A Journey Through Time on Route 66

The allure of the open road has always been a siren call for me, echoing the adventures of my youth when my family and I would pile into our old station wagon and set off across America. This time, the call led me to Laughlin, where I embarked on the Oatman Tour—a journey that promised not just a scenic drive but a step back into the rich tapestry of Americana.

Our adventure began at the Route 66 Visitors Center & Museum in Kingman, Arizona. As I wandered through the exhibits, I was transported back to a time when Route 66 was the main artery of America, connecting small towns and big dreams. The museum was a treasure trove of nostalgia, filled with vintage cars, old photographs, and stories of the road that once was. It was a fitting start to our journey, setting the stage for the history and culture we were about to experience.

The Scenic Drive Through the Black Mountains

Leaving Kingman, we embarked on the drive through the Black Mountains, a route that is as breathtaking as it is historic. Our guide, Chuck, was a fountain of knowledge, sharing tales of the land and its people with a passion that was infectious. As we wound our way through the “sidewinder”—a particularly curvy stretch of Route 66—I couldn’t help but marvel at the landscape. The road twisted and turned, revealing vistas that seemed to stretch on forever, with the distant outlines of three states visible from one scenic overlook.

Chuck’s expert driving made the journey smooth and enjoyable, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty around us. The Black Mountains are a testament to the rugged beauty of the American Southwest, and driving through them felt like a journey through time, each bend in the road revealing a new chapter of history.

Discovering the Charm of Oatman

Our destination, the old western town of Oatman, was everything I had hoped it would be. Stepping onto its dusty streets felt like stepping into a living postcard from the past. The town’s authenticity was palpable, from the wooden facades of the buildings to the wild burros that roamed freely, a reminder of the town’s mining past.

We lunched at the historic hotel restaurant, where the food was as delightful as the company. Our server, Christa, was a character in her own right, regaling us with stories and laughter. The “Burro ears”—a local delicacy—were a must-try, adding a unique flavor to our meal.

Feeding the donkeys and watching the children’s reactions was a highlight, as was the cowboy shoot-out, a playful nod to the town’s wild west heritage. As I wandered through the quaint shops, I felt a deep connection to the past, a reminder of the small-town charm that once dotted the highways of America.

The Oatman Tour was more than just a scenic drive; it was a journey into the heart of America’s road culture, a celebration of history, and a reminder of the simple joys of the open road. For anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, this tour is a perfect blend of nostalgia and adventure.