On a dreary, freezing rain morning, I found myself driving from Tulsa to Vinita along historic Route 66. I chose this road rather than the turnpike on purpose. For awhile I worked in this area and loved being out in the rural communities and there is a lot of what makes Route 66 famous on this stretch. Usually, I don’t have time to stop and take pictures or double back to check something out or travel down a side road.

Here’s what I found…

A little movie theatre in Vinita. I love old movie theaters.

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A flea market along the road.

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I wonder what baby things they have.

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Their yard art is incomparable. They have a dinosaur, Statue of Liberty, gargoyles, a dolphin, angels, cow and what else?

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In Chelsea, there is this motel. You have to picture it when the first travelers on Route 66 saw it.

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On the other side of Chelsea is the park with the merry-go-round and swings. I bet everyone in town has gotten dizzy on this. I gave it a push although the seats were coated in ice.

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This house sits there by the road. I guess until it collapses. Wonder what its story is?

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I turned down a road and found llamas and cows, which always makes me stop. It’s Oklahoma.

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The historic Totem Pole park, home of the world’s largest totem pole, is a true Route 66 landmark. I hadn’t been here in years and it was very retro on a drizzly morning.

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On the way back to the highway, I passed this colorful skull signage on the fence.

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I love the irony of the Top Hat in Foyil. It was or is a dairy bar. In the country.

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I turned around to see what was going on with the ape at Kong’s Korner. Looks like vandals got to him. What can you say?

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Crossing over the old bridges near Catoosa.

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And a final wave to the Blue Whale, patiently waiting for summer.

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Route 66 always brings a smile.