Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Williams: A Bustling Gateway
Williams is more than just a pit stop along Route 66—it’s a bona fide vacation hotspot. Breakfast downstairs was packed with travelers, and it’s easy to see why: people come to golf, hike, and, of course, visit the Grand Canyon. Walking the streets, I caught glimpses of Route 66 nostalgia in the neon signs and quirky shops, but for the first time on this trip, Williams felt like a destination in its own right.

Off Route Again
For the second day in a row, I took a detour—this time to the Grand Canyon. It had been about twenty years since my last visit, and I was long overdue. I had hoped to hike down the Trail, but a recent avalanche made my route not possible. No hiking this time, but that only means a proper national park adventure is on the agenda for next year.

The drive up to the canyon was a treat in itself. Crisp mornings at 7,000–8,000 feet elevation made the air feel refreshingly alive. Along the way, I spotted a small aviation museum with relics from Western Airlines and what looked like an Air Force interceptor parked outside. It was closed, unfortunately, but I made a mental note to stop next time.

The Canyon
Nothing truly prepares you for the Grand Canyon. I began at Mather Point, and the view was both humbling and surreal—endless layers of rock glowing under the morning sun. Walking the rim trail for five hours, I was struck by the scale and stillness. A fellow visitor mentioned that most people spend only 25 minutes there. Twenty-five minutes! I could have easily stayed six more hours just staring into the vastness. The canyon has a way of shrinking your worries and putting life into perspective.

Route 66 Nostalgia: Williams and Seligman
Back in Williams, the town’s Route 66 charm was irresistible. I fueled up and continued west to Seligman, where busloads of tourists zipped from landmark to landmark—a chaotic scene, yes, but one that keeps the Mother Road alive.

I skipped the Roadkill Café (the name alone is worth a chuckle, but the menu didn’t tempt me) and headed to the Jackass Saloon, soaking in its quirky atmosphere. The Snow Cap Drive-In was a highlight: pranks, double-door gimmicks, and a seriously interactive burger experience made it unforgettable. Even amidst the tourist bustle, these stops reminded me why Route 66 is iconic.

Kingman: Evening Reflections
Later, I rolled into Kingman for the night. Dinner was carnitas at a local Mexican restaurant—spicy, tender, and perfect after a day of driving. Settling into my hotel, I looked forward to exploring Kingman’s museums tomorrow.

Reflections

Tourists may crowd some towns, but traveling the road yourself still brings you closer to its spirit. Some stops feel like caricatures of the past, yet the history, people, and adventure of Route 66 make every mile worthwhile.