Missouri Route 66 - Cuba

      The Wagon Wheel Motel, the top 66 attraction in Cuba, is a classic 1930's tourist court, with cabins that originally included rooms for touring vacationers and garages for their touring automobiles. (Grandma may have had to sleep on the couch, but the car was nice and comfy all night.) The vintage sign was the reason for my first quick stop at the Wheel in 2006, but on a subsequent trip, I took a walk around the complex and came away amazed at how the old buildings had endured since the motel was built in 1934. A wonderfully restored section now faces the old road, with mandatory old Chevy parked nearby. Besides the classic Route 66 accommodations, another reason to spend the night here in Cuba is the BBQ joint next to the motel, the Missouri Hick, which boasts "the Ozarks finest smoked meats". The lunch specials are listed, above. 

     While wandering around town, check out the World's Largest Rocking Chair, the Route 66 Fudge Shop, and some wonderful murals painted on the downtown buildings. Cuba is also home to the McGinnis Wood Products Company, proud makers of Bourbon and whiskey barrels. Somehow, this sounds like a company I would enjoy working for. Log Book: 376 miles motored on old 66.

Missouri Route 66 - Stanton

     Approaching Stanton, Missouri, old 66 crisscrosses I-44 a number of times. Driving this stretch, one can sort of appreciate the modern interstate, with its multiple wide lanes, more direct route, and less hilly grade. A lot less hilly, it occurred to me, as my car roller coasted up and down the Missouri hills in sight of the smooth freeway. And one has to concentrate a bit more on the two-lane, with cars coming at you at 60 mph.

     Stanton is a fun stop, with some old-fashioned roadside attractions. If you like this sort of stuff, visit the side-by-side Jesse James and Toy Museums. (If you don't like this sort of stuff, why are you traveling Route 66 anyway?) Another popular 66 destination, the Meramec Caverns, where it is alleged Jesse James actually had a hideout, is also nearby. Just shoot down Highway W. Log Book: 362 miles motored on old 66.