On the road to Tulsa there were lots of opportunities to celebrate Route 66, share stories, and lend a hand to folks that are working tirelessly to build a sense of community.
At Jim Hinckley’s America, we’re all about inspiring road trips by telling people where to go, and our recent journey to the AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma was a shining example of just that. The weekend was filled with networking, storytelling, big ideas, book signings, historic preservation conversations, and more than a few cups of coffee as well as delicious pie and cobbler.
If you’re just discovering Jim Hinckley’s America, buckle up. You’re in for a ride that celebrates America’s most famous highway and the great American road trip, the communities connected by two lane highways, and the people that are ensuring a new generation of travelers is inspired to hit the open road.
on the road to tulsa: AAA Route 66 Road Fest
The Route 66 Road Fest (www.route66roadfest.com), held in Tulsa, brought together classic car lovers, history buffs, tourism professionals, and road trip enthusiasts from across the country. It was my honor to present a program about the dark side of Route 66 history with tales of murder and mayhem. That was followed with a book signing at the booth of Magic City Books (www.magiccitybooks.com), a cornerstone of Tulsa’s literary scene. There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction that comes from supporting the endangered independent book store.
During the event, I had the pleasure of helping folks plan Route 66 adventures, answering questions, sharing insider tips, and passing out rack cards for Kingman Tours (www.kingman.tours), a self-guided, narrated walking tour through Kingman, Arizona’s historic downtown. This innovative project, developed in partnership with Kingman Main Street, the City of Kingman, and Talisman Magic Marketing (www.talismanconsultant.com), brings history to life using QR code technology anold fashioned storytelling.
Weather, Meetings, and Missed Hellos
Now, I’ll admit it, this trip wasn’t without its hurdles. Between a tight travel schedule packed with meetings and a few weather-related delays, I wasn’t able to catch up with all the old friends I’d hoped to see along the way. That’s one of the hardest parts of this kind of whirlwind adventure. We were always on the move, trying to squeeze 400 miles of good intentions into a 200-mile window.
Even so, the road led to valuable conversations and promising collaboration.
Collaborative Conversations in New Mexico
Following the Road Fest, I met with Connie Loveland of Tucumcari Main Street (www.tucumcarimainstreet.org) and Denise Hanson of Grants Main Street (www.grantsmainstreetproject.com). Our conversations touched on the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, historic district revitalization, the role of heritage tourism in economic development, and the importance of community education programs in preserving Route 66 history.
We also discussed ongoing efforts to heal the fractured Route 66 community in New Mexico. Recent internal divisions have weakened the state’s efforts to capitalize on the Route 66 centennial. However, organizations like the Route 66 Association of New Mexico (not to be confused with the newly minted New Mexico Route 66 Association) and the New Mexico Route 66 Alliance are stepping up to reunite the community and restore unity along the Mother Road.
AI Behind the Wheel: June 22, 2025 Episode of Coffee With Jim
With the Road Fest happening over a weekend, I didn’t want to leave our listeners with a blank spot on the calendar. So, for the June 22, 2025 episode of Coffee With Jim (listen here), we tried something new. The entire episode was AI-generated using Notebook LM—script, voice, the whole kit and caboodle. And guess what? Judging by the feedback, it worked!
Now, I’ll be honest—AI still makes me a bit uneasy. It’s a tool with enormous potential, but it’s the human stories and voices that make Route 66 and road trips magical. Still, having AI as a backup option during tight schedules may be a game-changer, as long as I don’t make myself irrelevant.
A Tip of the Hat to Our Sponsors and Supporters
None of this—none of it—would be possible without the generous support of our patrons on Patreon and the incredible businesses that sponsor Jim Hinckley’s America. Your faith in the work we’re doing allows us to hit the road, create content, and help communities build a better future through tourism and preservation.
We proudly thank our sponsors:
- Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours – Experts in memory making Mother Road adventures
- Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri – Celebrating 90 years of Ozark charm
- Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico – Mid-century magic on Route 66
- RouteTrip USA – Helping travelers discover the magic of road trip adventures in the US and Canada
- Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park in Albuquerque – A true treasure that blends a tangible link to Route 66 history with a modern full service RV park
- Two Lane America – Guided tours that bring Route 66 to life
- Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas – Classic Texas hospitality on the Mother Road
Your support not only helps us keep the wheels turning but makes us part of something bigger—a grassroots movement to revive, reimagine, and preserve Route 66 and small town America.
Upcoming Adventures & Coffee With Jim Episodes
Don’t miss the next episodes of Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast where we share stories, interview fascinating guests, and dive into the issues that matter to Route 66 communities. You can subscribe and join the live chat via our Podbean page here:
🎧 Upcoming Live Shows & Archive
Join the Adventure!
If you haven’t already, here’s how you can ride along with Jim Hinckley’s America:
- ✅ Subscribe to the blog right here on our website for travel tips, stories, and updates
- ✅ Tune into Coffee With Jim every week on Podbean
- ✅ Follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/JimHinckleysAmerica
- ✅ Become a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/jimhinckleysamerica and join our growing community of road trip evangelists
And if you need just one more reason to jump in the passenger seat—did you know there’s a place called Sweetie Pie’s Amish Bakery in Tulsa? Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. That’s the kind of hidden gem we live to discover and share.
Until Next Time…
Whether we’re supporting the people that are rebuilding communities, recording podcasts, or finding the best slice of pie on Route 66, this journey is a team effort. With your support, we’re keeping the heart of the highway beating strong.
Thanks for sharing the adventure.
Jim Hinckley
Telling people where to go since 1990
Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.