route 66 pocket

State Route 64 South leaves from Grand Canyon Village exit. About an hour drive takes you to the town of Williams, whose main street is made up of Route 66.

It's known as a gateway to Grand Canyon National Park via the Grand Canyon Railway. Historic Route 66 has Americana-style shops and restaurants dating back to the early 1900s.

Evening had set in shortly after, so I took a stroll up and down the center of town. About halfway down Main Street, tucked away in the corner of a historical building is the Grand Canyon Hotel. It’s the oldest hotel in the state of Arizona. It was time to turn in and recharge.

The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel is a small, family and American owned and operated business. The hotel itself was originally established in 1891 and has a long history as one the area's great jewels.

The following morning the air was cool and crispy. A coffee and walk helped get the circulation moving. I refueled at the Route 66 Gas Station before heading back to the Grand Canyon Village.

Despite US re-routing traffic in favor of modern interstate systems, I like the little towns that continue curating their pocket dimension for others to enjoy and experience.