If you’ve seen the Disney movie “Cars,” you’ll recall it takes place on Route 66. Regarded as the Mother Road, the iconic highway is known for its quirky charm and abundant tourist attractions. It winds through the Southern part of the country, passing through many small towns along the way. One such place is Holbrook, a middle-of-nowhere Arizona community that inspired several aspects of the film. See the Cars movie town in Arizona for yourself:

Prior to the release of "Cars," Joe & Aggie's Cafe was simply a charming little stop along the Mother Road.
Google/Andrew DeWolfe
Since then, the restaurant has catapulted into the Arizona food scene, drawing in droves of tourists and locals alike who come to experience its cinematic charm.
Pixar drew inspiration from Joe, the cafe's owner, for the "Cars" character Stanley.
Google/KS Brooks
Memorabilia from the film adorns every wall, transporting guests into a whimsical world of fiction.
Wigwam Motel was already known as an obligatory stop along the highway. Because of its undeniable eccentricity, we can easily understand why Disney used their own rendition in the film.
Google/Eric Muzy
Inarguably one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in Arizona, these iconic tepees inspired "Sally's Cozy Cone Motel" in the film.
Flickr/thomashawk
The resemblance is striking, right down to how the rooms are arranged around the main office.

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Several honorable mentions must also be awarded, as a handful of places outside of Holbrook earned a spot in the film too. The slogan on this quintessential billboard advertising Jackrabbit Trading Post can also be found near "Lizzie's Curio Shop."
Flickr/caveman_92223
That shop pays homage to Hackberry General Store, and it's just as quirky on-screen as in real life.
Flickr/matthigh
Disney portrayed the tourist attraction perfectly, with a smorgasbord of random junk and Route 66 memorabilia.
Speculations have been made that Oatman's famous wild burros appear in the film as rogue tractors roaming around town and barging into businesses.
Flickr/gordon2208
Yes, the donkeys are known for similar antics.

While this hypothesis has yet to be confirmed, but we'd like to think the animals would appreciate the tribute.
Although not located along Route 66, Havasu Falls also had a moment in the spotlight when Lightning McQueen emerged from a tunnel.
Flickr/Sean Hagen

Did you know Holbrook inspired the movie “Cars?” Are there any other places in Arizona that inspired films? We’d love to hear about them! There’s even more to learn about the little, charming town of Holbrook!

 

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The Best Attractions In Arizona

William Suphan | December 21, 2022

What are the coolest hidden-gem attractions in Arizona?

  • Flintstones Bedrock City. Located in Valle, this tribute to The Flintstones is where you can take a foot-powered car around.
  • Mesa Grande Cultural Park. This is a Hohokam platform mound where you can learn a lot about Native American culture.
  • Pipe Spring National Monument. This is a museum of the pioneer life that Mormon settlers led when they built here.
  • Keepers of the Wild Nature Park. This animal sanctuary along Route 66 takes care of abused and abandoned animals.

Discover more about the coolest hidden-gem attractions in Arizona. 

What are the best Old West towns in Arizona?

The best Old West towns in Arizona include:

  • Castle Dome Mining Museum. This is a reconstruction of the old town of Castle Dome before it was submerged in the Colorado River.
  • Jerome. This is one of the coolest towns in Arizona, Old West or otherwise. It’s become a mecca for artists and musicians.
  • Oatman. This was an actual boomtown and is a real taste of the Old West life.
  • Tombstone. The ultimate Old West town. This is the site of the famous O.K. Corral shootout and is chock full of history.

Learn more about the best Old West towns in Arizona. 

What are the most incredible natural wonders in Arizona?

The most incredible natural wonders in Arizona include:

  • The Grand Canyon. This has to top the list as it is world-famous, utterly stunning, and mind-bogglingly massive.
  • Antelope Canyon. One of the most photographed places in the state, this is a natural work of art made of flowing rock.
  • Kartchner Caverns. This is a mesmerizing cave with so many intriguing rock formations and is home to many bats.
  • Meteor Crater. This crater is a mile across and is the result of a meteor impact from millions of years ago.

Find out more about the most incredible natural wonders in Arizona. 

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