Cuba, MO

Between Bourbon and Cuba, Route 66 passes through residential neighborhoods with only fleeting contact with I-44. Cuba is a good stopping point if you want to stay in an authentic Route 66 town that has nice amenities.

Cuba is known as the "Mural City" because of all the murals on the sides of the historic buildings through town. Check out www.cubamomurals.com to see photos of the murals.

There are lots of classic Route 66 attractions, like a 1932 Phillips Station Downtown at the "4-Way."

The Wagon Wheel Motel is the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66. It was purchased by its current owner in 2009, and since then, the wonderful neon sign and the stone buildings housing the rooms have been fully restored to look as they did when the motel first opened. There is a lot of original stone, brick and masonry, as well as refurbished original woodwork. There even are some old fashioned radiators. Each room has nice furniture and bedding, as well as a modern bathroom and shower. It is very biker friendly, and has covered bike parking. This is an authentic Route 66 experience, and one of the nicest motels you will find along the way.

The most popular places to eat are the Missouri Hick Bar B Q and Frisco's. I went to the Missouri Hick thinking it would be a pretty typical Bar B Q place, but boy was I wrong. I live in Texas, and they are proud of their Bar B Q there (although the smoke the wrong animal). I had the best pulled pork and the best ribs I have ever had. The place is great!

Frisco's is billed as a steak place, but it has lots of other offerings. It has a bar and a restaurant. The bar dates back to the early 20th century, and the restaurant was added about 15 years ago. It is very bright and has a family atmosphere.

The East Office Bar and Grill is a popular watering hole. It also has food, pool tables and other games. The juke box is Classic Rock. The food is bar fare, but it is done well.

The Rose Bar on the edge of town also is good. The Rose and the bar at Frisco's are the only late night spots in town. If you want something laid back, go to Frisco's. If you want something a bit more lively, go to the Rose.