Coffee With Jim

Except for the savvy Route 66 (or Jefferson Highway) traveler, Joplin, Missouri may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of destination cities. But as we learned in this conversation with Patrick Tuttle, director of the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau, that is about to change. Just check out the Visit Joplin tourism website and discover why this charming old mining town is perfect for a memory making weekend. Add the diverse array of attractions in the area, and you have a vacation holiday destination. How's that for road trip inspiration!

But our wide ranging conversation was more than a focus on Joplin. We discussed fostering development of a sense of community, building a network of cooperative partnerships, the allure of Route 66, the Route 66 centennial, murals and public art, the power of team work, tourism and economic development, and the future of Route 66.

Take a listen. Chime in. What are your thoughts about Joplin, Route 66, road trips, and building a sense of community? 

Today's program is sponsored in part by the iconic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri. In 2026, the year of the Route 66 centennial, this venerable old gem turns ninety!

It is also sponsored by the Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, the Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park in Albuquerque, Gilligan's Route 66 Tours, Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas, Route Trip USA, Two Lane America, and support of Jim Hinckley's America on Patreon. A special shoutout to our newest advertising partner - Deana M Nelson Insurance Agency Inc., State Farm Insurance, Kingman, Arizona 

Public art does more than add a splash of color. It is a catalyst for building a sense of community. And as acclaimed Missouri based mural artist Ray Harvey of Ray Harvey Art noted during this mornings conversation, it can also be used to transform a community into a destination. Harvey detailed the transformation of Concordia into the official Patriotic Mural City of Missouri as an example. 

There is always a healthy dose of inspiration in any visit with Ray. On today's program I am sure he inspired a road trip or two. And I would be willing to bet that after listening to our discussion, a community organizer is looking at a blank wall in a whole new way. 

Jim Hinckley's America is a shared adventure. Come along for the ride!

The sponsors of Coffee With Jim mirror our commitment to fostering development of a sense of community, to sharing America's story, and to inspiring road trips. Sponsors include the Roadrunner Lodge Motel, RouteTrip USA, Cactus Inn Motel, Gilligan's Route 66 Tours, Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park in Albuquerque, Two Lane America, and the iconic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri. It is also made possible through the generous contributions through Patreon. 

A special shout out to our newest sponsor, hometown hero Deana Nelson, of Deana Nelson State Farm Insurance Agency, for all your insurance needs in Kingman, Arizona and northwestern Arizona.