Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign

Arcadia, Oklahoma

OklahomaRoadside Attraction

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links from which we make a commission from your purchases. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided may have changed since initial publication.

Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

In 2008, Paul McCartney of the Beatles made a brief pit stop along Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma. In honor of his 66th birthday, he and his future wife, Nancy Shevell, set out on a Route 66 road trip in a 1989 Ford Bronco. They began their journey from his home in The Hamptons on July 31, 2008, and arrived in Arcadia on August 5.

While passing through town, McCartney pulled over to ask a local resident, Toby Thompson, if he was on the original Route 66. Thompson quickly realized who he was talking to, but didn’t have a camera or pen for a photo or autograph. Instead, he simply confirmed the route and told McCartney it was an honor to meet him. McCartney then continued on toward Oklahoma City.

Twelve years later, in 2020, that brief roadside moment was commemorated with a sign honoring the encounter. The 30-by-36-inch marker was placed on the Arcadia Route 66 Roadbed, and includes photos and tells the story of McCartney’s stop, celebrating both the visit and local pride while giving travelers a reason to pull over.

You’ll find the sign on the east side of the road, about two-tenths of a mile from the intersection of the original highway and Hiwassee Road.

The sign says:

PAUL McCARTNEY Stopped Here on August 5th 2008

ONE OF THE BEATLES WAS HERE

What’s a fun way to celebrate your 66th birthday?

If you’re Sir Paul McCartney, born June 18, 1942, you take your girlfriend Nancy Shevell, 47, on a Route 66 road trip in a green 1989 Ford Bronco.

Their trip began July 31, 2008 from Paul’s holiday home in The Hamptons, New York. They joined Route 66 in Illinois, hoping to stay incognito, but that lasted only a couple of days. On August 5, their journey brought them here, to this road: Old Highway 66, just east of Arcadia, Oklahoma.

Resident Toby Thompson was working outside when a Ford Bronco stopped and the driver asked him if this was Old 66. After a few seconds he realized who he was talking to. He had no pen, camera or phone with him, so he simply verified that yes, this was Old 66, and told McCartney he was honored to meet him. They thanked him kindly and went on their way, staying overnight at the Skirvin Hotel downtown. Sightings of Sir Paul and his future bride Nancy Shevell continued throughout their tour, allowing everyone involved to “Get Their Kicks on Route 66!”

Last Modified:

State:

Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma Route 66

Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign

Be the first to write a review

Address:

13120 E Old Hwy 66, Arcadia, OK 73007

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

Get Directions
Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

Photos of the Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma

Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma Route 66
Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma Route 66
Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma Route 66
Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma Route 66
Dog sitting in front of the Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma Route 66

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is the Paul McCartney sign on Route 66?

The sign is on Old Highway 66 (now an Oklahoma County road) just east of Arcadia, Oklahoma, at approximately 13120 E Old Hwy 66, on the Arcadia Route 66 Roadbed. It sits on the east side of the road, two-tenths of a mile from the intersection of the original highway with Hiwassee Road. To find it, drive east past Pops Soda Ranch and the Arcadia Round Barn, then look for Hiwassee Road, turn south, and travel about 300 yards.

What is the story behind the Paul McCartney sign on Route 66?

In celebration of his 66th birthday, Sir Paul McCartney and his then-girlfriend Nancy Shevell loaded up a green 1989 Ford Bronco and set off on a Route 66 road trip beginning July 31, 2008, from McCartney’s holiday home in The Hamptons, New York. They joined Route 66 in Illinois, hoping to stay incognito, but that lasted only a couple of days. On August 5, 2008, their journey brought them to this stretch of Old Highway 66 east of Arcadia. Arcadia resident Toby Thompson was working outside, when a Ford Bronco pulled up alongside the ditch, and the driver asked if this was Old 66. After a few seconds, Thompson realized who he was talking to. Having no pen, camera, or phone on him, he confirmed that yes, this was Old 66, and told McCartney he was honored to meet him. They thanked him kindly and went on their way, staying overnight at the Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.

Where can you park to see this sign?

The Route 66 Paul McCartney sign is located on a residential street with no dedicated parking. Pull over to the side of the road and be mindful or cars, pedestrians, and animals.

Where to Stay Near the Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign

Exhausted after a full day of exploring? Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at one of these Oklahoma hotels near this Route 66 restaurant.

The Skirvin Hilton

This 1911 hotel was known as being the “newest, finest hotel in the Southwest.” Notable figures such as Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Bob Hope have all spent the night in this historic Oklahoma City hotel. The Skirvin Hotel is now fully restored and updated, you can experience the rich history of the building alongside luxurious amenities, comfortable furnishings, and beautiful décor.

Angels Way Ranch

Spend the night in an authentic log cabin on Route 66 at Angels Way Ranch Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy cozy Western-inspired rooms, a grill, hot tub, cable TV, free Wifi, and a gourmet breakfast of country favorites like quiche, Santa Fe sausage, and deviled bacon.

Classen Inn Motel

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Oklahoma City that combines vintage charge, modern amenities, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, you’ve got to spend the night at The Classen Inn. The renovated 1963 motel compliments its original Googie architecture and neon sign with modern amenities and hip artwork and murals.

Attractions Near the Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign on Route 66

Plan Your Oklahoma Route 66 Road Trip

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning
Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

Be the first to write a review

Leave a Review of Paul McCartney Stopped Here Sign in Arcadia, Oklahoma

Rate and Leave a Review

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.