Prescott, AZ

Much of Historic Route 66 has been subsumed by Interstate 40 which runs across Arizona east into New Mexico and west into California. However, there is still a section of the old highway which starts in Kingman and ends in Ash Fork. It’s a wonderful experience to drive on this scenic old bit of highway. All along there are markers for “Historic Route 66” in the old font and best of all, there are several series of the old Burmashave ads that anyone who drove US highways in the 50’s and 60’s will surely remember. The only thing missing was a picture of Michael Parks and a recording of the old theme song!

Just before Ash Fork, Route 66 intersects with AZ 89, a lovely scenic byway that travels from there down to Prescott, AZ. The paved road is two lanes, and travels for a bit through lush pine forests, the desert unseen until about half way along. We enjoyed the drive immensely and in due course arrived at Prescott.

Prescott was a bit of a shock for us. We had last visited in the mid 90’s when it was a sleepy old town where it was difficult to find a bit of lunch. No more. Now rated as one of the top places to retire in the US, the old historic buildings have been spruced up, new hotels and shopping centres have been built, and thousands of new homes in developments surrounding Prescott have been completed. Though for the most part the developments are in good taste with golf courses, desert landscaping, and decent size lots, alas, even Prescott is not immune to the current financial crunch in the US. There is a lot, and I mean a lot, of real estate for sale, some of which is very attractively priced.

We took the opportunity to wander around the town looking at the lovely old buildings and discovered several interesting restaurants that had not been there on our previous trip. Safe to say, no trouble getting a fine meal in Prescott now!