Route 66 Kingman, Arizona – Day 9

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Day nine on Route 66: A Bump in the Road: A Journey Through Flagstaff and Kingman

Good morning everyone! Today has been quite different from the previous eight days of my journey. While driving along, my air conditioning suddenly stopped working, making the already scorching hot weather even more unbearable. Temperatures outside were hitting 100°F or more, and inside my pickup truck, it felt even hotter. I managed to reach Flagstaff and scheduled an appointment at a local Ford dealership for 8:30 this morning to get the AC checked out.

However, last night at around 5 PM, I received a call from the dealership. They informed me that they could no longer take my appointment. This left me in quite a predicament, wondering what to do next.

My 42 years of experience with motorcoach tours came in handy as I sat and figured out my next steps. With the heat wave expected to push temperatures over 100°F for the next week, I knew I couldn’t continue without air conditioning. I called another Ford dealership in Kingman, Arizona, about two hours down the road. Thankfully, they told me to bring my truck in, and they’d fit me into their schedule.

So, early this morning, I left Flagstaff at 6:30 AM and arrived in Anderson Ford Kingman by 8:30 AM. The dealership took my truck in and, after a couple of hours, informed me that I needed a new AC compressor. Ouch. Realizing my truck wouldn’t be ready until tomorrow morning, I booked a room in Kingman. Despite the unexpected delay, the staff at the Kingman Ford dealership have been incredibly friendly and accommodating.

This means that, hopefully, by tomorrow around noon, I’ll be back on the road. I’ll head back to Flagstaff and continue on Route 66 from there. By Friday morning, I should be back on schedule, traveling west on Route 66 through Seligman and into Kingman for the night.

A Stellar Experience at Anderson Kingman Ford

Despite experiencing a breakdown, my visit to Anderson Ford Kingman turned out to be a positive and reassuring experience. The staff went above and beyond, fitting me into their busy schedule with exceptional politeness and professionalism. Their service was impeccable, making Anderson Kingman Ford one of the best Ford dealerships I’ve visited in North America. Highly recommend!

Route 66 in Kingman

Today brought some unfortunate news, but I’m hopeful for a better day tomorrow. These things happen when you’re traveling, and it’s important to remember that not everything will go perfectly. Sometimes, you have to deal with breakdowns, although they don’t happen often.

Still lots of great stuff to see in Kingman…

Discover Mr. D’z: A Classic Route 66 Diner Experience

Nestled along the historic Route 66, Mr. D’z Diner brings a nostalgic charm with its vintage decor and traditional menu. Renowned for its homemade root beer and delicious pizza, this diner is a haven for those seeking a classic dining experience. The walls are adorned with Route 66 memorabilia, creating a vibrant atmosphere that has attracted notable celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Angus T. Jones from “Two and a Half Men.”

Not only is Mr. D’z a beloved spot for travelers, but it also earned a place in “LIST: 11 Best Restaurants to Eat at in Arizona in 2020”

So, if you find yourself journeying along Route 66, make sure to stop by Mr. D’z to enjoy the food and atmosphere that make it a memorable destination.

Savoring a Meal at The Dambar Steakhouse

For dinner, I had the pleasure of dining at The Dambar Steakhouse, Kingman’s Landmark Steakhouse, a true gem along Route 66. The ambiance was inviting, with its rustic wooden decor and warm, casual atmosphere.

I decided to indulge in their famous Ranch Hand Cut, a 10 oz hand-cut top sirloin. I opted for it blackened, and it did not disappoint. The steak was perfectly cooked, with a rich, smoky flavor that tantalized my taste buds.

The meal started with a bowl of tortilla soup, a refreshing appetizer that set the tone for what was to come. Alongside the steak, I enjoyed fresh-baked biscuits, which were soft and buttery, cowboy beans that were hearty and flavorful, and a baked potato that was cooked to perfection. Each element of the meal complemented the others, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

The Dambar’s dedication to quality and hospitality shone through every bite. It was more than just a meal; it was a memorable experience that embodied the spirit of the Old West. If you ever find yourself traveling along Route 66, make sure to stop by The Dambar Steakhouse for a taste of true cowboy cuisine.

For over 35 years, The Dambar & Steakhouse has been serving up delicious cowboy cuisine with a warm, hometown welcome. Nestled at the crossroads of historic Route 66, also known as ‘America’s Mother Road,’ and Andy Devine Avenue, this restaurant is a living testament to the true spirit of the West. Route 66 has been the lifeline for countless towns, stretching over 3,600 miles and fostering communities around its gas stations and motor-courts.

Kingman’s Landmark Steakhouse

Kingman, located on the longest continuous stretch of Route 66, is home to The Dambar, a place that epitomizes the hospitality of the old road. The original stone building dates back to the 1930s, built as part of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) projects during the Great Depression. In the 1950s, it served as a gas station, and by the 1960s, it had transformed into a bar. The colorful name, ‘Dambar,’ came about when the construction worker who purchased it faced his wife’s disapproval, and it stuck ever since. Over time, the Dambar grew to include a foodservice operation.

The Peterson-Burge family took over this local landmark in 1996, giving it a fresh look and expanding the menu to offer the best steaks and beverages on Route 66. The restaurant’s exterior resembles a rustic wooden building, and inside, the casual atmosphere is highlighted by wooden booths, sawdust on the floor, and rooms dedicated to the history of Andy Devine and Kingman’s ranching past. Today, it’s a beloved Kingman landmark, easy to spot with its iconic steer on the roof. For anyone craving a taste of the old West and a great steak, steer yourself on in!

To Wrap Up the Day

As the day drew to a close, what began as a tough journey with a vehicle breakdown transformed into a delightful evening at The Dambar Steakhouse. The unexpected detour turned into an opportunity to savour a delicious meal and experience genuine hospitality. Despite the challenges, the day ended on a high note, reminding me that sometimes the best moments come from the most unexpected circumstances. With a satisfied palate and a renewed spirit, I look forward to the next adventure, knowing that even the toughest days can end with a silver lining.