38 FEBRUARY 2022 A rizona is great because you can experience its rich cultural history and still enjoy the modern amenities that make for a relaxing getaway. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not celebrate by taking a walk back in time, when life was slower but still chic and full of flavor? It doesn’t check off the traditionally “romantic” box, but Winslow, Arizona, is full of character, charm and evokes that warm and fuzzy feeling of days gone by. Fifty-seven miles southeast of Flagstaff, Winslow’s visitors come from near and far so they can stand on the corner made famous by the Eagles’ song, “Take it Easy.” However, the true gem of this town is the La Posada Hotel, opened in 1930 as a Fred Harvey Hotel on the Santa Fe Railroad Line. The 60,000 square foot, 70-room hotel was built for $1 million, and its furnishings cost another million. Famed visionary architect Mary Coulter called it her “last and best.” This hacienda-style inn once attracted high-profile guests like John Wayne, Amelia Earhart, Clark Gable, Will Rogers, Jane Russell, Jimmy Stewart and presidents and dignitaries like Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the late 1990s, the owners of La Posada, Allan Affeldt and his wife Tina Mion, took on a $12 million restoration to renovate this landmark to its glory days. They called it a labor of love, which turned into a renaissance of American history and brought new life into Winslow. Affeldt said it felt like collaborating with an architect who has passed on, therefore keeping the spirit of Mary Coulter alive. La Posada received the Governor’s Award for its restoration and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the art-filled hotel attracts railroad enthusiasts, architects, history buffs, Route 66 fans and travelers from all over. La Posada also boasts an award- winning restaurant, The Turquoise Room. The Super Chief was a deluxe train between Los Angeles and Chicago back in the day. It was called the “train of the stars” because rich, famous guests traveled by train across the country. Each domed lounge car had a private dining area called the Turquoise Room. These exclusive restaurants were by reservation only and advertised as the finest dining on wheels. In keeping with the spirit of luxury train travel, The Turquoise Room at La Posada quickly became one of the finest restaurants in the Southwest. The original chef, John Sharpe, was twice nominated for a James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest. A few of the unique menu offerings are regional classics, like the Hopi Piki bread, Navajo Churro Lamb and Fred Harvey Boilerman breakfasts. The famed restaurateur retired a few years ago, but his legacy of fine dining in the desert continues. Romance, elegance, food and an enchanting look at our historical past seem like a winning recipe for a fun- filled Valentine’s Day, just off an Arizona highway. Love and history all in one Host and executive producer of Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures La Posada Hotel and Gardens. Winslow’s famous corner from the Eagles’ song “Take it Easy.” Chartered in 1934, ArcadiaÕ s Troop 6 has a rich history in Arizona Scouting. Community service and leadership development are part of our mission, along with helping our young men earn ScoutingÕ s highest rank, Eagle Scout. Youth-led and very active, Troop 6 Scouts select our activities and adventures. We are frequently camping, backpacking and experiencing special locations like Emerald Bay on Catalina Island, Philmont Cavalcade, Colorado River Runs and our summer camp at Geronimo near Payson in 2022. Along the way, Scouts have a lot of fun, make new friends and learn valuable skills that will help them Be Prepared. For Life. Troop 6 meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm at Prince of Peace (3641 N. 56th St., Phoenix) For more information, contact our Scoutmaster, Steve Radonich 602-717-3006 or steve@scoutwm.com or visit arcadiatroop6.org ARCADIA TROOP 6 Prepared. For Life. ™ Get Screened for Risks of Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease Are you at risk? Call 833-335-0203 5 Screening Package for $149