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From neon signs to roadside motels, Arizona has some cool vintage places and things to explore. "Vintage" refers to the time period from the 1950s and 1960s when the car culture in the US was booming, giving way to road trips, neon signs, roadside motels and diners. We have highlighted below a few "cool" vintage things to do and see throughout the state.
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Neon signs were commonplace along major highways around Arizona during the art form's boom in the 1950s, particularly along Route 66 which crosses through northern parts of Arizona. Arizona's Historic Route 66 has been preserved as living history to be enjoyed for generations to come and has the best-preserved stretches of Route 66 and still has more than 250 miles that are drivable. Neon signs were all about attracting attention and today, these signs are not commonplace but some have survived and some have even been lovingly restored. We have picked a few of our favourite neon signs and places to see them from the bygone days.
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In 1954, Route 66 was expanded in Williams with two lanes running east and two to the west creating a loop to cruise around the town. It was then possible to cruise endlessly from one end of town to the other end, checking out who was cruising and what kind of car they were showing off. Drive historic Route 66 through the town of Williams at night and you will get a taste of the old Route 66 days. Here saloons, restaurants, motels and shops have neon lights aglow up and down the street.
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"Kingman Club" in Kingman
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Just a block north of Beale Street, this neon sign isn't right on Route 66 but is where you will find the iconic neon sign of "Kingman Club" from the early years of downtown Kingman. Many Route 66 travellers make a point of finding this sign, which is one of the most-photographed sites in Kingman.
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"Gateway Saguaro" in Tucson
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Down south, in Tucson's old road the "Miracle Mile strip," was a haven for neon in the 1950s and 1960s, when flashing signs beckoned to visitors. One of the most famous neon signs here is the "Gateway Saguaro" on Oracle Road standing at 30 feet tall. By local artist Dirk J. Arnold, this neon sign shows people traveling northbound on Oracle the history of the roadway signifying the Miracle Mile, and if they are traveling southbound it welcomes them to Tucson.
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Neon Lights Park in Casa Grande
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Finally stop on the neon signs tour is in Casa Grande. Take a step into the past and bask in the beautifully colored and vibrant lights in the outdoor Neon Lights Park on the town's Main Street. This four-acre park in the Arizona Plaza opened April 13, 2019, in the heart of the Historic Downtown District with 14 lovingly-restored and salvaged signs mostly from the 1950's. In 2020 the park was awarded the James W. Garrison Heritage Award, the top prize given by the Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards. Spend some time on the benches enjoying the vintage mid-century neon signs or walk along the landscaped paths.
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Looking for somewhere vintage to stay? Look no further. From funky retro fitted airstreams to roadside motels, spending the night surrounded by vintage décor and design is like stepping back in time and completing a road trip down vintage lane.
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The Motor Lodge Motel occupies a motor court that has been in service as a motel in Prescott, Arizona since 1937. The 13 rooms each have a separate entrance and front porch. In 2008, the motel was completely renovated but still maintains its vintage vibe. Conveniently situated three blocks south of the Courthouse, it is far enough away to avoid the crowds yet still close enough to the heart of downtown Prescott.
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Bisbee is a free-spirited place with a thriving arts, music and hospitality scene, amid a remarkably well-preserved historical architectural setting. The Shady Dell features accommodations in nine fully restored vintage aluminum travel trailers which combine mid-century Americana kitsch with the comforts of home in the 1950s. The Shady Dell's long and epic journey began in 1927 as a place to provide trailer and camping spaces to weary travelers along the famous Highway 80, which stretched from Savannah, Georgia to San Diego, California. Like its more famous brother Route 66, Highway 80 was a center of travel, exploration and family getaways in the early portions of the 20th century. Today, the park is a nice mix of practicality and vintage fun.
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Set in the middle of Schnepf Farms with views of the San Tan Mountains, Cozy Peach has nine completely refurbished Vintage airstream trailers. They come with plush bedding, flat screen televisions, air conditioning, microwaves, patio furniture, and individual firepits.
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And last, but by no means least, here is a few vintage recommendations for the foodies.
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This diner embodies 1950's fun and food on historic Route 66 in Flagstaff. Breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and old-fashioned shakes, malts and ice cream sundaes are on the menu. The walls of this popular diner are covered with over one hundred pictures and movie stills from the Golden age of film.
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In 1953, Juan and Mary Delgadillo built this diner from scrap lumber along Route 66. Thanks to many magazine and newspaper articles about him, and his brother Angel, as co-founders of Historic Route 66, Juan (and Angel) became well-known. Many people will stop at the diner and claim that it is the same as it was when they went there as a kid. Snow Cap is now for its classic burgers, shakes and french fries.
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Vintage Americana memorabilia decorates this Route 66 diner serving burgers and shakes from their vinyl record shaped menus. A must try is their root beer floats - root beer soda topped with vanilla ice cream.
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Little Anthony's Diner is a fun 50's themed restaurant in East Tucson serving up typical diner food - burgers, shakes, fries and malts. The diner features sparkly red seats, checkered floors, and servers dressed in 1950's costumes. They have free drive-in concerts on Friday's and a monthly classic car show.
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Trade:
Katie Gould
kgould@hillsbalfour.com
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Media:
Lottie Phillips
lphillips@hillsbalfour.com
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For visitor guidance due to COVID-19 such as mask-wearing, a list of tourism-related reopenings or closures, and a link to public health guidelines, click here: https://www.visitarizona.com/covid-19/ .
Some attractions are open year-round and some are open seasonally or move to seasonal hours. To ensure the places you want to see are open on your travel dates; please check their website for hours of operation.
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