AUTUMN ADVENTURES ON THE HISTORIC JEFFERSON HIGHWAY
It’s time for Fall Fun on the Historic Jefferson Highway! In these two episodes of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show, we celebrate autumn travel along the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretching from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Featured guests share the unique charm, seasonal beauty, and vibrant community spirit that make the Jefferson Highway an unforgettable fall road trip experience!
EPISODE 1: OKLAHOMA, KANSAS, MINNESOTA
From local cafes and culinary events to vintage roadside attractions, community festivals, and fall landscapes, this conversation highlights how small towns along the Jefferson Highway bring together history, culture, and hospitality. The guests also share their stories of community engagement, historic preservation, and the creative ways they attract travelers looking for authentic, nostalgic road trip experiences.
FEATURED GUESTS
– Beth Hilburn – Owner of the Hi-Way Café & Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma.
* Hi-Way Café: https://hi-waycafe.com/
* Western Motel: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/western-motel-in-vinita-oklahoma-2/
– Aaron Perry & Cassandra Ringel – Owners of Gearhead Curios & Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas.
Visit: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gearhead-curios-and-petrol-motor-quart/
– Glenda Smith – Owatonna Chamber of Commerce & Tourism in Minnesota.
Visit Owatonna: https://visitowatonna.org/
EPISODE 2: OKLAHOMA, TEXAS, ARKANSAS, LOUISIANA, MISSOURI & KANSAS
From festivals in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, to scenic retreats in Arkansas and historic stops in Kansas and Missouri, this episode explores vibrant communities that make this route a must for fall travelers. Hear about lively festivals, community spirit, small-town charm, and unique lodging — from historic motels, relaxing Bed & Breakfasts, and treehouses to boutique stays and classic brand hotels.
FEATURED GUESTS:
– Stacy Foley – Greenville Tourism, Texas: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/
– Janna Conklin – Boots Court Motel, Carthage, MO: https://bootscourt66.com/
– Phyllis Bitner – Miners Hall Museum, Franklin, KS: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/
– Tiffany Bertram – Tiffany’s Bed & Breakfast, Bismarck, AR: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/
– Charlotte Knotek – DeSoto Parish Tourism Commission, Louisiana: https://discoverdesoto.com/
– Billy Sumner – Travel McAlester, Oklahoma: https://travelmcalester.com/
🔗 Learn more: Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/
🔗 Sign up for updates on Jefferson Highway maps, the travel directory, and the upcoming travel guide: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/
🔗 Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/
JIGSAW PUZZLE TIPS: Enjoy this two-part podcast series while piecing together this jigsaw puzzle showcasing Fall at Kadee Farm in Greenville, Texas, a family-friendly destination on the Jefferson Highway. Photo by Lisa D. Smith. Make the image full screen for easy viewing, use your mouse or arrow keys to rotate the pieces, and drag them where you want to place them. Click on the Image icon to see the photo and click on the Ghost icon to control your workspace.
