This episode of Big Blend Radio was recorded onsite with Pat Kelly, co-owner of the legendary Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City, Missouri. A must-visit destination for both locals and travelers, Kelly’s is not only a cornerstone of Kansas City’s nightlife and culture, but also a historic treasure for those traveling the Jefferson Highway.

Founded on a legacy of hospitality, Kelly’s Westport Inn has been welcoming generations of guests with its warm, inclusive atmosphere. Pat shares stories of his father’s vision, the bar’s evolution over the years, and its deep connection to the local community. From hosting sports fans and local events to supporting Kansas City’s artists and musicians, Kelly’s has long served as a gathering place where history, art, and community come together.

This conversation also underscores the importance of preserving local history and art, connecting to earlier Big Blend Radio episodes with artist and historian Victoria Chick on Kansas City-connected artists Arthur Kraft and Thomas Hart Benton: * Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/ * Thomas Hart Benton: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/

Learn more about Kelly’s Westport Inn at: https://kellyswestportinn.com/

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: - Roger Bell – Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association - Brenda Sampson – Mayor of Bunkie, Louisiana - Wilbert Carmouche – Executive Director, Avoyelles Commission of Tourism - Mary Guillory – Co-Director, Avoyelles Commission of Tourism - Lynette Clarke – Bunkie Historian

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: - Three stages of music, including performances by: * Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band (zydeco) * Amis du Teche (Cajun) * D.K. Harrell (blues) * Kristyn Harris Band (western swing/yodeling) * Smithfield Fair (roots) * Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (gospel) * The Has Beans (swamp pop) - 80+ traditional crafts vendors showcasing beadwork, quilts, soap, pottery, brooms, folk art, and more. - Red Beans & Rice Cookoff - Louisiana State Fiddle Championship - Free dance lessons and interactive sessions with the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe, Thistle Dancers, Classy Steppers, Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers, and more. - Workshops & Presentations: yodeling, son jarocho dancing, musical spoons, Creole architecture, folk dolls, and artist Clementine Hunter. - KidFest & Outdoor Heritage Demos including Dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, and a 19th-century wash day.

More info: https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/folkfest/ Jefferson Highway info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ Big Blend Radio Network of Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

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: - Roger Bell – Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association - Billy Sumner – Tourism Manager for the City of McAlester. Visit: https://travelmcalester.com/ - Adeline Whisenhunt – Conference Organizer & Member of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Jefferson Highway Association PLUS: Hear from Joe’s Yardbird & Lost Street Brewing Company The conversation explores how tourism, historical preservation, and community collaboration contribute to revitalizing this iconic route. From the Choctaw Nation’s cultural contributions to stories of local resilience, the episode highlights how the Jefferson Highway continues to connect and inspire communities.

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: http://www.dobsonmuseum.com

🔗 Learn more about the Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

🎙️ Listen to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

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: - DeSoto Parish Tourism: https://discoverdesoto.com - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org

📅 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: Gearhead Curios: https://www.facebook.com/GearheadCurios Petrol Motor Quart: https://www.facebook.com/PetrolMotorQuart Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

📅 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: - Boots Court Motel & Visitor Center: https://bootscourt66.com/ - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

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