Perspectives from the Road

We have memories of traveling the route since our childhoods. For me, it was large portions of time spent in southern Missouri and Kansas, as well as the eastern half of Oklahoma. Many of the sites that dotted the roadside were already well-established, but this had not always been the case. Route 66 was established in 1926, and became the nation’s first all-weather highway. While it may not have been the longest or oldest American highway, it provided the shortest path between the Midwest and West Coast. To understand the significance of this highway, we need to better grasp life in this period of the country. A stop at the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri was another chance to piece together the history of this road.

The Early Days

America was quickly changing and the country needed roads to manage these changes. The heavy agriculture base of the central states had to rely on the railroad for transportation, but rail paths were limited. The addition of highways, like Route 66, would provide pathways to places not serviced by rail. By the time I would travel the road, it was all paved, but I can imagine the earliest days. From my times in the country, I know what the weather can do to a dirt road. Imagine heading out on a cross-country journey not knowing what road conditions you would encounter.

Rough Roads

Trips like that would be more like adventures. Packing the car would require creating a second home. After all, the construction of restaurants, motels, and shops would come later. When your day ended in a city or town, these conveniences could often be found. Often times, the path between towns would be the resting stop for meals or even nighttime lodging. Talk about your old-school camping trips. The rough roadways would also present the possibility of damages to your vehicle, so plenty of spare parts should be included during packing. This display case at the Route 66 Museum reminds us of the struggles that faced many of those early day road warriors.

Adding Convenience

As more and more travelers paved the way, it brought with it people looking to capitalize off of the route. Motor lodges, now called motels, sprang up all along Route 66. These offered an easy overnight stay that got travelers out of a tent and into a bed. Over time, more amenities were added to entice travelers to stop. The addition of glowing neon signs would beckon weary drivers to pull off for the night. While many of these iconic stops have gone by the wayside, there are still plenty around. Part of the fun of a Route 66 road trip is picking a couple of these stops for an overnight stay. It offers us travelers a chance to merge with the history of the Mother Road.

Filling a Need

By the late 1930s, Route 66 had rivaled the railroad for the transportation of goods. Truckers began traveling the road in droves, which signaled the need for more amenities. Roadside cafes and diners popped up all along the path. During our explorations, we have sampled a few of the most iconic restaurants. In Springfield, Illinois, we discovered the self-proclaimed corndog origin at Cozy Dogs. Another Route 66 trip landed us at The Big Texan, in Amarillo, where we were tempted to challenge a Texas-sized steak dinner. We are betting that many of these early eateries probably used their own gimmicks to draw in diners.

A Touch of Home

Besides seeing all of the memories of yesteryear, places like the Route 66 Museum are also informative. The Kansas portion of the Mother Road is the smallest of any state. Since my childhood summers were spent in that region, I have traveled every inch of it. In fact, we were lucky enough to visit it again during an event hosted by Kansas Tourism. The fact that mining was the base of the economy for generations is well-known in that region. What we didn’t realize is that traffic along Route 66 had been shut down due to labor disputes. Obviously, it was well before our time.

America’s Main Street

Many remember the catchphrase “Get your kicks on Route 66”. Advertising, like the poster above, was used to draw attention to a large number of attractions and sights along Route 66. Cities and towns vied for tourism dollars from travelers passing east or west. These days, people from around the globe plan out their visits based on some of these same sites. While many will digest the entire route in one trip, we rely on breaking it into digestible sections. By focusing on specific cities or legs of the road, we can explore in greater detail. So far, we have successfully navigated from Chicago to Amarillo.

Route 66 Museum in Lebanon

Places like the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon serve as depositories for the memories of times gone by. They also help educate the next generation about the value of a classic American road trip. Whether you are planning your own excursion along Route 66 or any of the other great American highways, be sure to keep the spirit of those early travelers in mind. Be prepared for the unexpected and save some time for exploring the stops that aren’t always found on maps. It’s a good way to get to know the locals and make some amazing memories at the same time.

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Glory Days

Cruising along Route 66 will definitely bring a feeling of nostalgia. While newer businesses and stops continue to be developed (Check out Uranus, Missouri), it is the long-standing sites that really grab our attention. Way back in 1950, Glenn Wrinkle launched Wrink’s Market. Sitting along the edge of Lebanon, it served as a restocking stop for travelers along this stretch of the Missouri Mother Road. His friendly demeanor made travelers and locals feel welcome in the store. His fresh-made sandwiches were popular with many, including radio host Paul Harvey. Glenn kept the store running until his death in 2005.

The Vintage Cowgirl

This sudden change shuttered the doors and could have signaled a permanent death. Glenn’s son Terry Wrinkle attempted to reopen the store, but the downturned economy of 2008 forced it to reclose after only two years. It appeared that Wrink’s Market would fade away like so many other Route 66 iconic stops. Low and behold, the founder’s granddaughter, Katie Hapner, reinvented the market in 2017. While it carries the name “The Vintage Cowgirl”, it still holds the same atmosphere as the olden days. Katie and her stepsister, Sarah, welcome visitors looking for a break from the road. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, we found her busy assembling sandwiches for hungry travelers. It’s inspiring to see that others are working to bring the past into the future.

Tried and True

Sharing a parking lot with Wrink’s Market is Taylor’s Dairy Joy. Once again, we found that this business has stood the test of time on Route 66. With the lunch hour fast approaching, we decided it was the perfect place to grab some food. Taylor’s has a lot of similarities to dozens of roadside eateries found along the Mother Road. Stepping through the door, we found a hand-written menu filled with easily recognizable dishes. A couple of cheeseburgers sounded good and we decided to split some fries and onion rings. This simple, but filling meal was an obvious hit with the locals, as well.  Finding a seat in the dining room, we noticed the wall mural (at the top of this page) had an odd similarity to something out of a “Close Encounters” movie.

Getting Our Sweet Desserts

Here is where we have to open up a little about our choice for lunch. Sure it’s a Route 66 iconic stop, but it was the word ‘Dairy” in the name that sealed it for us. Let’s be honest, it’s hard for us to pass up a chance to sample some local ice cream no matter where we wander. I mean, we have tasted frozen treats all across North America, including Quebec City in Canada. Taylor’s Dairy Joy offers a variety of soft-serve options, from cones to amazing sundaes. We were not afraid to tackle some of their most impressive creations. We ordered a Chocolate-covered Cherry Sundae and a Turtle Sundae to make sure we had a wide range of flavors. Both ended up being delicious but extremely filling. It became apparent that there would need to be some major walking in our future.

Standing the Test of Time

Route 66 draws thousands of visitors because it reminds us of our past. Seeing all of the unique business designs is entertaining and enlightening. The tried and true methods applied to diverting drivers from the road have been encapsulated in much of the mainstream advertising approach. Shock and awe were common occurrences that would cause travelers to pull over so they could see it for themselves. These days, many of the visual extremes have faded or crumbled under the weight of neglect. We have seen a recent surge in the desire to bring many of the notable iconic sights back to life. We certainly hope this happens and we can preserve these familiar landmarks for future generations.

Plan Your Adventure

When the interstates were introduced, many didn’t realize just how negative of an impact it would be for some towns and cities. The steady stream of travelers moved from the byways to the highways. While some smaller towns have shriveled and died, places like Lebanon, Missouri have survived the test of time. By embracing their Route 66 history, they are helping pique the interest of a new generation of road warriors. When we found out about their newest display, we just had to get involved. It was an appropriate gesture to lock our love to Route 66. After all, we have had so many wonderful experiences along the Mother Road. When was your last Route 66 road trip?

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Road from Rolla

During the Dust Bowl days, many would follow this path west to California. By the late 1950s, interstate highways were sounding a death knell for these types of leisurely travel corridors. These days, many scurry down the highway rushing to their destination. It seems like fewer and fewer of us take the time to enjoy the journey. Maybe the current conditions call for us to rethink our idea of the perfect vacation. A Route 66 road trip is a good way to maintain social distancing and still explore the countryside.

Route 66 Road Trip

While large swaths of the Mother Road vanished with the installation of the interstates, travelers can still find plenty of the original path. Many of the sights along the route carry fantastic names that just beckon to be seen. On a stretch between Uranus and Rolla we discovered Devil’s Elbow Bridge. Offering a pass across the Big Piney River, the views of the surrounding cliffs are inspiring. We even had an opportunity to watch a local fisherman try his luck.

Stonehenge, Missouri?

A sight that we would have never expected to find in the middle of Missouri is a Stonehenge replica. When we saw it listed  in Rolla attractions, we knew a few minutes had to be carved out in our itinerary. After all, you don’t pass by one of these everyday. This unusual attraction is located on the campus of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. It is half-scale of the original, and only represents a partial reconstruction. Built out of granite, the stones were cut and carved using high pressure water jets. The original would have taken many years to complete, where this one was carved in a month. It is truly a testament to technology.

Fun Diversion

Since we were beating around Rolla looking for diversions, we decided to head downtown. This Midwest town embraces its Route 66 heritage. Those looking to “get their kicks” will find some interesting eateries and fun shops to explore. After some local shopping, we were ready to cool down with a refreshing treat. We located an old-fashioned soda fountain and popped in for a look-see. We could tell from the steady stream of customers that this place was a local hit.

Cooling Off

What began as a stop for a cone turned into a real adventure. You probably have noticed that we love ice cream, so it’s no surprise to see us pick a scoop shop. Over the years, we have found some amazing creamy creations. Soda & Scoops was ready to raise the bar with their own unique concoctions. Our choice was a homage to Independence Day named “Baby You’re A Firework”. It started with a strawberry cheesecake shake and took off from there. The addition of vanilla frosting, sprinkles, whipped cream and a sucker really got it going. Oh, and let’s just shove a Bomb Pop in for good measure. Yeah, it was freaking awesome!

Slow Death

When they added I-44 to Missouri, much of it fell right on top of the Route 66 corridor. These days, the original path is almost like a frontage road running parallel to the interstate. As we traversed it, we spotted signs of the glory days. Many of the gas stations, motels, and motor courts have been abandoned. Those that remain are staying alive by multi-tasking their business plans. Often you will find a combination, fuel stop, antique store, and eatery wrapped into one location. In almost all cases, they wear the badge of Route 66 with pride.

Set Your Sights on Route 66

The format of vacationing certainly changed quickly in 2020. Almost overnight, the world looked differently at the notion of large gatherings on beaches or at events. The changes affected us, as well, but mostly through the shuttering of museums and other public spaces. Our style of trips revolve around in-depth looks at the stories behind a cities growth. The interaction we have with others will usually be restricted to just a few people at a time. That made us feel more comfortable about the idea of exploring during a pandemic. A Route 66 road trip is a good way to get back out in the world, while still limiting your exposure to others. Aren’t you ready to hit the road?

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Another World

Driving along the route, it would be nearly impossible to miss this place. Even traffic on the nearby interstate is sure to spot the huge sign screaming for attention. Once you get nearby, you are already aware that the owner is attempting to attract visitors. For us, it is part of the draw of the Mother Road. All along the way, Route 66 has been known for its unique sights and unusual attractions. In its early days, these were designed to capture attention and get travelers to take a break from the road. These days the same still applies, except that many of the older sites have become abandoned. We were happy to check out Uranus since it was a new stop attempting to capture the spirit of the tourist traps of old.

Strangely Familiar

Stepping out of our car, we found ourselves trying to take it all in. Dinosaur statues competed with selfie spots. If you are desiring a hodge-podge of businesses this is certainly a place to find them. The signage called out a tattoo shop, escape rooms, ax-throwing, and outdoor outfitters to name a few.  On top of that, there is a collection of novelty décor that would appeal to any selfie starved traveler. This place is the perfect place to snap a few one-of-a-kind memories.

Tourist Trap Treasures

Now we weren’t about to let this opportunity pass us by, especially when we were in the company of the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. It hadn’t been that long ago that we had attempted to break some records ourselves, during a visit to Gatlinburg. Of course, we may have fallen short, but here we could stand in close proximity to one.

Sideshow Seduction

Our schedule did not include time for visits to the bulk of the small shops, but we did have enough for the Circus Sideshow Museum. This interesting collection of freaky exhibits hearkened back to the days of the traveling circuses. We are both old enough to remember walking along the midway and hearing the barkers call out to the crowd. Their promises of fantastic creatures and unbelievable oddities enticed us inside for a closer look. In Uranus, we were able to relive these childhood days. Check out this article to see some of the unusual specimens.

Fudge Factory

At the far end of the strip, we found the main store for souvenirs. We knew that it was a must-see since we had heard so much about it. Besides, traveling along Route 66 requires a certain amount of snacks to keep up your strength. The bright colors of the building were definitely designed to attract attention and it worked. While traveler traffic was lower during this pandemic, those that did stop were checking out the store, as well.

Juvenile Jokes On Demand

Up until now, the juvenile jokes had just been assumed. Stepping into the Uranus Fudge factory brought them front and center. Inside, it was reminiscent of many of the Stuckey’s style stops we saw in our younger days. The mixed bag of merchandise ran the gambit from collector’s items to novelty gag gifts. The bright color scheme continued on the inside and the place is packed with eye candy. A large candy counter contained the staff members dishing out the various flavors of fudge. An assortment of t-shirts, car tags, posters, and signs displayed the juvenile jokes that come with the name Uranus. This place certainly takes a light-hearted approach at souvenir sales.

Mixed Bag

While our shopping desires were pretty limited at the Uranus General Store, it was still quite interesting to see all of the artifacts they had scattered around the store. One must really pay attention if you want to see the majority. It seems they have taken the idea of “Where’s Waldo” to heart, as they tuck unique displays in every nook and cranny. With such a wide range of merchandise available, there were a lot of temptations to purchase unnecessary items.

Different Times

Being so close to the Ozarks, we found quite a few items and displays that were throwbacks from our youth. While the majority of the kitschy items were interesting to see, we found ourselves easily able to overcome the temptation to buy. Then there was the assortment of candies. Oh you know that is where our strength wavered. As we walked down row after row of bushel baskets filled with salt-water taffy, we couldn’t help but fill a bag with some assorted flavors. The fresh chocolates on display were far too tempting to pass up, so we grabbed a couple of those, as well.

Route 66 Rest Stop

With our treasures in hand, we made our way back toward our car. We were still smiling from the juvenile jokes that are so commonplace in Uranus, Missouri. One more chance to take in all of the sights that line the landscape, before heading back out onto the Mother Road. This unusual stop may not be decades old, but it certainly captures the spirit of Route 66. People from all over the world travel to the Midwest to experience the fun and frivolity associated with the bygone era of road trips. Maybe this pandemic will help kickstart a new generation of auto-exploration. After all, you never know what you will find when you get off the interstate.

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Carnival Vibes

Since we were needing to stretch our legs, this looked like a good place to do it. The tantalizing banners hinted of unbelievable, and possibly cringe-worthy sights. Entering the Uranus Sideshow Museum, we found that the ceiling is covered in the types of banners that would have been commonplace in the early 1900s. The majority of these types of displays would have been associated with traveling circuses, like Barnum and Bailey. There was a time when there were also permanent displays, which were often referred to as ‘dime museums’.

Animal Acts Abound

Often the exhibits featured animal acts. Showing off trained animals was an inexpensive form of entertainment that would have offered higher profitability for the owner. After all, the costs would have been food, housing, and the trainer. These shows were popular with crowds of gawkers who piled in to see them perform. Freak shows are not an American invention. As early as the 17th century there were ‘monster shows’ traveling across the European continent. Many of these concentrated on human abnormalities like dwarfism.

Local Legend

Some of the attractions that I vaguely remember focused more attention on animal deformities. More than a few of the exhibits were obvious taxidermy experiments where the union of two species was concocted. Here is a modern example of this where they have crafted a mix of monkey and fish. Like the ones of old, it plays off of the intrigue of impossibility. It also includes the mystery of how such a possibility could exist. This scenario is covered by the explanation of a scientific experiment gone wrong. Doesn’t that sound a lot like the majority of the sci-fi flicks from the 1950s?

Twin-Headed Oddities

Another common sighting at these types of attractions has to do with two-headed abnormalities. Whether it was human or animal, these were commonplace at the old carnival shows. I remember seeing two-headed calves and the Uranus Sideshow Museum has a two-headed turtle swimming around a tank. In the early 1800s, there was a famous pair of Siamese twins who toured all through Europe. It was estimated that over 100,000 people came to see them in just a span of seven months. It was obvious that people were intrigued by these types of sights.

Mermaid Mystery

Another popular exhibit to capture the attention of a crowd was the hopes of seeing a true-to-life mermaid. Obviously, this would have been impossible, but it still drew plenty of people into the show. As you can see above, these require the skill of a taxidermist to fashion the mythical creature. They have a variety of versions on display at the museum, and it was interesting to see the skill levels of the different tradespeople. While all were aiming for the same final product, they each put their own unique spin on it.

Uranus Sideshow Museum Live Action

As we were nearing the completion of our visit, a staff member notified us that there was a show preparing to begin. There was only one other couple there at that point, but we all made our way to the stage area. The staff member introduced herself as the ‘tattooed lady’ and showed off some of her body tapestries to the ‘crowd’. Then she proceeded to do a few corny magic tricks, before moving to the main event.

Sparking Scene

Her feature performance is sword-swallowing. We’ve probably all seen it done, whether in person or on television. At the Uranus Sideshow Museum, we found that she adds a little extra zest. There are plenty of people who can perform sword-swallowing, but how many times do you find such an electrifying performance? This was definitely something we didn’t expect and it was met with a round of applause. I would have said a standing ovation, but there were no chairs for us to start from a seated position.

Uranus Sideshow Museum

While many of the displays at the Uranus Sideshow Museum are a bit hokey, they are all G-rated and can be viewed by all ages. Nothing will jump out at you and the views of living creatures are pretty rare. (I can only recall the turtle.) Admission was reasonable at $6.00 per adult and the length of visits depends on how in-depth you study the displays. For those who are looking for an unusual stop along a mid-Missouri road trip, this is one you won’t soon forget.

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