Gray Summit, MO
Gray Summit is where the 1926-33 alignment of Route 66 meets the newer post-1933 alignment. Gray Summit has the Gardenway Motel and the Diamond Restaurant sign, each at I-44 and Hwy 100.
The Gardenway opened in 1945. It was named for a 30 mile portion of Route 66 that was landscaped in 1937 by the Missouri Botanical Garden, the National Park Service and the Missouri State Highway Commission. The Motel is in disrepair and closed. Last time I was by there the sign on the top of the Motel was being removed.
The remains of the Diamonds will be on your right on Hwy AT just across the Junction with Hwy 100. It was built in the shape of a baseball diamond. It opened in 1927 and claimed to be the world’s largest roadside restaurant. Check out how small the road is. Remember, there were no Interstate highways back then. There are reports on the Internet that it is being reopened as an auction house, but I’ve seen no recent sign of life.
Outside of Gray Summit you will find the 1943 Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge at 427 Hwy AT with its recently restored neon sign. The motel itself is being restored and some rooms already are available.
From Gray Summit, follow Hwy 100 - At the Junction of Hwy 100 and Hwy AT, continue straight onto Hwy AT - Cross Hwy 50 and get on North Outer Road - Follow North Outer Road for several miles through and past a residential neighborhood - Just past Indian Harvest Trading Post, go left across I-44 and take South Outer Road West into St Clair
From Gray Summit, follow Hwy 100 across I-44 - Go .5.5 miles and go left on Old Manchester Rd - Get back on Hwy 100 to Hollow
View Route66mc.com - Grey Summit to Hollow in a larger map
Alternate Eastbound Route
- From Gray Summit, at the Junction of Hwy 100, go straight on South Outer Rd/Bus 44 (Osage Rd.) into Pacific.
View Route66mc.com - Grey Summit to Hollow in a larger map
