I love a good road trip. Since moving to Arizona in 2020, we have a wishlist of local places we want to explore. We look at weather, busyness, cost, and various other factors. The Grand Canyon is (was) right at the top of the list. The stars aligned a few weeks ago; we had time off between snowstorms, the holiday season was over and the kids are back in school, the prices were affordable, and we found a few romantic activities along the way. Bucket list time!
Roadie
I adore spending time with my husband. We have always enjoyed car time together. We listen to music, play games, work on travel plans, eat snacks, and try to figure out life. Arizona offers some of the best scenery whilst driving.
Flagstaff
If you have time, swing through this college town on your way to the Grand Canyon. It is right along Route 66, the best place to get one's kicks. They have an adorable main street area with great shopping and eats. We split a sandwich from Proper Meats + Provisions and I can highly recommend that place.
Williams
We opted to stay at the Grand Canyon Hotel and pair our stay with a train ride. The hotel was very clean and comfortable.
The next morning we witnessed a good old-fashioned cowboy shootout and then got on the train.
From the website:
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has been taking passengers on a fabled journey to the heart of one of the seven wonders of the world. Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: it’s a trip back in time on lovingly restored rail cars with entertaining musicians and the antics of cowboy characters. Out your window, the terrain changes from high desert to prairie, prairie to pine. It’s a view that’s ever-changing until you come across a view so brilliant, it could very well change you.
We chose to sit in the car with a dome. The ride was fabulous. We saw wild horses and two bald eagles. There was entertainment, food and drinks, and a lovely staff. We maybe got a little bit robbed by those rascally cowboys on the way home, all to be expected in the Wild Wild West.
The Star of the Show
From the minute I laid eyes on the glory of the Grand Canyon, I was in awe. We walked and walked and walked along the South Rim. We took one billion pictures. We basked in the glow of natural beauty. We hugged and claimed how lucky we were to be experiencing this miracle for the first time, together.
What is your favorite one-tank trip in your state?
That train ride sounds super fun!