Missouri's Autumn Avenues A Soulful Sojourn Through Fall Foliage and Rustic Rhapsody

Ah, the everchanging kaleidoscope of crimson and gold that is autumn in the ShowMe State! With a wild wind whispering through your hair, you take to the streets on four wheels; Missouri awaits with open arms. Welcome, beat poets of todayprepare for an epic road trip exploring this Midwestern gem!

Our first pilgrimage begins along historic Route 66 (MO366), snaking its way from St. Louis to Springfield like Kerouac's own ribbon of dreams. As leaves tumble down like rebellious confetti, we honor workers' dusty boots pounding miles at iconic sites such as Meramec Caverns (1135 Hwy W,, Sullivan) or Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (4224 S Grand Blvd,, St. Louis). Here we toast Huck Finn with a frozen confection a nod to Mark Twain's adventurous spirit unleashed upon these rivers.

Venture southward where Ozark Mountain Country reveals her secrets, weaving folklore into twisting roads outlined by changing hues. Embrace Branson Silver Dollar City's National Harvest & Cowboy Festival (399 Indian Point Rd., Branson), where Americana strums emphatically amongst clanging blacksmith hammers and lassos swirling balletically overhead. Channel your inner Thoreau while traversing Table Rock State Parks scenic beauty drizzled in shades of russet rustication.

Next trail leads westward following I70 toward Kansas City land born from Lewis & Clark wanderings where echoes of jazz intermingle with wafts of smoldering barbecue feasts. Quirky attractions roll out their pumpkinspiced carpet via Nelson Atkins MuseumofArts giant badminton birdie sculptures(4525 Oak St,), intertwining unexpected joy within our cultured journey.

While roaming through this historic expedition, pay homage to the courageous resilience of Missouri's vineyards along Hermann Wine Trail (201 Gutenberg St., H198,, Hermann). Sample liquid sunshine amidst effervescent harvest festivals. Dare you resist a playful stomp at Prairiefire Vineyards grapestomping event?

Retrace the paths of artistic precursors by following Harry Truman's footsteps in Independence Square (112 W Lexington Ave.), and don't neglect your muse find inspiration in Westport Coffeehouse's Poetry Night (4010 Pennsylvania, KCMO), where Allen Ginsberg would surely have clapped enthusiastically.

A journey through Missouri demands basking alongside mighty Mississippi riverside as autumn sun dips below watercolor horizons. Join haunted Hannibal ghost tours or timehonored Apple Butter Makin' Days Festival within Mount Vernon courtyards.

We cannot, we must not forget vibrant Columbia, its True/False Film Fest an ode to storytelling; art spilling forth like golden leaves from University of MIssouri campus trees.

As gas tanks approach empty and twilight descends upon highways once more let it be known that our tireless trek has forever etched memories onto hearths aglow with warmth only Midwestern hospitality can arouse. Onward!

More info:

Route 66 www.historic66.com

Silver Dollar City @SDCAttractions

Hermann Wine Trail www.hermannwinetrail.com

Westport Coffee House @westportcoffee1