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November 2005
Prescott
Traveling through Arizona is an experience not to be missed. From the low desert to the towering mountains, the state plays host to a variety of scenery, plants and animals. In this issue, we would like to take you the town of Prescott, which is also one of our featured Buzz cities. The town bears the distinction as being known as “Everybody’s Hometown”. Located in Central Northern Arizona, Prescott is a popular destination because of its mild four-season climate and year-round recreational opportunities. Prescott is approximately 96 miles northwest of Phoenix.
History
 Prescott, founded in 1864, twice served as the territorial capital. The Governor's Mansion is now preserved at the Sharlot Hall Museum. With most of Prescott's early residents Northerners and Midwesterners, the town's architecture took on a distinctly Victorian look. Neighborhoods surrounding the town square are filled with restored Victorian-era homes, many of which are on National Register of Historic Places.
But, some of Prescott's historical buildings were lost during July of 1900 when a fire destroyed much of town's commercial district. However, the bouncy of Prescott's residents wouldn't allow the town's commercial area to pass away.
Courthouse Square in downtown Prescott.
Within hours makeshift structures were put into place and plans were under way to rebuild. Following the fire, most buildings in the downtown area were reconstructed of brick; previous construction was of wood.
No mention of Prescott's early days would be complete without mention of the famous (or some may call infamous) Whiskey Row. The street, actually known as Montezuma Street, received its distinction because of the numerous saloons that once lined the street. Today, however, charming shops have replaced many of the saloons. But, a few saloons still do exist. The Palace has been on Whiskey Row since 1877 and is considered to be the oldest saloon in Arizona.
Attractions
Outdoor recreation abounds near Prescott. Five area lakes are located within 10 miles of the downtown area. The lakes offer boating and fishing opportunities. Additionally, the approximately 1.2 million-acre Prescott National Forest, which surrounds the city on three sides, contains a number of hiking trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Interesting areas to explore include:
- Goldwater Creek
- Granite Mountain Wilderness
- Prescott National Forest
- Watson Lake
- Thumb Butte Loop Trail
At approximately 5,400 feet, moderate temperatures (the average summer temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit; the average winter temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit), make any season is the perfect season to visit Prescott.
Watson Lake is located not far from Prescott's historic downtown.
For more information visit:
The Prescott Buzz
City of Prescott
Prescott National Forest
December 2005
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.
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”.
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.
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:
The Seligman Buzz
The Route 66 Buzz
Route 66 Association of Arizona
Sierra Verde Trading
January 2006
Peach Springs – Gateway to the Great Outdoors
This month we continue on our journey down Historic Route 66. Last month, we kicked off our trip in Seligman, the town that marks the beginning of the remaining stretch of Route 66 running through Arizona. The state of Arizona is the only state which can boast of having the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 still in existence. Continuing down Route 66 the next town we will visit is Peach Springs. You will be treated to expanses of undeveloped land with spectacular views on the cruise to Peach Springs. In fact, many of Arizona’s scenic attractions are easily accessible from Peach Springs.
Peach Springs
Peach Springs, located approximately 32 miles west of Seligman, is the next town you will reach as you travel down Route 66. The historic route runs directly through the center of the small town. Additionally, Peach Springs is the tribal capital for the Hualapai Reservation, which encompasses a million acres along 108 miles of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. The reservation, created by an executive order in 1883, features rolling hills, rugged mesas, forests, high cliffs and gorges.
Peach Springs origins were as a western terminal for the Santa Fe Railroad. During the early 1880's, the railroad established a water station to obtain from nearby springs the water necessary to feed their steam engines. The town would eventually become home to a roundhouse, shops, Fred Harvey restaurant, and a stagecoach line. During the heyday of Route 66, Peach Springs could boast of having several cafes, motels and other tourist-related businesses. Few of the Route 66 era landmarks remain.
However, a gas station opened in the 1920's still remains and is considered to be among the few continuously operating gas stations along Route 66. Peach Springs is also home to the Hualapai Lodge a thoroughly modern lodging amenity with a restaurant and a gift shop. Additionally, the lodge offers a number of tour packages to area attractions.
Hualapai Lodge
The Hualapai Lodge can act as a central stop for those touring the canyon. The lodge offers 60 oversized guest rooms with double and king size beds. In addition to overnight accommodations, the office for the Hualapai River Runners, established in 1973, is located at the lodge. Additionally, Hualapai River Runners is the only Indian owned and operated river rafting outfit operating in the canyon. You can select from one or two day rafting trips on the Colorado River.
Recreation Near Peach Springs
Grand Canyon Caverns
Approximately 8 miles east of Peach Springs you will find the Grand Canyon Caverns, formed in prehistoric times by an inland sea. Hidden more than 200 feet underground, the caverns weren't discovered until 1927. It took millions of years and evaporating water to create the beautiful formations found in the caverns – stalagmites, onyx, flowstone as well as large deposits of Selenite crystals, including helictites. Guided tours of the caverns are available daily, with the exception of Christmas, and last about 45 minutes. The caverns are privately owned and not a part of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Hualapai Indian Reservation
If you have a time for a side trip, it is well worth the extra time to sightsee the western reaches of the Grand Canyon, which attracts more than 7,500 guests monthly. A little less than 60 miles from Peach Springs, this section of the canyon is within the Hualapai Reservation. A variety of outdoor recreation experiences from off-roading to hiking can be found in this wilderness set among the grandeur of the western reaches of the canyon. At the Grand Canyon’s West Rim there are no buildings or guard rails – in short nothing that will obstruct your view of the canyon.
Skywalk
Plans are being made for the “Skywalk” – a glass bridge that will suspend visitors 4,000 feet above the Colorado River and extend over the edge of the Grand Canyon. Originally slated to open during January 2006, the opening date has been moved to mid-year 2006.
Waterfalls
A stunning sight is the collection of three waterfalls located at the bottom of Havasupai Canyon, near the village of Supai. The village, which boasts of a population of approximately 450 people, cannot be accessed by vehicle. The trip must be made via foot or on horse or back as vehicles are not able to access this trail. The trailhead begins at Hualapai Hilltop, which is located at the end of Indian Road 18, approximately 68 miles north of Route 66. Be sure to bring plenty of water, food and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, as there are no amenities or services at the trailhead. The trip from the trailhead to the village is approximately 8 miles and can take three to six hours to complete. Lodging accommodations include campgrounds and a 24-room lodge. Reservations are necessary to ensure overnight lodging. The town also has a store, cafe, lodge and museum.
The three major waterfalls in the area Navajo Falls, Mooney Falls and Havasu Falls are located within 2 miles of the village along the banks of Havasu Creek. The falls aren't only scenic, depending upon the time of year you can take a refreshing swim in the pools below the waterfall. The best times of the year to visit Havasu Canyon are from April to May and September to November. During these months, the extreme temperature changes and monsoon season can be avoided.
A view near the Hualapai Hilltop, the trailhead for the trek to the village of Supai.
Diamond Creek Road
Peach Springs is the starting point for Diamond Creek Road, the only existing road leading to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The 21-mile dirt road known as Diamond Creek Road will take you to the Colorado River as it traverses the western rim of the Grand Canyon. Dropping nearly 3,500 feet to the bottom of the canyon, you will be able to see the steep, colorful walls of the canyon as well as stunning views of Diamond Peak. The final two miles of the road are underwater. So, while the road leads to the bottom of the canyon, you may not be able to actually drive the road to its conclusion.
Buck and Doe Road
Buck and Doe Road (also known as Indian Road 1) will take you 50 miles down a partially paved turns to gravel road slightly east of Peach Springs to the Grand Canyon West. Buck and Doe and its side roads grant the easiest access to the wilderness, with many lonely canyons within a days hike. This includes Meriwhitica and Milkweed canyons.
Many recreational opportunities abound near Peach Springs hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting just to name a few. Many of the unpaved roads require a permit. While in Peach Springs be sure to check with the Wildlife Preservation Office or the Hualapai Lodge to find out whether or not a permit is necessary.
For more information about Peach Springs and the surrounding areas, please be sure to visit:
The Seligman Buzz
Destination Grand Canyon West
Grand Canyon Caverns
Havasupai Tribe
Hualapai Lodge
February 2006
A Journey to Kingman-
The Heart of Historic Route 66
This is the third installment in our trip down Historic Route 66 in Arizona. The state of Arizona is the only state that can boast of having the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 still in existence. We kicked our trip off in the quaint town of Seligman and then journeyed on to Peach Springs. We stopped at a few attractions along the way - Grand Canyon Caverns, Grand Canyon West as well as Havasupai Canyon and its beautiful waterfalls. This month the road runs to Kingman. But along the way we will make a few stops at towns along the route from Peach Springs to Kingman. So, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Truxton
Truxton is less than 15 minutes west of Peach Springs. This was truly a community built around Route 66 when Clyde McCune opened a gas station and a cafe was opened by Donald Dits in 1951. Other amenities in the town sprang up over time to provide services to travelers. Some remain but many are gone. Today you can still find a gas station, small grocery, and of course, the Truxton Cafe and Frontier Motel.
Ray and Mildred Barker purchased the Truxton Cafe and its adjacent Frontier Motel in 1957. The hotel and cafe continue to operate. Stop in for a slice of pie and a Route 66 history primer.
Valentine
Next stop is the tiny community of Valentine, which is about 10 miles from Truxton. The community was established in 1898 as Truxton Canyon and continues to be the home of the Truxton Canyon Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs. It wasn't until 1910 the name Valentine was chosen as an honor to Robert G. Valentine, who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1908-1910.
Still standing today are remains of two schoolhouses. The Indian School, which opened in 1917 and operated through the late 1930's. However, later on the school reopened and was in use until 1969. The second schoolhouse, also known as "The Little Red Schoolhouse," was built in 1924. A reminder of a different time when segregation was in effect, this school served students who were not Native Americans.
At one time, Valentine had a contract post office. As you can imagine, the Valentine's post office was busy place in February. Thousands of cards would be sent to Valentine for the heart shaped postmark.
Hackberry
Continuing on Route 66, Hackberry is a little more than 20 miles west of Truxton. The town's origins date back to 1874 when prospectors set up a mining camp on the east side of the Peacock Mountains. It was silver that called out to the prospectors. However, mining ceased in 1919 because of litigation among the owners of the Hackberry Silver Mine. The closure of the mine caused the population of the town to dwindle.
At Hackberry's General Store you can take a trip into the past. The store is a virtual museum of all that is Route 66. Photo courtesy of Kai Verner Knudsen.
Shortly after the prospectors/miners arrived on the scene, along came the railroad in 1882. This time, however, the cash crop was cattle as the town served as a debarkation point. The number of cattle shipped from this point was at one time the third largest in volume in Arizona.
Another scene from the Hackberry General Store. Photo courtesy of Kai Verner Knudsen.
The introduction of Route 66 changed the town's focus from a mining and railroad community to a community providing amenities for travelers. Today, there are only a few structures remaining such as the Hackberry Elementary School built in 1917 and in use through 1994 and the Hackberry General Store.
The store was given a new lease on life in the early 1990's and today serves as museum and visitor information source for all that is Route 66. Definitely a trip into the past, you will find a plethora of Route 66 memorabilia, history and lore at the Hackberry General Store. You will want to stop and stay awhile, see a piece of living history and enjoy a bottle of root beer.
Kingman
 Continue on Route 66 to Kingman, approximately 30 miles from the town of Hackberry. Kingman is by far one of the largest towns on our tour of Route 66 and, as with many other communities along Route 66, it roots are with the railroad. Initially, the community served as a railroad stop near Beales Springs in the Middleton Section along the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad route.
Other Kingman milestones followed: the town established in 1882; the first store opened in 1883; a new schoolhouse completed at the southwest of 4th & Oak streets in 1886; and selected as the Mohave County seat in 1887 by a county election.
Over the years, the Kingman continued to grow. By the early 1900's, the population grew to 500. A rich gold find in the Black Mountains, Gold Road, caused Kingman to become a center for mining activity within the county. Ups and downs followed within the mining community, but the existence of Route 66 and the railroad helped Kingman to rebound. One of the towns most famous residents was actor Andy Devine, who referred to Kingman as his hometown. Other Hollywood trivia includes the fact that Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were married in Kingman.
Today, Kingman is a bustling city that continues to grow each year. All of the amenities of a metropolitan city can be found in Kingman. But with all of the growth, the town hasn't forgotten its link to the historic Mother Road. Kingman bears the moniker of being within the heart of Route 66. Additionally, the historic downtown area along Route 66 has not changed much. A stroll or cruise to Andy Devine Avenue and Beale Street will let you live a slice of history.
Powerhouse Visitor Center
One stop that you won't want to miss is a visit to the Powerhouse Visitor Center, where the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona's office and gift shop are located. If you want to discover more about Kingman, the Powerhouse Visitor Center is the perfect place to spend some time as the Carlos Elmer Gallery, Memory Lane Diner, a model railroad store, an Old West store, Historic Route 66 Museum and the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce are also housed within the building. This is definitely a place you will want to linger to learn more about the legend and lore of Kingman and Route 66.
Even the building has interesting origins. Opened in 1907, the "Powerhouse" served as a centralized and consistent electric power supply to area mines. But, by 1940, the powerhouse ceased functioning as a power station and became a storage facility. The old powerhouse was renovated in the mid-1990's and once again began to serve Kingman, albeit in a different capacity. Also of interest, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Powerhouse Visitors Center is located 120 W. Route 66.
Walking Tour
You will want to park your car for a little bit and put on your walking shoes to fully experience Kingman. A walking tour guidebook is available the Mohave Museum of History and Arts as well as the Powerhouse Visitors Center. You will see 60 properties listed on the National Register as historic structures. The walk includes the areas along Andy Devine Avenue from the Powerhouse to the Santa Fe Train Depot on 4th Street.
For more information about Route 66 and Kingman, please visit:
March 2006
A Journey to Oatman -
There's Gold in Those Hills!
This month’s day trip is our fourth and final installment in our trip down Historic Route 66 in Arizona. The state of Arizona is the only state that can boast of having the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 still in existence.
We kicked off our trip in the quaint town of Seligman and then journeyed on to Peach Springs. We stopped at a few attractions along the way. After Peach Springs, we headed down to the road to Kingman. Now, it’s on to Oatman, which was once the last stop on Route 66 before crossing the Mohave Desert.
Oatman
Oatman is located approximately 28 miles southwest of Kingman in the Black Mountains at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. The town was previously named Vivian because of its proximity to the Vivian Mining Company. However, in 1909 the town’s name was changed to Oatman in honor of Olive Oatman.
How Oatman Got Its Name
Olive, her sister Mary Ann and her brother Lorenzo were the only members of the Oatman family who remained alive after a massacre in 1851 by the Apache (some say Yavapai) Indians. While Lorenzo escaped, Mary Ann and Olive were taken captive and later sold as slaves to a Mohave chief. Mary Ann died while in captivity; however, Lorenzo was later able to locate and help rescue his sister near the present day Oatman. Olive went on to marry cattleman John Fairchild in 1865. In 1876, Olive and John adopted a daughter.
Boomtown
The mining industry helped to elevate Oatman's status to that of a boomtown from a tent-town mining camp. With a more than $10 million gold strike in 1915, the town's population swelled to more than 3,500 residents within a year. Oatman was at one time considered to be the richest gold mining district within Arizona.
But mining is a fickle industry. A fire in 1921 destroyed many of the structures in town and within a short three years later in 1924 United Eastern Mines shut down their operation. United Eastern Mines was one of the main mining companies operating at that time.
Route 66 helped to keep Oatman alive by catering to travelers. But hard times came once again in 1952 when Route 66 was rerouted through Yucca as the amount of traffic on the road couldn't safely traverse the steep, winding road. The town was bypassed by I-40 from Kingman to Needles, California.
Tourist Town
But, Oatman's story is one similar to many small towns in Arizona that rebound and develop into charming and interesting tourist towns. This is partially because of the renewed interest in Route 66. By visiting Oatman today, you can experience a trip back to the Old West. It is estimated that each year approximately 400,000 visitors come to Oatman to live a day in the past. The town prides itself on keeping Oatman's atmosphere as authentic as possible. Staged gunfights and costumed dancers are all part of the fun.
Of course the wandering, panhandling, furry burros are the stars of Oatman. The burros wander freely throughout the town – even down Main Street. While the burros are quite gentle and even seem to be domesticated, they still are “wild” animals that retreat into the desert in the evenings. Descendents of the animals freed by the miners, the burros aren't afraid to come right up to you – in fact they are downright curious. Sometimes, the burros even stop traffic.
What to See and Do
Many quaint shops and restaurants line the main thoroughfare. You'll want to spend time just strolling the streets. No mention of Oatman would be complete without talking about the Oatman Hotel, built in 1902, and considered to be one of the oldest two-story adobe structures in Mohave County.
Throughout the years many people have stayed at the 10-room hotel, including film stars Clark Gable and Carol Lombard who spent their wedding night there in March 1939 after being married in Kingman . The honeymoon suite is still a major attraction. Throughout the years, the hotel’s name was changed a number of times with the moniker “Oatman Hotel” being settled on in the 1960's.
What's for lunch this curious burro wants to know.
Looming above the town is the Elephant’s Tooth, a white quartz rock formation. The rock formation plays an important role in town’s history. The formation acted as beacon to prospectors looking for the lucky gold strike. The presence of quartz, as legend states, often indicated gold and silver are often found near quartz.
Elephant's Tooth rock formation.
Also located near Oatman is the Gold Road Mine, which has been in production off and on for the past 100 years. The gold mine was one of the top producers in the early 1900's. More than $2.2 million worth of gold was reportedly milled through the end of 1907. Most recently, the mine was opened again in 1995 and was producing more than 40,000 ounces of gold annually. However, the mine was closed again in 1998 because it became more cost effective to mine gold elsewhere.
Today the Gold Road Mine is open daily for guided tours. On the tour, you will be able to view the 1900 drift that was the mine’s origin as well as journey directly under Route 66. This is definitely a unique tour – you will even be able to view actual gold still left in the walls of the mine in an area known as “Glory Hole”.
Are gold mines and shopping not on your vacation list to-do list? Try viewing the area around Oatman on horseback by riding through the Black Mountains. The trails used include trails created by the U.S. Calvary to connect Kingman to Fort Mohave. The Oatman Stables offers a variety of trail rides; you can even participate in a cattle drive.
Oatman is a unique town that could be considered one of the liveliest ghost towns and a place you will want to spend a little time. For more information about Oatman, please visit:
April 2006
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.
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
This year'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:
May 2006
It's Time for a Rim Country Escape
Rim Country is a short drive northeast of metro Phoenix but a world apart. May is the perfect time to pack your bags and head for the Rim. There are several unique communities near the Rim we will be visiting on our new Day Trip series Rim Country Escape. The mountain town of Payson is considered to be the gateway to Rim Country and its treasure trove of natural beauty. Payson, with a population of more than 14,000 residents, is one of the larger towns in Rim Country. The communities of Pine, Strawberry, Star Valley and Christopher Creek round out the remaining Rim Country communities on our itinerary.
A visit to Rim Country communities, which range in elevation from approximately 5,000 feet to 7,000 feet, places you amidst the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world as well as within one of only three pure air ozone belts in the world. The elevation and pure air makes the area the perfect retreat for visitors who want to escape the desert heat during the summer or to play in the snow during the winter. And, of course, to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Mogollon Rim
Rim Country garners its name from the Mogollon Rim, which is a 7,000-foot, 200-mile long escarpment with sweeping vistas. The rim stretches from southwest of Flagstaff to the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Additionally, the Mogollon Rim marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. A dirt road, once known as Crook's Trail or now known as Rim Road, runs along the rim and is considered to be the longest continuous “high road” in Arizona. The Army built the route more than a 100 years ago as a way to move troops and supplies to various Army posts. When completed in 1876, the road connected Fort Verde with Fort Apache.
Payson
The thriving community of Payson is the first stop on our trip. Located at the base of the rim, Payson is approximately 100 miles northeast of Phoenix and 115 miles south of Flagstaff. This town offers many of the amenities of the metropolitan areas, but still retains its small town roots. Enjoyable restaurants and comfortable accommodations are close at hand as well as boundless outdoor recreation. Payson is nearby to lakes as well as camping and hiking areas. In fact, three national forests - Coconino, Sitgreaves and Tonto forests - are close by.
The backdrop of the Mazatzal Mountains. Photo courtesy of by Sharon Jackson.
Payson is most notable as a real cow town even though some of the town's earliest residents were lured there to find precious metals such as gold. But, Payson never became a gold boomtown. Instead, the town retains the flavor of its Western roots including the legacy of its most notable resident author Zane Grey who penned novels during the 1920's from his cabin just outside of Payson.
 Photo courtesy of Sharon Jackson.
Shopping and Restaurants
Payson's shopping and restaurants are unique. Many of the stores are independently owned rather part of a chain or franchise. For example, it isn't often you find shops in Arizona tucked into a Swiss style chalet. Known as the Swiss Village, you can't miss the "village" on the main thoroughfare in town - the Beeline Highway. Taking up most of the retail space in the "Village" is the Payson Candle Factory, which has been in business for more than 25 years. An actual factory is onsite where a variety of sculptured and novelty candles are created. You will also want to visit the quaint antique shops in town. Many of the shops are located on the Beeline Highway or on Main Street.
But, the independently-owned businesses in town aren't just aimed at collectibles. One such example is Dove's Nest Computer Solutions. Family-owned and operated Doves Nest keeps Paysonites computers up and running.
Payson also offers a variety of restaurants with everything from American to Mexican to Italian cuisine. Stop into Mackeys Grill for a burger or a slice of pie. The Beeline Cafe commonly brings visitors from out-of-town to enjoy a meal. Hungry for Mexican food? Then try out El Rancho. Cucina Paradiso is a good choice for Italian food.
Local Attractions
Zane Grey Cabin
A must do while you are in Payson is a tour of the rebuilt Zane Grey Cabin. Grey’s original cabin was destroyed during the Dude Fire in 1990. The forest fire destroyed acres upon acres of land in Rim Country as well as the historic cabin located approximately 20 miles outside of Payson. The fire was started by lightening and consumed more than 75 structures before it was extinguished.
Not content to lose the cabin forever, the Zane Grey Cabin Foundation was formed to rebuild a historically accurate replica of the original cabin from photos. Items saved from the original structure are on display in the cabin, which is located next to the Rim Country Museum in Green Valley Park. Rocks from the foundation and chimney of the original cabin were incorporated into the rebuilt structure. While you are there, you will also want to visit the museum, which is housed in a 1906 Forest Service ranger station. You will find artifacts and memorabilia commemorating history within the area.
Tours of the cabin are operated daily with the exception of Tuesday. For more information, visit www.zanegreycabin.org/
Green Valley Park
Want to enjoy some of the moderate temperatures Payson can boast about? Then a visit to Green Valley Park is in order. Green Valley Park encompasses 40-acres with playgrounds and picnic ramadas. Three man-made lakes offer up more than 13 acres of lakes that are stocked with Rainbow Trout from May to October. A popular local entertainment venue is the park’s three-acre amphitheater.
4th of July Fireworks are held annually at the Park.
Mazatzal Casino
Payson is also home to the |
