It’s rare to find a town steeped in history AND iconic Americana kitsch. Winslow, Arizona has an active Amtrak railroad station, an historic Santa Fe Railroad hotel, a former trading post building, a Standin’ on the Corner Park—and Route 66 runs right through the center of it all.

We trust that many of you will remember the Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey song, “Take It Easy” recorded by The Eagles in 1972. Winslow now hosts a park dedicated to the lyrics, “I’m a-standing on a corner of Winslow, Arizona…” Many people visit the town just to stand on that corner, including us.

We visited Winslow at lunchtime and were delighted to also discover the historic La Posada Historic District and eat lunch in the Turquoise Room of the La Posada Hotel. The hotel and adjacent Santa Fe Depot, completed respectively in 1930 and 1929, were both designed by renowned architect, Mary Coulter. The iconic red clay tile roofs, courtyards, custom furniture (including her rabbit ashtray), and decorative wrought ironwork provide a glimpse into a more glorious and romantic past. The hotel still has two main entrances, one on the street for Route 66 travelers and another on the train station platform for train travelers. The Winslow Amtrak Train Station is still active and used by hotel guests. We regretted not being able to spend the night and vowed to return one day.

The historic hotel closed in 1957, and after being turned into offices, stood abandoned for a significant number of years before being purchased in 1997 and reopened as an historic hotel and restaurant. Contemporary artist, Tina Mion and her husband renovated and restored the La Posada Hotel complex and her interesting and thought-provoking artwork is on display in the former ballroom.

Sue worked with Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site in Ganado, AZ in the 1980s and was surprised to learn that Lorenzo Hubbell also had operated a trading post and warehouse in Winslow. The former 1917 Winslow Hubbell Trading Post building still stands and serves not only as the Winslow Visitor Center but also as a resource for town meetings and gatherings. Very nice reuse that keeps the building active and alive.

We enjoyed our short visit to Winslow and will be sure to return one day. Thanks for following along with us.