This General Store On Arizona’s Route 66 Will Make You Long For The Good Ol’ Days
By Monica Spencer|Published March 06, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
There are so many incredible things to see along Route 66, that you might not know where to start. There are attractions that seem a bit odd, iconic restaurants, and abandoned sites that will remind you of the lives that once blossomed along this old highway.
We’re pretty lucky, however, to have many of these places still standing, still operating, or, in some cases, finding a new life. That last part just happens to be the case for one little gas station turned store and museum in the tiny town of Hackberry, which sits less than 30 miles from Kingman.
Sitting near mile marker 80 on old Route 66, the Hackberry General Store has become a legendary stop when traveling the highway. Once a gas station, it now lives a new life as a museum and store.
A brief walk around the general store will give you some insight about how traveling along the highway has changed over the decades. Be prepared to feel nostalgic for the days before Interstate 40 replaced Route 66!
A walk inside the building is also a bit overwhelming. You'll find tons of souvenirs that celebrates a nostalgia for the old days, knick knacks, and plenty of Route 66 themed merchandise.
The store was opened in 1992, operated by artist Bob Waldmire who inspired a character in the Disney film Cars (the VW bus, for anyone curious). He sold it a few years later to a couple who ran the store for nearly two decades!
The owners recently retired and sold it to a new owner, so if you're a long-time visitor, you may notice some changes around here but rest assured that it is still operating and worthy of a visit!
If you’re unable to visit, check out this short video to take a peek at the general store and get a feel for the relaxing atmowsphere.
The Hackberry General Store is located 27 miles northeast of Kingman at 11255 East Route 66 in Hackberry. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
If you want to read about another unique little place found on Route 66, you’ll want to read about one hotel that has been making waves since 1950. Read about the Wigwam Motel in This Quirky Motel Is An Iconic Stop Along Arizona’s Route 66.
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