Discover the Heartland: Unforgettable Road Trips in Missouri this Spring

Spring is the perfect time to hit the open road and explore all that Missouri has to offer. From charming small towns to breathtaking natural wonders, there's something for everyone in the Show-Me State. So buckle up, roll down your windows, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the heartland.

Start your journey in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO 63101), a city known for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant arts scene. Take a stroll along Delmar Boulevard, where you'll find The Pageant (6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112), a historic concert venue that has hosted some of music's biggest names. Don't forget to indulge in some gooey butter cake at Park Avenue Coffee (417 N 10th St., St. Louis, MO 63101) it's a local favorite!

Next stop: Kansas City (Kansas City, MO 64108). Known as the "Barbecue Capital of America," this city will satisfy any food lover's cravings with its mouthwatering ribs and burnt ends. Be sure to visit Arthur Bryant's Barbeque (1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, MO 64127) or Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (3002 W 47th Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103) for an authentic taste of Midwest barbecue heaven.

As you venture further into rural Missouri, make a detour towards Hannibal (Hannibal, MO 63401), Mark Twain's hometown and inspiration for his beloved characters Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Explore Main Street lined with quaint shops selling everything from antiques to homemade fudge before taking a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi River.

For nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes head towards Branson (Branson, MO 65616), nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains. Take a scenic drive along Highway 76 and be captivated by the breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake. Don't miss out on catching a live show at one of Branson's many theaters it's like Broadway with a Midwestern twist.

No road trip through Missouri would be complete without a visit to the charming town of Columbia (Columbia, MO 65201). Home to the University of Missouri, this college town offers a vibrant arts scene and an abundance of local breweries. Grab a pint at Logboat Brewing Co. (504 Fay St., Columbia, MO 65201) or Flat Branch Pub & Brewing (115 S Fifth St., Columbia, MO 65201) while enjoying some live music at The Blue Note (17 N Ninth St., Columbia, MO 65201).

As you make your way back towards civilization, stop by Springfield (Springfield, MO 65802), where Route 66 nostalgia is alive and well. Visit the iconic Route 66 Car Museum (1634 W College St., Springfield, MO 65806) for a glimpse into America's love affair with automobiles. And don't forget to grab some frozen custard from Andy’s Frozen Custard (2119 S Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65804) it'll cool you down after all that driving!

Missouri may not always be top-of-mind when planning road trips but its welcoming nature and authentic charm will leave you wanting more. So pack your bags and hit the road this spring for an adventure that combines Midwest hospitality with unforgettable experiences.

Websites:

- Explore St. Louis: www.explorestlouis.com

- Visit Kansas City: www.visitkc.com

- Hannibal Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.visithannibal.com

- Explore Branson: www.explorebranson.com

- Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.visitcolumbiamo.com

- Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.springfieldmo.org

Twitter Handles: