There’s plenty of things nifty along Highway 50 U.S. Highway 50 has been described as the “Backbone of America” as it runs from one coast to the other, passing through 11 states, including Missouri, and through some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes. Part of U.S. Highway 50 has been dubbed "The Loneliest Road in America,” but it’s not the piece that cuts through the Meramec Region. U.S. 50 goes right through the heart of some of the best kept secrets in the Region. Small towns along the route in Gasconade and Osage counties have flavors of their own, and you will surely be delighted to find wineries, antique stores, bakeries and even cheese-makers along the way, making it anything but "lonely!" In some cases, businesses are located close together, so be sure you zoom in on the map. In 1982, William Least Heat-Moon drove the nation's back roads in search of the nation's heart and said in Blue Highways, "For the unhurried, this little-known highway is the best national road across the middle of the United States." We think he found it! What a fantastic way to spend a day. Let's go…….

Scenery and Food and Shopping, Oh My! It's a well-known fact that Highway 19 through the Meramec Region is a scenic wonder. From its untamed meanderings through gorgeous deep hills to sparkling rivers and streams, it is a feast for the senses. And speaking of the feasts, outstanding food is absolutely on the Highway 19 menu! So, if you are in for a micro-adventure, Highway 19 through Dent and Crawford counties, and beyond, is the place to go. We have marked agriculture, culinary or tourism businesses five miles either side of Highway 19 for you. Take a look at the trail map and see what's waiting for you on the wild side!

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." – Henry David Thoreau.   Seems like Henry was on to something. It's no big secret that the forest can have a great effect on mind, body and soul. Washington County is well known for its beautiful oak-hickory forests that bring out the nature-lover in all of us. Although just a bit right of the Mark Twain National Forest, (east, for you map-readers) Highway 21 through the county is a forest-lover's dream. And, scattered all along this roadway are agriculture, culinary and tourism-based businesses that will also nourish your being. We've picked those that are within 5 miles of the roadway so you can just hop in your means of transport and check them out on your day-or weekend-trip. So, check out the map and plan your trip. Oh, and be sure to give Henry a nod as you drive through the forests AND the trees.

  It's on its way! The Missouri Rock Island Trail State Park is on track and will become the nation’s 4^th longest rail-trail, attached to the longest—the 240-mile Katy Trail State Park. The first 47-mile segment of the Rock Island Trail opened in December 2016. It takes users between Windsor and Pleasant Hill, with additional trailheads at Leeton, Chilhowee and Medord along the way. The next segment will have extremely high usage and economic impact because it runs through towns every two to ten  miles. This trail cuts right through the Meramec Region, giving users up close and personal experiences with the unique and beautiful towns of Meta, Argyle, Freeburg, Belle, Bland, Canaan, Owensville and Rosebud. Now, knowing you wouldn't want to wait for the bike and pedestrian trail to officially open, we created the Rock Island Motor Trail so you can know what there is to see and do in these charming towns. We have mapped all the restaurants, antique stores, parks, wineries, distilleries and other points of interest within about five  miles of the roadway to help you find your faves. So, check the map, then jump into your preferred motor vehicle and check out what all the buzz is about!

Summer isn't summer without ice cream, right? If you are out cruising around these beautiful Ozarks, you will undoubtedly get a hankering for some smooth, flavorful, sprinkled, topped, banana-splitted, rocky-roaded, or just plain ole' run-of-the-mill, delightful ICE CREAM. Well, we've drawn you a map to get you there in a hurry. So, boogie on down the road to one of the places on the map—all well-known in these parts for brain-freezing greatness! You're welcome!