If you’re a fan of Pixar’s animated film, Cars, you’ll want to make a side trip to Seligman. The town of Radiator Springs in the movie Cars was loosely based on the town of Seligman. Just as in the movie, the traffic through Seligman all but disappeared after Interstate 40 opened, bypassing the Historic Rte. 66 that ran through Seligman.
If you’re planning a trip on I-40 that takes you near Seligman, by all means take a short trip to Seligman and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time like a magical ride on Rte. 66. With roughly 400 residents, you might just run in to all of them if you stop off at these two landmarks:
Delgadillo’s Historic Route 66 Visitor Center, 217 East Route 66. Formerly Angel’s Barbershop, this gift shop has Route 66 memorabilia spilling out all sides and the owner, Angel Delgadillo, was instrumental in preserving this last stretch of the Route. The shop also has information on a 20 minute walking tour of Seligman.
Historic Seligman Sundries (formerly Ted’s Trading Post & Soda Fountain in the mid-1900’s). Experience history when you enter into Historic Seligman Sundries, the oldest commercial building in Seligman. Built in 1904, many of the original artifacts remain, including the original soda fountain from the 1930’s. All tourists are welcomed to stop and visit this museum atmosphere — free information and handouts are available.