Basic little ice cream, candy, soda, & gift shop next to Thee Abby Kitchen. Fun diversion while…read moretraveling or exploring the area even if you don't want to sit down for a full meal at Thee Abby. Families come by after games or with friends and visitors and grab a little something to go. Plenty of parking in the lot out front.

Deep in the Ozarks... in the forest there is a sleepy little river town that has an incredible gift…read moreshop. The Great Stuff Gift Shop is a hidden gem along Highway 60 in Carter County's Van Buren, Missouri. Great Stuff Gift Shop (GSGS) is not a fancy place. It is located inside an old house. The word "rustic" comes to mind. There is very little that is new and it is definitely not upscale. That does not matter at all, though. Inside this quaint little house with an old red Ford truck in the yard are treasures beyond measure. Items in this store were not just plopped down for sale. The owners very carefully crafted mini-stories and scenes from which to display their objects. Everything is artfully placed and given a loving touch. The items felt so much a part of the shop, I almost did not want to buy anything because everything fit so well together. I love stores where the proprietors have put effort, creativity and art into their items. This store has a little of everything. There are a few wigs, hats, vintage purses, a slot machine, old books, lovely jewelry, holiday decorations, antique plates and cups. There are lovingly used games and puzzles. Too many wonderful artifacts to mention. I was surprised at the prices. For the quality and uniqueness of the items, I expected prices to be much higher. The price points were more than reasonable. This store is also easy to access. There is plenty of parking and the shop has a private parking lot which is always a plus. The owner was very nice and accommodating.There was no high pressure sales spin here. She did make some handy suggestions based on my interests and I appreciated the guidance. It is challenging to fully describe this store. The atmosphere, the items are just beyond my poor power of description. You have to experience this wonderful, unusual, artistically designed store for yourself. The minute you walk through the doors, you will understand. I left the same way I entered which was by saying "WOW!"

What a cute shop! If you want something different in home decor they have it. If you need a gift…read morethey will bag it and add tissue paper, she even has cards.

From the owner: The Fancy Crow Shop: Gifts, Farmhouse Decor, and local artists…read more The Fancy Crow Studio: Art and Crafting Workshops, Create and Sip Events, Parties, and Creative Space

I can't say enough good things about this place to do it any justice! Located on Hwy D in…read moreFarmington, it's a must go to place if you like fresh made breads and desserts. Oh, and you can have them make a sandwich from their deli, they're awesome (the deli has some great meats and cheeses)! The people there are very friendly and take alot of pride in a great establishment.

I absolutely love this store!! I try to get in there at least 3x a week to pick up spices or lunch…read moremeat they even will make delicious sandwiches! If you're in Farmington Mo it's a definite must stop in and shop! Promise you won't regret it!!

Love this place! This is our second time here on our Rte. 66 journeys and we found the staff so…read morehelpful both times. There are 2 murals outside and, of course, the giant rocking chair. It's the largest on Rte. 66, second largest in the U.S.! Fun to see. We bought 2 flavors of popcorn (white cheddar and dill pickle), so many flavors of fudge that I forget, several bottles of cola (vintage Dr. Pepper and several Route 66 flavors) and a Rte. 66 lapel pin. So many choices!

As you may already know, this is where the "World's 2nd Largest Rocking Chair" is located, which is…read morejust to the left of the place. (On a brighter note, the chair is the biggest on Route 66...) But be sure to stop at the Fanning store. The woman working behind the counter wasn't very friendly, and I was hoping to meet the owners but they took the day off. But there are plenty of great souvenirs here, and arguably the best selection of Route 66 souvenirs in Missouri. Whatever it is you collect, they probably have it. Lots of different fudge to choose from. Oh, and no shortage of sodas as there are lots, I mean lots of different flavors and brands. It's safe to say that it rivals Pop's in Arcadia, Oklahoma. I heard they also sold Route 66 knives, but I wasn't able to find them. Maybe somebody already did. In the back of the store, there's a Rural King-type place in the back. As you're headed to the west, leaving Cuba, be sure to stop here. You won't regret it. I promise!

Wow...what a charming diamond in the rough... with beautiful Monroe county as a back drop…read more We Had the chicken rice casserole, asparagus quiche, Parma crusted chicken breast stuffed with provel, mushrooms, spinach, and a light, harmonious blend of herbs Also enjoyed chicken salad sandwich and buttermilk pie ( sort of a cross between creme brûlée and custard ). All FANTASTIC and highly recommended! Only negatives are; * limited menu and limited hours ( but as the delightful owner/only cook, Jeannette puts it: "She's it."). You have to check web-site daily to see that day's whimsical menu. * maybe nit picking but view on webpage is not their view... Still pretty though. A few tips: 1. Make a rez (small place and she has to turn people away sometimes) ...be a shame to drive all that way and not eat. 2. It's not too too hard to find...looking for the signs helps. Best to use directions from their website rather than mapquest ( which has some mileage off) both work though. * There is no town really of "Fults, IL"...nearest quaint town is Maeystown for a drive through on way back via Bluff road. On that note, HIGHLY recommend driving back via BLUFF ROAD. Melissa, the farmer's daughter (I know, and shame on you), will tell you how to get there...it's real easy...bucolic, river valley farmland on your left, river bluffs on your right Just as fast back to stl as route 3, ...but what do you care ...it's the journey as much as the destination, right? :) Hope this helped, John

Yesterday two friends and I drove across the JB Bridge, through Columbia and Waterloo to Kaskaskia…read moreRd., then on about another 6 miles or so to find a recommended lunch place. The drive was less than 20 minutes from the bridge, good roads and farmland. It would be lovely with fall color! Signage begins at Kaskaskia road, so it was not difficult to find. When we arrived we parked at the remodeled barn than houses the restaurant and gift shop. There are two outdoor dining areas as well as a few tables inside. The owner and her daughters welcomed us warmly. Jeannette, the owner, makes all of the food, locally grown whenever possible. Each of us had either spinach or asparagus quiche and it was light, creamy and delicious! It came with a Italian style green salad and fresh bread. One of us had cheesecake with strawberries that Jeannette had grown and frozen herself. The other two had buttermilk pie simply because we had always heard of it but never tried it... also delicious, topped with freshly whipped cream. We were seated near the kitchen and Jeannette chatted with us amiably while she tossed fresh salads for each order and warmed dishes individually for the guests. It was as though we were dining with a friend. They serve bottled water and soda as well as wine and beer. The gift shop has very cute items such as you would see in any nice gift boutique. Although lunch, water and dessert ran each of us $18+, all three of us intend to return. With the cooler weather Jeannette promises to add pot pie to the menu which changes with available ingredients and her mood.

Don't let the name fool you...there is A LOT more than just Christmas items available...and it's…read moreall lovely!! If you are looking for a special gift for someone...check here first. There are all kinds of beautiful figurines and home decor...and even heartfelt pieces that are perfect to express sympathy. And, if that's not enough of a reason to stop by...the owner, Denise, is the absolute sweetest and kindest person you will ever meet.

This is one great little store operated by a grand Family! They have a great supply of locally made…read morecandles and scents that blow away any I have ever smelled before. They are definitely stronger and last a whole bunch longer. They also have a lot of art and craft items done by local artist's. Lot's of country crafts , cookbooks , and well you will just have to go by there and see. I liked it and the two Brothers that were running it were great . They even made us coffee while we browsed. I liked the ambiance of the store it's self. Built around 1900 directly across from a train station. There are pictures there from back in the horse and buggy days. Very unique place. I highly recommend it . I am sure you will find something that you just can't leave without, I know i did.

The owner is very kind. We came in as they were walking out the door. He opened up and let us…read morebrowse for some Christmas gifts.