Once a year I drive from Wisconsin to Arkansas. Family Thanksgiving gathering. (and of course back which is another story) 11hr 688mi

I used to drive straight through, and then the signs got me. I finally stopped. Funny thing, the walk and tour, makes the whole trip in one day, less tension. I mean instead of one brutal 11 hour drive: gas up before St. Louis, stop after St. Louis, walk for a half hour, have some ice cream and it's like magic. I can drive another 5-6 hours.

The image above represents the fake slots and token machines that were there in 2012.

I've come to enjoy elongated coins from tourist traps lately. And the Meramec tokens are, put in money, every spin is a win. The metal typers are one of my favorites since I was riding a bicycle, instead of a car. I still want one of my own... http://www.metal-typer.com/

When you pass Stanton, MO on a long trip. Make a stop, even if it's just one time. The caverns are actually nice without the folderal. The story telling and lights and walk in the cool Earth caverns are relaxing. (ps there's no evidence that Jesse James ever was there or used the caves as a hideout)

It's just a nice break, pretty, and worth the one time stop, to see what all those billboards are really about.