Kingman is not often thought of as a destination. In fact, for more than a century

On the third Saturday of every month, April through September, the historic business is transformed during Chillin’ on Beale. Photo Jim Hinckley’s America

the town has been viewed as a stop on the way to someplace else. Even in the classic little tune about getting your kicks on Route 66, Kingman is named as the driver motors west to California. That, my friends, is a perception that is changing and in a very big way.

On Beale Street in the historic business district, one block north of Andy Devine Avenue (Route 66) there are now several excellent and diverse restaurants, two award winning microbreweries, a wine bar, a coffee shop where beans are roasted every morning, and an array of eclectic shops. There are also several excellent museums, one of which is the world’s only museum dedicated to the electric vehicle. 

An array of events every month provide added incentive to make Kingman a weekend getaway destination. The First Friday event features a new display and gallery showing at the Kingman Center for the Arts, a street fair, music, and lots of surprises, and often an historic district walking tour led by author and historian Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America. Chillin on Beale, a cruise night on the third Saturday evening of each month, April through September, transforms Beale Street into a rolling car show where anything with wheels is welcomed. On the first weekend in May, Route 66 enthusiasts from throughout the world, and fans of the great American road trip gather for the annual Route 66 Fun Run. Companies based in Australia and New Zealand now include the event in their spring tour packages.

A complete calendar of events is listed on the Promote Kingman Facebook page. This calendar is also posted on the Kingman Tourism site. The Kingman Tourism  initiative is a new project launched by MyMarketing Designs. In addition to providing a comprehensive portal for Kingman area tourism, and development of the aforementioned walking torus, with completion the initiative will serve as a tremendous promotional and marketing venue for area businesses.

Need another reason to make Kingman a weekend getaway? How about several reasons? Cool summer evenings. Hualapai Mountain Park 12 miles south of Kingman. Two award winning mountain bike and hiking trail systems. Wineries. Desert Diamond Distillery. Desert Wonder Tours. Historic district walking tours and presentations. Special events. A growing display of neon.