From festivals in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, to scenic retreats in Arkansas and historic stops in Kansas and Missouri, Part 2 of Autumn Adventures on the Jefferson Highway continues our fall journey along this legendary “Pines to Palms Highway.” 🍂

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” series, we explore vibrant communities that make this route a must for fall travelers. Hear about lively festivals, community spirit, small-town charm, and unique lodging — from historic motels, relaxing Bed & Breakfasts, and treehouses to boutique stays and classic brand hotels.

FEATURED GUESTS - Stacy Foley – Greenville Tourism, Texas: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/ - Janna Conklin – Boots Court Motel, Carthage, MO: https://bootscourt66.com/ - Phyllis Bitner – Miners Hall Museum, Franklin, KS: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ - Tiffany Bertram – Tiffany’s Bed & Breakfast, Bismarck, AR: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/ - Charlotte Knotek – DeSoto Parish Tourism Commission, Louisiana: https://discoverdesoto.com/ - Billy Sumner – Travel McAlester, Oklahoma: https://travelmcalester.com/

✨ Listen to Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/P6tMrp7STjM?si=vzYsI-LSvNRoEgSl

🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride. Learn more: Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

🌐 Sign up to receive the upcoming new digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide and new website updates: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

📺 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Road Trip Radio" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio

It’s time for Fall Fun on the Historic Jefferson Highway! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show, we celebrate autumn travel along the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretching from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Featured guests share the unique charm, seasonal beauty, and vibrant community spirit that make the Jefferson Highway an unforgettable fall road trip experience:

- Beth Hilburn – Owner of the Hi-Way Café & Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma. * Hi-Way Café: https://hi-waycafe.com/ * Western Motel: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/western-motel-in-vinita-oklahoma-2/

- Aaron Perry & Cassandra Ringel – Owners of Gearhead Curios & Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas. Visit: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gearhead-curios-and-petrol-motor-quart/#

- Glenda Smith – Owatonna Chamber of Commerce & Tourism in Minnesota. Visit Owatonna: https://visitowatonna.org/

From local cafes and culinary events to vintage roadside attractions, community festivals, and fall landscapes, this conversation highlights how small towns along the Jefferson Highway bring together history, culture, and hospitality. The guests also share their stories of community engagement, historic preservation, and the creative ways they attract travelers looking for authentic, nostalgic road trip experiences.

🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway,” stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.

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

🔗 Sign up for updates on Jefferson Highway maps, the travel directory, and the upcoming travel guide: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

📅 This podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History Podcast, we explore the powerful story of the Amazon Army March of 1921 in Southeast Kansas. Thousands of women — armed not with weapons, but with pots, pans, and unshakable courage — marched to support miners demanding fair working conditions. This occurred on the historic Jefferson Highway.

Featured guests are: - Phyllis Bitner – Chair, Miners Hall Museum Foundation Board of Trustees. The Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas is dedicated to preserving and sharing Southeast Kansas coal mining history and its diverse immigrant culture. More: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/

- Linda Knoll – Board Trustee of Miners Hall Museum and one of the founders. She is the playwright of Army of Amazons, the catalyst for the "Solidarity" mural project (1999–2000). Linda’s work has been featured through the Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau, honored with a Civil Rights Award by the NEA, and even nominated for an Emmy through PBS. More: https://www.amazonarmy.com/

Although this conversation premieres for Labor Day, the story of the Amazon Army is timeless — a reminder of how ordinary women made extraordinary contributions to justice, equality, and workers’ rights.

📖 Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the Amazon Army March 02:33 – Historical Context of Franklin and Coal Mining 05:34 – Immigrant Experiences and Community Development 08:40 – Life in the Coal Mining Towns 11:27 – The Role of Women in Labor Movements 14:26 – The March of the Women: A Historical Perspective 16:52 – Conditions of Miners and Their Families 19:51 – Strikes and Labor Rights in the Mining Industry 22:28 – The Impact of Gender on Labor Movements 30:45 – The Hidden History of the Amazon Army 33:54 – Women’s Rights and Social Justice 36:05 – Resilience and the Fight for Rights 37:16 – Moonshining and Economic Struggles 41:51 – Preserving History and Future Projects 48:43 – A Poetic Reflection on Struggles

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Women Making History," "Jefferson Highway," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork