Few highways in America carry the same mythology as the “Mother Road.” Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to California, U.S. Route 66 became more than pavement and painted lines…it became a symbol of freedom, reinvention, road trips, diners, neon signs, and the ever-present promise that adventure might be waiting just around the next curve. And while every state along Route 66 has its own personality, Oklahoma may be one of the most soulful stretches of them all. From vintage motels and weathered trading posts to lively downtown districts and roadside attractions that feel frozen in time, Oklahoma captures the spirit of Route 66 in a way that feels both nostalgic and alive.
One city helping lead that preservation effort is Tulsa, a place where the history of Route 66 isn’t tucked away in a museum somewhere, but woven directly into the culture of the city itself. During our interview, we sat down with Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, 2026 Tulsan of the Year, and author of The Lost Restaurants of Tulsa. From the moment the conversation began, it was clear that Route 66 is much more than a highway… it’s a living storybook of communities, memories, and American identity. Rhys spoke passionately about Tulsa’s deep connection to the road, the importance of preserving historic landmarks, and how the people who live along Route 66 are just as important as the attractions themselves.
","author_name":"Wyatt Cashman"}