ROAD TRIP

One-Tank Escapes for 7 Cities

This summer, the key words are "quick" and "easy." But you still want a trip that delivers. So, hit the road! These seven drives are real getaways—even if they take you only a few hours from home.

Friday, May 27, 2011, 8:00 AM  |  Subscribe to the magazine

Great River Road, Mo.
88 miles from St. Louis

On the western banks of the Mississippi River, Highway 79—one of several scenic byways known collectively as the Great River Road—is dotted with old steamboat towns that attract artisans, bird-watchers, and lovers of all things Mark Twain. HIGHLIGHTS Find rustic rockers made of durable Missouri willow at The Bent Tree Gallery in Clarksville (thebenttree.com/clarksville, 660/425-2131). The Eagle's Nest Bistro in the town of Louisiana pairs French cuisine with hearty local vintages from its winery (theeaglesnest-louisiana.com, 573/754-9888, entrées from $12.50). In Hannibal, upriver, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum displays the signature white jacket that belonged to Huck Finn's creator (573/221-9010, marktwainmuseum.org, $9). Down the street, Twain-happy tourists linger over coffee at Java Jive, run by local potter Steve Ayers (573/221-1017, ayerspottery.com). OVERNIGHT OPTION Cedarcrest Manor, in Clarksville, is a restored 1840s mansion with antique-filled rooms, some of which overlook the river (573/242-3310, overlookfarmmo.com/accommodations/cedarcrestmanor, from $150). DRIVING TIPS Riding through the clogged St. Louis suburbs is a necessary evil; head out in mid-morning when traffic ebbs. EN ROUTE Between the towns of Louisiana and Hannibal, see wading birds ply the marshes at the Ted Shanks Conservation Area (573/754-6171)  —Rachel Young

 

SEE MORE POPULAR CONTENT:

The 7 Most Common Gas Guzzling Mistakes

25 Most Photographed Places on Earth

Is it Cheaper to Fly or to Drive?

10 Beach Products You Never Knew You Needed

12 Most Beautiful Lakes

HIT THE ROAD!

Launch the Slide Show

Budget Travel Real Deals

See more deals »

Note:This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
 

Article Comments

Please log in to post comments/ratings

Rate this article

Comment on this article

(Limit 5000 characters / 5000 characters remaining)

Overall Rating:

Video of the Day

Check Prices

Check Current Prices

  1. Hotels
  2. Flights
  3. Cars
  4. Cruises

Choose Sites

Choose Sites

Choose Sites

Choose Sites

Advanced Search

Select the details relevant to your trip to see a list of articles that match your needs — it's the best way to get ideas!
SELECT YOUR DESTINATION
SELECT YOUR ACTIVITIES