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.
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.
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.
Inarguably one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in Arizona, these iconic tepees inspired "Sally's Cozy Cone Motel" in the film.
The resemblance is striking, right down to how the rooms are arranged around the main office.
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."
That shop pays homage to Hackberry General Store, and it's just as quirky on-screen as in real life.
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.
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.
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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