THE AMERICAN CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Missouri is known for its slow-cooked, low-temperature grilled meats infused with the aromas of smoked wood.

Route 66, Springfield

GATEWAYS:

Interstate 70 is a barbecue highway, which can be experienced by taking the “I-70 BBQ Tour,” that connects two cities known for their cuisine: St. Louis and Kansas City. The former is famous for its St. Louis-style ribs and pork steaks covered in a sweet, tangy sauce. The latter, with more than 100 specialty restaurants, is famous for its signature dish, burnt ends, and spice-crusted meats topped with a thick, sweet and spicy tomato or molasses-based sauce.

Getting There

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

From Germany: Frankfurt to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

Kansas City International Airport (KCI)

St. Louis-Lambert (STL)

Springfield-Branson (SGF)

Columbia (COU)

Cape Girardeau (CGI)

Be sure to travel the state to get a feel for the flavors of this American cuisine and its side dishes such as macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and cornbread.

On the beverage side, Missouri has a number of micro- and macrobreweries, wineries and distilleries. One of the country’s oldest breweries is Anheuser-Busch Brewery, located in St. Louis. In Kansas City, Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. In the St. Genevieve area, picturesque vineyards make up one of Missouri’s 11 wine trails. Many varieties are available for tasting, including Seyval Blanc wine and elderberry wine.

Musical Melting Pot

St. Louis is the home of the blues, with more than 40 professional theater companies, a symphony orchestra, an opera company and several successful off-Broadway shows. The National Blues Museum offers visitors a variety of concerts, interactive and visual exhibits, and lectures. It explains how the blues and blues musicians have influenced American history. South of Busch Stadium, home to Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals, are two great bars with live blues music: BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups and the Broadway Oyster Bar. In the summer, bring the family and enjoy a musical at the largest outdoor theater in the United States: The Muny, located in Forest Park, the largest park in St. Louis.

Kansas City, located in the western part of the state, is all about jazz. The city is home to the American Jazz Museum and the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. In addition to jazz, the city is known for its creative community, cool and cultural atmosphere, thriving arts scene and attractions.

Fans of country, rock, bluegrass and pop music will want to visit the city of Branson, which is known for its live music venues that have earned it the nickname “The Live Entertainment Capital of the World.” Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Branson also attracts visitors with its golf courses and three crystal-clear lakes. For families, Silver Dollar City is one of the best amusement parks in the country.

Practical Information

POPULATION: 6.154 million

CAPITAL & MAIN CITIES: Jefferson City - Kansas City, Saint Louis, Branson, Springfield, Columbia

TIME DIFFERENCE: -7h

CLIMATE: Continental climate, winters are cool, with some snowfall and clear skies. Summers are hot and can be humid. The transitional seasons are pleasant and mild.

WHEN TO GO? The best period is from April to November.

LOCAL TIP: In the southeastern part of the state and on the Mississippi River, don’t miss the town of Cape Girardeau, which has over 250 years of history and heritage. It’s also popular for its antique stores and murals.