Quick Visit To Meteor City Trading Post

Above, Meteor City Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While driving across Arizona last week while heading to Orange County, California, I made a stop at the newly opened Meteor City Trading Post that sits on old Route 66. It is located not far from the Meteor Crater turn-off.

Above, the grounds of the Meteor City Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we got there, it was around 9:15 in the morning. The store doesn't open until 10:00 o'clock. I didn't want to wait that long.

Before leaving, I did take a few pictures of the trading post. I donated to the previous owner who, unfortunately, died of cancer. He was planning to restore and reopen the trading post. To help fund the project, he sold t-shirts. So I bought one.

Above, there's something for dinosaur fanatics to see. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fortunately, his estate sold the property and the new owner proceeded to restore and reopen the trading post. Its grand opening took place on Memorial Day.

Since I will be spending Christmas in Lake Havasu, I'll try to stop in either heading to or returning from Lake Havasu. 

Northern Arizona’s Quirkiest Roadside Attractions

Above, Jack Rabbit Trading Post in St. Joseph, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico seven years ago, I have found myself in northern Arizona several times. Most of my trips there have been to Lupton, Arizona to buy cigars at the Tee Pee Trading Post. Lupton is right at the Arizona-New Mexico border.

I have also driven through northern Arizona, primarily on Interstate 40, to go to a clampout or visit friends in Lake Havasu. Along the way, I have made stops at such places as Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Meteor Crater, Wigwam Motel, Standin' On The Corner Park (in Winslow), Petrified Forest National Park and Geronimo's Trading Post.

Above, yours truly with my mini mileage sign at Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Photo by Cindy Jaquez.

Only In Arizona has posted a list of several places can visit while on a road trip on Interstate 40. They refer to the attractions as "quirky". 

They begin it with:

Living in Arizona can be quite an adventure for tourists and residents alike. There are countless things to see, do, and experience, and road trips are often the most incredible way to see the best parts of the state. While adventuring along the open roads of the Grand Canyon State, I usually have a destination in mind, but I'm also open to the spontaneous roadside stop when something calls my name. I've often done entire road trips with only roadside stops in mind! If you'd love to see some of the most unusual attractions in the state, here is a road trip to some of Northern Arizona's quirkiest attractions.

Above, Standin' On A Corner park in Winslow, Arizona. Photo by Russell Azbill.

To read more, go here. 

Meteor City Trading Post To Open Memorial Day

Above, Meteor City Trading Post in July 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The new owners of Meteor City Trading Post have been hard at work in restoring the old trading post on Route 66 outside of Winslow, Arizona.

The previous owner was only getting started on the restoration when cancer cut him down. The new owner picked up the torch and is proceeding with the restoration. The area is called Meteor City due to its close proximity to the famous Meteor Crater.

The best news is that they are planning a grand opening on Memorial Day. I am seriously considering attending. If I do, I'll have to wear my Meteor City Trading Post t-shirt.

To see their Facebook page, go here. To go to their website, go here.

Could Your RV Be Your Lifesaver in an Evacuation?

Above, the motorhome at Meteor Crater, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My motorhome was a "lifesaver" (somewhat) when I first moved to New Mexico from California seven years ago.

I lived in it while waited for the movers to bring my belongings for about 12 days. My cat Sierra and I were comfortable during that period, which occasionally saw a few snowstorms come through.

But, if a disaster is impending, an RV could be the lifesaver for families. Thankfully, I have not had to use mine for disaster evacuations.

That is the topic of an article in Do It Yourself RV. 

They begin it with:

An RV evacuation plan isn’t exactly what most RVers imagine. It might sound straightforward, but in reality, it’s one of the most fluid and adaptable things you’ll ever need to create.

Think about it: hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, tornadoes in the Midwest, avalanches in the mountain states, nor’easters in New England, wildfires and earthquakes along the West Coast, flash floods and dust storms in the Southwest, and heatwaves in the South. Every region comes with its own challenges, and no two scenarios are ever the same.

And that’s just the beginning. Add in the unpredictability of life—changing routes, local laws, your RV’s size and fuel needs—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So, is an RV evacuation plan even possible? Or is it just filler to make us feel prepared? 

Here’s the truth: an effective RV evacuation plan is less about perfection and more about preparation. Stick with me, and we’ll walk through the steps to turn your RV into a lifeline, no matter what comes your way.

To read more, go here. 

What Would Happen If A Meteorite Hit New Mexico?

This sounds like fun!

Above, Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What would a meteorite impact look like in New Mexico? Well, one can easily find out with a new simulator.

KRQE reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Have you ever wondered what would happen if a hurling chunk of space rock smashed into Albuquerque? Now you can find out thanks to a new simulator website.

“It’s a scientifically solid simulation,” said Geoff Skelton, a planetarium technician at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. “Most of the information is pretty ballpark of what you’d expect to actually happen.”

The simulator (linked here) lets you pick the parameters of an asteroid and drop it anywhere in the U.S. Then, it will tell you the potential damages. It was built by coder Neal Agarwal based on research by Gareth Collins and Clemens Rumpf.

“You can drop one on your ex’s house,” Skelton from the history museum said. Or, if you want to be nice, you can drop one outside city limits and see a lower death count.

To read more, go here. 

Road Trip In Northern Arizona

Above, off Interstate 40 is Meteor Crater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one has about a week to spare and a good running car, a road trip in northern Arizona just may be the ticket to learning some natural history of the state.

Afar has an article on seven ways to explore natural history of northern Arizona. 

They begin it with:

Adventurers are perpetually drawn to Arizona’s otherworldly beauty—and the northern part of the Grand Canyon State seems to fit natural wonders into every square mile. From the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site to pristine red rock formations, this ancient, majestic place is full of many of Arizona’s most stunning and culturally rich attractions, each with its own story to tell.

The best way to see Northern Arizona’s treasures? On a week-long road trip. You can experience the history of these lands and connect with the Indigenous people who first lived there through tours, parks, and museums. Here’s how to slow down, enjoy the ride, and dig into this fascinating destination’s heritage.

To read more, go here.

Digital Journal: 10 Tips For RV Traveling

Above, The Beast at Arizona's Meteor Crater parking lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the pandemic started, many people have taken up RVing for traveling. Many are newbies to it.

For the novice, RVing can be intimidating, but with a few tips, it can be made stress-free. Fortunately, Digital Journal has posted ten tips for RV traveling.

They begin with:

Looking to take a road trip: there’s no better way to do it than in an RV! RVing is fun, but it can also be tricky if one is not used to it.

RVing is a marvelous way to experience the freedom and flexibility of city living. One can travel by themselves or as part of the family, making new friends along the journey! However, suppose one decides on this adventure. In that case, it will be sure not to disappoint – from traveling through different states in America all the way out to international destinations like Canada’s Vancouver Island, where there are plenty of things for everyone who loves nature at its most refined form.

To see what the 10 tips are, go here. 

RV Life: The Top 10 RV Blogs You’ll Want To Follow

Above, The Beast at Meteor Crater in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are full-timers or short-term RVers and for those who are new to RV travel or oldtimers, there's plenty of sites online with plenty of information on campgrounds, maintenance, routes, attractions and other things of interest.

There's a number of strictly RV-oriented bloggers who cover these things and RV Life has listed the top ten of them.

They begin with:

There is a lot of useful information for RVers online whether you’re considering full-timing, interested in boondocking, or just love to find new places to camp. Follow these ten RV blogs as they travel full-time and post their tips, stories, and beautiful travel photos.

To read more, go here. 

Meteor City Acquires Ferris Wheel

Above, Meteor City Trading Post in July 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The restoration of the Meteor City Trading Post is slowly, but surely progressing. This undertaking has to be a big labor of love and a fondness for history along the road. In this case, on Historic Route 66. 

It is located off Interstate 40, not far from the turn-off for Meteor Crater.

Last month, Meteor City's Facebook page posted that they acquired a Ferris wheel that was sitting and rusting at an old abandoned campground in Joseph City, Arizona (home of Jack Rabbit Trading Post).

Here's a photo of the Ferris wheel after restoration:

Above, restored Ferris wheel framework. Meteor City photo.

The post included the following:

‘The Ferris Wheel at Meteor City’ was formerly located at the Red Triangle Camp Ground [the campground's sign says Red Arrow Camps] on Route 66 in Joseph City, Arizona. After painstakingly disassembled, transported and reassembled at Meteor City. It was hand sanded to remove decades of surface rust. Painted with two coats of primer and two coats of red finish paint. 

We are extremely proud to be able to save this historic part of Route 66 history! A special shout out and thanks to Mr. Ed Klein of Route 66 World for making this addition possible. 

Stay tuned for more additions and surprises coming in 2022! 

Thank you, for all of your support. Mike & Joann Brown

Donations for the restoration of Meteor City Trading Post are welcome! They are selling t-shirts (I bought one) to help fund the work. For more information, go here.

Why Rush It? You're Retired!

Above, during my 2026 Metropolis, Illinois trip, my first night's
stop was at a KOA in Williams, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The nice thing about retirement is that while traveling in the RV, one isn't in a hurry to get somewhere. At least they shouldn't be.

Retirees can take their time and enjoy the sights along the way. An added benefit is flexibility, where detours can be made and if one particularly likes an RV park so much that can add an extra night or two to enjoy it.

Above, flexibility allowed me to check out places such as Meteor Crater in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally, when I am driving somewhere, my rule of thumb is to get an early start (I'm an early riser anyway) and get to the the day's overnight stop in the afternoon. There's one thing I don't like doing, and that is to set up camp after dark. By getting to the stop while the sun's still out, one can enjoy the rest and sit outside (weather permitting) with a cold drink or even coffee and relax. It is refreshing and make the next day's drive easier.

Above, after a day's drive, time to relax at the KOA in Springfield, Missouri. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I prefer a day's drive in the 300 to 450 mile range. I've gone over 500 miles in a day, but I found I am worn out by the end of the day. I'm retired, so why push it?

Above, flexibility allowed me to visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower
Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Naturally, everyone's different. Some like to keep their day's drive under 300 miles and some don't mind driving 500 miles. It's whatever one feels comfortable with. 

Best Things To Do In Arizona

Above, yours truly at the Standin' On A Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Over the years and, more recently (since I live next door), I have visited a number of Arizona's unique spots. I still have several left to visit.

Travel Awaits has posted a list of Arizona's ten unique spots.

They begin with:

From giant saguaro cacti to the deep Grand Canyon, Arizona is full of natural wonders and beauty that can’t be experienced anywhere else in the United States. Add a shout-out to a popular Eagles song, the vision of a world-renowned architect, a massive ecological experiment, and more, and you have these 10 unique spots that can only be experienced in Arizona.

 

Above, Meteor Crater is only a few miles off Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see what they are, go here.

Help Fund The Restoration of Meteor City Trading Post

Above, Meteor City Trading Post two weeks ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Work is currently underway at the Meteor City Trading Post near Winslow, Arizona. It is taking a lot of work and the new owners are hoping to get the trading post reopened as soon as they can. But they could use some financial help.

The Flagstaff Business News posted an article on the trading post back in May.

Here's a snippet:

One of a number of symbols of bygone days along historic Route 66 in Northern Arizona, today only rickety structures, rubble and graffiti mark the spot where Meteor City used to reign supreme as a must-see stop for fans of the legendary Mother Road. 

The Meteor City Trading Post, named in honor of the nearby Meteor or Barringer Crater, is the first of three Route 66-inspired roadside attractions located only a few miles apart along a 30-mile stretch west on Interstate 40 from Winslow to Flagstaff: The ramshackle Meteor City; the ghost town of Two Guns and the ruins of the Twin Arrows, also a trading post that now marks the turnoff for the new Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort. 

The days are numbered for these three iconic sites unless they are rescued soon. But, there is good news for one of the locations. Even as dust blows through the carcasses of its buildings and trailers, two new owners have promised to resurrect Meteor City.
Joann Brown, 54, and her husband, Mike Brown, 60, took over ownership of the property in March and are relocating to begin work on a major clean up at the three-acre site. 

“We’re trying to get there as fast as we can,” Joann explained, as they drove west in an RV in late April from their home in Jeffersonville, Indiana. “We can take all the help we can get. I’ve talked to all the Route 66 people. The response from everyone has brought us to tears. I just didn’t want it [Meteor City] to go away. I love history. I love the beauty this country has.” 

She said the price they paid was “okay, given there is so much that has been vandalized.”
Meteor City was first opened in 1938 and was operated as the Sharber Service Station, under the Texaco brand, by Arizona resident Joe Sharber.

Above, the ruins of the Twin Arrows Trading Post last December. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Browns have opened a Facebook page and are selling t-shirts to help finance the restoration of the trading post:



I purchased a t-shirt about a week or so ago.

If you are interested in seeing this historic Route 66 come back alive, get a t-shirt and follow the Meteor City - Route 66 Facebook page.

UPDATE:

I just got back from the post office and my t-shirt arrived. To see it, go here.

Abandoned Meteor City Trading Post

Above, the old closed-up trading post at Meteor City, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few months ago, Jack Rabbit Trading Post posted on Facebook that the old abandoned trading post at the Meteor City turnoff from Interstate 40 near Winslow, Arizona would be restored and reopened. It is located a few miles from the Meteor Crater turnoff.

While en route to Ashurst Lake, I decided to stop there to see what progress, if any, had been made on its restoration.

From what I was able to see, I didn't see any progress. I am wondering of the work has been delayed or they just canceled it altogether. There is an official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meteorcity66/

Here's some photos from my stop:

Condé Nast Names Meteor Crater A 7 Wonder of the World

Above, Meteor Crater in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

50,000 years ago, if Winslow, Arizona existed and one was "standing on a corner", they would have felt the impact of a meteor striking the earth.

The Barringer Meteor Crater near Winslow has been named number three of the "7 Wonders of the World For 2020" by Condé Nast Traveller. I visited Meteor Crater four years ago. It is an interesting place with a visitor center filled with exhibits.

About the 7 Wonders of the World For 2020, they wrote:

Wonder is nourishment for the soul. We are the only animal on earth, as far as we know, that can be moved to tears by a sunset, that marvels at the stars at night, that feels awe, and humility, at the achievements of our past. Wonder defines us as human beings. 

Of the original Seven Wonders of the World, only the Great Pyramids of Giza remain. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Temple of Artemis, the Colossus of Rhodes have all faded to dust and memory. These, instead, are seven wonders for our time. They are the Acropolis of our day, the Stonehenge of now. Which also means they can be seen firsthand. And so they should. Because the real magic of wonder is not in the thing itself, but in the fact that the more you look for wonder in the world the more the wonder of the world becomes a part of you. 

Socrates said: 'Wisdom begins in wonder.' Studies show that the awe induces deeper levels of cognitive processing; it boosts empathy and helps us connect with the world around us in meaningful ways. Art and science are borne from it. Wonder is more than just a good feeling; it is a seed from which our greatest treasures grow. 

Explore, dream and feed your spirit well.

On Meteor Crater, they wrote (in part):

The Barringer Meteor Crater is the best-preserved meteor impact site on the planet and it’s an unsettling place. Some 50,000 years ago, a 300,000 tonne rock burned through the atmosphere, striking the Earth with a force 1,000 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb at Hiroshima. The ground melted instantly, leaving a hole 550-feet deep and almost a mile in diameter that can still be seen to this day.

Above, The Beast at Meteor Crater RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are out vacationing in a RV, Meteor Crater RV Park is just at the Meteor Crater exit off of Interstate 40.

To read more, go here.

An Astronaut's View of A Meteoroid Hitting Earth

Above, Meteor Crater in Arizona. This is what a king-sized meteor can do. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever wondered what it looks like to see a meteoroid strike earth from space?

Well, wonder no more! One of the International Space Station's astronauts caught a meteoroid hitting the atmosphere on video.

Thanks to Travel + Leisure for posting the video.

About the video, they wrote:

Sure, you may have visited more countries than your friends, experienced more cultures than most, and eaten meals with names that you can’t even pronounce. But have you ever seen a meteor crash into Earth… from space? 

European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli has, and he has the footage to prove it.

The ESA pieced together Nespoli’s footage taken while aboard the International Space Station and made it into a stunning timelapse video for all of us here on terra firma to enjoy. The minute and a half video shows the Earth from above as the Space Station flew over the southern Atlantic Ocean over to Kazakhstan.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Apollo Test Capsule

During my November 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois (the trip where I discovered New Mexico), I stopped at Meteor Crater, Arizona to see the crater and the visitor center.

Outside of the visitor center stands a "boilerplate" test Apollo capsule. I remember seeing either this or a similar one next to a big water tank at the Rockwell plant in Downey, California off Imperial Highway.

Above, the Apollo test capsule at Meteor Crater in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This was during the time in the late-1960s before the 91 Freeway was built. In order to get to Disneyland from the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, one usually drove east on Imperial Highway to Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway). We would pass the Downey Rockwell plant along the way.

10 Things To See On Route 66 In Arizona

Above, Meteor Crater was formed when an asteroid hit Earth 50,000 years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two weeks ago, I took a little weekend trip into Arizona long Interstate 40 (which parallels historic Route 66 for the most part) to see some of the attractions that are covered in an article by DrivingRoute66.com.

I have visited seven of the ten things on Route 66 over the years. Each one of the things listed are worth a visit.

They begin with:

Route 66 in Arizona features some of the longest stretches of Mother Road still driveable. The "Grand Canyon State" offers plenty to see and do to Route 66 travelers, including many natural attractions such as the Painted Desert, Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest. One natural attraction that can't be left off the list is of course the Grand Canyon itself, something that purists will be quick to point out is not actually ON Route 66. This is true, of course, but we shouldn't ignore the fact that Route 66 passes close enough to the Grand Canyon to make it easily accessible, being just an hour from Williams and Kingman. For decades a trip to the Grand Canyon has been an integral part of the experience for many westbound travelers. 

This list merely offers a flavor of what Arizona can offer. You can find a more extensive list of things to see along the whole length of Route 66 by clicking here. 

Listed in no particular order, here are my 10 things to see on Route 66 in Arizona…

For those traveling by RV, there are RV parks and campgrounds sprinkled along the route.

To see what they are, go here. 

6 Best Rest Areas In The U.S.

Above, Meteor Crater in Arizona, definitely not a "short walk" from one of the mentioned rest areas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most everyone has stopped at a roadside rest area at one time or another. Some rest areas are better than others.

Do It Yourself RV has an article of the "6 Best Rest Areas In The U.S. One of them is a rest area in Arizona on Interstate 40 that I've been to. But they wrote something about it that is so ludicrous and I just had to respond.

I wrote the following comment:

The rest area on I-40 in Arizona is not exactly a "short walk" to Meteor Crater as your article states. It is several miles east of the turnoff to Meteor Crater and Meteor Crater is several miles south of I-40. Granted, it is a nice rest area, but I wouldn't advise walking to Meteor Crater from it, especially during the hot summer months.

Other than that, it is an interesting article.

They began it with:

Rest areas are the Star Trek equivalent of coming out of warp speed. They give you a chance to slow down and pull over to experience a small part of your current location. 

Rest areas and rest stops run the gamut from travel plazas for truck drivers to stores and restaurants that cater directly to RVers. These stops usually have amenities such as dump stations, water, and travel information. In addition, they can have souvenir shops and other tourist attractions. 

The rest stops that are more commonly seen on the side of an interstate or major highway are government stops regulated by the state’s Department of Transportation. 

These stops are usually located in rural areas far from city services and are normally a basic parking lot where drivers can pull over to rest, use cell phones, and go to a bathroom. 

Some of these rest areas are better than others and allow for a several hour snooze or even overnight stops. These stops also have excellent bathrooms, picnic tables, maps of the area, and snack or water dispensers. 

With nearly 2,900 rest stops in the U.S., there are bound to be a few that are worth putting on the brakes for. These 6 rest stops have a little extra something for RVers.

To read more, go here. 

Interstate 40 Road Trip

Above, Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee is listed as a place to visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It just so happens that I live about a mile south of Interstate 40. It also just so happens that Do It Yourself RV has an article on taking a cross-country trek on Interstate 40 from Barstow, California to Wilmington, North Carolina.

In it, they list 15 places to see along the way.

They begin with:

Interstate 40 spans about 2,555 miles from Barstow, California to Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s the third longest interstate in the US behind I-80 and I-90 and largely parallels the southernmost cross-country highway, Interstate 10. 

The highway passes through eight states and several major cities like Albuquerque, Memphis, and Nashville. The western stretch of I-40 from Barstow to Oklahoma City also follows a segment of the old Route 66. 

You could drive the route in a week or two, but I suggest planning at least a month or more to allow plenty of time to see everything along the way. Before you go, you’ll also want to plan your travels on RV Trip Wizard as there are countless more amazing campgrounds and attractions off the highway.

There's a lot more to see along Interstate 40. Grand Canyon National Park is only 55 miles north of Interstate 40 in Williams, Arizona. Also off Interstate 40 in Arizona, is Meteor Crater, which is one of the best preserved meteor craters on this planet.

Still, the 15 places they list in their article are worth a stop.

To read more, go here.

Perseid Meteor Shower This Weekend

Above, a chunk of the meteor that created Arizona's Meteor Crater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Budding astronomers and stargazers will be in for a big treat this weekend.

Travel + Leisure reported:

Save all your wishes for this weekend. Shooting stars could happen every minute.

From Aug.11–13, the Perseid meteor shower will send between 60 and 70 meteors shooting across the sky every hour. The meteor shower's peak is expected to occur the night of Sunday, Aug. 12 into the wee hours of Monday morning. 

This weekend’s show is expected to be particularly spectacular. The Perseids happen every year, but this year’s crescent moon will make the sky darker, allowing the meteors to shine. 

If you’re planning on watching the Perseid meteor shower, bear in mind that it will take at least 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The longer you’re outside in the dark, the better your vision of the meteors will be. The best time to be outside to catch the peak is between midnight and dawn. Stargazers won’t need to look at any particular point in the sky to catch a glimpse of a shooting meteor. They should be everywhere.

To read more, go here.