It’s road trip season, and Missouri offers many routes perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Travel across the state on Route 66 (the Mother Road) or Highway 36 (the Way of American Genius). Take a trip deep into the heart of the Ozarks on Highways 19, 21 or 65. You’ll find plenty of sights to see – from quirky roadside attractions and historic small towns to scenic overlooks and state parks.
Once you’ve selected your route and the stops you’ll make, fill a basket or cooler with Missouri-made snacks and beverages to make your trip even better.
Sausage and cheese is an easy-to-pack snack or simple picnic lunch. Meat shops across the state, including Swiss Meat & Sausage Co. near Hermann, Burgers’ Smokehouse in California, Stonie’s Sausage Shop in Perryville, and Clark’s Custom Meats in St. Joseph, offer an assortment of summer sausage, pork and beef sticks and cheeses.
Go gourmet with some goat cheese or Walloon (aged cheddar-like cheese) from Goatsbeard Farm in Harrisburg or artisan cheeses made with sheep’s milk from Green Dirt Farm near Weston. Shatto Milk Company in Osborn offers an assortment of cheeses, including cheese curds in a variety of flavors such as Cajun cheddar and mushroom garlic cheddar.
Grab a bag of Ozark Mountain Popcorn, made in Springfield, to munch on while taking in the scenery. More than 50 flavors will make it hard to choose just one, so you might want to sample three or four. Try a traditional flavor like buttered or kettle corn, or be adventurous and select a specialty flavor such as bacon and cheddar or cherry limeade.
Chips and dip are always a popular snack option. Dip mixes from Wind & Willow in Mt. Vernon come in a variety of flavors and are easy to make. Pick up a bag of Backer’s Potato Chips, made in Fulton, or Billy Goat Chips, from St. Louis, for scooping.
All those snacks are bound to make you thirsty. Pack some Missouri-made drinks such as Vess Soda or Fitz’s Root Beer (plus a dozen other flavors), bottled in St. Louis, or Polly’s Pop from Independence. Or try lemonade, Red Diamond Tea or flavored milk made by Hiland Dairy Foods in Springfield.
Find more Missouri-made food and drink at buymissouri.net/.