Route 66 road trip, the tradition continues as we set out for the AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It will be a bit of a whirlwind adventure. But that too seems to be a family tradition.

My memories of annual childhood “family vacations” play like a sped up film in my mind. We would leave our home near Kingman, Arizona before sunrise. And in just two weeks we would drive to Dutton and Pisgah, Alabama on Sand Mountain above Scottsboro, and then to Chattanooga for family visits. Part two of the adventure was a trip to Jackson, Michigan for a visit with my grandmother. Those vacations wrapped up with a nearly non stop drive back to Arizona, often along portions of Route 66.

Those traditions are deeply ingrained. So, we will be driving to Tulsa in 2.5 days. Due to commitments and obligations, the return trip will need to be made in two days.

Route 66 Road Trips

Route 66 road trips figure prominently in the adventures that we share through Jim Hinckley’s America. That is also a tradition that will continue with this drive to Tulsa.

We will postpone the July 28 episode of Coffee With JIm, the livestream Sunday morning podcast on our YouTube channel. But we will share the adventure with posts on Instagram and the Jim Hinckley’s America Facebook page. And when we get back we will share highlights with a blog post.

So, subscribe, become a follower, and join us for another shared adventure. Even though we have been driving this route for more than fifty years, this highway is never the same. So, we plan on stops at some of our favorite places, and hope to find a few new ones.

The downside of such rushed trips is that we miss the opportunity to spend time with some of our old friends. And those visits are the essence, and the magic of the Route 66 experience. But work often intrudes on life, and what we really want to be doing.

AAA Route 66 Road Fest: Centennial Edition

Attendance of the AAA Route 66 Road Fest will be bitter sweet this year. This incredible annual event was only scheduled to run thorugh the Route 66 centennial.

Still, this fest rates high on my list of best Route 66 events. There will be lots of competition this year as centennial events are taking place all along Route 66. Still, I expect it to be epic.

Booths from the state Route 66 associations, businesses, and tourism offices. A car and vintage trailer show. Music, acivities, and the acclaimed interactive pods that chronicle every decade in Route 66 history. And then there are the programs on the presentation stage. As a bonus the entire event is held in one air conditioned building.

Center Stage

Scheduled programs for the presenation are diverse ensuring there is something of interest for everyone. Author Cheryl Eichar Jett will be discussing her latest book with a program entitled, Apron’s Away: Woman’s Work on Route 66. Joe Sonderman, a St. Louis personality and acclaimed author will be talking about his favorite Route 66 stories.

The incredible Joey Madia will bring Cyrus Avery, the proclaimed father of Route 66, to life. And on Saturday, I will be talking about the role of manure and bicycles in development of the great America road trip that includes Route 66 adventures.

On Sunday afternoon I will be taking part in a round table that includes question and answer with the audience. I am quite excited, and humbled, by this as I will be sharing the stage with legends of the Route 66 renaissance movement. Award winning author Michael Wallis. Author and historian Jim Ross. And Joe Sonderman, a legend in the Route 66 community.

Sharing The Adventure

Sharing the adventure. That’s what we do. We also tell people where to go and share America’s amazing story.

And now I ask you, do you have stops to recommend?

Join us virtually or in person at Road Fest.