Oklahoma Route 66 Attractions

Above, The Beast at the Elk City KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, I took the longest roadtrip (also the longest trip, period) of my life when I went to Metropolis, Illinois for the celebration of life services for actress Noel Neill.

Long the way, I stayed one night in Elk City, Oklahoma at a KOA Kampground. Unfortunately, I had to continue on and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in nearby Clinton was not yet open for the day (I headed out at about 6:00 that morning). Otherwise, I would have stopped by.

Tulsa World has an article on this and two other Route 66 attractions to see.

They begin with:

There’s always been a certain mystique about Route 66. From the building of the road in the ’20s, to the end of the road in the ’70s, Route 66 brings back memories from one’s youth. Perhaps, it’s a nostalgic adventure, while for another visitor, it’s an entertaining, historical journey of discovery. 

There are numerous fun facts about The Mother Road in Oklahoma, such as the Sooner state has more miles of the original Route 66 than any other state. Many may already know The Round Barn in Arcadia is the most photographed and famous barn along Route 66. But how many know that the Trade Winds Inn on Route 66 in Clinton was a favorite of Elvis Presley’s? Yes, apparently, he was fond of the inn and would stay there whenever he was traveling. 

While there are several iconic destinations along Route 66 in Oklahoma, I want to bring your attention to three.

To read more, go here. 

A Travel Guide For Foodie Fans of Japanese Food

If you happen to be a fan of Japanese cuisine, there is a new travel guide that focuses on visiting places in Japan where food rules.

The book is “Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japan’s Food Culture,” by Anthony Bourdain. It is published by HarperCollins.

Here's what the Associated Press says about it (in Tulsa World):

Just eat. 

Two words that encapsulate Anthony Bourdain’s approach to travel and appreciation of other cultures. Want a better understanding of the people and places you visit? Find something to shove in your mouth; it will be time better spent than studying traditional guidebooks. For the host of CNN’s “Parts Unknown,” it’s more than a philosophy. It’s a career. And to help you approach the world from a similar perspective, Bourdain is throwing out the book on guidebooks, rethinking that trusty traveler’s crutch from a gastronomic angle to help you... just eat.

After getting the book, all you have to do is go to Japan and dig in!

To read more, go here.