Historic Jefferson Highway
Broadcasting every 4th Thursday, this Big Blend Radio podcast focuses on the historic Jefferson Highway, an international highway that runs from Winnipeg, Canada down through Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana. There are some parts of Arkansas that were also part of the historic route. It was created by the Jefferson Highway Association, which was originally founded in 1915. The Jefferson Highway, also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway,” is a historic vacation route that is going through a tourism rebirth and it’s exciting for travelers and destinations alike!
Episodes
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, who shares insights on the connections between the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66, along with a glimpse of the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference in Joplin, Missouri.
As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, alo...
Welcome to the final installment of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas" part of the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast. Today is the Foodie Finale! Greenville’s culinary scene is thriving, blending historic atmosphere with modern flavor.
Along with telling you about some of our favorite experiences like The Ashen Rose Bar & Grill, Peddler's Pizza, Prairie Coffee Co., and PhatCakes, we take you to G...
Welcome back to Day 3 of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville," part of the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast.
This series is the result of our personal visit back in the fall of 2025, a trip we agreed to after meeting the incredible Stacey Foley at the Jefferson Highway Conference in McAlester, Oklahoma, earlier that summer.
Today, we are talking Style and Stage. Greenville has transformed its historic downtow...
Welcome back to Day 2 of our special Jefferson Highway 4-part series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas." After exploring the incredible history at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Part 1, today we look at the living, breathing pulse of this Northeast Texas community.
Recorded in the heart of downtown at Prairie Coffee House, we sit down with local leaders and residents to discuss how Greenville is growing—and doing i...
Welcome to Part One of our special 4-Part series: "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas." The historic Jefferson Highway is a 115-year-old international treasure, stretching from the pines of Winnipeg to the palms of New Orleans. Today, we anchor in Northeast Texas to explore why Greenville is the ultimate "Homebase" for your Texas Jefferson Highway adventure.
We’re driving through the historic Blackland cotton fields, visiting the...
This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana (a Jefferson Highway destination), with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.
Joining the conversation are special guests Van Roy, Avoyelles Community Arts Liaison, and Lauren Harmason of the Avoyelles Arts and Humanities Council, who share h...
On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel" Podcast Channel with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Kathryn (Kat) Anderson shares her immersive journey through Louisiana’s scenic River Parishes which are part of the historic Jefferson Highway corridor. From peaceful kayaking excursions and memorable alligator encounters to savoring regional cuisine like cra...
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show takes us to the historic Reed-Niland Corner in Colo, Iowa, a beloved crossroads and symbol of Americana along the Jefferson Highway.
As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. The featured guest is Brenda McGuire of the historic Reed-Niland Corner in Colo, Iowa. Fo...
This special episode of the Jefferson Highway Podcast celebrates 110 years since Edwin T. Meredith first launched the idea of the Jefferson Highway, the historic “Pine to Palm” route connecting Winnipeg to New Orleans.
Cohost Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, joins the conversation to explore the highway’s history, the early challenges in its creation, the role of community participation, and the ongoing ...
In this Big Blend Radio episode, we celebrate the two year anniversary of "The Dirty South," a critically acclaimed indie film written and directed by Natchitoches local Matthew Yerby, and starring Willa Holland, Shane West, and Dermot Mulroney. Joined by filmmaker Matthew Yerby, producer Suzann Toni Petrongolo, and actor Andrew Vogel, this lively conversation dives into the art of indie filmmaking, character development, music, an...
In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, hosts Terri and Ron Guthrie explore the River Road region of Louisiana, uncovering the fascinating history, plantations, and cultural significance that line the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
They visit and discuss some of the area’s most iconic sites including Destrehan Plantation — the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi...
Explore the rich history, community pride, and small-town charm of Pittsburg, Texas, in this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show. Co-host Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, is joined by Pittsburg Mayor David Abernathy to share insights into the city’s heritage, growth, and future as a destination along this legendary travel route. It's a great episode to celebrate Map Reading Week...
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, ...
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:
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 Boa...
Celebrate the end of American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show, we travel to Greenville, Texas, a vibrant community located along the historic Jefferson Highway. Featured guests Stacy Foley (Tourism Manager) and Micah McBay (Community Engagement Director) from Greenville Tourism share what makes this destination a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the “Pines to Palms Hi...
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 g...
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 Ass...
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 a...
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.
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