Salad and afternoon tea are seldom where a grand adventure or stories of an epic odyssey begin. They usually start in a diner over coffee and pie, in the corner bar over beer, or with something a bit stronger.
Historical evidence to support my belief that drinking the hard stuff was behind Dr. Jackson accepting a $50 bet to attmept the first coast to coast drive in an automobile is lacking. Likewise with my suspicions about the origins of the 1908 to 1914 Desert Classic automobile races. Read about the legendary exploits of Johan and Horace Dodge, and you will see what I mean.
Reagardless of the origins these are the stories we love to tell. That’s because they are chapters in the American story. And it’s beacuse those stories often inspire adventures.
The Grand Adventure
If there’s one thing we are passionate about at Jim Hinckley’s America, it’s giving history relevance. We use history to inspire road trips, and to add depth and context to the American story. And that is exactly what we were doing at the recent Route 66 Info Fair in Needles, California.
This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Route 66 centennial. So, our passion for inspiring road trips and sharing America’s story is kicking into high gear. Across our entire network from the YouTube channel and Coffee With Jim podcast, as well as live events and social media we will be providing inspiration to discover America with road trips.
Shorts That Spark Road-Trip Dreams
For several months we’ve been fueling the fires of curiosity with a steady stream of shorts and reels for the Jim Hinckley’s America YouTube channel and Instagram account. The goal has been to create engaging videos that blend historic locations, folksy stories and stunning landscapes into a few seconds of screen time.
To date we have shared the story of the Dunton family’s century of doing business on Route 66. And we highlighted a mural by Bob Waldmire, and a 1930s auto court in Kingman, Arizona. Viewers have been responding with enthusiasm and that gives us added incentive.
On our spring schedule is a return to the creation of full length videos. We have lots of adventures to share and to inspire but the short one minute videos aren’t an adequate platform for presenting the whole story.
Needles, California — A Centennial Kickoff to Remember
On February 14, 2026, Route 66 fans gathered in Needles, California, for the Route 66 Info Fair at the historic El Garces depot and hotel. It was a celebration of the highway’s 100th anniversary. And it also linked Route 66 with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
I was there doing what I do best. Sharing America’s story and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go kept me busy. I gave a presentation about the origins and evolution of Route 66, chatted with longtime fans of the old road, and signed copies of my latest book, Route 66: 100 Years.
And I helped folks build their Route 66 travel plans using materials from partners along the route. This included rack cards from Tin Can Alley on 66 in Kingman, Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, and the Tucumcari, New Mexico Visitors Guides. A highlight for me was demonstrating the QR code based Kingman Tours, a narrated self guided tour of the historic district in Kingman, Arizona.
Rolling Toward the AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa
There’s more to come. We are eagerly counting down the days until the AAA Route 66 Road Fest that is scheduled for June 27–28, 2026, at the SageNet Center at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This centennial edition of Road Fest promises classic cars, interactive history exhibits, vintage RV tours, and family activities. As a bonus there will be hundreds of vendors that bring the road’s living heritage to life. And it is all indoors and air conditioned!
And we’re thrilled to share that…
I will be sharing the stage with folks like author Michael Wallis and Jim Ross. Tentatively scheduled is a book signing at the Magic City Books booth.
And Joey Madia will be on hand doing his acclaimed Cyrus Avery impersonation. He brings to life one of Route 66’s most legendary founders in a way that’s both historically grounded and delightfully theatrical.
This festival is meant to celebrate all of us. That includes travelers, preservationists, local businesses, and historic communities. We can’t wait to see you there.
Upcoming Appearances — Spring 2026 Road Dates
I have several other appearances on the schedule. These live appearances give fans an up-close experience of storytelling, history, and community connection. And they provide me with an opportunity to build a community of folks passionate about road trips and the American story.
📍 March 25, 2026 — Speaking about the history and evolution of Route 66 at the Lake Elsinore Historical Society in Lake Elsinore, California.
📍 March 28, 2026 — A Sounds of Kingman program in Kingman, Arizona, where I share insights on Route 66 history, local heritage, and how community development and tourism weave together along Route 66.
Each of these events offers you a chance for us to meet, and for you to ask questions. I will also be signing books and help you plan a road trip adventure.
I can guarantee a few laughs and thoughtful reflections over the shared adventure we call Route 66.
Coffee With Jim — Your Weekly Road-Trip Companion
For those who can’t make it to a live event, the road comes to you every Sunday morning on the Coffee With Jim podcast. For many fans this has become a Sunday morning ritual of stories, conversations, inspiration, and insight. It’s like pulling up a chair at a virtual diner, mug in hand, ready for good talk and new ideas. Did I mention that you can get an official mug in the gift shop in the Kingman Tours website?
The program is livestreamed on Podbean. It is then archived on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and most major platforms. That allows you to catch up or tune in live when it’s most convenient for you.
Recent episodes have welcomed a fascinating array of guests. Each of these conversations are worthy a listen.
- Rhys Martin — Author, photographer, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, and leader in Route 66 preservation as well as the director of the National Trust’s Preserve Route 66 initiative.
- Austin Coop — Owner of Two Lane America, sharing travel wisdom and community stories.
- Vickie Ashcraft — Owner of Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park, founding member of the New Mexico Route 66 Alliance, and president of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico.
- Tom Saluzzo — Visionary behind the Museum of The Great Wars in Kingman, AZ, and a fascinating voice on storytelling and legacy.
- Past guests have also included historians, restaurateurs, museum directors, and preservation advocates.
Coming Soon
And in the weeks ahead, we’re excited to bring you episodes with:
- Will Grant, author of The Last Ride of The Pony Express. This book that blends sweeping history, a study of American societal evolution, and a quest for understanding was written by a master storyteller.
- Pam LeBlanc, adventurer and storyteller with tales from far-flung pathways that encourage folks to embrace life.
- Steve Reyes, author of Four Miles East of Bagdad, a haunting tale of murder, corruption, and racial injustice in the harsh Mojave Desert.
- Katie Barthlow, from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona will join us to delve into preservation, inspiring a new generation of road trip adventurers, and community identity.
Every episode is a chance to dip your toes into a different corner of the American story. Listen to a program or two and come away inspired for your own journey.
Join Us on Every Mile Ahead
If you haven’t already, here’s how to stay connected and keep the stories rolling:
Subscribe to the YouTube channel — for shorts, features, and shared adventure videos.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram — for daily travel inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and community moments.
Subscribe to Coffee With Jim — and make Sunday mornings part of your road-trip ritual.
Pick up a copy of Route 66: 100 Years — the anthology bringing this legendary highway to life through personal stories and historical insight.
The road doesn’t end. It just keeps calling. Whether you’re a lifelong Route 66 traveler or someone planning their very first road trip adventure, we are here for you. Jim Hinckley’s America is your connection to place and people. The community we’re building together is rich, welcoming, and endlessly inspiring.
Jim Hinckley’s America — telling America’s story and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. Grab a cup of coffee and make this your centennial year on the Mother Road. Let’s hit the road together!
Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.