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…
Located at 3770 Southwest Blvd., a series of life-sized historical monuments offers a memorable and immersive experience. What started as a simple idea, backed by the collective efforts of the Southwest Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, has become a renowned attraction to both national and international tourists. The Route 66 Historical Village, as we now know it, presents…
An iconic Tulsa business, Decopolis, opened in the Tulsa Deco District in 2012. It specializes in selling books, toys, souvenirs, and gifts, while also displaying the owner’s, William Franklin, collection of Art Deco items. A few years ago, the store/museum moved to 1401 E. 11th St., Unit B, which is right on Route 66 in…
Nestled near Miami’s Main Street, Otter Cove, 232 S. Main St., is a restaurant that carries layers of history. The building was originally a Texaco Gas Service Station. It was operated by the late Earl Sandmire, who began operating the Texas Oil Co. station in 1928. Sandmire ran the station for 40 years. About two…
On Jan. 14, Michael Wallis shared stories about his life, accomplishments, and study of the storied Route 66. He offered unique and magnificent stories on his beloved Route 66. He was warmly introduced by Ken Busby, executive director and CEO of the Route 66 Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Route…
A Tulsa entrepreneur, Mary Beth Babcock, opened three stores on well-known Route 66 in Tulsa, Okla., as a homage to the famed highway. These are Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 (1347 E. 11th St.), Meadow Gold Mack’s Outpost (1306 E. 11th St., Unit A), and Buck’s Vintage on 66 (1024 S. Quincy Ave.) located…
Route 66 Monument Adds Another Layer of History Meadow Gold Mack, a Route 66 roadside store that offers interstate related merchandise, such as T-shirts and music, held the unveiling of the newly built 19-foot-tall statue of Stella Atoms, the cosmic cowgirl, on June 28. Stella Atoms stands next to the 21-foot-tall statue Buck Atoms, now…
The University of Tulsa recently sponsored an exhibit “Lost Dream of Route 66” by Edward Keating. The photographs were of the early and famed Route 66 from 1977 to 2003. The photo display shown was not only a piece of the history of Route 66, but it was also a part of Edward Keating’s life…
On Route 66 in Tulsa, there is an art festival known as the Wildflower Art Market Autumn Celebration, Sept. 30. The annual exhibition offers a cultural experience for Tulsans and others visiting this iconic road in America. There are various shops set up in the area of the Meadow Gold District, including art vendors displaying…
