Road trip to Missouri

[Michael Graves]

Leaving Vermont and heading to Buffalo to take care of some business, then a beeline to Springfield, MO. I plan on coming back by way of TN, WV and then north. Does anybody know of any must see places for the return trip? My thanks for any replies. I plan on taking a Crown Graphic with four lenses.

[Mark Sampson]

In Buffalo, F.L. Wright houses, grain elevators/harbor, Louis Sullivan skyscraper downtown, abandoned train station if that's your thing. I also remember seeing the St. Louis Arch at sunset (long before my LF days though).

[iozone]

Southern Missouri is home of several very nice springs (read rivers flowing from underground). Google "Greer Spring", "Alley Spring", "Round Spring" and "Big Spring". Greer and Alley might be the most picturesque. I've heard Big spring reported as the largest single outlet spring in the world (don't know if its true). They are all interesting if you like that kind of thing and have time.

[Henry Ambrose]

Around the Mississippi River you'll find some interesting things. Old River Rd. in the St. Louis area might be worth a visit. Maybe come through Cape Girardeau on the old roads instead of I-40. And you might try Cairo, Illinois.

What are you interested in? I'm in Middle Tennessee and maybe can point you at something if I knew more about your desires.

[David Beal]

Springfield is the "Gateway to the Ozarks," and the scenery is beautiful. Head toward Table Rock Lake for some amazing vistas. It is near Branson.

If you want to see a REALLY big electric shovel, drive a couple hours West of Springfield to West Mineral Kansas to see "Big Brutus." Check Google for directions.

Considering going through the bootheel on your way back so you can pass through or by New Madrid, site of the 1803 (?) earthquake which changed the course of the Mississippi. The terrain still bears many of the scars of that event. There are allegedly no tectonic plates in the area, but geologists predict that one day there will be another quake there, and the devastation will be catastrophic.

Good shooting.

/s/ David

[Gene McCluney]

When I think Missouri (and I live in Arkansas) I think "Vintage Bridges" as Missouri has more existing antique road bridges by a wide margin than Arkansas does. Many in very picturesque settings.

[Michael Graves]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I now have an entire portfolio planned in my head.

Now if I can get the images in my head onto film!

[Steve M Hostetter]

Go down to the bottom of the state of Missouri and you'll see state road 160 take it back east through towns like W. Plains and Poplar Bluff.. In my opinion it's the most scenic and photogenic area of the Ozark Mountains...
Go slow and take your time it's a very winding road ... It's kind of dangerous but a drive you'll never forget..! It rained the whole time I was there and I didn't take one shot..

PS.. when you reach Ill you'll be near Reelfoot lake Tenn.. follow the lower part of Tenn east across the state through the smokie mountains,Cade's Cove and up Shenandoah Valley ... Good luck

[Martin L.]

You may want to check out old Route 66 as well. It runs right along side I-40 and is pretty complete in MO. There are nice ruins and lots of kitchy stuff that may not be treasures today but certainly will be in a few years time. here are a couple really cool old bridges as well.

[venchka]

Marker's Mark distillery and Bardstown, KY on the way to the distillery.

That may be farther north than you plan to go.

Corvettes in Bowling Green.

[bvstaples]

If your going through Tennessee you could check out Jonesborough, which is a quaint little place built in the late 1700's and that still has that flavor. Lots of red brick architect set among the rolling blue hills of Tennessee. After that head to Ridgeway BBQ - not a lot to shoot there but kick-asss BBQ.