It’s not the Jim show, it’s a shared adventure. We bring you along on our road trips, and share the discovery of a diner with great pie. Did I tell you about Sweetie Pie’s Amish Bakery and Cafe in Tulsa?

And we share the diversity that is the American story with tales of inspirational people like Ralph Teetor, the blind inventor of cruise control. Or Lowell “Ed” Edgerton that transformed a desert oasis on Route 66 into a sun bleached empire.

This is at the core of everything that we do at at Jim Hinckley’s America. Our mission and passion is stitched into every blog post, podcast episode, book, video, and speaking engagement.

Our slogan — Sharing America’s Story and Inspiring Road Trips by Telling People Where to Go — is more than catchy phrasing. It is a promise, a manifestation of our passion, and a purpose. And it captures the spirit of exploration, storytelling, and community-building that drives our work every single day.

Where the Story Begins

The roots of Jim Hinckley’s America run deep. My passion for storytelling has been nourished by a life spent on the road talking with colorful characters. In an interview for True West Magazine published in an article titled “What History Has Taught Me”, I shared glimpses of the childhood and a mispent youth that fueled my fascination with America’s story.

All of our adventures center on people met along the way. Folks with calloused hands and wild ideas. People that make a difference, inspire, and that are unsung heroes. The colorful characters with names like Edgerton, Hairy Bull, and McCune who sparked in me a hunger to explore not just highways, but our diverse heritage. The road became my classroom. America became my textbook.

From hitchhiking across the Mojave Desert, working in deep dark mines, to ranch life in the southwest, and gear jamming throughout the west. With each adventure I met storytellers, visionaries, and dreamers who showed me the heart of America. That experience is the soul of Jim Hinckley’s America that we strive to share.

Coffee With Jim: The Podcast for Road Trip Dreamers

That is illustrated every Sunday morning on the Coffee With Jim podcast, available on Podbean. Our July 13 episode is a perfect example of how we share overlooked chapters of the American saga.

In this road trip inspiring episode we visited the original Las Vegas — the one in New Mexico. No Elvis impersonators, no neon casinos, just a vibrant small town with nearly 1,000 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, a renovated Harvey House hotel, tales of political eccentrics, and links to Roosevelt, Edsel Ford, and Doc Holliday. Thanks to Kathleen Hendrickson, that episode is a heartfelt guide to one of America’s best-kept secrets.

Then there’s the May 11 episode: a story of vision and transformation. Lenore Knudtson and Tim Webb dreamed big and then dreamed bigger. Their transformation of an entire desolate block on Route 66 into a destination was a story of inspiration. The story behind Scoops on 66, Tin Can Alley, Mudd on 66, and Kingman Rental Bikes in Kingman, Arizona is more than a tale of revitalization. This is inspiration in action. This is the kind of story that makes Coffee With Jim more than a podcast. It’s encouragement, inspiration, and an oasis from the bad news that swirls around us.

And on the episode of July 20, we explore Missouri’s slice of Route 66 with Elizabeth Olwig of the Missouri Route 66 Association. Expect tales from the Ozarks, stories of preservation, exciting centennial plans, and hidden gems that will leave you dreaming of road trips. But we will also be taking a look at Route 66 beyond the centennial, and discuss what it will take to ensure the road remains relevant for generations to come.

Books That Tell the Story

Over the years, I’ve written 22 books chronicling the stories of the open road and the people who keep the past alive. From travel guides to historical anthologies, each is crafted to entertain, educate, and inspire your next great journey. The latest release, Route 66: 100 Years is a collaborative anthology written with road legends and good friends Rhys Martin, Joe Sonderman, Cheryl Eichar Jett, Greg Hasman, and Dries Bessels. This Route 66 centennial celebration is a must-have for any traveler, preservationist, or dreamer.

Cover of the book 'Route 66: 100 Years' featuring a neon sign of Route 66 with bright blue and red colors.
Route 66: 100 Years – A Route 66 centennial anthology

You can find all my titles on Amazon, and preorder Route 66: 100 Years now.

Not the Jim Show — A Shared Adventure

Jim Hinckley’s America isn’t about me. It’s about us. Our podcast, books, presentations, and videos are vehicles to connect communities. We want to spark tourism-driven economic development, and celebrate our shared heritage.

Our blog is filled with stories about historic hotels, Route 66 gems, community revitalization, and the people turning dreams into destinations. From my presentations at the Route 66 Road Fest to the New Mexico Governor’s Hospitality and Tourism Conference, and events across Europe, this platform has brought people together around a shared love of history, travel, and road trip Americana.

A Community of Sponsors and Supporters

The Jim Hinckley’s America community thrives thanks to our dedicated sponsors and supporters. From the retro charm of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri to the nostalgia-filled Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas, our sponsors reflect our love for the American road trip.

Our Patreon page, Jim Hinckley’s America on Patreon, is where our most loyal fans help keep the wheels turning. Every contribution fuels new podcasts, blog posts, videos, and community-building efforts. It’s a front-row seat on the road to discovery.

What’s Around the Bend

The road ahead is as exciting as a long stretch of Route 66 framed by quintessential western landscapes. Coming soon:

  • New episodes of our Shared Adventures and Lost Highway video series on YouTube
  • Speaking engagements at the 2026 Route 66 Centennial celebrations in Tulsa and beyond
  • Fresh blog content for Kingman Tours (kingman.tours), Two Lane America, and RouteTrip USA
  • Release of Route 66: 100 Years

We invite you to be part of the journey. Subscribe to the website, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Tune in to Coffee With Jim, become a Patreon supporter, or even advertise with us.

Because Jim Hinckley’s America isn’t just about the destination. It’s about discovering the stories, savoring the detours, and finding inspiration one mile at a time.

After all, this is a shared adventure.


Follow Us & Stay Connected

Facebook & Instagram: @JimHinckleysAmerica

Website: www.jimhinckleysamerica.com

Podcast: Coffee With Jim on Podbean

Books: Jim Hinckley on Amazon

YouTube: Jim Hinckley’s America Channel

Patreon: Support the Journey

Latest Comments
  1. I think these developments are a big deterrent for foreigners visiting the US. It is sad that the anniversaries of…

Subscribe To The Blog

Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Jim Hinckley's America - Route 66 Chronicles ®

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading