A week ago we did a story on three out-of-the-way shops to patronize while visiting the Route 66 Christmas Chute that weren’t right on the beaten path, but close enough—and interesting enough—to be worth the detour. The response from our readers was fantastic, and many of you pitched your ideas about who else should’ve been included. So we’re back with the sequel, adding five more stops to make while you’re visiting the ‘Chute!
Gasoline Alley Classics
Gasoline Alley Classics (24 N Main) is probably one of the coolest stores to open in the last few years in downtown Sapulpa. Though they’re just a block away from the Route 66 Christmas Chute, owner Michael Jones has embraced the Chute with enthusiasm, inviting in his friends and opening up his parking lot to cool car enthusiasts who are making their way down Route 66. Specializing in classic car and vintage petroleum decor, Gasoline Alley Classics is maybe the best store to shop for your dad or uncle that seems to have everything. We guarantee you’ll find something unique here. (Pro tip: ask to see the bathrooms. You’ll thank us later.)
Crossroads Market
Crossroads Market (2 N Main) is literally at the Crossroads of America, hence the name, but they’ve made it a point to be a part of the Chute since the beginning. The owners actually have two storefronts on the Route, but Crossroads Market is unique for its Native American art and jewelry. Their store is small but organized, with $5 or $10 specials taking up entire shelves in their store. Earlier this year we had a special treat that we couldn’t find anywhere else: their homemade wassail—a traditional beverage made from hot mulled cider with spices and other citrus. Well worth returning for, if they’re still carrying it.
As it happens, Crossroads Market will be moving their store to a new location in the first part of 2024, so be sure to catch their moving sales and specials while you can. Their last day of business in its currently location is December 31st.
Whimsical Willow
Whimsical Willow (15 N Main) saw enough value in the Route 66 Christmas Chute to add a pop-up shop in the Christmas Village at the east end of the Chute, despite having their flagship location just around the corner from all the activity. In year two, they decided to extend things even further by taking a retail space next door and introducing a multi-vendor market called “The Holiday Market.” Owner Donya Matheson said the pop-up has been great for business. “We are honored to be there,” she said. “We love seeing all the festive visitors.” Whimsical Willow has cute chic boutique items that you’ve come to expect, and the market next door is becoming known for their unique treats, including gourmet cheesecakes and candy-dipped apples.
Buffalo Nickel
Since Sapulpa is quickly becoming the new “Sugar Capital of the Southwest,” it makes sense that a new pop-up-style shop would jump on board for the holidays. Buffalo Nickel (18 N Park Ste. 18A) is slightly off the beaten path at the Route 66 Christmas Chute (find them just east of the Rumble Fish Alley on Hobson Avenue), but their offerings are still worth checking out. Categorizing themselves as “vintage candies,” they have truffles, salty chocolates, and plenty of other sweets to pull on your nostalgic heartstrings. This shop might be leaving after the holidays, so be sure to visit while you can!
Carletta’s Designs and Sweets
The latest to jump in on the freeze-dried candy craze is a little shop called Carletta’s Designs and Sweets, located at 26 N Water Street. This store seems to have a little bit of everything, from novelty Christmas gifts (think stocking stuffers) and “memorial ornaments” for Christmas tree or even your rearview mirror to custom shirts and jewelry. The store opened in August, and owner Carletta Cox said the Christmas Chute has brought them an increase in foot traffic. “The chute has helped very well,” she said. “It’s picked business up for sure.”
We spoke with several retailers downtown and found that many of them will be open Christmas Eve and even Christmas Day, so if you’re considering coming to the Chute to make the most of your Christmas experience, be sure to stop at one of these shops!
