Day 8 – Our Honeymoon on Route 66: June 21, 2002: Williams, Arizona → Adrian, Texas

We enjoyed a wonderful stay at the El Rancho Motel in Williams, Arizona, located on the eastbound side of Route 66 at the east end of town. We highly recommend this motel. It’s independently owned with friendly service, very clean rooms, and nicely furnished accommodations. Our room even included a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, all at a very reasonable price. Places like this are exactly why we enjoy supporting mom-and-pop motels along Route 66.

Morning in Williams

Before leaving town, we had breakfast at Goldie’s Route 66 Diner and spent a little time walking around Williams, browsing a few of the gift shops and enjoying the classic Route 66 atmosphere.

Back on “The Evil I”

Eventually we had to return to the “Evil I” (Interstate 40) and continue east. As we approached Holbrook, visibility became limited due to smoke drifting north from a wildfire burning about 30–40 miles south near Show Low, Arizona.

We made good time across New Mexico until reaching Albuquerque, where we ran into both rush hour traffic and construction delays. Unfortunately, taking Route 66 through Albuquerque wasn’t really an option at that time of day, since it follows the very busy Central Avenue through the city.

Santa Rosa Stop

We did manage to exit in Santa Rosa and briefly follow Route 66 there, stopping for a quick bite to eat before continuing east.

The Midpoint Café

By the time we reached Adrian, Texas, it was around 8:30 PM, and we were thrilled to see that the Midpoint Café was still open.

Of course, we had to order two slices of Joann’s famous chocolate peanut butter pie.

While we were there, we had the chance to meet another fellow Route 66 e-group member, Fran Houser, the owner of the Midpoint Café. We chatted outside for a while before saying our goodbyes.

Fabulous 40 Motel

Originally we planned to continue on to Vega, but instead we decided to stay next door at the Fabulous 40 Motel, which is owned by an 85-year-old woman who keeps the place running with pride.

It turned out to be the perfect end to another memorable day on Route 66.

All Route 66 Honeymoon Photos