Williams
This small town just off I-40 celebrates Route 66 with themed diners and souvenir shops, but the Grand Canyon Railway draws just as many, if not more, visitors than the Mother Road. Visitors board the historic train at the station in Williams and ride it to the Grand Canyon, where they can spend the night at rim lodging or return a few hours later. In addition to the train, Williams is home to two zoo-like attractions: the Grand Canyon Deer Farm and Bearizona, where you’ll see bears, bison, and other animals from the Southwest.
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Strawberry
Tucked among the pine trees near the Mogollon Rim, this community has a surprising number of things to do. You can hike at nearby Tonto Natural Bridge State Park or follow the Waterfall Trail on Fossil Creek to a scenic swimming hole and waterfall. The town also has a historic, one-room schoolhouse open for tours, several good restaurants and bars, and a boutique hotel, The Strawberry Inn. If that weren’t enough, you can head south a few miles to the shops and attractions in Pine.