Posted: 12/19/23 | December nineteenth, 2023
Lots of people assume it’s essential to journey overseas to have transformative journey experiences, however that’s merely not true. On this visitor publish, Raimee Iacofano, my former artistic director and creator behind RaimeeTravel, shares how a highway journey throughout some of the underrated American states can present you an entire new world.
This yr I had an enormous objective: to get exterior of my worldwide journey bubble and discover extra of my residence nation, the United States! After years of going overseas each time I had a while off, I wished to change issues up a bit and prioritize locations nearer to residence that weren’t essentially on my radar.
Due to the parents at Go to Missouri, I used to be in a position to flip that dream into actuality on an extravaganza down the historic Route 66!
This iconic historic freeway stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It gained fame as a serious path for vacationers, serving as a key route for migration west throughout the twentieth century, and has since turn out to be an emblem of American freedom and journey.
To my shock, I found greater than the sprawling highways and flat farmland folks have a tendency to consider on the subject of the Midwest (and I’m from Michigan, so I do know folks don’t usually consider our area as a enjoyable getaway vacation spot!).
On this three-day itinerary, you’ll expertise the most effective issues to see and do throughout Missouri, like large caves, lush parks, and the type of quirky highway stops I can’t think about discovering wherever else.
Right here’s the way to spend three days alongside Route 66 from St. Louis to Springfield:
Missouri Route 66 Street Journey Itinerary: Day 1
Nationwide Museum of Transportation
This museum has an intensive assortment of transportation autos, together with planes, trains, vehicles, and trolleys. You’ll discover the forms of retro automobiles you solely actually get to see in motion pictures and classic planes that make you query all legal guidelines of physics.
My favourite factor on this museum was the Virgin Hyperloop, which is basically a tube supposed to maneuver cargo at airline speeds however at a fraction of the price, suspended by magnetic techniques in a vacuum tube.
Regardless that the Hyperloop may not ever really get made to be used by passengers (which is completely nice by me, as a result of it appears barely terrifying), it’s fascinating to think about and study what the way forward for transportation may seem like.
2933 Barrett Station Rd., St. Louis. Open each day 9am-4pm. Admission is $15 ($6 for youths, $12 for seniors).
Meramec Caverns
I had no thought Missouri was often known as “the Cave State,” however this was simply one among many stunning issues I discovered alongside this highway journey. There are literally over 6,400 caves all through Missouri, and the biggest system is Meramec Caverns.
On a 45-minute guided tour, you’ll get to discover and study tens of millions of years’ price of dramatic formations. Plus, you’ll additionally see the caves lit in lovely colours, throughout the distinctive gentle present and grand finale. It’s the proper family-friendly exercise.
1135 Hwy. W, Sullivan. Excursions run 9am-4pm. Admissions is $27 ($14 for youths).
Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que
A highway journey in Missouri can be incomplete with out some barbecue, so that you’ll wish to take a pit cease at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que earlier than wrapping up the day. This extremely rated restaurant seems like strolling into a large log cabin the place all your folks occur to be eating. Get the pattern platter to strive the mouth-watering mac ‘n’ cheese, pulled pork, ribs, and extra.
913 E. Washington Blvd., Cuba. Open each day 11am–9pm.
When you have extra time to spend exploring (and consuming), some extra stops alongside this leg of the route embody:
- Hello-Pointe Drive-In – That is an iconic spot serving burgers and sandwiches with domestically sourced substances. You’ll really feel such as you’re in a Sixties diner. Get the candy potato tots!
- Egg @ Midtown – Tremendous cute breakfast spot with scrumptious breakfast tacos, shrimp & grits, and different distinctive dishes.
- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – Recognized for its “concrete” custard, Ted Drewes (varied areas) has over 80 years of serving frozen custard. I acquired the strawberry shortcake, and I’m nonetheless serious about it.
- Large Chief Roadhouse – This historic restaurant courting again to 1929 gives a glimpse into Route 66’s previous. Plus, you’ll be capable to benefit from the scrumptious, domestically sourced, in-house-made American fare whereas watching sports activities!
Lodging: Wagon Wheel Motel
After an extended day of driving and exploring, Wagon Wheel Motel is a superb place to remain earlier than your second day on the highway! The Ozark stone buildings with the unique picket doorways, home windows, and flooring from the Thirties have been up to date for contemporary consolation and comfort. You possibly can’t miss the well-known Wagon Wheel neon signal as you drive as much as verify in!
Missouri Route 66 Street Journey Itinerary: Day 2
Shelly’s Route 66 Café
For some genuine diner vibes and superb biscuits and gravy, I extremely suggest grabbing breakfast at Shelly’s in your method out of city! I’ve a factor for diner espresso, and Shelly’s didn’t disappoint. This tiny spot, with its Route 66–themed decor overlaying each inch of the partitions, will make you’re feeling such as you’re in on a neighborhood secret, and the meals will guarantee you that you’re.
402 E. Washington Blvd., Cuba. Open each day 6am–2pm.
Fanning 66 Outpost
Missouri has plenty of fascinating “claims to fame,” and being residence to the world’s largest rocking chair is one among them. Constructed in 2008, it stands at a towering 42 toes and weighs round 27,500 kilos. There’s actually no function to it apart from being a unusual attraction for vacationers and vacationers passing by way of the realm.
The Fanning 66 Outpost can also be an ideal place to seize some snacks for the remainder of your highway journey or a memento or two. Say hello to the cute orange tabby cat for me!
5957 State Hwy. ZZ, Cuba. Open each day 8am–5pm.
St. James Vineyard
That is Missouri’s largest and most award-winning wine producer, the place you may get a free tasting flight! I opted for the dry purple and white tasting and actually loved it. The workers right here was pretty, and the complete store was embellished for the vacation season. I really received a candle within the vacation raffle — and I by no means win something!
540 State Rte. B, St James. The tasting room is open each day 8am–6pm.
Sybill’s Restaurant
This elegant, country-style manor turned restaurant is one among Missouri’s greatest fine-dining experiences. In contrast to different such locations, the environment right here could be very household oriented, unstuffy, and welcoming! In the event you get the prospect to go to across the holidays, you’ll discover the entire home coated in festive winter decor!
The household who owns Sybill’s has been within the restaurant enterprise for many years, so it is smart that the entire upscale New American–fashion meals right here is unbelievable! We ordered a ton of appetizers, just like the fried mushrooms, scallops, and lobster bisque soup, and I’m nonetheless serious about this meal.
1100 N. Jefferson St., St. James. Open each day 11am–9pm.
Uranus Fudge Manufacturing unit
One of the best ways to go to Uranus Fudge Manufacturing unit is with no expectations, so I don’t wish to destroy it an excessive amount of for you. The idea was developed by entrepreneur Louie Eager, who aimed to create a singular and entertaining vacation spot for vacationers. He remodeled what was beforehand a fuel station into an eclectic purchasing and leisure space, that includes novelty shops, a fudge manufacturing unit, a basic retailer, a tattoo parlor, a bar, and different unconventional points of interest.
Rows of barrels full of each taste of taffy conceivable, T-shirts with phrases that may make you verify thrice to be sure you learn them proper, and a slew of random objects are only a few of the belongings you’ll discover right here. After all, you possibly can’t miss out on grabbing some fudge too. Be sure to take time to discover the complete place!
14400 State Hwy Z, St. Robert. Open each day 8am-9pm.
When you have extra time, listed here are some extra instructed stops for this leg of the journey:
- A Slice of Pie – A basic dessert spot simply off the freeway with a wide range of pies. Get the apple!
- Satan’s Elbow Bridge – A historic bridge on Route 66 recognized for its scenic magnificence and swish arches over the Large Piney River.
- Frog Rock – A roadside oddity: a big rock painted to resemble a whimsical frog, capturing the playful essence of the freeway.
- Route 66 Museum – Showcases the wealthy historical past and cultural significance of the long-lasting freeway by way of reveals and artifacts.
- Boswell Route 66 Park – A serene park paying homage to Route 66, providing a peaceable retreat and a glimpse into the highway’s legacy.
- Redmon’s Sweet Manufacturing unit – A pleasant confectionery crafting handmade candies, embodying conventional sweet-making methods.
- Conway Welcome Heart – An inviting cease providing traveler facilities and knowledge, welcoming guests to the realm with heat and help.
- Hubble House Telescope Duplicate – A scale mannequin providing perception into the wonders of area exploration and the groundbreaking Hubble House Telescope’s contributions to science and discovery.
Lodging: Rail Haven Motel
In the event you’re searching for a spot to remain in Springfield, the Historic Finest Western Rail Haven is your spot! You’ll discover quaint rooms with all the pieces you want and easy accessibility to downtown Springfield, only a five-minute drive away. Plus you’re just a few minutes from Cherry Road, a hotspot for younger professionals to buy within the varied boutiques and revel in drinks and meals on the Royal and Tie & Timber Beer Co.
Missouri Route 66 Street Journey Itinerary: Day 3
Druff’s Diner
In the event you can’t inform but, Missouri does breakfast extremely properly, and I cherished every spot we went to. You’ll discover Druff’s within the colourful streets of downtown Springfield. In the event you want extra espresso earlier than you head out to discover, I actually cherished Mudhouse Espresso proper down the road, too!
331 Park Central E., Ste. 101, Springfield. Open each day 8am–4pm.
Route 66 Automotive Museum
After I was youthful, I wished to be a automotive designer. So for me, visiting this museum was so cool, as a result of it showcases over 70 classic sports activities and film automobiles, and celeb autos starting from the early 1900s to extra up to date fashions. I used to be very tempted to take the previous Bronco residence with me (not that I may have… however she was simply so cute!) You’ll additionally discover an intensive flea market stuffed with distinctive finds within the again nook of this museum that’s price testing.
1634 W. Faculty St., Springfield. Open each day 9am–5pm.
Finley Farms
Positioned on the banks of the Finley River, Finley Farms is a sprawling gathering place made up of the Ozark Mill property and that includes farm-forward eating places, vibrant occasion venues, a riverside wedding ceremony chapel, and an city farm. The farm-to-table menu was superb — I ordered the salmon grain bowl and rooster dumplings — and the setting was even higher. If anybody is getting married in Missouri, I extremely suggest testing this place as a venue!
802 Finley Farms Ln., Ozark. Open each day 11am–9pm.
Historical past Museum on the Sq.
On this museum you’ll journey by way of eight interactive galleries to see how Springfield and the area formed American historical past. There are additionally varied everlasting and short-term reveals price testing, together with exhibitions on Native Individuals and the Civil Warfare. There’s additionally a cool exhibit on a shootout with Wild Invoice Hickock that occurred proper right here in Springfield, which is taken into account the primary shootout of the Previous West.
154 Park Central Sq., Springfield. Open each day 1pm–5pm. Admission is $16 ($13 for seniors, $10 for youths).
Cruising down Route 66 in Missouri was like diving right into a time capsule full of all issues superior about America. Each twist and switch had its personal story to inform. Quirky cities with retro diners and flashy indicators made me really feel like I used to be residing in a basic film, and the gorgeous landscapes and pure wonders left me in awe of what this state really has to supply. Journeys like this remind me that we don’t all the time should journey removed from residence to expertise an entire new world!
I believe Missouri is a extremely underrated state, and this three-day highway journey down Route 66 will present you why. In the event you’re planning to discover extra of the USA subsequent yr like I’m, I promise you Missouri is price a go to.
Raimee Iacofano of RaimeeTravels is a journey content material creator with over 10 years of world journey expertise. She lives on discovering low cost flights, fantasy novels, and all issues movie. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, she now calls Los Angeles residence and makes use of her platform to simplify journey planning, share distinctive journey hacks, and provide invaluable ideas to assist her viewers navigate the globe with savvy and ease.
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