Seligman, AZ and Rt 66
This was one of those days that I had no idea what I was going to be doing. I was heading west on my way to Utah and just wanted to put some miles on and see a few things along the way. It was difficult to leave the serenity of the Alto Pit OHV Campground at the Prescott National Forest.
After packing everything, I decided to head towards Kingman, AZ. Along the way, I saw a sign for a KOA near Seligman. While I was there I met a couple from Holland and they had just finished touring Seligman. They talked about Lilo’s and they told me about a German tour guide who brought Germans with their motorcycles to tour route 66. The woman at the register told me it takes about an hour to tour the entire town.
I spent time making reservations for the Kingman KOA and then drove into Seligman. It’s basically a one street town
Westside Lilo's Cafe in Seligman
I drove through Seligman and when I got to the other side, I turned around and saw Lilo’s Cafe.
Lilo's Cafe is a popular restaurant located in Seligman, AZ, along the historic Route 66. The restaurant is named after Lilo, the German-born owner, who operated the cafe with her American husband for many years. Lilo met Patrick Russell, her husband, in Germany while he was serving in the military.
The cafe's interior is decorated with Route 66 memorabilia, vintage signs, and license plates (mostly German), creating a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. Lilo's Cafe is known for its American and Mexican-style breakfast and lunch dishes, including burritos, sandwiches, burgers, and homemade soups. They also serve a selection of pies, cakes, and pastries made fresh in-house daily. They were cutting carrot cake slices at the counter in front of me. I commented that each slice could feed a small family. Their menu offers plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as a children's menu.
In addition to its food, Lilo's Cafe is also known for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. Lilo herself is not longer working, but patrons at the counter told me the service hasn’t changed. The cafe also offers outdoor seating with views of the historic Route 66. This is probably more interesting in the warmer months when the streets are crowded and people watching is at its height.
On the counter was a memory card for Patrick Russell that described his life and how he me Lilo and the creation of Lilo’s.
Seligman Sundries
After leaving Lilo’s, I drove slowly back through Seligman stopping frequently to take photos. This was the start of the tourist season, but the town wasn’t overrun yet and shopkeepers still had time to chat. I stopped at The Historic Seligman Sundries and met the owner, from Germany. We chatted for 30 minutes and I had an espresso at the counter. His partner was from Switzerland. The exterior is covered with Route 66 memorabilia and signs.
The Seligman Sundries has played an important role in the history of Seligman and Route 66. It was established in the 1920s as a general store to serve the local community and travelers along the newly established Route 66. The store became a popular stop for tourists, and its location in the heart of Seligman made it a hub of activity in the town. Today, the Seligman Sundries continues to be a beloved landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along Route 66.
I walked across the street to look at the motel with an old car parked out front. I noticed some woman across the street pointing to my car and then talking about something. I took a few photos of the motel and returned to the car. The woman were still there. They were from Hong Kong and were in Phoenix for a conference. They were interested in the stickers on top of the car. I told them about my little adventure and asked them for a photo.
There were antique vehicles throughout the town.
As I strolled along the main street, I couldn't resist capturing the sights with my camera. Everywhere I looked, there were fascinating plaques and nostalgic memorabilia that harkened back to a bygone era. Whether it was classic cars, vintage bars, delicious food or unique souvenirs, the main themes of the town were all proudly on display. As I continued to explore, I was struck by the unmistakable charm and character that this small town exuded, and I knew that I was experiencing something truly unique.
Seligman to Kingman AZ
Embarking on a drive along Route 66 from Seligman to Kingman, AZ is nothing short of a scenic adventure. The journey takes you through stunning desert and mountainous landscapes, each one more breathtaking than the last. However, the road's condition can be quite rough in some spots, with deep potholes threatening to derail your trip. As I navigated through this rugged terrain, I made it a top priority to avoid any bumps in the road that could potentially put a damper on my exhilarating journey. Despite the challenges, the drive along Route 66 offered an unforgettable experience that left me in awe of the raw beauty of the American Southwest.
As you leave Seligman, you begin to notice the train tracks that run parallel to the road. This is a major freight route for the BNSF Railway, and there were many long trains carrying containers, coal, and other goods as they rumble past.
As you continue on, you will pass through the foothills of the Black Mountains. These rugged peaks rise up on both sides of the road, creating a dramatic backdrop for your drive. The mountains are characterized by their jagged ridges and rocky outcroppings.
Nearing Kingman, you begin to notice power lines crisscrossing the landscape. These lines carry electricity from the Hoover Dam and other power plants to cities and towns throughout the Southwest. The towers and lines make interesting pattern on the landscape and horizon.
The desert scenery is another highlight of this drive. The landscape is dotted with cactus, Joshua trees, and other desert flora. The colors of the desert changed during the drive, with the sandstone bluffs and mesas taking on a golden glow during sunset.
There were many weather changes during the drive. Leaving Seligman, the sky was blue. Passing through the Black Mountains, there was fog and high winds. Arriving in Kingman in the late afternoon, the sky was dark and it was beginning to rain.
I had booked one night at the KOA. I checked in, found my very small campsite and decided to sleep in the car. It was pouring down rain. Kingman is a transportation hub for trucks and trains and there were many fast food restaurants.
In Kinman, the trains never seem to stop. I assume the trains are moving goods from the docks on the west coast to markets further east. As I watched the endless stream of trains passing by, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer volume of cargo being transported daily, and the incredible efficiency of this vital transportation system.
Canyon 66 Restaurant & Lounge
Canyon 66 Restaurant & Lounge is located in the Clarion Inn Kingman hotel, which was originally built in 1964 as a Holiday Inn. The restaurant itself has been a part of the hotel for many years and has gone through different owners and name changes before being named Canyon 66 Restaurant & Lounge. My expectations for this restaurant were fairly high. I should have kept the expectations low.
The restaurant is considered historic because of its location on Route 66 and is located on the original alignment of Route 66, which has since been replaced by Interstate 40. The restaurant's décor and atmosphere pay homage to the history of Route 66 and the American Southwest, with rustic décor, murals depicting desert landscapes, and a large neon sign outside.
In addition to its historic location, Canyon 66 Restaurant & Lounge is known for its menu, which offers a mix of American and Mexican dishes. For me, the food was very middle-of-the-road.