Leg 3 - Route 66: Tulsa to Amarillo

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.

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.”

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.