Arcadia, Oklahoma: OK County 66

Home-built mini-replicas of Route 66 attractions at John Hargrove's attraction along Route 66.

John Hargrove is a character! Now 77, he still runs six miles a day, five days a week. He is still adding things to OK County 66.

A retiree's garage and property has been turned into an art center of Route 66 vintage signs, vehicles, and a replica restaurant. Be sure to visit the library on the second floor, where you can sit in a vintage front seat of a Volkswagen Beetle that sticks out of the building.

We were greeted by the owner's lethargically friendly Rottweiler, who kept us company until the owner emerged from one of his buildings. He opened the building to let us wander through his shop, where he was busy working on a vintage hot rod. He then led us into the rest of the building's areas to explore on our own, preceded each time by the rottie, whose job it was "to check for monsters." He offered us water and asked us to sign the guest book. He did not even mention the donations can sitting unobtrusively on one of the counters.

We spent a good deal of time roaming around the building and property, taking photos, left to our own devices. It was a great experience!