Welcome to my Route 66 Daily Roundups. Throughout the course of my cross-country adventure with Marriott International and vehicle sponsor Nissan USA, I will be sharing the highlights from each leg of the trip. To see all of the Daily Roundups please click here.
To read about the inspiration for this epic drive, please check out this post.
Day 3: St Louis, Missouri to Springfield, Missouri
Hello from Springfield, Missouri and a fun day exploring Missouri’s section of Route 66. It’s funny how different the Illinois and Missouri sections of the drive are, but not in ways that are negative. While Missouri also embraces the history and legacy of the Mother Road, it just felt different from Illinois. My day started early though as I got up before dawn to try to capture some sunrise shots in St. Louis. After enjoying a great breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton, Brendan and I hit the road once again, eager to see more of Missouri.
We quickly left the plains behind us (for now) and entered Ozarks country, rolling hills and thick woods defining much of our day. Quirky was the theme of the day, starting off with the vibrant murals of Cuba, Missouri. Highlighting the incredible history of this small town, it’s an endearing monument to the city’s past. That was contrasted though with what we found in nearby Fanning, one of the World’s Largest Rocking Chairs. Ultimately, I love that about Route 66, how everything just seems to change in an instant. Missouri also has some well preserved very early sections of the road, which we enjoyed while driving through thick forests and over churning rivers.
It should come as no surprise that food is a very important part of the drive, and I’ve made sure to patronize some of the iconic restaurants and cafes that for many define Route 66. Today’s highlight was in Rolla, Missouri and the best dessert I’ve ever had at a bakery called “A Slice of Pie.” Turns out I’m not the only one to have discovered this small bakery and cafe, it has won awards from countless experts and publications. If you are ever anywhere near Rolla, you must stop by.
We ended the day in Springfield, Missouri and our temporary home for the night, TownePlace Suites. Embracing the local community, I love how the hotel has a personality all of its own, making a stay here an important part of the experience. Tomorrow is a big day though as we drive through three states and experience incredible stops along the way.
Please remember to follow along on Instagram Stories and let me know if you have any questions!
