Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Due to a short drive today, we spent another relaxing morning. While breaking camp, we spoke with a couple from Michigan at a nearby site who have a 2021 version of our motorhome (Winnebago View 24D). We enjoyed walking around and inside each other’s RVs and comparing and contrasting their features. We ended up leaving Flagstaff around 11 am. The 40-mile jog to Williams went smoothly and around noon, we were setting up in Site 4 at the Grand Canyon / Williams KOA Journey.
Leaving Flagstaff
After settling in, we drove into Williams, refueled the toad, and parked near a promising cafe for lunch, Anna’s Place. The cafe’s old wooden interior had a nice ambience and we both enjoyed a satifying lunch of cheese enchiladas with fixings.
A Promising Lunch Spot
Inside Anna’s Place
Enjoying Enchiladas
After lunch, we crossed the street to the Visitor Information Center. We spent some time there talking with the staff, walking through the gift shop, and touring the small museum about the history of Williams.
Williams Visitor Information Center
Inside the Visitor Center
Visitor Center Museum
We then walked to the nearby Grand Canyon Railroad Station. There, we purchased round-trip train tickets to the Grand Canyon tommorrow. We’ll be traveling in the Pullman Car. The station also had a large gift shop and cafe area that we perused and Jane purchased a couple of coasters.
Grand Canyon Railroad Station
Purchasing Tickets
Incoming Train
Train-Wheel Bench
The Grand Canyon Hotel owns the railroad and is adjacent to the station. We enjoyed wandering around the grounds and also ducked in to check out the lobby and interior.
Train Monument on the Hotel Grounds
Front of the Grand Canyon Hotel
Hotel Lobby
Hotel Interior
Grand Canyon Hotel Grounds
Well, at this point, we had worked up a thirst and so went searching for refreshment. We walked along Route 66 that runs through the heart of Williams and is lined with original buidlings from the heyday of Route 66. We heard live music (vocalist & acoustic guitar) and decided to enjoy a beer on the deck of Cruiser’s Cafe 66 while listening to music. Unfortunately, the muscian finished his last song just as we were taking our seats. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the Route 66 vibe and our beers, Kachina Throwback Ale for Jane and Horseshoe Bend Pale Ale for me.
——————— Cafe 66 —————
——————— Other Williams Photos —————
After Happy Hour, we drove to the local Safeway and stocked up on groceries and other supplies before heading back to the campground. This evening, we’re just chilling in the RV excited about our train ride and first view of the Grand Canyon tomorrow. After all, visiting the Grand Canyon was our main purpose of this adventure.