Route 66, New Mexico, Tulsa and telling America’s story. We are on the road again!

There’s a storied stretch of old road that winds through the heartland of America. It’s part nostalgia, part mystery, part timeless and all adventure. I bet that you can guess what road I’m talking about.

And to kick off the summer of 2025, we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate it in grand style. We are taking to the road for a series of events that are as rich in history as they are in opportunity.

June 22: The New Mexico Governor’s Hospitality & Tourism Conference

Mark your calendar and gas up the truck! On June 22, 2025, I’ll be speaking at the New Mexico Governor’s Hospitality & Tourism Conference in Albuquerque about the power of Route 66 tourism. This presentation will be more than just a nostalgic nod to the past. I will be presenting the old double six as a catalyst for revitalizing historic districts, building a sense of community, and driving economic development.

Route 66 has always been more than pavement and neon. It’s about people, places, and the potential that comes when we breathe new life into old stories. I’ll be diving into how communities large and small can harness the centennial of the Mother Road in 2026 to attract visitors, invest in preservation, and, most importantly, build a renewed sense of pride and purpose.

Bring your questions. Bring your books. And bring your big ideas. I’ll be happy to sign copies. And I am looking forward to meeting folks who are as passionate as I am about keeping history alive and relevant.

June 20–22: AAA Route 66 Road Fest – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Now if you really want to steep yourself in Route 66 magic, head east just a bit and join me at the AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 20–22.

This isn’t your average car show or travel expo. This is a full-immersion journey through time, with exhibits, entertainment, and enough storytelling to make you feel like you’ve been cruising the Mother Road since ’26.

I’ll be taking the stage with one of my favorite presentations: “Murder, Mayhem & The Dark Side of Route 66.” That’s right — beyond the postcards and the pie stops, Route 66 has its share of gritty tales and ghost stories. I’ll be dusting off some old newspaper clippings and digging into a few skeletons in the roadside closet as I share stores from my book Murder and Mayhem on The Main Street of America: Tales From Bloody 66.

And hey — I’ll be signing books there too. So if you’ve got a well-worn copy of Ghost Towns of Route 66, Backroads of Arizona, or The Illustrated Route 66 Historic Atlas, bring it along!

Let’s Meet On The Road

As my dearest friend and I head down the road to these events, keep an eye out for us. We will be making a stop at Buc-ees, visiting a few old friends, making pitstops at some of our favorite places, and looking for some new ones to add to the list.

So, whether we’re grabbing a bite at a classic greasy spoon diner, filling up at a Buc-ees in Amarillo, or simply parked at some shady spot taking in the sunset, if you see us, say howdy! We love hearing your stories, sharing a few of our own, and putting faces to the names and messages we get every day from this incredible community of passionate and adventuresome road trip enthusiasts.

Want to Book a Speaking Engagement?

If you’d like to bring a little bit of Jim Hinckley’s America to your event, fundraiser, or festival, well, let’s talk. I’ve spoken at museums, libraries, tourism conferences, car shows, and everything in between from Los Angeles to Zlin, Czechia. It has been said that I can stories for hours even if I am the olnly person in the room and still enjoy myself. So, I’d be honored to help you tell your town’s story and inspire folks to hit the road.

📬 Booking inquiries: jimhinckley@jimhinckleysamerica.com
📞 Or use the contact form at www.jimhinckleysamerica.com

Support Our Sponsors – They Keep Us Rolling

We couldn’t do what we do without the generous support of our sponsors — small businesses and mom-and-pop motels that are preserving the magic of Route 66 and America’s highways:

• Cactus Inn Motel – McLean, TX
• Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba, MO
• Roadrunner Lodge – Tucumcari, NM
• Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park – Albuquerque, NM
• RouteTrip USA
• Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours
• Two Lane America

Please show them some love, book a room, join a tour, or just stop in and say thanks for keeping the dream alive.

You can also help us share America’s story and inspire road trips with support through Patreon.

Let’s Share the Adventure

Be sure to follow us and tune in — because we’re just getting warmed up:

📺 YouTube: Jim Hinckley’s America
📘 Facebook: Jim Hinckley’s America
📸 Instagram: @jimhinckleysamerica
🎙️ Podcast: Coffee With Jim on Podbean

We want you to be part of this community. With your support, contributions, and inspiration we can build the largest network in the world dedicated to sharing America’s story and inspiring road trips. Every like, share, comment and story told keeps the highway humming under the wheels.

See You on the Road!

So whether it’s in a convention hall in Albuquerque or under the bright lights of Tulsa, my dearest friend and I look forward to shaking your hand, hearing your story, and sharing a few of our own. Let’s hit the road, make a few memories, and keep telling America’s story — one mile at a time.

Until then — happy trails, and we’ll see you on down the line.

– Jim Hinckley
“Telling people where to go… and sharing America’s story”