“Gateway to Oklahoma” is what the state tourism director Hardy Watkins described Miami, Okla., during that city’s chamber of commerce luncheon Wednesday, reported the Joplin (Mo.) Globe.
Watkins told the crowd that successful communities know who they are, accept who they are and celebrate who they are. […]
“You’re being incredibly aggressive,” Watkins said, praising the “spirit and cooperation” of community members.
Watkins said a number of attractions, such as the last 9-foot section of old Route 66 and several casinos, lure visitors to the area.
I suppose the nearby Route 66 towns of Quapaw and Commerce could quibble with the “gateway” tag. But Miami is the first town with lots of roadside services that westbound travelers encounter when they enter Oklahoma. Miami also is the first exit in Oklahoma off Interstate 44.
I think it is b/c of the interstate and in the old days a sign used to say that. People tend to wait til they get to Miami to stop in Oklahoma b/c of the places to eat and new hotels. The Miami info that I have had lots of info about what to do in those towns before getting to Miami.