Life, food, events, and community in Albuquerque, NM
Winslow Arizona - a great place to start exploring Northern Arizona
If you ever find yourself "standin' on a corner in Winslow Arizona" or just passing by on I-40 you definitely have to stop at the La Posada Hotel. My wife and I stayed there on a previous trip back in 2004. We plan on staying there again this coming January when we relocate to Albuquerque. I can't wait!
It's no surprise that Winslow Arizona is usually not on top of most people's "must see" list. But, for those wanting to find the perfect base camp to explore that part of Northern Arizona, you can't beat Winslow and the La Posada. The town sits near many famous attractions and the hotel itself is spectacular. You can easily spend a day exploring hotel. It has big broad walkways, a garden, nice rooms and you can sit outside and watch the trains go by. This hotel was an old "Harvey House" and has all of the charm that rail passengers came to expect back in the day.
Within the La Posada is one of the best restaurants in the state according to Arizona Highways - the Turquoise Room. I've had breakfast, lunch and dinner there and was never disappointed. The dining room is beautifully decorated and the service was excellent.
For those looking for day trip opportunities:
West (off I-40)
- Meteor Crater - 26 miles
East: (off I-40)
- Homolovi Ruins State Park - 8 miles
- Petrified Forest Park - 52 miles
- Painted Desert Park - 34 miles
North:
- Second Mesa (Hopi Nation cultural center & restaurant) - 68 miles
- Navajoland - the largest reservation in the country lies north and northeast of Winslow. The crown jewel, Canyon De Chelly, is about 154 miles east on I-40 and north on Highway 191. The reservation is so big that some of the attractions, like Monument Valley, are not appropriate for day trips from Winslow. But you can see alot of the southern portion if you're adventurous.
South:
- A couple of roads will lead you into the beautiful mountains which are home to various Apache nations. It's about 91 miles to Payson, 167 miles to Globe and 82 miles to Show Low.
Winslow also has alot of attractions within the city limits that might be worth checking out as well.
How to get to Winslow:
Amtrak can get you there but with all of the costs, including renting a car, it doesn't appear to be cheaper than just driving out yourself. The mileage to Winslow is about 270 miles from the Big I. Taking into account weather, the Arizona Highway patrol and NM State Police I would estimate that your average travel time would be between 4 to 4-1/2 hours.
If you haven't already, I suggest that you check out what Northern Arizona has to offer. I-40 is the main artery through that country and you might just be surprised at what lies between the Colorado River and NM Border.
It's no surprise that Winslow Arizona is usually not on top of most people's "must see" list. But, for those wanting to find the perfect base camp to explore that part of Northern Arizona, you can't beat Winslow and the La Posada. The town sits near many famous attractions and the hotel itself is spectacular. You can easily spend a day exploring hotel. It has big broad walkways, a garden, nice rooms and you can sit outside and watch the trains go by. This hotel was an old "Harvey House" and has all of the charm that rail passengers came to expect back in the day.
Within the La Posada is one of the best restaurants in the state according to Arizona Highways - the Turquoise Room. I've had breakfast, lunch and dinner there and was never disappointed. The dining room is beautifully decorated and the service was excellent.
For those looking for day trip opportunities:
West (off I-40)
- Meteor Crater - 26 miles
East: (off I-40)
- Homolovi Ruins State Park - 8 miles
- Petrified Forest Park - 52 miles
- Painted Desert Park - 34 miles
North:
- Second Mesa (Hopi Nation cultural center & restaurant) - 68 miles
- Navajoland - the largest reservation in the country lies north and northeast of Winslow. The crown jewel, Canyon De Chelly, is about 154 miles east on I-40 and north on Highway 191. The reservation is so big that some of the attractions, like Monument Valley, are not appropriate for day trips from Winslow. But you can see alot of the southern portion if you're adventurous.
South:
- A couple of roads will lead you into the beautiful mountains which are home to various Apache nations. It's about 91 miles to Payson, 167 miles to Globe and 82 miles to Show Low.
Winslow also has alot of attractions within the city limits that might be worth checking out as well.
How to get to Winslow:
Amtrak can get you there but with all of the costs, including renting a car, it doesn't appear to be cheaper than just driving out yourself. The mileage to Winslow is about 270 miles from the Big I. Taking into account weather, the Arizona Highway patrol and NM State Police I would estimate that your average travel time would be between 4 to 4-1/2 hours.
If you haven't already, I suggest that you check out what Northern Arizona has to offer. I-40 is the main artery through that country and you might just be surprised at what lies between the Colorado River and NM Border.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Masshole in Fringecrest on -
I used to have to do some work once in a while in Winslow, and I can recommend a "locals only" type of restaurant. Definitely NOT fancy- we're talkin' "basket of frings" type of menu. It's called Bo-Jo's and it's a GREAT people watching and downhome grub place. It's at 117 W 2nd St.
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Permalink Reply by Brendan on -
We have been staying at La Posada for years during road trips through Arizona. The Howard Hughes and Harry Truman rooms are particularly enjoyable. On a sad note, the last time we were there (About 6 months ago) it was on the decline. The owners were looking to sell- they had moved their attention to a property in California, so all the love was going there. Hopefully they got a buyer who can keep the focus strong- the building is a marvel of southwestern architectural beauty, but it needs someone in charge with a good attention to detail to manage day to day operations.
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Permalink Reply by Doug R on -
Thanks for the restaurant suggestion (Mass) and the update (Brendan). I'll be staying there on Monday January 12th. I'll post my opinion after that once Comcast hooks me up in ABQ. Then we'll know if it improved. It would be a SERIOUS bummer if that place went down hill. Thanks for the heads up..............
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Permalink Reply by Jen on -
Thanks for the info. I've passed through Winslow, but never thought to stop. Next time I'll take a better look! Jen
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Permalink Reply by Celine on -
There is a park adjacent to the hotel to the West with old train cars, B could not help himself but to climb one.
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