22 Apr MISSOURI ROADTRIP | ROUTE 66 AND THE OZARKS
Missouri is known for its rich musical heritage, iconic barbecue, and stunning nature. From the birthplace of Route 66 to the Ozark Mountains, the state blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Join me on my road trip through Missouri!
Missouri might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a trip to the United States, but that’s part of what makes it so special. Right in the middle of the country, it’s a state that quietly offers a little bit of everything. Rolling hills and rivers, laid-back small towns, and cities with personality. It’s not flashy, but that’s kind of the point. Missouri is the a place where you can slow down, and maybe stumble across something you didn’t expect.
Route 66
The best Route 66 sights in Springfield, Missouri
A charming town with Route 66 history, mouthwatering food and cute boutiques: I found it hard not to fall in love with Springfield. This is the place where in 1926 the legendary Route 66 was born. It is still on my bucketlist to drive the full route, but as that takes quite some time, soaking up some Route 66 nostalgia in Springfield is a better and much more time-efficient alternative.
History Museum on the Square
The History Museum on the Square is the perfect place to start if you want to learn something about why and how Route 66 originated in Springfield. The museum has 3 levels of which the top floor is dedicated to The Mother Road, as Route 66 is often referred to.
Gary’s Gay Parita
Route 66 has a unique spirit, and nowhere is it more vibrant than at Gary’s Gay Parita. This recreation of a 1930 Sinclair gas station is one of my favorite spots in Springfield. The original station burned down, but Gay and Fred Mason built a new one in 1955. It was taken over by Gary Turner in 2002, who transformed the station into a treasure trove of Route 66 memorabilia. Today, his daughter Barb runs the place, striving to keep the spirit of Route 66 and her father’s legacy alive.
The entire site is adorned with old signage, vintage cars, and gas pumps scattered across the lawn, while the large stone garage is filled to the brim with Route 66 treasures for visitors to explore. It’s astonishing that there is no entry fee; everyone is welcome to stop by and admire the collection.
Barb believes it’s essential to provide travelers with a welcoming place to rest, just like in the heyday of Route 66. She told me this is why she has set up a covered pavilion in the back of the garden where guests can enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables at no cost. In fact, there’s even a fridge stocked with free sodas and ice creams for those looking to cool off or quench their thirst. I truly appreciated the friendliness and authenticity of this place.
Route 66 Car Museum
Even if you are not a car fan per se, like me, this is an amazing place to see some very cool retro vintage cars. Like soft yellow Cadillacs with brown leather seating or elegant Rolls Royces from the eighties. This collection of American history on wheels is all privately owned by Guy Mace, who puts a lot of love into the place.
Can’t get enough of Route 66?
Missouri has many more Route 66 gems. Are you an Elvis fan? Than book a room in the Rail Haven Motel where the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis, once stayed in room 409. From Springfield, it is only a short drive to the retro Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, which embodies everything you imagine when thinking of Route 66. My personal favorite is the classic 66 Drive-In in Carthage, where you can watch a movie from your car, just like in the old days.
Shopping in Springfield
If you enjoyed exploring all the sights along Route 66, consider spending an afternoon shopping at the charming boutiques in Springfield. Most of them can be found in downtown, particularly around East Walnut Street, or along the Commercial Street Historic District, also called C-Street, to the north of town.
Gilmore’s
If you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland, like me, you won’t want to miss this wonderful vintage boutique and tea room on C-Street. The store is filled with adorable clothes, jewelry, and accessories, all set in a decor of ornately designed ceilings and chandeliers. Once you’re done shopping, you can relax in the charming Alice in Wonderland-themed tea room and enjoy a cup of tea along with one of their delicious pastries. Don’t forget to check out the giant macarons hanging from the ceiling!
American Heritage
Candles, room sprays, spray colognes, incense and bath foams: at American Heritage on C-Street you can find all sorts of boutique products for at home. The scents are amazing and so is the packaging. How about some Driftwood & Juniper bath soak or a handcrafted citronella and wild rose soy candle?
Bass Pro Shops
Okay, quite the opposite of a cute little shop but as this is the largest Bass Pro Shop in the country, I have to mention it. For those who are not familiar with it: Bass Pro is one of the biggest outdoor, sports and camping chains in North America. If you are looking for good hiking shoes for trekking in the Ozarks, want to go camping or simply want to get lost in a world of waterfalls, rocks and bears this is the place. With almost 50.000 m2 of all things outdoor, you can easily spend a full afternoon in here.
American Heritage in C-Street
Inside Gilmore’s, Springfield
Where to eat in Springfield
Springfield has a lot good food to offer. The local specialty is cashew chicken and according to the locals every restaurant does it differently so make sure to look for this tasty dish on the menus.
Café Cusco
Peruvian inspired cuisine in one of the oldest buildings on Commercial Street: Café Cusco serves healthy and colorful dishes full of flavor. I had a hard time choosing from their menu because everything looked so good. Eventually I went for the chicken saltado with aji amarillo sautéed tomatoes, white wine and tamari. It is also wise to leave room for their delicious desserts, like the coconut tres leches. Tastes as good as it sounds! The hard wooden booths with stain glass add to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Springfield Brewing Company
For exceptionally delicious beers that are produced right on site head to the Springfield Brewing Company. Try their infamous Springfield-style cashew chicken, a true local dish.
Big Momma Coffee
A gal needs her coffee so after shopping C-Street I went to Big Momma Coffee & Espresso to revive my energy levels. On the menu are intriguing drinks like the C-Street Zombie, which contains 2 shots of espresso, chocolate milk and other scary ingredients that are not specified. Too freaky for me, so I went for the Old 66: a double espresso with steamed milk, caramel and vanilla syrup. By the way: Big Momma also offers sandwiches, soups and hearty breakfast burrito’s.
Springfield Brewing Company
Where to sleep in Springfield?
The sophisticated Vandivort Hotel right in the heart of downtown Springfield is a cosy and luxurious boutique hotel. I stayed at one of their gorgeous rooms in the historic building (there is also a new annex) with sky high windows. The hotel also has a lively rooftop bar and restaurant. Tip from the locals: take a selfie in the downstairs bathrooms in the lobby, which has amazing lighting.
A weekend in The Ozarks
Another Missouri highlight are The Ozark Mountains, or simply The Ozarks; a group of highlands, defined by rollercoaster hills and dense forests. And of course The Lake of The Ozarks, which got worldfamous through the Netflix series The Ozarks. The majority of the mountains lie in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, but the range also stretches into Kansas, Oklahoma and Illinois. The essence of the Ozarks is nature and adventure and there is a lot to do!
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
With several stunning waterfalls and resident bison herds the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a great place to spend the day. There is a network of bikepaths and you can rent a bike at the entrance, or bring your own. Note that if you want to see the bison herds you need to join a guided tour as they roam in a closed off section of the park where bikers and pedestrians are not allowed.
Dogwood Canyon
The Ozark Mill and Finley Farms
The historic Ozark Mill is a true Ozarks landmark. You can tour the mill and have a fantastic brunch, lunch or dinner afterwards in one of the 3 on site restaurants: Finley Farms, The Garrison and The Workshop. I love the hidden speakeasy feel of The Garrison that is tucked away beneath the Ozark Mill. Ingredients for most of the dishes in all 3 restaurants are sourced from the mill’s very own gardens. What was once a road that led to The Ozark Mill is now an oasis for fruits, vegetables and flowers grown using organic practices. You can wander around the urban farm and have a coffee or join a workshop at The Workshop, a cool community space where they also organise a farmer’s market every Thursday from May til September.
Traveling with kids?
There are tons of adventures in the Ozarks that will put a smile on kids faces for sure. For a day of thrills head to Silver Dollar City, the most visited theme park in the USA after Disney World. The playful and colorful Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson will certainly be appreciated by the younger ones.
Great restaurants in the Ozarks
Go check these places out if you’re hungry!
Danna’s BBQ – The South is known for its tasty bbq cuisine and a trip through Missouri isn’t complete without a good bbq meal at least once. Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop is a true local favorite and is always buzzing. I ordered the beef brisket but the pulled pork and BBQ nachos looked equally delicious.
Osage – This restaurant is at the Top of the Rock Museum and offers sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains. Adding to the unique atmosphere is the daily sunset with bagpipe music. Osage is something special.
Billy Gail’s Café – A local favorite: Billy Gail’s Café in Branson is best known for its 14-inch pancakes, which is more pancake than I could eat anyway. No worries though, they also have eggs, french toast and breakfast burrito’s that come in more human-like portions. The décor is very retro with old signage on the walls everywhere.
Billy Gails
Osage
Danna’s BBQ
Where to stay in the Ozarks?
Perched above the sparkling shores of Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge is a rustic oasis in the middle of nature. Every morning, I enjoyed the views over the lake from my balcony. With a fresh cup of coffee in my hand and the morning mist still on the water. After a day out in the Ozarks is it also nice to relax in one of the many swimming pools or spa.
All in all, enough to see and do during your Missouri roadtrip!
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