Historic Route 66 (1/2)

Thursday I headed west of Flagstaff on the dreaded interstate to get to a fantastic, fun to drive 155 mile stretch of Historic Route 66.  The portion I drove is separated from the interstate, unlike a portion I drove in Illinois last year which was parallel and, frankly, rather boring.  Today’s drive was very different and brought back memories of vacations my parents took me on when I was a kid (remember Burma Shave signs???).  It was quite an enjoyable drive.

I tried to capture photos of established businesses (some, closed, unfortunately) that have been there since the glory days of “The Mother Road”, not just opportunists who bought a property on the route and have tried to make it “look old”.  I wish I had brought my Asleep at the Wheel CD to play the “I Get My Kicks on Route 66” song over and over while I drove….

First town – Seligman:

Between Seligman and Peach Springs:

This (below) was past Valentine, near Hackberry.  Yes, there is an active business buried under those trees.

This was in the town of Kingman, the largest town I visited along the way:

Also in Kingman.  Of course The AmazingMrD (me) would have to come back and have lunch here on the return trip.  Best chili dog and root beer I’ve had in a while….

In Cool Springs, before traversing a tricky stretch of narrow, winding, mountain road.

When I got to the town of Topock (right at the border with California) I cheated and took the interstate 45 miles back to Kingman, where I had lunch and then took the old road back east towards Seligman.  The leisurely drive ended up taking all day, but was very enjoyable.