One of the best-known roadside sights in Oklahoma is Pops 66 in Arcadia, rising above the grassland along historic Route 66. A quick search for “Route 66 Oklahoma” proves it. Pops is consistently one of the first images that appears, cementing its status as a modern icon of the Mother Road. The Restaurant has grown quickly in popularity as…
Oklahoma’s iconic business, Eskimo Joe’s from Stillwater, shook the market with its hilarious t-shirt designs dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which is celebrated in 2026. The history of Eskimo Joe’s is remarkable. In 1975, Oklahoma resident Stan Clark opened a bar, which evolved into a multimillion-dollar “full-service restaurant and clothing line that has…
Route 66, otherwise known as U. S. Highway 66, is something more than a strip of asphalt. It is a cultural icon ingrained in the American narrative. Conceived in the early years of the 20th century, this fabled road connected Chicago to Santa Monica and symbolized movement, the American Dream, and the vast extent of…
Where the movies are played, nostalgic memories have been made on Route 66 at the Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The theater is known to be a legendary part of Route 66, holding American sentimentality and a piece of history on the Mother Road. For a little over 74 years, Admiral Twin has allowed people to go back in time, smell popcorn, hear the…
As you cruise down the Mother Road, the vintage neon sign of the Rock Cafe illuminates the feeling of the classic American road trip. Located in Stroud, Okla., this historic restaurant has been around since 1939. Originally built by Roy Rives, the owner of H&P Service Station, and other members of the Stroud community, the…
Along historic Route 66, in the small Oklahoma town of Arcadia, lies one of the most photographed buildings on the highway. The Round Barn of Arcadia has become a must-visit opportunity for travelers from all over the world. On a recent afternoon in October, a couple from Belgium stopped into the barn. They came in…
The Outsiders Museum, located in Tulsa Okla., is a very popular tourist attraction along Route 66. The house was bought by hip-hop artist, Danny Boy O’Connor, who is a big fan of the book and movie. On Aug. 9, 2019, the museum officially opened with actor C. Thomas Howell in attendance. The Experience I visited…
In the two previous columns on Art Deco, I introduced readers to events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Art Deco around the world and guided them through the Decopolis Tulsa Art Deco Museum. But the most significant Art Deco attraction in Tulsa is architecture! Tulsa has a historic Deco District located downtown along South Boston Avenue. The Deco District landmarks include 10 buildings, according to https://www.tulsa.tours/deco-district. These are Exchange National Bank…
Tourism is a budding industry in Tulsa. After being officially named the Capital of Route 66 on July 1, 2024, an influx of both national and international tourists has been seeking to experience what Tulsa has to offer. In an interview with the Visitors Center’s Kenny Smith and Jonathan Huskey, TCC Connection explores the dynamics…
Since Josh and Amanda Stout, owners of the RedFork Arts Foundry Tulsa, purchased The Sky Gallery, a gift, souvenir, and art shop at 1401 E. 11th St., Tulsa, the business has flourished. The shelves and walls of the store are filled with a variety of artistic, unusual Route 66 and Oklahoma-themed two- and three-dimensional art…
