Historic Route 66 once embodied the American spirit of risk, adventure, and perseverance. The 2,500-mile road was the nerve system of the West, carrying survivors of the Dust Bowl to greener pastures and supporting the communities that sat along its edges. The town of Williams, situated on what is now Interstate 40, about a half hour west of Flagstaff, is a living ode to both that storied road and the cultural high-water mark that was the1950s. Today, Williams is still a town of neon signs, soda fountains, and restaurants that serve the American staples of cow and potatoes in all their various glories. This is a wonderful place to snap a few photos of Americana relics or buy some cowboy leather. Williams is also the pickup point for the Grand Canyon Railway. The train ride takes about 2 hours and drops you off on the canyon’s South Rim. There are a number of class options, including an observation dome and the budget-minded Pullman Class.