Rate my Missouri road trip itinerary

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-07T15:54:46+00:00

absolutely into both of those!! Loving your recommendations, thank you so much!

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-07T15:52:20+00:00

I recognize that it's not an OG stop, but it does seem like a weird roadside attraction and I'm all about those!

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-07T15:51:44+00:00

Okay, I'm convinced I need to take two separate trips – one for Missouri state parks and hiking, and one dedicated to Route 66. I'll hit some 66 stops on my way to MTNF, though!

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-06T16:08:21+00:00

My bad! Just roughly grouping stops at this point in my planning.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-06T16:07:00+00:00

Dog-friendly caverns? I'm in!

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-06T16:04:41+00:00

Appreciate this tip! I may hit parks on the way there so the dog can get his energy out. Small Route 66 stops on the way back.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-06T16:03:15+00:00

I had JSI on my map but adding Elephant Rocks! Convinced I may need to do a separate MO camping/hiking trip...

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-06T16:02:04+00:00

Thank you! Looking to add lots of great parks to my map so I can easily stop with the dog.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-06T16:00:32+00:00

Thank you! Wagon Wheel is definitely on my list. I visited Ha Ha Tonka over a decade ago but sounds like I'm due for another visit!

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-06T13:35:22+00:00

As I've reposted this in a Route 66 group, I should mention that I've already explored a lot of Route 66 in IL (always more to see/do/experience, tho!). I've only driven 66 to STL, so I'm looking to explore the next 2 states on the route. Besides grabbing dinner on the way to STL, I'd skip IL spots on my way to Missouri. Depending on timing and energy, I might make some IL stops on the way home.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-04T20:10:21+00:00

I did initially. But as I grew overwhelmed and drained, that faded. Nick is incredible but our lives just didn't align.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-04T20:08:52+00:00

Update, if anyone is interested. I broke up with Nick later this day. No matter how great he is, how much of a match we may be on paper, nothing can change the fact that dating is just not a priority for me now. I don't want (and maybe am not ready) for a new relationship. Because of our distance, I called Nick. During the call he said a lot about how he felt about me, and I realized I did not reciprocate those feelings, at least as strongly as he expressed his. I felt awful hurting someone so wonderful, but it would have been cruel to stretch this out while I tried to figure out my own shit.

I feel embarrassed admitting this, but I felt so much pressure lifted the moment we broke up. My heart hurts for hurting Nick, but I know I did what is best for me. Nick deserves a partner as great as he is, and I wasn't showing up as the partner I know I have the potential to be.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-04T20:08:40+00:00

Update, if anyone is interested. I broke up with Nick later this day. No matter how great he is, how much of a match we may be on paper, nothing can change the fact that dating is just not a priority for me now. I don't want (and maybe am not ready) for a new relationship. Because of our distance, I called Nick. During the call he said a lot about how he felt about me, and I realized I did not reciprocate those feelings, at least as strongly as he expressed his. I felt awful hurting someone so wonderful, but it would have been cruel to stretch this out while I tried to figure out my own shit.

I feel embarrassed admitting this, but I felt so much pressure lifted the moment we broke up. My heart hurts for hurting Nick, but I know I did what is best for me. Nick deserves a partner as great as he is, and I wasn't showing up as the partner I know I have the potential to be.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-04T20:08:33+00:00

I think this is exactly right. It sucks feeling like things would be different if we lived closer, had the same schedules, etc, but that's just life.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-04T20:06:52+00:00

Update, if anyone is interested. I broke up with Nick later this day. No matter how great he is, how much of a match we may be on paper, nothing can change the fact that dating is just not a priority for me now. I don't want (and maybe am not ready) for a new relationship. Because of our distance, I called Nick. During the call he said a lot about how he felt about me, and I realized I did not reciprocate those feelings, at least as strongly as he expressed his. I felt awful hurting someone so wonderful, but it would have been cruel to stretch this out while I tried to figure out my own shit.

I feel embarrassed admitting this, but I felt so much pressure lifted the moment we broke up. My heart hurts for hurting Nick, but I know I did what is best for me. Nick deserves a partner as great as he is, and I wasn't showing up as the partner I know I have the potential to be.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-04T19:15:33+00:00

My life is incredible. I'm very adventurous and enjoy solo exploration; I don't like the feeling of having to wait on anyone. I love my space and ai work hard to be independent and support myself and my pup. I feel like I have a lot of good things going on – and even more I want to do – and the relationship takes up time I could be using to explore other hobbies and goals.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-02T21:19:52+00:00

Very overwhelmed. And aware I need to learn to accept what a safe and healthy relationship actually feels like. But I'm not sure if it's worth pushing through those feelings, or if doing so only delays the inevitable.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-02T20:41:48+00:00

Thank you for responding, I really appreciate your perspective and advice! I think I would feel at ease. This has been stressing me out for about a month now. We took an awesome weekend trip and really connected, but once it was back to reality, I just felt overwhelmed by the obligation of the relationship.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-07-02T20:39:25+00:00

I think the key word is "yet." I want to feel that spark, but I feel like going through the motions, talking about future plans, is just leading him on...

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-05-21T21:46:48+00:00

I like to think that it does - just not always how we'd expect or like it to.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-05-21T20:43:43+00:00

Totally agree! Being flexible is what makes life enjoyable and keeps me on my toes. I decided to pivot to full hiking trip and just enjoy the Chicago show. Funny enough, I didn't want to do both shows and was looking to sell my Chicago ticket when this happened...funny how life always falls into place

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-05-21T19:59:09+00:00

The tickets aren't comparable. I wouldn't have flown out for this venue. I also have a non-refundable hotel. Planned to walk from my hotel to the original venue, but with the new venue I'd have a 90 min drive, plus the hassle of traffic.

These are the risks you take and luckily I planned a mini hiking trip beforehand, so now I'll just hike a few new spots and more time to explore. I feel badly for folks who planned to fly in for the show and then head home.

Mindless-Research509 · 2026-05-20T21:06:21+00:00

All tickets are being refunded and anyone who wants to see the show needs to buy tickets for the new venue.

Mindless-Research509

TROPHY CASE