I already told you about experiencing the total solar eclipse, but that took place over just a tiny fraction of our “bucket-list” trip to Missouri. There were more adventures…

On the drive up…

I let Brent in on my personal find: the Dutch Pantry in Chouteau, Oklahoma. This home-cookin’ buffet with mismatched plates and to-die-for desserts is now his favorite road-trip restaurant. I suspect he will plan his next drive to Wyandotte, Oklahoma around it.

The minute we set foot in Sedalia, we hit Kehde’s Barbecue, which I told you about in May. It was lunchtime, they were swamped, and we settled down for a long wait. But a lovely couple who had arrived several minutes ahead of us sent a hostess out to invite us to share their table. I hope these sweet people enjoyed the impromptu party as much as Brent and I did.

While we stayed in Sedalia…

First thing after lunch, we drove out to the little cemetery where my mom is now buried in the family plot. Seeing her inscription on the back of her parents’ marker felt bittersweet.

We’d booked a room at the historic Bothwell Hotel on the courthouse square. As you can tell by the lobby, this ain’t no fleabag joint.

This elegant ladies’ lounge is on the mezzanine level.

We couldn’t help noticing the “Back to the Future” clock on the roofline.

And speaking of the courthouse, we wandered inside to see how it compares to the one in my home town. We found it has a similar dignity, though not nearly as ornate as that of Anderson County, Texas.

Right there in the lobby was the door of the Deeds & Records office. We went in to find out what year my great-grandfather’s house was built. They said 1900, a suspiciously round number. I might be a tad skeptical.

Another discovery was the “Rails-to-Trails” bike trails, which start from this railroad station / visitor center / state park. Next time? We’ll bring or rent bikes!

Before we headed back to Texas, I took Brent a few blocks north of the hotel to visit the site of the night club where Scott Joplin got his start. This mural is across the street. On my visit in 2009, it was badly faded. Looks as if someone has touched it up!

I’m glad you joined me on my little road trip down memory freeway lane.

And as always,
Thanks for reading!
Jan