Lebanon, MO

On the way into Lebanon you will pass the Lebanon I-44 Speedway at 24069 Route 66. This is a 3/8 mile asphalt oval raceway. It was opened in 1983 by Bill Willard as a dirt track. It was paved in 1988, went back to dirt in 2003, then went to asphalt in 2009. They claim that in any year over a quarter of the Daytona 500 field once raced there. Daytona 500 winner Jamie McCurray began his racing career at this small track.

The 1946 Munger Moss Motel is at 1336 E Route 66. The Munger Moss has a complicated history (having moved there from Devil's Elbow), but it has been at its present location since 1946. It has a distinctive sign that is a knock-off of the original Holiday Inn sign. There are several renovated rooms with Route 66 themes, including a Route 66 Room with nostalgic photos and mementos, a Pretty in Pink Room dedicated to the now defunct Coral Court Motel, and a Texas Room with prints of the renowned Route 66 historian and artist Jerry McClanahan. You cannot get all the kicks on Route 66 unless you visit the Munger Moss.

There also is the Forest Manor Motel at 1307 E Route 66 and the Starlite Lanes bowling alley across the street from the Munger Moss.

The Lebanon Route 66 Museum is at 915 Jefferson St.

Wrink's Market at 1336 E Route 66, which was opened in 1950 by Glen Wrinkle, was operated until recently by Glenn's son Terry. It was closed the last time I passed by.