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« on: July 13, 2009, 05:37:32 pm »
I'm currently in Golden City, MO biking westbound on the TransAmerica Route and have stopped by a few cool sights on my way west. I'm very much into experiencing the local culture, sights, and fun things to do, and some places seemed packed with great stuff, while other towns are definately past their prime. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as cool things to see and do along the route from Kansas to Oregon? We keep tending to miss the town festivals, fairs, and rodeos and I would really love to experience more of the local cultures and activities.
East of Kansas, here are my suggestions of sights to see: Check out Mammoth Cave (you need to do the Mammoth Cave loop) and allow time for the attractions in Cave City on the way (there are many of them). When you cross over the Ohio between Kentucky and Illinois, stop and actually see the cave at Cave in Rock (its pretty cool and barely a detour at all from the trail). In Missouri, check out Alley Mill and Spring (very pretty) which is right on route for the most part.
Places to eat/chill: The Oddfellows Cafe in Fair Grove, MO was one of my favorite stops. Great atmosphere, good food, pleasant company. They have good drinks, excellent home baked bagels, muffins, and desserts, delicious paninis made with organic and locally grown ingredients, and the freshest most beautiful salads. On the Mississippi Levee alternate, there is a restaurant in Neunert (not on the map) called Bottoms Up which has great food and a wonderful atmosphere at well. If you happen to detour to Elizabethtown, KY (north of Sonora) there is a fantastic bike shop there and a sushi place called Gonza which is fantastic.
Places to stay: Don't miss Bob and Violet at the church hostel in Sebree, KY or the cookie lady in VA. Both are on the maps I believe.