Our first stop was Williams... A small town nestled in the pine country of Arizona. Route 66 history buffs can explore more than six blocks of historic buildings and shops bursting with memorabilia. For the train enthusiast you can ride the Grand Canyon Railway through Arizona's high country.
We buzzed on down the highway past towns that we have stopped on trips before. So the next gas stop was Gallup, New Mexico. We decided to take a look at the El Delorado Hotel. It is a historic hotel built by R.E. “Griff” Griffith, the brother of film director D.W. Griffith. The pair encouraged early film production in the surrounding area. It is located on old U.S. Route 66 and became the temporary home for many Hollywood movie stars.The rambling, three-story hotel building has a large portico with a central balcony reminiscent of the Southern Plantation style. The National Park Service describes it as having a “rusticated fantasy appearance.” Materials include brick, random ashlar stone, and roughewn wood with a wood shake roof and brick and stone chimneys. The lobby features a spectacular walk-in fireplace made of brick and random ashlar stone surrounded by twin stairways made of split logs that lead to the second floor guest rooms. The slogan “Charm of Yesterday, Convenience of Tomorrow” is hanging in neon above the main entrance.
The Restaurant at the El Rancho Hotel primarily serves American and Mexican food including Steaks, Hamburgers, Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos, and Tamales. The main dishes are named after Movie Stars who have eaten at the restaurant like the Ronald Reagan Burger with a side of Jelly Beans.
We were very surprised to find a fabulous hamburger as we tried the Jack Benny quarter pound cheese burger with fries/salad. It was yummy😋
It was a great day along Route 66!
Nana
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