Going around and beyond the corner in Winslow at the 2022 Rural Policy Forum
Just one thing. One special thing worth seeing for yourself. Worth the extra miles. Worth the time. If a rural Arizona community has just one big thing that will attract visitors, it is an economic asset to use to the fullest extent. But if you know rural Arizona, you know a community always has far more than one special something.
Iconic rock band The Eagles gave Winslow an everlasting gift with one lyric that has attracted thousands of visitors to stand on the Route 66 corner made famous by a song. This gift of music continued developing the area’s identity along the lines of the arts, which have helped strengthen the community’s character and appeal far beyond any single attraction.
Visitors to the storied corner are missing so much more if they don’t explore beyond this downtown Winslow intersection. Just blocks away is the one-of-a-kind space Snowdrift Art Space, and across the street and a stone’s throw away is Old Trails Museum. And in the spirit of American Artist Appreciation Month (August), the historic and enchanting La Posada has on permanent display the works of contemporary American artist Tina Mion.
The area is steeped in Old West and railroad history, so it’s fitting that the Winslow Visitor Center is housed in a famous old trading post right on the tracks, where the glossy white tin ceiling and memorabilia transport you back in time. And just down the road is the municipal airport that famous aviator Charles Lindbergh helped design, complete with its historic-but-still-operational hangar. The architecture, character and story of these facilities make them placemakers – destinations unto themselves.
During Local First Arizona’s 15th Annual Rural Policy Forum in Winslow on August 3-5, 2022, event-goers were able to discover and experience all of these places, but got another special treat when the Winslow Arts Trust put the world’s largest, single-loom, Navajo weaving on display. This stunning gem is among the local treasures you must seek out in order to find.
It all added up to an unforgettable experience for almost 300 forum participants, who learned all that Winslow offers beyond that one special intersection. They’ll all be the first to tell you to go ahead and stand on the corner, but don’t stop there. Go that extra mile (or two…) to take in the art, history and creative spaces all around you. Maybe then you’ll understand the city’s “Why Not Winslow?” mantra. Why not, indeed?
