It’s Day Nine and Ten of our Route 66 road-trip, driving from Gallup, New Mexico to Flagstaff, Arizona. Who are we? Jeff and Jane, expat Brits living in Santa Monica, California. We have just finished our number one bucket-list item – driving Route 66 from Chicago back to our home town. Our mission? To Eat Vegan on Route 66 and share our experiences with you.

Route 66: Painted Desert and Bunnies

Another day, another state – crossing into Arizona the desert scenery was once again the star of the day. In particular, the Painted Desert is an immense red and white striated badlands shimmering in the heat. Nowadays, the potential of solar power in the Native American reservations is being recognized, with many projects completed and underway. We probably could have spent all day there, but we had a strict schedule to keep.

Onwards to the Jack Rabbit Trading Post hidden down a long and bumpy road, where I rode the rabbit! Inside, the store is a veritable treasure chest of bunny memorabilia and kitschy souvenirs.

Next stop, the charming downtown of Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles song Take it Easy with the line Standin’ on the Corner. The town has created a whole industry around this spurious connection, with a statue of man plus guitar, murals, a park and the ubiquitous Route 66 sign painted on the crossroads. We’d never even heard the song (ignorant Brits!) but did enjoy the muso vibe of the town.

How to Eat Vegan on Route 66: Vegan Paradise Found!

As we neared Flagstaff, the scenery changed dramatically to an Alpine pine forest, apparently the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world! A huge plume of orange-tinged smoke was visible for many miles, and proved to be from just south of fabulous Flagstaff. This night, we stayed at the spotless Residence Inn by Marriott, in a huge studio apartment.

Next, time for a few bevvies at the Mother Road Brewery set in an old warehouse complete with Route 66 neon signage. And, at last, we had the choice of some fully vegan restaurants in this urbane University town. We plumped for Plantasia Eatery, a gem hidden down an unassuming residential street. Here, we dined on whatever we wanted for a welcome change – cauliflower bites followed by Hemp Tamales and Lentil Meatloaf. Yummy!

As Flagstaff was so appealing, we stayed a second day and night, the only downside being the smoke that enveloped the town for much of the day. Time to spend a lazy time mooching in the Old Town art galleries and lifestyle stores – and buy a stunning piece of metalwork and an inlaid wooden jewelry box at the West of The Moon Gallery.

Later, we were pleasantly surprised to discover The Cornish Pasty Company just south of the railroad – and lunched there upon a couple of vegan pasties. That evening, we cooked ‘at home’ and made our favorite, a bean and vegan grounds chili with quinoa. We love to Eat Vegan on Route 66 in Flagstaff!

Tip of The Day – when is the best time to travel Route 66? Firstly, the weather is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter but maybe just right in the Fall and Spring. Even so, our trip in mid September was still scorching hot from the Midwest onwards. Also, plan to attend (or avoid) some of the many festivals that happen along the Mother Road all year long. Be aware that many attractions close in the low season – and even on Sundays and Mondays all year round.

Finally, use my public shared Google Map Route 66 Vegan to locate all the places mentioned on this trip.

Miles Traveled Today: 195

Total Miles Traveled: 1773

Next stop – Needles, California.