Williams

U.S.A.

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Williams is a small historic town nestled at the base of the Bill Williams Mountain near the world's largest stand of ponderosa pine trees.
Williams is a place where cowboys and pickup trucks are as much a part of the picturesque landscape as the blue sky, sparkling sunshine, and clean air.
Mountain lakes, enchanting back roads, and forested trails afford abundant natural beauty and recreation year round, combined with the spectacular vistas of nearby Grand Canyon.
The town of 2900 residents maintains the charm of an early 19th century western town, and its personality reflects such rich diversity of cultural influence including mountain men traders, American Indians, cattle ranchers, railroad labourers, and tourists from around the world on their way to the Grand Canyon.
Originally a mountain town and logging centre, and once a home to gambling, opium dens and brothels.
Williams is now a quaint mountain settlement where shoppers pore over the 19th century shop fronts and listen for the nostalgic sound of the train whistle from the historic depot at the center of town.
Route 66 ran right through Williams - it was the last Route 66 town to be bypassed by the interstate highway.
Today spring flowers and fall colours decorate the roadsides of the famous Route 66, known as America's Main Street, which in its heyday served as a national thoroughfare from Chicago to Los Angeles for 'Dust Bowl' migrants, World War II troops, and millions of travelers seeking adventure in the West.
Visitors today enjoy the ambiance of those days in soda fountains, restaurants, shops and motels from the glory days and excursions along the old road.
Seven high-country lakes are within minutes of downtown Williams.
They attract fishermen, hikers, campers, and outdoor lovers every day of the year.
Meanwhile, nearby pine and juniper forests and grassy meadows attract elk, deer, antelope, wild turkey, hawks, squirrels, and an occasional mountain lion or black bear.
The "South Road" (County Road 73) meanders through tall aspen, oak, and pine trees on its way to the spectacular Sycamore Canyon Wilderness area.
Situated at an elevation of about 6800 feet, Williams enjoys a four-season climate which cultivates wild blue iris in spring, sunflower-filled fields summer, orange oaks and golden aspens in fall, and fluffy white blankets of snow in Winter.
Elephant Rocks Golf Course, rated the "most picturesque course in Arizona".
The well-groomed course and driving range are open to the public from April through early November.
Rental clubs are available in the fully stocked pro shop and the lounge features rustic stone architecture, beautiful views, and a complete bar.
Williams hosts nearly a million visitors each year in its hotels, campground, RV Parks, and bed and breakfasts, as "The Gateway to the Grand Canyon".
The Grand Canyon is the experience of a lifetime.
From town you are only about an hour away by car.
Or for a trip back in time, you can travel to the Grand Canyon on the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
Once you get there, you'll find that Grand Canyon National Park is a combination of scenic thrills and quiet places.
Your visit will fill you with memories. Located on Interstate 40, Williams is within an easy drive of Arizona's most famous attraction.
Grand Canyon National Park, Deer Farm, Petting Zoo, Williams Ski Area, Lowell Observatory, Museum of Northern Arizona, Walnut Canyon are only about an hour drive or less.
Only slightly further are the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona Snow Bowl and Skyride, Verde River Valley, Navajo, Hopi and Hualapai Indian reservations, Wupatki Indian ruins, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Meteor Crater.
In century-old tradition, buckskinners and mountain men converge on the town for a weekend of fun that celebrates the western heritage of Williams.
Activities include a big parade, black powder shoot, arts, crafts and food fair, carnival, entertainment and games at the Memorial day weekend.
An old fashioned parade, outdoor entertainment and lots of traditional small town activities are held on the 4th of July.
Then, Northern Arizona's best fireworks are set against Bill Williams Mountain and the star-filled skyscape at sundown.
The Labour Day Weekend are celebrated with a professional rodeo entertainment including bull riding and all the traditional events.
It's a big time rodeo in a small town atmosphere, the way rodeos used to be.
The fun doesn't end at the arena.
There's a Western celebration, a big rodeo parade and barn dances for plenty of stompin' and gallivantin'.
A million Christmas lights brighten the mountain town of Williams during Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.
You can enjoy holiday activities, shop in quaint arts, crafts, and antique shops of historic old town.
Parade of lights takes place the second Saturday in December.
Historic Old town Williams is full of interesting shops and galleries.

My grateful thanks to the Tourist Office brochure.

Our tour stopped at Williams on the way to the Grand Canyon for some refreshments and for a 'comfort break'.
As usual, I rushed around to admire the railway paraphernalia, streets and the shops and snap a few photos.
Also admired the interesting exhibitions at the tourist office.

You can click on these photos for an enlargement.

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