Some of the Fun on the Mother Road

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There’s so much “touristy” stuff along Route 66, most of which is grossly outdated. I guess that’s what makes it so appealing. If you go to “touristy towns” like Niagara Falls or Pigeon Forge, the “tourist traps” are state-of-the-art theaters or displays. The things that drew people off the road back in Route 66’s heyday were completely different. Take this. Please. (In best Henny Youngman voice. ) It’s a large soft drink bottle. It’s located at Pop’s Soda Ranch in Arcadia, Oklahoma, not too far from Oklahoma City. It lights up at night, and it’s really cool in those pictures. In the daytime, though, you just get a big Coke bottle with a straw. Why? Pop’s Soda Ranch has every flavor of soft drink you can imagine, and a few you can’t imagine. I saw one called “Kitten Piddle.” I didn’t dare ask what it might taste like. There was also a 170-calorie soft drink called “Pickle Juice.” No, thanks. Real pickle juice has no calories, and no doubt tastes better. (Sure, your kosher dills aren’t packed in carbonated water, but still…) I looked around but didn’t buy anything. That’s what usually happens in the wild world of tourist traps along Route 66. The large soda bottle in front of Pop’s in Arcadia, Oklahoma.