Stepping onto the dome car of the Alaska Railroad you do not realize that this train is not just a tourist train.

Domed car of the Alaskan Railroad

We were on a land tour, after having completed our cruise part of our vacation, and thought this was just another part of this fantastic trip we were having. I have been fortunate enough to ride the Alaskan Railroad twice in my life, both as a part of a tour. The dome car is filled with passengers just like me, armed with cameras and wearing newly purchased Alaska T-shirts.

Avalanches and heavy snows have stalled the railroad many times and crews are sent out as fast as they can so the railroad will keep running. A rockslide once closed the highway to Whittier and the train took over the task of transporting passengers back and forth to Anchorage, with stops at small towns and villages along the way. The railroad is based in Anchorage with a large rail yard and switching station.

Train pulling into Denali Station

The railroad has signed an agreement with the National Park Services to make stops at National Parks such as Chugach and Denali. It regularly stops at Talkeetna and Wasilla and other towns on the rail route.

Our journey on the railroad included excellent service with drinks and snacks, and a dining car with specialties such as reindeer chili and reindeer stew. Service is excellent as is the cuisine. There are observation platforms where passengers can view the scenery as it passes and take photos to their hearts content. You can see Mt. McKinley from several viewpoints and in places the railroad bed follows the Susiitna River. The tour guides are always well informed and can answer questions readily. It was a trip to be remembered and to marvel about.

Train following Susitina River

History of the Railroad

The Alaskan Railroad was completed in 1923; President Harding tapping in a gold spike. The railroad has enabled communities to settle and flourish along the railroad. Supplies are delivered to the Fairbanks gold fields, plus pipe and supplies for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The railroad helped to build the Alaskan Highway and it supported the war effort during WWII. Eight million tons of freight are hauled over the rails every year, along with 500,000 passengers and provides access for Alaskans and visitors from the tidewater in Seward and Whittier to the interior of Alaska.

Tomorrow… Visit another Oregon brewpub – this time in Corvallis, home of the Oregon State University Beavers – “Go Beavs!”

 
Billed as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams is about 55 miles from the major attraction. They are small, but their marketing is powerful.

Williams is the starting point for the Grand Canyon Railway that provides a ride to the Grand Canyon, complete with staged train robberies and other entertainment.

 
Walking around town, all of the whimsical shops and restaurants, visitors center and municipal buildings are located within a three-block area. Driving in from Route 40 on old Route 66 from the east, the road is one way in the westerly direction; one way back going east.

Iconic Route 66

 
It is apparent that all of the shops find the Route 66 connection irresistible, since almost every one has signage connecting them to the picturesque old US Route 66.

 
Since the economy is dependent on tourism, we were glad to find the service uniformly courteous – refreshing these days!

When we stopped at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, the desk clerks were extremely helpful and let us take a look at a room, which was nicely remodeled. They have an old-fashioned pub that was transported from England on the premises.

 
The shop owners have a sense of humor, as evidenced by decorations on the exterior of the Red Garter Bed and Bakery Expresso.

Red Garter Bed and Bakery

A tour of the shops of Williams might take an hour or two, but the visit is terrific as a prelude to the Grand Canyon.

Williams Arizona shop

Let’s Eat!

Cruiser's Rt 66 Cafe

Although we were planning to try out Cruisers Rt. 66 Café, since they had retro décor and a car above their parking lot, we wound up eating lunch at Pine Country Restaurant. We had heard great buzz that they had the best pie. And, we just love pie!
We devoured their robust sandwiches with homemade fries and saved room for dessert. But, we still didn’t have room for the pie!

 
So, we took home pieces of the combination blueberry, apple, peach pie. We like cream-based pies, but didn’t trust our cooler to get them home safely after our three-hour drive.

 
When we finally got home – ooh, the pie was luscious! Big slices and pieces of fruit, not cloyingly sweet syrup and giant, homemade crusts.

 
If you go… Williams has national brand motels (Motel 6, Super 8, Best Western, Holiday Inn, etc.), the Grand Canyon Railway hotel and other local accommodations. The Willliams Chamber of Commerce is a good resource for all things Williams, Arizona.

 
There are many restaurants since those heading to the Grand Canyon need choices. There is a Denny’s, but we recommend trying one of the local eateries.