Cover photo: Kingman Rental Bikes
Welcome to the quarterly newsletter of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. I’m Roger Naylor, Arizona author and travel writer, and it’s my privilege to pen these newsletters that we hope will inform and entertain. Let’s jump right in.
What if you could take a road trip with a companion that was smart, articulate, full of great tips, and never gets lost? Best of all, you still get to choose all the snacks. Now you can, when you download the brand-new Route 66 GPS Guided Audio tour. This location-based audio tour was created in collaboration between the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona and GuideAlong.
Covering the stretch of Mother Road between Holbrook and Topock, the tour features more than 360 audio points that includes information, stories, and tips. All commentary autoplays as you drive, based on GPS location and direction. So you can travel at your own pace either westbound or eastbound and receive the full benefits. The tour is available on the GuideAlong website and is called “Arizona’s Route 66.”
If you’ve not dropped by the Ash Fork Route 66 Historic Museum in a while, prepare to be wowed. Everything about the big, airy building looks spectacular. It gleams like the place just opened. A grant from the Association helped start things moving and then hardworking volunteers put those funds to good use. The museum, the town, and all of Route 66 lost a cherished icon in April 2024 when the dynamo that was Fayrene Hume—also known as the Angel of Ash Fork—passed away. But she would be so happy to see her legacy carried on and led by her daughter-in-law, Rosemary Hume.
Along with the spiffy improvements, the museum unveiled some new exhibits, including one that honors the town’s favorite son, Marshall Trimble. Born in 1939, Marshall moved with his family to Ash Fork when he was only a youngster of eight. He grew up there when it was a booming railroad town, ranching community, and “Flagstone Capital of the World.” Like Fayrene, Marshall was always a champion of Ash Fork. Since 1997, Marshall Trimble has been Arizona’s official state historian. For decades now, he has entertained audiences with music, tales, and homespun humor. The exhibit does a very nice job of capturing his story. Be sure to stop, the next time you’re driving by. The line from our favorite song goes, “Don’t forget Winona.” But it also applies to Ash Fork. 901 Old Route 66, 928-637-0204.
It’s really sinking in now how quickly the Route 66 centennial approaches. 2026 absolutely looms! We’re just a few months away. Turning 100 will be biggest event in the history of the Mother Road. At least since its resurrection in the 1980s, which all began right here in Seligman. That milestone was celebrated in May with another wildly successful Fun Run.
Start making your plans now to be part of the centennial extravaganza. And to help you keep track of all the festivals, fandangos, special events, and parties during 2026 we’ll include a Centennial Corner in each newsletter. If you know of something fun that’s going to be happening, clue us in so we can broadcast the news.
The inaugural centennial bash will take place on November 15, 2025 in Kingman. That’s when the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona turns back the clock a century for its Night at the Route 66 Museum. The fundraising event in the Powerhouse features live jazz music, casino-style games in a speakeasy atmosphere, food, magic, and guided tours of the Route 66 Museum’s new exhibits. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s-era attire to get in the swing of things.
This will be the official kickoff to the year-long celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary. It also marks the unveiling of the completed Route 66 Museum Centennial Renovation Project, with vibrant new exhibits and unbridled passion for the Mother Road. Tickets for the event cost $100 and proceeds benefit the Route 66 Museum so they can continue their work with preservation projects and educational outreach. Purchase your tickets today!
Since I already mentioned Fun Run, better start making plans for an even bigger, more spectacular centennial-version of the Route 66 Fun Run, which will take place May 1-3, 2026. The Association has expanded the number of vehicles that can be registered for the car show to 900. But you just know that all those slots will quickly fill up, so sign up as soon as you can.
The calendar for Fun Run will also widen because the Seligman Route 66 Centennial Celebration will kick off on Thursday April 30 and last through May 2, expanding and incorporating the first couple of days of Fun Run. Festivities will take place all through the day on April 30 starting with the opening ceremony and continuing with author book signings, a Route 66 history display, time capsule viewing, and finishing with one great party with food trucks, live music, and literal dancing in the streets.
Here’s an interesting fact: The woman known as the “Betsy Ross of Arizona” was a member of the Route 66 family. May Hicks was born in Flagstaff in 1888, the daughter of a judge. In 1911, she left an indelible mark on Arizona when she hand-sewed the first state flag. Yes, the iconic red and gold one filled with dazzling sunset rays that’s still flown today. May’s original is on display at the State Capital Museum.
She and her husband made their home south of the railroad tracks in downtown Flag. They compiled one of the most significant photographic collections of early Flagstaff life. And she operated boarding houses on Route 66, which passed close to their door. May Hicks Curtis died in 1970 but her home remained as an important contributing structure to the Southside Historic District.
When the house was threatened with demolition to make way for apartments, the city of Flagstaff stepped in and purchased it. In spring, it was loaded onto a truck and quietly driven through the neighborhood in the midnight hours to a temporary setting on city property, where it waits for its final destination to be determined. The move was made possible by grants from the Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund of the National Trust, and our very own Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. So fly that beautiful Arizona flag high. An important piece of our heritage has been saved.
How about yet another heartwarming story of a piece of our past being preserved? Only this time it wasn’t done with a city’s resources but by a handful of hardworking dedicated people. Ella’s Frontier is being reborn at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City.
Originally built in 1927 out of telegraph poles, the trading post went through a few owners before Ella Blackwell took over operation in 1955 and ran it until her death in 1984. She was a well-known character on the Mother Road. The building sat empty, growing more decrepit over time. Finally, a few years ago, Ed Klein—known for his preservation efforts on Route 66—worked out an agreement with the property owners to disassemble the old structure and rebuild it elsewhere. Among the folks helping with the project were the owners of Earl’s Motor Court in Winslow, owners of Meteor City Trading Post, and the owners of Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Neighbors helping neighbors. The original plan was to rebuild Ella’s at Meteor City but alas, that was not to be.
That’s when Tony and Cindy Jaquez of Jack Rabbit stepped up, as they have so often before. Space has been cleared on the property, the old telegraph poles were hauled over, and the rebuilding has begun. They hope to have it completed this year. It won’t reopen as a business, but will stand proud with the Ella’s Frontier sign hanging out front. How nice it will be to see these two grand old dame trading posts of Route 66 side by side. And it’s all because a few folks refuse to let our history vanish. We owe them all a big debt of gratitude.
Be sure to stop by Jack Rabbit Trading Post for a little souvenir shopping, and to check on Ella’s progress. And remember, Tony and Cindy are doing this on their own while trying to keep their business running. If you can donate some time to help out, or part with a few dollars to help defray expenses, I’m sure it would be most welcome.
Back in the spring, HGTV, the popular home and garden channel, shared their list of the 40 most charming downtowns in the United States. Included among them was our very own Williams. No surprise to any Route 66 traveler, Williams stays rooted in simpler times with its blend of shops, diners, saloons, and patios all strung along the Mother Road. There’s no better way to spend a summer evening than to walk the neon-splashed streets while music drifts up and down the boulevard and traffic slow-rumbles past. It’s easy to lose track of the decades.
Yet perhaps the most impressive thing about Williams is that it holds on to its charm while continuing to evolve as a beloved destination. Bearizona, Arizona’s premier wildlife park, just celebrated their 15th birthday in May. They get better and better with each passing year. More recent attractions include Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, offering four seasons of thrills, and the delightful and kid-friendly Poozeum, dedicated to the fossilized poop of dinosaurs.
Other businesses that have opened in Williams recent months continue to elevate the already strong food and lodging scene.
Trailborn Grand Canyon is an American West-inspired hotel that fits right in to the Route 66 family. Instead of demolishing the old bones of the Thunderbird Inn, they used them to create a warm, welcoming place that feels chic but nostalgic. The 96 rooms at the Trailborn feature walk-in showers, stylish décor, Grown Alchemist toiletries, and an old-time radio that also syncs up to your playlist. And more good news: they revived and reimagined the popular steakhouse and bar, Miss Kitty’s.
And it seems like the whole town stops by Canyon Donuts in the morning to load up on fresh donuts, luscious apple fritters, and cinnamon rolls as big as hubcaps. At least since January when Canyon Donuts opened their doors and were quickly embraced by the community. Donuts just seem to bring folks together. There are plenty of options to choose from in the display case of Canyon Donuts but always come with a back-up choice because some of the favorites sell out early.
In fact, new additions to Route 66’s dining scene continue to entice travelers. A couple of eateries opened in spring and have been quickly winning fans and wowing taste buds.
In Flagstaff, Sosta opened in a beautifully renovated building just north of downtown. They serve up superior coffee, pastries, and breakfast items. For lunch, fresh pasta headlines the menu with several options available. These are the same folks who own another Route 66 favorite, Pizzicleta, known for their exquisite pizzas. With them making the pasta each day, you know it’s something special. Be sure to save room for the house-made gelato.
The newly opened Commodore House in Seligman was a star of this year’s Fun Run. The cozy eclectic space has a little something for everybody. They offer locally brewed coffee, scrumptious homemade pastries, and then dish up authentic Filipino food for lunch. Look for items like grilled chicken skewers and sweet chili chicken wings. And oh yeah, they’re also a resale shop with a nice selection of vintage items filling the back room.
Prepare for some two-wheeled fun when you stop by Kingman Rental Bikes. This new addition to the downtown scene opened this spring in the vintage Mobil Station with the Pegasus flying high on the garage. It’s worth a stop just to see what they’ve done with the place and to visit their free bicycle museum and road trip-themed gift shop full of toys, games, and other goodies.
They offer a fleet of high-quality Micargi Cruiser bicycles that can be rented by the hour. Along with the stylish wheels, each rental includes a helmet and bike lock. There’s so much to explore in Kingman and this is a great way to tool around town at your own pace to discover it all. Kingman Rental Bikes is open Thursday-Monday.
After being shuttered for almost three years, Arizona’s Route 66 basement is back in business. Grand Canyon Caverns once again welcomes visitors into its subterranean depths. Located between Seligman and Peach Springs, the largest dry caverns in the nation have been one of the ultimate roadside attractions since 1927. Visitors descend more than 200 feet below the surface for guided tours through the massive caverns. Other more challenging tours should become available soon.
Now under new ownership, Grand Canyon Caverns continues to receive upgrades and improvements, including a new elevator leading down into the cave and expanded Wi-Fi across the property. Partial funding was provided via a 2023 grant from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. Be sure to put this stop on your travel list and you’ll discover that not all of Arizona’s beauty is above ground.
Well, that’s it for now. As you can tell, Route 66 in Arizona is going full bore. New businesses are popping up while our history still valued and protected. It’s a community that looks out for one another. We are finishing up the first 100 years strong! Look for the next newsletter to land in your inbox in the fall. It will be the last one before 2026 so let’s start finalizing those centennial plans and spreading the word!
If you have items of interest you’d like to share in upcoming newsletters, you can email them to me, Roger Naylor, at [email protected], or to Nikki Terlesky, Director of Operations at Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona at [email protected].
Thanks for being part of the Route 66 family. Happy motoring!