Photography by Elizabeth Darby
As fall rolls around, you may want to fill a day with some affordable family fun just beyond the metro area. Consider a short drive to Pacific, Missouri, recognized as Train Town USA, alongside 130 other communities across the nation. Cruise down Interstate 44, take the Six Flags exit, turn onto historic Route 66, and discover what the community has to offer, including trains, trucks, and trails.
Photography by Elizabeth Darby
Start your morning at Little Ireland Coffee (125 N. 1st) in Old Town with a beverage from the extensive drink menu. Choose from breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and biscuits and gravy. If the weather's nice, consider taking it to go and eating at the nearby Pacific Station Plaza (142 W. St. Louis), where you might see a train rolling past. check out the old train station set up with original lights and equipment on display.
For more transportation-related memorabilia and hands-on activities, visit the Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center (1047 E. Osage) on Route 66. A children’s area is filled with lights, a coloring table, toy trucks, and, of course, trains. Afterward, if you're trying to pry them away from the gift shop, just remind them that they get to pull a real train whistle by the door.
Pacific is not only a train town, but it's also home to one of the first modern-day monster trucks: Bigfoot. There are at least three of the monster trucks on display around town at any given time. Find them parked at Bigfoot Plaza (next to Pacific City Hall, at 300 N. Hoven) or B&H Market (2244 W. Osage), where you can also check out a themed café. For even more truck madness, visit Bigfoot 4x4 headquarters (2286 Rose), where you can find more history and a gift shop.
Photography by Elizabeth Darby
Photography by Elizabeth Darby
Afterward, enjoy lunch at Blackburn Park (233-299 W. Osage), which offers a scenic view above Route 66 and a replica Civil War cannon. It's located just a short drive from Shaw Nature Reserve (307 Pinetum Loop) in nearby Gray Summit. This extension of Missouri Botanical Garden offers a variety of trails and nature play areas for children. at Sense of Wonder Woodland, for instance, youngsters can enjoy a swing and explore the elf house.
Finally, at the end of the day, return to Pacific for dessert at Hoffman’s Drive-In (306 S. 1st). The custard shop is the perfect place to end the day before heading home. Enjoy one of the many sweet treats, including a rotating list of Dole Whip flavors and Snoballs, as well as such seasonal specials as fresh rum bread pudding. Bonus: The patio offers a great view of the train tracks.
