old Smoky’s Restaurant building in Williams torn down

The highs and lows of Williams, Arizona

Williams, Arizona, burgeons with tourists and few storefront vacancies along its downtown Route 66 corridor these days. Yet it also battles with long-term problems. The Arizona Daily Sun newspaper in nearby Flagstaff published a report on the renaissance of Williams and the challenges the Route 66 town still faces. You can read the whole thing … Continue reading The highs and lows of Williams, Arizona

Sleep overnight in a caboose on Route 66

Are you a railroad buff who'd love to travel Route 66? A KOA campground in Eureka, Missouri, has just the thing for you -- a railroad caboose that recently was renovated for use for overnight travelers. KSDK-TV in St. Louis produced a story about the tricked-out caboose offered by the St. Louis West / Historic 66 … Continue reading Sleep overnight in a caboose on Route 66

Artist offering Route 66-inspired diorama, map to museums or collectors

Wendy Jack, a California-based artist, completed an elaborate diorama, map and other displays for a work titled "A Nostalgic Journey on Route 66" she hopes will interest museums, organizations or individuals. The work consists of an approximate 4 1/2-by-3 1/2-foot diorama of a gas station and souvenir shop, with a lot of detail, next to … Continue reading Artist offering Route 66-inspired diorama, map to museums or collectors

A look at Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe

AAA Highroads recently posted this video about Cruiser's Route 66 Cafe in Williams, Arizona. I haven't been to Cruiser's in a few years. One thing I didn't know about Cruiser's is Grand Canyon Brewing Co. basically is attached. Williams: Cruiser's Route 66 Cafe from AAA Highroads on Vimeo. The food looks mostly good, but I … Continue reading A look at Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe

$500,000 grant accepted for Arizona State Railroad Museum

The city of Williams, Arizona, accepted a $500,000 state grant to help acquire artifacts for the Arizona State Railroad Museum, reported the Williams News. The grant, which will be available by fiscal year 2018, came with help from the Northern Arizona Council of Governments. It requires a $5,000 administrative fee and a 5.7 percent match of any money … Continue reading $500,000 grant accepted for Arizona State Railroad Museum

Yahoo test-drives new Jaguar in Williams

A writer for Yahoo! Autos test-drove a 2016 Jaguar XF in the high-altitude mountains near and in the Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona. It seems a little odd to test a car on potentially icy surfaces this time of year, but it gave the driver a way to test the car's intriguing All-Surface Progress … Continue reading Yahoo test-drives new Jaguar in Williams

Williams renews Route 66 Zipline lease for five years

The Route 66 Zipline in Williams, Arizona, which had a cloudy future as recently as 18 months ago, was renewed for a five-year lease last month, according to the Williams News. The final vote was 4-3, with the mayor casting the tie-breaker. Logan Checketts' Route 66 Zipline, which takes riders over downtown Williams and the Route … Continue reading Williams renews Route 66 Zipline lease for five years

A view from above Route 66

Mike and Casey Lynch recently took a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone to shoot amazing aerial footage along Route 66 in California, Arizona and New Mexico. Some of the things you'll find on this 14-minute video: Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California Anonymous Canyon in Newberry Springs, California Bagdad … Continue reading A view from above Route 66

The Route 66 episode of “Hotel Impossible”

The Travel Channel reality show "Hotel Impossible" aired a Route 66-related episode on Tuesday night, showing how host Anthony Melchiorri tries to dress up the Luxury Inn in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the Red Garter Inn and Canyon Motel and RV Park in Williams, Arizona. As you'll find, the Red Garter and the Canyon didn't need … Continue reading The Route 66 episode of “Hotel Impossible”