Back down through Navajo country to the eastern edge of Arizona’s Route 66. Arizona has the largest stretches of the original highway and it’s fun to drive off highway 40 for the telltale brown “Historic Route 66” signs.
First stop is Holbrook – a wonderful Main Street town with lots of charm and character. There are leather stores, pubs, old diners and of course, souvenir shops galore! I especially enjoyed finding an enoteca, a region nal wine tasting spot on the main drag. The wine was pretty good, too! The town museum had a great old jail house, (third photo) used as recent as 1976. If you look on the walls, you can see where bored inmates drew – a few of the paintings and drawings are really good! Yikes, imagine being cooped up in here! ;-}Leaving town is the iconic Wigwam Hotel – actually motel rooms shaped like teepees. They have classic cars parked throughout the motel, as well. I stayed at the Lodge on Main street. Newly remodeled with lots of luxurious touches and a great outdoor fireplace lounge. Yep, it was cold, but the fireplace was on and the overhead heaters made my time there wonderful! Off season this is an affordable place to stay but in season, it might test your budget. Hence, travel in the “shoulder season” – after Labor day! The weather’s a little cooler, but not too cold until mid-October and the hotel owners and attraction workers are happy to see you, too!