Taking it Easy in Winslow

 

The PP in the TP Trading Post 

All the structures are covered with paintings, 
including a series of old cars and naturally, teepees!

This is our second visit to Winslow, AZ and this time we stayed two nights. The Homolovi State Park  overlooks the city and has large sites with sweeping views. It was a relief to settle into our easy pull through site after our harrowing journey through the snow. No cooking to do either as we had lots of leftovers. We just had to pour ourselves drinks and relax. The next day was lovely, taking in the many sights in this small town. First was a stop at the "PP at the TP", a Trading Post since 1972. We had a long enjoyable talk with the owner who told us stories of growing up here with his extended family. Scott couldn't resist a tiny train soldered on to an old train track nail with semi precious stones as cargo in the cars. My postcard and a stamp were thrown in on the deal and everyone was happy. 

The Hubbell Trading Post, now
the Tourist Info Building

Old cars, restored and painted are being parked
around town as their signiture art project. These
are on the new walkway

We enjoyed some amazing stories about their history
 The Santa Fe Indian Band shown here in 
1948 played all over the country including 
President Eisenhower's Inauguration. 

Cattle Rustler "Cecil Chesswell" was 
actually a former Harvey Girl, Olive
Zoast who came here at 14 and died by her own
hand when they tried to arrest her. She was
somewhere in her sixties. Look this up for
more fascinating detail!!!

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The Museum was full of amazing stories!

Transcontinental Air Transport formed in 1928
later became TWA.

Next was the Tourist Information Office located in the historic Hubbell Trading Post, one of the many trading posts founded by Lorenzo Hubbell in 1878 on the Navajo Reservation. It was built in 1917 and was one of his two warehouses as well. Lorenzo was a fascinating character in the history of the Southwest and I encourage you to read the lengthy but interesting article on him in Wikipedia. He espoused his philosophy in his book "Fifty Years as an Indian Trader": "The first duty of an Indian trader, in my belief, is to look after the material welfare of his neighbors; to advise them to produce that which their natural inclinations and talent best adapts them; to treat them honestly and insist upon getting the same treatment from them . . . to find a market for their production of same, and advise them which commands the best price. This does not mean that the trader should forget that he is to see that he makes a fair profit for himself, for whatever would injure him would naturally injure those with whom he comes in contact." 

Ok here we are at that famous corner in Winslow, Arizona

There is a wealth of history and artifacts in the Tourist Office and even more in the Old Trails Museum. We walked there on the new promenade along the railroad tracks, built with the advice of the HGTV  show. "Home Town Kickstart", which completed 3 projects: Commercial, Residential (Low Income Apts), and Art/Municipal. The latter was the walkway and art features along it.  The Museum is chockfull of wonderful stories and history. Winslow was one of the stops on the first commercial Transcontinental airline. CHarles Lindbergh helped design the network which offered in 1949 48 hour trips across the US with planes by day and trains at night. Winslow was one of the 11 airports and is still in operation today. 

The corn beef was tender and homemade and 
strangely perfect in nachos!

Scott gets tired of me taking his phots as you can
see but that's the Brewery in the back.

Well, we'd worked up quite an appetite and opted for the Relic Road Brewery, No 2 in TripAdvisor for lunch. It was just across the street from the corner memorialized by the Eagles song. And it was an excellent lunch with two very good brews. Because we had reservations at the Turquoise Room at La Posada, No 1 in Winslow, but ranks very high nationally for dinner that night, we just ordered the special "Hangover Nachos" to share. The hangover must have been from St. Patrick's Day because they were loaded with amazing corn beef along with the usual suspects. After a needed nap back at Baby, we got all gussied up (as much as possible) and went to La Posada for a wonderful evening. We had drinks at the bar meeting Brianna and Derrick, the bartenders and a few other customers, followed in the main dining room, by their signature soup and Churro Lamb Meatballs with Salad (an appetizer) for me, and for Scott, a Churro Lamb Sampler ("A cup of Lamb Shoulder Birria style marinated in vinegar, chili paste, and a warm spice medley of clove, cinnamon, and cumin. A sweet corn tamale smothered with a green chile and tomatillo ragout. Two Grilled lamb chop on a bed of Tuscan kale topped with a mint and garlic au jus. Served with a fresh vegetable medley") followed by a shared Douple Chocolate Grand Marnier Soufflé!!! After dinner were were drawn into one of the living areas by the sound of a classical guitar and spent some time with musician Kent who plays here 7 nights a week most of the year for a long time. He has composed many pieces inspired by the hotel and have been used in documentaries about it. We waddled out to the truck afterwards!

One of the many living rooms at the Posada

I've covered La Posada extensively in the post on our last visit. But to know more about this gorgeous historic hotel, look online, The last of the Harvey House Hotels and designed by Mary Colter , it was saved and restored by Allan Affeidt and Tina Mion in 1997. TIna is a nationally known contemporary artist and her works are all over the hotel.

Next post, moving north to Page, AZ

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