Discover Joplin, Missouri, an overlooked destination for a one of a kind getaway in the latest episode of Coffee With Jim. When people think about unforgettable road trip destinations, places like Chicago, Santa Fe, or Los Angeles usually come to mind. But tucked away in the rolling hills of southwest Missouri is a gem that’s often overlooked—Joplin, Missouri.
Joplin is more than just a city named in the song about getting your kicks on Route 66. It’s a crossroads of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a one-of-a-kind vacation stop, Joplin delivers with small-town charm, big-city amenities, and memory making adventures waiting to be discovered.
From art-filled downtown streets to historic neighborhoods, tasty eats, and outdoor adventures in the Ozarks, Joplin makes memories easy.
Coffee With Jim: Conversations on the Road
Every Sunday morning, I pour a cup of coffee and invite you to join me for a lively, friendly conversation with people who are shaping the road trip experience, preserving history, transforming communities, and keeping America’s story alive.
Coffee With Jim is part storytelling, part history lesson, and part road trip inspiration for your next adventure.
Featured Episode – August 17, 2025
Guest: Patrick Tuttle, Director of the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau
In this episode, Patrick and I talked about:
- Joplin’s deep connection to Route 66 and the historic Jefferson Highway
- Route 66 detours
- Why Joplin should be on every traveler’s bucket list
- Fostering development of a sense of community
- The allure of Route 66
- The Route 66 centennial
- Tourism and economic development
Listen to Coffee With Jim – August 17, 2025
Binge the Coffee With Jim Archives
Past guests have included:
- Elizabeth Olwig – Missouri Route 66 Association
- Liz Vincent – Pontiac, Illinois Tourism
- Austin Coop – Two Lane America tours
- Wade Bray – AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa
Explore the full archives here: Coffee With Jim on Podbean
Upcoming Programs
August 24, 2025 – Jonathan Bullington
- Senior Reporter, Chicago Tribune
- Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
- Sharing his recent Route 66 odyssey and stories from the road
September 7, 2025 – Rhys Martin
- President, Oklahoma Route 66 Association
- Manager, Preserve Route 66 Initiative at the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Join us live every Sunday morning
Can’t make it? Every episode is archived at jimhinckley.podbean.com as well as on various websites including The Bee, the Colorado River Valley’s leading online media site, KIngman Tours, and Jim Hinckley’s America.
Powered by Our Sponsors
The adventures we share wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors:
✅ Two Lane America – Guided American road trip adventures
✅ Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba, Missouri’s iconic 90-year-old gem
✅ Cactus Inn Motel – McLean, Texas roadside treasure
✅ Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park – Route 66 charm and history in the Land of Enchantment
✅ RouteTrip USA – Bespoke roarip adventures in America and Canada
✅ Roadrunner Lodge Motel – Mid-century magic in Tucumcari, NM
✅ Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours – Personalized Mother Road adventures and Mississippi River valley road trips
A special shoutout to our newest sponsor – Deana M Nelson Insurance Agency Inc., State Farm Insurance, Kingman, Arizona
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We believe travel is about more than destinations. It’s about people, history, and experiences that linger long after the journey ends.
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Ready to Start Your Joplin Adventure?
Plan your trip, tune in to Coffee With Jim, and let’s make some memories together.
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Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.