Instead, we settled for an earlier allignment of the Route across Old Man River, the McArthur bridge, renovated and newly reopened within the past year or so. This put us right in downtown St. Louis, and a short ride from our first stop, the Arch. Very impressive structure, and an awesome sight from right when we pulled around the bend to see it straight ahead. After some more waiting for road construction and a short line at the security checkpoint, we were on our way UP to the pinnacle, high above St. Louis and the river's edge.
Also at the base of the arch is a museum paying tribute to Thomas Jefferson and Western expansion of this country. (The name of the National Park where the Arch sits is the Jefferson National Expansion Monument). We spent a little time there and then decided to get on our way of putting some more miles behind us.
Our next stop was on the way out of St. Louis at Ted Drewe's frozen custard stand for a "concrete" (THICK milkshake), at this Route 66 landmark.
For hundreds of miles in either direction from Stanton, MO, on Route 66, barns are painted to advertise Merimac Caverns. Being in the "Cave State", we felt we owed it to the dedicated advertisers, as well as ourselves, to check out this purported hideout of the Jesse James gang. The interior was a wonderful 60 degrees (compared to 90's and humid outside), and the cave walls, ceilings, and geological features were dramatically lit up. A fairly impressive tour, and especially worth it to get out of the heat of the day.
After some dinner at a trackside restaurant in Cuba (MO), "Frisco's", we made our way to our hotel for the night, another 66 icon, the Munger-Moss motel in Lebanon.
Here are a few pictures of some other roadside Route 66 attractions we came across:
Wow great blog! I am forever so jealous of you 2 right now! It is bringing back some memories of when i took my trip from the cuse to AZ. I did hit up route 66 in Tenesee i believe. I took rt 81 from cuse then got onto rt 40W i believe thats the same as route 66? Anyways i remember seeing the arch in st louis and also staying in Oklahoma City. Again this was more of a lets see how fast i can make it to AZ because i was by myself trip! (i did make it from cuse to Phoenix AZ in 37 hours driving time, not counting my stop in Bristol VA to visit friends and not counting my one overnight stay in a Super 8 in Oklahoma City) Its great that you guys are able to share and take in all your stops together! thats the part that i really want to experience again! Im hoping me and Mark can do this trip soon too. I have a favor to ask, can you send us a post card from the Grand Canyon? That is ultimately my favorite place on earth yet!
ReplyDeleteHave a blast guys. Cant wait to follow the rest of your adventure! Stay safe.
Mrs. Szlammer
Great to talk to you this morning, Sean! Hope your next leg is going well. I forgot to ask where you were staying in Albuquerque. I think we have stayed at the Econolodge!! Enjoy the teepees!
ReplyDeleteLove, Erika