Williams, Arizona was named after ‘Old Bill” (the mountain man) Williams. ‘Old Bill’ trapped in the area in the early to mid 1800’s and was a guide for John Fremont’s search for a route to California.  Founded in the late 1800’s, Williams was not unlike many other pioneer towns in that it was a popular place for the early settlers to farm , ranch and cut timber.  Speculation of the new Santa Fe railroad coming through the area and its proximity to the Grand Canyon led to its early growth.  Williams had it’s share of saloons and bordellos and was a pretty rough little town in those days. Destroyed by fire like so many early settlements Williams quickly rebuilt and became a popular destination for tourists visiting the Grand Canyon.  In 1926 Williams became one of those popular spots along the new Route 66.  Most likely it was one of the most popular towns on America’s new highway since the Grand Canyon railway ran from Williams to the Grand Canyon.  However, in time, the railway was temporarily shut down as many folks were starting to travel by automobile.  Over the years, as America went through many changes,  Williams kept up with the change and today it is on the National Register as an historic town.   Even today, with Interstate 40 traveling by less than a mile north, Williams retains the nostalgia of earlier times and remains a very popular stop along the way. The town is also a popular stop for bikers, motorcycle clubs and custom car enthusiasts. The Grand Canyon Railway, back in business, today provides tens of thousands of tourists a year an exceptional trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  The ride is about two and half hours each way with a lot going on during the ride to the South Rim.  Local businesses and merchants have succeeded in keeping Williams on the map by maintaining the ambiance of ‘yesterday’.  For instance you can actually stay the night in a 1890’s Bordello  right downtown and wake up the next morning with a  warm fresh croissant . And you are right down town too!  The Red Garter Bed and Breakfast is a great example of what Williams has to offer travelers riding through town.  For other lodging check the links on this page.  For such a small community Williams offers a wide variety of dining options.  From the old steakhouse grill to  fast food and Route 66 style diners you will not have any problems finding  the right bite to satisfy your hunger.  Check out the list on the right for some of the locations.  Most of us are on our way to another destination or just riding around when we go through Williams. However if you are planning to stay for a few days you might want to check out some of the attractions in town.  The Highlander Motel downtown is clean and convenient with reasonable rates.  I like to park my bike right out in front of my room and you can do this at the Highlander.   Take an hour or two from your ride to do some stretching and shopping along main street.  If I am around town in the morning I like to grab a bite at Old Smokey’s Pancake House..that is if I can get in!  Or for some great ribs check out the Typhoon Saloon. (You may bring your own brew cause they don’t serve alcohol yet!) If you’re just lookin’ for a good hamburger or steak you might to try Sue B’s in the old Sultana Theatre on the main drag . The Sultana Theatre opened in 1912 and silent films made up the marquee.  The old movie screen and curtain are still intact so  you can relax and enjoy a great steak while thinking  about Tom Mix chasing the ‘bad guys’ outta town.  Anyway I am sure that no matter what you do while in Williams you’ll have a great time.  If you need some work on your scooter while you are in Williams give Jim or Shane a call at Grand Canyon Motorsports.  Shane can fix almost anything.  Their ad is at the top of this page. Also, I have linked some of the custom car and bike events in Williams for this year just below.  Heya brothers...this was a short run for just a few of us Cabbers...we enjoyed our visit with Barb at Cruisers Cafe and Katie at The Sultana. Ride Safe and Ride Hard!  Reggae Rider