It made quite a stir when introduced in October 2014. Soon the musical road near Tijeras, New Mexico, a Route 66 community, that played a portion of "America The Beautiful" when driven over at a certain speed became quite an attraction.

But did you know that the idea of creating a musical highway is linked to the creative genius of Walt Disney? Surprisingly the concept is even older as the polyphon, a popular type of 19th-century disc-playing music box, used the same concept.

On today's episode we visit with Chris Hill and Pete Thompson, the visionaries behind the Route 66 musical road. And they have big plans for celebrating the Route 66 centennial.

Officially recognized as a centennial project by the Route 66 Centennial Commission, the ”Musical Road” project will add a new dimension to the Route 66 celebration and create an attraction that will enhance the Route 66 adventure for years to come. Curious? Join us for a lively and fascinating conversation that is sure to inspire a road trip or two.

Today's program is sponsored by the bespoke road trip holiday specialists for an adventure in the US or Canada, RouteTrip USA. It is also made possible with listener support through Patreon, and by Roadrunner Lodge Motel, a 1960s gem, the Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas, Two Lane America - We're making the great American road trip easier than ever, the iconic Wagon Wheel Motel, the legendary Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park, and Gilligan's Route 66 Tours - if Route 66 is on your bucket list. you've come to the right place.

If you are old enough to remember Route 66 before the interstate highway you probably have fond memories of S & H Green Stamps. And if you use an app or Google instead of paper maps, chances are that you will soon be making your own memories with this American classic that was launched in 1896. Did you know that S & H Green Stamps is making a comeback, but with a modern twist?

On today’s program we talked with Carl Norloff who is on a quest to make this community building, memory making classic relevant for a new generation. Carl joined the S & H company in 2000, helped launch S&H greenpoints, and rode out the bankruptcy of the company, and is now working to revive the iconic brand.

This program is a healthy dose of inspiration for entrepreneurs and community organizers, and a smile inducing stroll down Memory Lane for those us still remember Saturday mornings spent licking stamps.

WOW! Thank you, Bianca Encinas of South Valley Main Street for a delightful, fascinating, road trip insiring, smile inducing, and thought provoking conversation.

On this mornings episode of Coffee With Jim the spotlight is on Albuquerque and the south valley, an area rich with centuries of history, vibrant cultural heritage, and one of a kind restaurants. As a bonus this area is bisected by an early, and often overlooked, alignment of Route 66. In this wide ranging conversation with Bianca we talked about the 2025 La Familia Farmers Market, a free outdoor concert series, the Chile Ristra Harvest Festival, building a sense of community, cultural diversity, and a new historic district walking tour.

A few technical difficulties on Bianca's end left me with a few minutes to fill at the beginning of the program. So, the program kicks off with me beating my gums about a new Route 66 anthology, my 23rd book, that was written in partnership with some very talented friends.

Jim Hinckley’s America is a shared adventure! Join us, come along for the ride, and invite your friends.