Vinita, Oklahoma, invites both Route 66 travelers and Oklahomans alike with its blend of history, hospitality and community spirit along the Mother Road.
Opportunities to explore the distant past include the Eastern Trails Museum, a unique locale dedicated to local history. Exhibits cover Cherokee heritage, railroads, ranching, Route 66, military items, homecraft, toys, ancient points and pipes, mercantile displays, schools and more.
A Vinita tradition of nearly four decades, the 39th rendition of Oktoberfest takes place on the grounds of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and this year is planned for October 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’re welcoming back Route 66 Cruisin’ Classics Car Show,” says Cindy Allen, vendor contact for the church. “After so many years, we’ve evolved so many traditions and returning features that people come for live music and entertainment all day, including dance and gymnastics performances, the school band, chorus groups. All the fun is found in three big tents with entertainment everywhere – a kid’s zone, petting zone, carnival rides, the bucking bull rides, games, a silent auction with more than 100 baskets donated by local businesses.
“The food tent has a hugely popular church ladies’ bake sale that always sells out and [we also have] repeat vendors with authentic German food, burgers, ribs, Indian tacos, fish dinners and so much I can’t remember it all! There will be dozens of arts and crafts vendors from four different states. The fun is all day, and we’ll be raffling grand prizes like gift cards, furniture and televisions. All of the proceeds are gifted to local nonprofits.”
For when the festival clears other days of the year, hungry travelers head to Clanton’s Café, a classic Route 66 landmark and the oldest continually family-owned restaurant on Oklahoma’s stretch of the Mother Road. Founded in 1927 by Grant “Sweet Tater” Clanton as the Busy Bee Cafe, it has remained in the Clanton family for four generations. Known for hearty home-style cooking, especially chicken-fried steak and calf fries, it draws locals and travelers seeking authentic Oklahoma comfort food.
Visitors won’t want to miss the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center, either, purposefully positioned on Route 66 to welcome travelers from around the world to the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The center is the gateway into the largest tribal Nation in the United States, says Lori Ballew, manager of the center gift shop.
“We host several events throughout the year, from genealogy talks, to storytelling events and more,” Ballew says. “I would encourage anyone visiting to not only check out our permanent and rotating exhibit spaces, but take the time to immerse yourself in the artwork incorporated into the center’s design.
“You will see a stunning bespoke chandelier created by Cherokee Nation artist Tama Roberts, a bead wall crafted by several Cherokee artists, including three Cherokee National Treasures and much more. Cherokee traditions are woven throughout the center and truly educates visitors on who we are and where we are headed.”
