A Weekend Trip on 66

Drive Route 66 Across Missouri in Two Days and Enjoy Petrol Stations, Pastries, and Pigs.

Can you travel Route 66 in Missouri in a weekend and get an authentic experience? Associate editor Andrea Kaneko and I decided to drive the route from St. Louis to Garrison in just two days, and I found an answer to my question. Come along on my two-day adventure as I traverse the state’s most iconic highway and find incredible experiences and friendly faces. I hope you enjoy each stop as much as I did. As you travel, note the trivia questions! The answers are at the end of the feature.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CAKE DONUTS
Nostalgia hit me along with the smell of sweet, fried batter and sugar as I pushed open the door to the small shop. There were dozens of donut varieties to choose from, such as chocolate cake donuts with a chocolate glaze (my personal pick for the morning), maple long johns, bear claws, and fluffy jelly-filled powdered donuts.

Donut Drive-In opened its doors in 1953 in a shop no wider than its glass donut display case and has since generated a loyal and devoted fan base—just like when it opened in the ’50s. A tight-knit group of three to five employees still prepares donuts by hand before the sun rises.

After talking to the friendly staff members behind the counter, I was told that I had to try the shop’s coffee. I knew that I’d be missing out if I didn’t give the brew a go, especially since the shop self-advertises as “serving the finest coffee in town!” Opening the plastic lid on the simple paper cup, I took a sip and was delightfully surprised. The coffee was just heavy enough to cut through the delicious sweetness of the chocolate-iced cake donut I was gobbling down. Donut Drive-In proves that coffee and a donut are a match made in heaven.

6525 Chippewa Street, St. Louis • DonutDriveIn.com

TRIVIA 1
Which celebrity TV show was the Donut Drive-In featured on?

CASH-ONLY CHEESEBURGERS
Carl’s Drive-In has had many lives, having been a Lubrite service station and hot dog stand before opening in 1959. Known for cheeseburgers and barrels of root beer, this restaurant has remained a St. Louis favorite for decades. In 1962, Carl Meyer and his wife, Pat, remodeled the space into what it is today: a small restaurant with a kitchen in the middle and enough seating for 16 customers surrounding the cooking space.

The first thing that I realized when walking into Carl’s Drive-In was the “CASH ONLY” sign posted above the bar and the fact that I, inconveniently, had no cash with me. The good news was that there was a small ATM in the corner that I could use.

I quickly discovered that when lunchtime hits at Carl’s, you’d better come prepared. The 16 vintage diner stools fill up and serve as revolving doors for regulars, and the restaurant runs like clockwork. At the bar—which was completely packed with customers—sat several blue-collar workers with mud on their boots, a few pairs of friends talking, and a businessman in a suit. Finishing up his cheeseburger, one of the blue-collar workers offered me his seat at the bar with a warm smile and waved goodbye to the chefs who were cooking away in front of us.

I sat down, ordered a cheeseburger and fries, and handed my cash to the cook in front of me. Not more than six inches from my seat, they threw on two fresh patties of beef, and I watched as the edges were caramelized and a slice of cheese was melted on top of each. In no time, my scrumptious meal was served.

9033 Manchester Road, St. Louis • CarlsDriveIn.com

A CARAMEL SUNDAE IN A BALL CAP
Known for its delicious frozen custard, Ted Drewes opened his first shop in Missouri in 1930, using the same recipe still in use today. In 1959, the owners coined the term “Concrete,” a blend of custard with the customer’s choice of mix-ins that creates a thick, frozen treat as dense as wet cement. This delicious dessert—in Ted Drewes’ fashion—is flipped upside down before being handed to customers through a walk-up serving window, showing that it really is as thick as advertised. The shop, which Ted’s family members still run, has a welcoming atmosphere and friendly faces ready to take your order.

Upon arrival, I asked if I could take a few pictures of the space and was offered the chance to chat with the business owner himself, Travis Dillon. Travis approached Andrea and me with a big smile and a firm handshake, excited to show us around. We visited the Ted Drewes Gift Shop and Museum, which is just a few hundred feet from the custard shop. Travis made me feel right at home with warm stories, flipping through vintage Ted Drewes postcards and looking at old pictures of the Drewes family.

Before I knew it, Travis invited Andrea and me into the actual custard shop. He ushered us in through the back door, its screen slamming shut as employees buzzed around both of us, continuing to serve eager customers at the windows. We stood in the middle of the perfectly organized chaos as Travis showed us their equipment and processes. “Alright, what can I make for you?” he said kindly, bright eyes smiling. “It’s on the house!”

Leaning into the shop’s retro roots, I went with the baseball cap sundae: scoops of custard topped with your choice of topping (caramel, always, for me) and served in a plastic baseball cap that doubles as your bowl. You can even choose your preferred baseball team; it felt right to go with the St. Louis Cardinals. I’m glad to report that the custard shop’s frozen dessert is as good as its hospitality. The flavors of velvety custard swirled with a thick, rich, salty-sweet caramel sauce worked together to create the perfect mid-afternoon treat.

For many customers, including several famous visitors, the Chippewa Street lo- cation in St. Louis remains a favorite.

TRIVIA 2
What was Ted Drewes famous for before his world-renowned custard?

6726 Chippewa Street, St. Louis • TedDrewes.com

OVERALLS AND A ROCKING CHAIR
Fanning 66 Outpost & Feedstore is full of surprises and small-town hospitality. Owner Ryan Thompson purchased the long-standing outpost in 2016, with the intention of creating and selling gourmet popcorn. What Ryan didn’t know then was the rich history that he was inheriting, and that interacting with the visitors who stop by to experience Route 66 would become one of his favorite parts of the job.

I quickly realized that in addition to the gourmet popcorn, the outpost offers unique Route 66 memorabilia, such as snow globes and ceramic bells; clothing and accessories; a wide selection of drinks, including glass-bottled sodas; and Route 66 themed puzzles. Shopping around the store was a great way to stretch my legs and take a break from driving. One of my favorite parts of the shop was the small boutique section, put together by Ryan’s girlfriend, Jennifer. I found a gem: a pair of comfortable women’s denim overalls that came back with me from the trip!

The store is also home to the world’s second-largest rocking chair, a popular stop in the parking lot right outside the store for tourists who want a memorable photo opportunity. Jennifer and Ryan offered to take my picture in front of the rocking chair to commemorate my visit, which I happily accepted.

Before I left, I took time to sign the shop’s guest book at the checkout counter. While writing my note to future travelers of the route, a small, fluffy, gray cat—the store’s most beloved greeter—jumped up on the counter, curling up into a ball on top of the guest book and purring softly. “People stop by just to see her, you know,” Jennifer said, smiling. I could certainly see why!

5957 State Highway ZZ, Cuba • Fanning66Outpost.com

LODGING AT A FAMOUS MOTEL
The Wagon Wheel Motel has been an iconic stop on Route 66 since 1953. It was built as a court lodging facility, which was extremely popular along Route 66. Court motels, also called motor courts, offered travelers individual rooms similar to cabins and direct parking right outside their doors. Right away, I fell in love with court-style lodging. The convenience of parking just a step from your hotel room, along with a private room that felt like a small home, made for a great stay. It had me wondering why motels ever evolved away from this style.

Wagon Wheel Motel is particularly special because of its long history and the preservation of much of its original architecture. Each beautiful motel room was built as a small rock cabin, featuring at least one bedroom and a private bathroom.

In addition to the quaint, restored historic motel rooms on the property, there are outdoor community areas with lights strung throughout the trees, firepits, and several seating areas, including bistro tables and rocking chairs. After checking in, dusk settled, and the iconic orange, red, and green Wagon Wheel Motel neon signage flickered on, transporting the court back to the 1950s.

Looking past the motel’s office, I saw my dinner destination, Missouri Hick BBQ, was just 50 or so yards away. I locked my cottage’s door, stuck the vintage-style red key in my pocket, and walked along the pebble-gravel path to dinner. Along the way, I admired the perfectly manicured green lawn and the summer flowers, feeling like I was back in time in the 1950s.

TRIVIA 3
What two elements of “modern technology” did the Wagon Wheel Motel boast on its advertisements in the 1930s?

901 East Washington Boulevard, Cuba • WagonWheel66Cuba.com

SMOKE AND SIGNATURE SAUCES
Just a few steps away from the Wagon Wheel Motel is Missouri Hick BBQ, a Cuba favorite and a new favorite of mine as well. If the smell of fresh-cut wood and smoked pork doesn’t ignite your senses, the restaurant’s rustic two-story log cabin exterior will undoubtedly catch your eye.

Inside the comfortable wooden dining area, I saw vintage gas pumps, Route 66 memorabilia lining the walls, and a serving window where fresh sandwiches stacked high with pulled pork and beef brisket sat steaming, and racks of fall-off-the-bone ribs awaited hungry guests.

Once seated, Andrea and I ordered. I got a pulled pork sandwich and a side of macaroni and cheese. It came out hot, fast, and delicious, satisfying my road trip hun- ger. One of my favorite additions to the table was an array of Missouri Hick BBQ’s signature sauces. I tried several of them, dousing my tender, smoked pulled pork in sauces from sweet to hot to tangy. Between bites of macaroni and cheese topped with crispy bacon, I enjoyed the calm, family-friendly atmosphere and the chatter between friendly waitstaff and locals. I was so stuffed by the end that I practically waddled back to my cottage.

913 East Washington Boulevard, Cuba • MissouriHick.com

CANDY AND CREEPY CURIOSITIES
Uranus Fudge Factory is a well-known stop along Route 66, known for its cheeky jokes. I strolled in ready for fudge and taffy and came out with slightly more than I had bargained for. My first stop was the general store and fudge factory. Walking through the front doors, every employee looked up from what they were doing and shouted an enthusiastic, “Welcome to Uranus!” In front of me was the general store’s “fudge factory,” where tourists can purchase the famous fudge. I wandered into the general store, packed with souvenirs, Uranus apparel, and toys. I decided to buy a bag of old-fashioned candy.

My final stop was the Uranus Sideshow Museum, my most unique Route 66 expe- rience. After purchasing a ticket, I strolled back into the museum, not knowing what to expect. There was no way to miss the first display in front of me: a four-foot- tall, U- shaped glass case holding dozens of two-headed creatures preserved in neat rows of jars. A shiver ran down my spine as I gawked at the small animals floating in formaldehyde.

Around the next corner were taxidermy creatures, but not like your Papa’s prized eight-pointer. These were artistically recreated monsters, like a deep-sea creature with its eyes replaced with yellow, glowing balls. Reading the tall tales of these creatures was both intriguing and very creepy.

After getting my fill of two-headed piglets and ancient artifacts from around the world—including a few sour-faced shrunken heads with lips sewn shut—I’d had my fill of oddities for the day (and possibly for a lifetime) and continued on to the next stop.

14400 State Highway Z, St. Robert • UranusGeneralStore.com

CLASSIC RESTAURANT GONE RETRO
Today, Steak ’n Shake may be a common name in the fast food industry, but its East St. Louis Street location in Springfield is anything but ordinary. Keeping its original charm, the restaurant features vintage furnishings and its historic 1962 architecture. This Steak ’n Shake is the oldest currently operating Steak ’n Shake in America.

Although this Steak ’n Shake location offers the same menu as any other of its restaurants around the country, I found that its ambience—right down to its fun napkins that are themed for Route 66—makes visiting this special location worthwhile.

TRIVIA 4
What did a cheeseburger cost at Steak ’n Shake in the 1950s?

1158 East St Louis Street, Springfield • Order.SteakNShake.com/menu/steaknshake1102

VINTAGE FINDS AND NEW FRIENDS
When you visit Gary’s Gay Parita, you leave with a few new friends and a few good laughs, guaranteed. When Andrea and I first pulled up to the restored station, George Bowick and Barbara Barnes (Turner), met us with a wave before I had even parked my car. The friendly and hospitable hosts asked if we wanted anything to drink, offering a selection of complimentary cold sodas.

I could tell that Barb had a deep passion for the retro spot. It became clear why she had taken over after she explained that her father, Gary, had passed away, and that she desired to keep the stop alive.

The couple encouraged us to explore the slew of antiques surrounding the lot, which are all Gary’s personal collection of Route 66 memorabilia. Organized in a large wooden barn, I discovered antiques like vintage cars, signage, old-school cash registers, and a five-foot-tall children’s carousel with beautiful red and cobalt blue hand-painted horses.

After taking my time sifting through all of the antiques, we were invited to sit on the porch with Barb and George. They told me that, hands down, their favorite part of owning the station is meeting Route 66 travelers from all over the world and hearing about their adventures. After talking for a while, I decided it was time to head to the next stop for the evening.

Before we left, Barb invited Andrea and me to partake in a special tradition— climbing onto the back of the Sinclair gas station’s mascot, a green dinosaur, and snapping a photo. She was also kind enough to offer us a complimentary T-shirt, which we couldn’t turn down. After passing by the collage of US license plates that decorate the porch of the Gary’s Gay Parita souvenir shop, I stepped inside and picked out a Gary’s Gay Parita T-shirt, adorned with Gary’s original artwork on the back and its slogan, reading, “Come as strangers, leave as friends for life.”

21118 Old Route 66, Ash Grove • GarysGayParita.com

PIT-STOP TO PET PIGLETS
I wrote about Gooseberry Bridge Farm inour March 2025 edition of Missouri Life,
and I was determined to visit it the next time I was in Springfield, as it’s only a 20 minute drive from the city. The family farm offers public baby-animal playdates with many animals, but I was on a mission for one thing: to hold a piglet.

Since interviewing owners Jeremy and Staci Hill, I have kept in contact with them. It was so nice to put a face to a name as we pulled up to their farmstead, where they were awaiting our arrival. Staci started showing Andrea and me around, pointing out the farm’s flower patch, a beloved and cuddly seven-toed cat, and their beautifully restored Airstream trailer, where they sell farm-fresh goods such as wreaths, soaps, and baked goods. Next, Staci showed me over to the piglets.

I walked up to the tiniest piglet, whose length was no bigger than the magazine you’re holding right now, and told Staci it had been a lifelong dream of mine to hold a piglet. (Charlotte’s Web had a significant impact on me as a kid, if you couldn’t tell). Jeremy walked over and taught me the proper way to hold the piglet to keep him comfortable, and I picked up his wriggly, wiry self. I was smiling from ear to ear. Though I spent time tromping around the rest of the farm petting all of the animals that I could, something about getting to hold that tiny pig was such a special and standout addition to the trip.

177 Elm Grove Road, Rogersville • GooseberryBridge.com

COZY COURT WITH CARPORTS
Boots Court Motel is as good as it gets for those wanting to visit an iconic accom- modation along Missouri’s Route 66. This restored 1930s motel still has its original neon signs, which glow each night, illuminating the small town of Garrison with a bright blue-green hue. The motel offers a visitor’s center where customers check in to their motel room, and where tourists can purchase Route 66 guides, memorabilia, and apparel. While checking in, I was given a cold water bottle, a room key, and a warm smile from the concierge.

Upon returning to my car, which I had originally parked across the street, I thought, There’s no parking lot for the motel, only for the visitor’s center. How weird. After driving toward the motel rooms, I realized my mistake: the motel was court-style. Court-style motels were built with carports (like a concrete awning) right outside of each room. Still today, Boots Court Motel gives the option for visitors to park in the carports, so I swung my car around and parked by the door of my room. How convenient! Inside, I was pleasantly surprised at the complimentary Route 66-themed bookmark and sleeping mask waiting for me. I spotted two fun additions to my room: a 1950s-vintage speaker and a restored black-and-white checkered bathroom, both of which made the room feel authentic. While it was clear that the motel had been renovated with modern appliances and comforts, with neon signs aglow and historic carports for parking, I felt like I was experiencing what it was like to stay along
Route 66 decades ago.

TRIVIA 5
Who sings the famous Route 66 song where Joplin is mentioned as a stop along the way?

107 South Garrison Avenue, Garrison • BootsCourt66.com

With its historic stops and newly imagined Route 66 adventures, Missourians continue to keep a beloved part of our history alive. The route from St. Louis to Joplin and all of its attractions spark adventure—the same spark that inspired travelers to ride the route years ago. I hope you travel the Route, and if you do, that you enjoy the ride.

TRIVIA ANSWERS:

1. Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
   with Guy Fieri
2. A professional tennis player
3. Steam heat and fireproof rooms
4. 33 cents
5. Nat King Cole

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This article was originally printed in the February 2026 issue of Missouri Life.