Williams, AZ

Williams reminds me of how Jackson Hole, Wyoming was 25 years ago. The two towns don't look like each other, but they have the same feel. The air is fresh and crisp at night, and the stars are on top of you. Folks walk around in cowboy hats and boots that are not costumes. They listen to real country music. Stuff like George Jones, Ray Price, Don Williams and guys like that. Not the modern Nashville stuff that Merle Haggard famously called "Nothing but bad rock and roll."

Williams is my favorite Route 66 town. It was the last town to be bypassed by I-40, but unlike many of those towns, it continues to thrive. That may be because Williams remains a popular tourist stop due its proximity to the Grand Canyon and the cool mountain air during the summer.

The main drag in Williams is on Railroad Ave, which is one way going East to West, and W Route 66, which is one way going West to East. So, you need to go through town each way to see everything. W Route 66 has the most action.

Williams has the Grand Canyon Railroad, which gives rides in vintage rail coaches pulled by a steam engine to the Grand Canyon 50 miles away. There is a nice Bar Car. On at least some of the trips, they stage a train hold-up by masked horsemen who ride along side and then board the train. The bandits go from car to car robbing the passengers (of tips for the performance).

Lots of the businesses in Williams claim to be "World Famous." One of these is the World Famous Sultana Bar. It has been in continuous operation in the same building since 1906, which is six years before Arizona became a state. It has the oldest liquor license in Arizona. The atmosphere is Old West, with its original tin ceiling that must be 15 feet high, and stuffed animals including moose, mountain lion, caribou, elk and many other trophies.

The Canyon Club is another cool vintage bar on main street. It is owned by the same folks who own the Sultana. They have cocktails and dancing.

There is a biker looking place called the Iron Horse Saloon with a motorcycle over the entrance way. It has not been open when I have been by. Apparently, it opens seasonally or during special events.

Rod's Steak House also claims to be world famous. It's a good spot if you want a big meal, and there is a small but cool cocktail lounge downstairs.

The Red Garter Bed & Bakery is a B&B in a restored 1897 saloon and whore house. It is run by the owner himself, and is one of the best places to stay along Route 66. It operated as a brothel for decades after prostitution was outlawed in Arizona. The rooms are the ones where saloon girls plied their trade. They are well appointed with quality furnishings. Some have 12 foot ceilings with skylights. Lodging includes breakfast at their own bakery. There are stories of ghost sightings. The only thing that could improve this place would be the addition of a saloon (and the former pros!)

The Frey Marcus Hotel was opened in 1908 inside the Williams Depot and became a Harvey House Hotel. The old Hotel no longer is used for guests. The new part opened in 1995.

The Buffalo Points Inn is a pre-1930 house that has been turned into a B&B. It was voted as having the best porch in Williams. It's walking distance from everything.

If you need help with your bike, stop in at Grand Canyon Motorsports.

All in all, Williams is a great town to just explore. If you are looking for a respite after many days of riding, this is a town worth visiting for more than a day.