My sister-in-law called me to suggest I visit the “Standin’ on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona” tribute since we should be driving close to it soon. She had already passed it and wanted someone to go there on our trip. My husband wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but he went along with it.
The corner is dedicated to the song “Take it Easy” by the Eagles.
Standin’ on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona
I knew about this stop from reading about sights to see on Route 66. On this particular trip, I wasn’t thinking about visiting Arizona since our main goal was Utah and New Mexico. Coming from California meant we needed to pass through Arizona at least once on our trip. So as I mentioned above, my husband went along with it. He is usually pretty good about doing that for me. Sure, it was out of the way, but I think it was worth it.
The city of Winslow has embraced its rock ‘n roll fame. A small “park” was created with the lifesize bronze statue that looks like co-writer Jackson Browne but is meant to represent all musicians. He is holding a guitar in front of him. If you look at the photo to the right, you will see in the window a mural of the red flatbed Ford mentioned in the song, next to Phil’s right shoulder. If you look carefully, you can see the girl that drives the Ford in the window above my head, hugging a guy.
The corner is at the intersection of 2nd Avenue (The Old Route 66 eastbound) and North Kinsley Ave. It’s 58 miles east of Flagstaff.
Great photo ops
Getting your picture taken may take a while if you are at the corner when it is busy. It is estimated that 100,000 visitors come to have their pictures taken each year. Someone will likely volunteer to take your picture for you when it’s your turn. We were so excited to get our picture taken that we failed to get a picture of the wall itself to show everything on the wall in detail. That is your reminder when you visit.
There is a red 1960 Ford flatbed truck parked on the road as another photo op. We didn’t do that one.
Another picture that I took is of the Route 66 sign painted on the road. There weren’t too many vehicles on the road, so that wasn’t too difficult. Also, be sure to notice the eagle in the top left window. You can barely see it on my Route 66 sign below.
“Take it Easy”
The song seemed to go through my mind as we stood in the area. There are speakers above that play music to get you in the mood. While we were there, someone had his guitar and was playing the song. The song was written in 1971 and released as their first single at a later date. There is a souvenir shop across the street, just in case the Eagles are a big piece of your life.
“well, I’m a standin’ on a corner
in Winslow, Arizona
and such a fine sight to see
It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
slowin’ down to take a look at me.”
-Written by Jackson Brown and Glenn Frey
Standin’ on the Corner Festival
There is an annual festival held in the area. They are celebrating 50 years this year, so it’s bound to be crowded. They usually attract about 8,000 people to the festival. It includes arts and crafts, food, music on two stages, and of course, dancing.
This year there will be a Horseshoe Tournament, Food Trucks, a Beer Garden, a Raffle, and a Live Auction. Plus, of course, the two stages of live music. The next one is being held on September 23-24, 2022. The hours are Friday 3 pm to 11 pm. Saturday is 11 am to 11 pm. The price is $7 per person on Friday and $10 per person on Saturday. 12 and under are free. It is a family-friendly event. The sight to go to for more information is: https://www.standinonthecorner.org
So the next time you head out on a trip and Arizona will be part of it, I suggest you go to this landmark. And be sure to take more pictures than I did. What do you think about this rock-n-roll tourist attraction? Do you think you would stop by? Have you already been there? Let me know your feelings in the comments below.
