Route 66 Leg Three: Tulsa to Amarillo

Welcome to the self-proclaimed “Oil Capital of the World.” But there’s so much more to Oklahoma than just what’s underground—the Sooner State was also home to Cyrus Avery, known as the “Father of Route 66.” Avery was appointed to the federal board tasked with the creation of the Federal Highway System in the 1920s, and it was Avery who campaigned to have Route 66 pass through Tulsa.

The Golden Driller, a giant, 76-foot-tall sculpture of an oil worker, was once put on display inside the International Petroleum Exhibition Building at the Tulsa Fairgrounds, which is said to have the world’s largest unobstructed interior volume.

Arnold’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers has been a Tulsa tradition for more than 30 years. If you’re a burger enthusiast, this is a must-stop. Every day, nearly 500 burgers are sold, and not just to locals—people flock from all over for the griddle-cooked, quarter-pound burgers with all the trimmings. Don’t miss the double-patty burger with onion rings and a milkshake.

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum offers a short, fun respite from the road. The staff is eager to answer questions about the classic cars on display. Don’t miss the museum’s two vintage army Jeeps (with mounted guns) or the 66-foot-tall gas pump outside.

The historic Rock Cafe is a classic Route 66 stop. Named for the sandstone rocks used in its construction, the cafe opened in 1939. Crews from Pixar stopped here while they were researching the movie Cars, and the popular eatery was also featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The cafe may be famous for its mouthwateringly golden-brown chicken-fried steak, but if you're in the mood for something sweet, try the Diet Doctor Pepper float.

Also in Stroud, you’ll find the retro-tastic Skyliner Motel. This Route 66 staple features a vintage neon sign pointing you in the right direction. The motel itself is family-owned and within walking distance of the Rock Cafe. After a long day of driving, check into the Skyliner and walk to the restaurant—but keep in mind they close at 6 p.m., so make it an early dinner. Then hit up the nearby StableRidge Winery for a glass of local vino.

At the Route 66 Interpretive Center, you’ll be immersed in retro heaven. The center features frequently updated exhibits, films, and memorabilia, which sets it apart from other Route 66 museums. Here they’ve attempted to recreate the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the Mother Road for a full sensory experience.

The Old Round Barn was built in 1898, predating the construction of Route 66. In the late 1980s, the roof collapsed, but with the help of a group of mostly senior volunteers called the Over the Hill Gang, the barn was repaired and reopened as a landmark in 1992. It claims to be Route 66’s only round wooden barn, and the ground level features historical displays and a gift shop.

After all that driving, you're probably thirsty. If carbonated refreshment is your jam, prepare to worship at the altar of the Pops Soda Ranch. Located just off Route 66 in Arcadia, POPS offers more than 700 sodas, sparkling waters, and shakes. Some of the more bizarre soda flavors include mustard, buffalo wing, ranch dressing, and sweet corn. There's a 66-foot-tall soda bottle out front, which lights up at night for a great photo op. This diner, gas station, and gift shop offers visitors several ways to “fill up.”

In Oklahoma City you’ll find the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, home to thousands of Western and Native American artworks and artifacts. Here you’ll also find the world’s largest collection of rodeo photographs, trophies, saddles, and barbed wire.

If you’re ready for a life-changing culinary experience, hit up Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies. These Oklahoma pies come from a tiny town called Springer, where Maude Pletcher perfected the family recipe and handed it down to her nine children. Decades later, Maude’s grandson started selling the pies in their struggling gas station restaurant. The shop now offers fruit, chocolate, pumpkin, and coconut cream pies, along with sugar free and savory pies.

Sid’s Diner in El Reno is renowned for its famous fried onion burger. What makes this burger so epic is both its size and its onions, which are caramelized directly into the ground beef. You may recognize this dish from the Travel Channel show Man v. Food.