If you missed my previous post that covered the journey from Paris Springs to Joplin, Missouri -- check that out here. As I ate my breakfast and visited with my New Zealand traveling companions in Joplin, I noticed they were all wearing small red pins. At first I thought they were little guitars, but I … Continue reading Gilligan’s Spring Tour (II)
In late November, my friend Nic asked if I had been down to Oklahoma City to see the Railway Museum. I told him I hadn't, and that was as good an excuse as any to get out of town. I had been stuck in a loop of book-related activity and really needed a break. The … Continue reading America’s Corner
I spent last weekend in Springfield, Missouri in the company of friends. It was the 8th annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival and I had a vendor booth in the Old Glass Place, a historic venue near the iconic Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque. When I attended my first Birthplace festival in 2015, I told … Continue reading 8th Annual Route 66 Birthplace Festival
On the way home from Missouri this weekend, I stopped for lunch in Vinita, OK. Normally, I'd stop in at Clanton's...but today I opted for the Hi-Way Cafe just west of town. I'd heard good things and the timing was right. I'm very glad I did. I pulled in to the gravel lot to find … Continue reading The Hi-Way Cafe
Last weekend, I took a trip west to the Texas Panhandle. It was finally time for Texas Welcomes the World, the 2018 International Route 66 Festival! It had been a long time since I'd seen many of my roadie friends and I was excited to attend my first "official" International Route 66 Festival. I arrived in … Continue reading Texas Welcomes the World
It's been a little over seven years since I received that terrible phone call, the one that signaled a new age of my life. It's a little surreal to look back at my world at the time of my father's sudden passing. I feel like I was just a kid then, even though I was … Continue reading The March of Time
When I woke up early on Sunday, I was eager to get back on the road. The EconoLodge in Hays, Kansas was fine, sure, but why lie around when I could be out exploring? Besides, it's cooler in the morning. However, I was shocked when I walked outside and discovered it was only 58 degrees. … Continue reading Uncommon Attractions
We rose early on Monday the 29th and headed east to The Big Easy. Before leaving Lafayette, though, Sam and I had breakfast at an amazing little place called Edie's Express. It's not hyperbole when I say they served the best biscuits I've ever had in my life. If you ever find yourself anywhere NEAR … Continue reading Entering the Crescent City
Most of my free time lately has been going towards research and writing of my book on Lost Tulsa Restaurants -- and I'm happy to say it's going well! But all that time at the Tulsa Historical Society and other archives has taken away from my time on the road. Not to mention it's been … Continue reading Eleventh Hour Bridgehunting
Happy New Year, friends! I just published my annual video highlighting my favorite photos along with commentary. It's on YouTube and the link is below. 2017's video clocked in at just under an hour this year; don't feel like you have to watch it all at once. Here's to another year on the road! https://youtu.be/WcxQeuUPETI
Rhys' Pieces 