St. Louis Official Visitors Guide 2009 - (Page 35) America’s fast-food culture took root on Route 66. Cruise into St. Louis’ 1957vintage Chuck-A-Burger, spin on a counter stool at Carl’s Drive In or grab a slice at Elicia’s Pizza. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has been King of the Route’s refreshment stops since 1929. Drewes’ frosty “concretes” are frozen vanilla custard shakes blended with fruits, nuts, candies and other flavors and served so concrete-thick, they’re handed to customers upside down. LEE HARRIS COURTESY OF MERAMEC CAVERNS Meramec Caverns Route 66 State Park You can’t check in, but you can check out a unit from St. Louis’ infamous Coral Court Motel, the art deco-style star of the Route 66 exhibit at the Museum of Transportation. Also there is an impressive collection of classic cars, locomotives and railcars that kept Americans on the move for more than a century. Travel I-44, Route 66’s modern replacement, west to Route 66 State Park, where the visitors center provides a peek at Route 66’s past through memorabilia-laden displays. Farther on down the road, get your kicks from thrill rides, family shows and a water park at Six Flags St. Louis. Nearby, brake for animal and nature attractions such as Lone Elk Park, the World Bird Sanctuary, Wild Canid Survival and Research Center, Purina Farms and Shaw Nature Reserve. Keep motoring on I-44 to reach Meramec Caverns, the oldest tourist attraction on the Mother Road. The site has been welcoming Route 66 travelers since 1933. Missouri legends say frontier outlaw Jesse James hid men, loot and horses in the massive cave. The owners took American roadside art to new heights by turning painted barn roofs into billboards promot- ing the Meramec Caverns all across the country. As Nat “King” Cole sang in Bobby Troupe’s ode to Route 66: “If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way. Take the highway that’s the best. Get your kicks on Route 66!” In St. Louis, of course. k TRAVEL TIP The line of customers may look long outside Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, but it moves swiftly thanks to Ted’s efficient team of super scoopers. Museum of Transportation (800) 916-0092 The Official St. Louis Visitors Guide 35
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