This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show highlights the vibrant and welcoming community of Bunkie, Louisiana, which has been recognized as the Jefferson Highway Community of 2025. The conversation showcases Bunkie’s deep historical roots, growing tourism efforts, and the pride residents take in their culture and heritage.

Featured Guests:

From railroad history and agricultural traditions to mouthwatering local cuisine (especially boudin!), the discussion celebrates what makes Bunkie such a unique and engaging stop along the Jefferson Highway. The episode also touches on community collaboration, future tourism plans, and the value of preserving cultural landmarks and stories. Learn more at https://travelavoyelles.com/ 

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 

The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show features Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Director of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. Held in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana—a destination along the Jefferson Highway—the 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum.

Hear about Louisiana’s rich cultural traditions as showcased through music, crafts, food, and community engagement. The conversation also touches on the role of the Jefferson Highway in regional heritage, the healing power of the arts, and the importance of folk culture in education.

Festival Highlights:

More info: https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/folkfest/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features a lively recap of the 2025 Jefferson Highway Conference held in McAlester, Oklahoma. The event brought together historians, community leaders, and heritage travelers to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the Jefferson Highway, and included a special pre-conference Sociability Caravan.

Featured Guests:

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 

The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's JEFFERSON HIGHWAY Show, we chat with Jordan Boyd, Executive Director of the Dobson Museum and Home in Miami, Oklahoma — a must-visit destination located along both the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66.

Discover how the Dobson Museum serves as a vibrant cultural hub, preserving the history of Ottawa County and honoring the vision of Nellie Dobson, who aimed to create a lasting memorial to her family and community. With original furnishings from the Dobson family, the museum provides an intimate glimpse into local heritage and daily life in early Oklahoma.

Jordan shares how the museum’s engaging youth programs like Dobson Discovery Days make history fun and interactive for children, and discusses the rotating exhibits that keep the community involved and informed. 

Whether you're a history buff, educator, traveler, or heritage tourism enthusiast, this episode offers meaningful insights into how local museums can shape future generations and foster pride in regional stories.

🎧 Listen now and plan your visit!

🔗 Dobson Museum and Home:

🔗 Learn more about the Jefferson Highway Association:

🎙️ Listen to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast:

Celebrate National Road Trip Day (May 23) with this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show. We’re hitting the road with Charlotte Knotek to explore the scenic and historic treasures of DeSoto Parish, located just south of Shreveport in northwest Louisiana.

From the natural beauty of Toledo Bend Lake to immersive Civil War battlefield reenactments, charming small-town Main Streets, and delicious Southern cuisine, DeSoto Parish offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, rich history, and down-home hospitality. Discover beautiful Greek Revival architecture, seasonal berry picking, historic cemeteries, unique shops, cozy bed & breakfasts, and more than 30 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or road trip enthusiast, this episode will inspire your next getaway along the Jefferson Highway.

🔗 Plan Your Adventure:

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com 

Happy National Road Trip Day! 🎉 Join us for a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show, as we celebrate May 23rd with Aaron Perry and Cassandra Ringel, the passionate owners behind Gearhead Curios and the highly anticipated Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas.

Situated on both the historic Jefferson Highway and iconic Route 66, Gearhead Curios is more than just a souvenir shop – it's a vibrant visitor center and a perfect photo-op spot to create and share your road trip memories, housed in a charming 1939 Texaco station.

Get ready for Petrol Motor Quart, opening soon just two blocks north! This isn't your average lodging; it's a destination designed to transport you back in time. Imagine staying in themed cabins, each a loving tribute to the vintage gas stations that lined these legendary byways. With mid-century decor and architectural nods to different eras, Petrol Motor Quart promises a comfortable and captivating escape into the nostalgic charm of Americana.

Planning a weekend getaway or your next great American road trip? This episode will inspire you to explore the unique history and vibrant present of the Jefferson Highway.

🎧 Listen now and fuel your wanderlust:

📅 Don't miss the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast, every 4th Thursday at 6 pm CST: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate National Road Trip Day (May 23) with us on a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show! Our guest, Janna Conklin, provides an insightful overview of what to experience at the renowned and historic Boots Court Motel & Visitor Center, located in charming Carthage, Missouri.

Experience the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort at this beautifully restored boutique gem, nestled along historic Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway at the “Crossroads of America.” Discover why notable guests like Clark Gable and Gene Autry flocked here, and why USA Today recently ranked it the 5th Best Roadside Motel in the U.S. for its commitment to historic preservation and guest experience.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or your next great American road trip, you'll see why the Boots Court Motel on the “Pines to Palms” Jefferson Highway is a must-visit. Stay the night, take a guided tour, or browse their unique collection of souvenirs and take home a piece of history!

🎧 Listen now and start planning your visit:

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Get ready to hit the open road in celebration of National Road Trip Day (May 23)! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show, we take you on a Southern Minnesota adventure along the historic Jefferson Highway, spotlighting the charming Minne-Roadtrip destinations of Owatonna, Faribault, and Northfield.

Our featured guests—Glenda Smith, Devin Winjum, and Rachel Trnka—share insider tips, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences across these three scenic towns. From historic museums and art centers to hand-rolled candies, cave-aged cheeses, and scenic trails, this episode is your guide to small-town charm, rich history, unique shopping, and delicious dining in Southern Minnesota.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or your next great American road trip, you'll see why this stretch of the “Pines to Palms” Jefferson Highway is a must-visit.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your perfect road trip!

🛣️ Learn More & Start Planning

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com 

Get ready to hit the open road! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's Jefferson Highway Show, we're gearing up for National Road Trip Day (May 23) with guest Beth Hilburn, co-owner of the retro-charming Hi-Way Cafe and Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma. Nestled on both the historic Jefferson Highway and legendary Route 66, these roadside gems are must-stops for travelers seeking nostalgia, great food, and unique attractions.

From the towering 24-ft “Big Bill” Muffler Man and the iconic Mohawk Trail “Big Indian” statue, to their famous Guinness World Record-holding car, Beth shares the story behind these beloved landmarks and how they keep the spirit of American road trips alive. Hear what makes Hi-Way Cafe a family-friendly destination with hearty meals and retro flair, and why the newly renovated Western Motel is a top choice for a clean, comfortable, and affordable stay.

Explore the charm of Vinita, Oklahoma, and discover why this community is a shining stop along the "Pines to Palms" Jefferson Highway—stretching from Winnipeg to New Orleans.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your next great American road trip!

🛣️ Learn More:

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

On this episode Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show we journey to Franklin, Southeast Kansas, to spotlight the Miners Hall Museum, located right on the historic Jefferson Highway. Our featured guest is Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation, who shares powerful insights into the region’s coal mining legacy, rich immigrant history, and the iconic Amazon Army March led by women fighting for miners' rights.

Explore must-see local attractions like the Coal Camp, Arma-Franklin Sidewalk (the longest sidewalk connecting two communities), and Franklin Community Park. Phyllis also unveils exciting news about Dragline Park, a upcoming new free public tourist attraction that will feature the largest walking dragline preserved for display in the U.S., coming soon to Highway 69 & 47 on the Jefferson Highway.

We also dive into the museum’s role as a Jefferson Highway Tourist Center, and discuss the 2025 Jefferson Highway Association Conference, happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma – another historic coal mining town – along with the Sociability Caravan, June 2-4.

🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.

🔗 Learn more:

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/