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THE RIDE GET READY for the ride of your life. The 2015 Big BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri) was an epic adventure, and we’re kicking things up a bit for the 2016 Ride with six days of riding instead of five. The 2016 Big BAM route will take you above, below, and along the historic route 36 from St. Joseph to Hannibal. You’ll cover 298 miles crisscrossing the “Route of Geniuses” with an average of 50 miles per day. Along the ride, you’ll pass through the boyhood homes of Walt Disney, J.C. Penney, General John J. Pershing and Samuel Langhorn Clemens (better known as Mark Twain). You’ll also spend the night in Chillicothe, the town that gave the world sliced bread. The 2016 Big BAM starts on Sunday June 11 in St. Joseph and rolls through Hamilton, Chillicothe, Brookfield, Macon, Shelbina, and ends with a blowout party in Hannibal on Friday June 17. You’ll experience the friendliness and personality of some of the best small towns in Missouri, as well as some of the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer along the way. We are bringing the flavor and fun of Bonnaroo and Wakarusa to the Big Bam with live music at each town along the way and a full concert every night. Add some great wine and beer and fantastic food, and you’ve got a party as wide as the Show-Me State for adventurous cyclists in search of the ride of their lives. In the pages that follow, you’ll learn a little more about our seven towns that represent your daily destination goals. We’ve tried to hit the highlights for you, but you should feel free to explore them further both before and during your trip. Need more tickets? No problem. Visit bigbamride.com for schedules, route information, and to order tickets and merchandise from the online store.
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YOUR BIG BAM TICKET INCLUDES • • • •
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Gear Transport Free admission to all seven nights of concerts and events Camping area Free Big BAM SWAG Bag (includes a 2016 Big BAM cycling cap, patch, koozie, water bottle, and other surprises) SAG support along the route Portapotties at all stops
• • • • • •
Unlimited hot, private shower in an airconditioned trailer at all overnight stops Private dressing area, soap and shampoo dispensers Fresh towel daily Phone-charging trailer with locking compartments Free coffee ach morning Social zone with shade canopies and chairs
USE CODE MISSOURILIFE TO GET $20 OFF YOUR TICKETS [2] MissouriLife
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JUNE 11-17
The Headliners Kris Lager Band Old Salt Union Final Mix Show Band William Elliott Whitmore David Wax Museum The Black Lillies Cory B. Clay & The Twains
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Get ready to follow in the path of greatness. This year’s Big BAM follows The Way of American Genius—so named because it runs through the hometowns and birthplaces of some of the greatest American innovators and inventions, including the Pony Express, JC Penney, General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, Walt Disney, sliced bread, and Mark Twain. If experience is the best teacher, be prepared to become a “Road’s Scholar!”
[3] www.bigbamride.com
While in St.Joseph visit the
Remington Nature Center of St. Joseph Educational programming available for all ages Conference room rental space available Field trips available year-round Birthday party packages
Water’s Journey display Journey Through Time Exhibit Replica size Woolly Mammoth Aviary and Observation Beehive
Where history & nature collide!
1502 MacArthur Drive
St. Joseph, MO 64505
(located across from St. Joseph Frontier Casino on 229, Exit 7)
www.stjoenaturecenter.info 816.271.5499
[4] MissouriLife
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Join us for an
&
Arts Economic Development Workshop Join us on September 26 & 27
for a day and half educational workshop designed to help you to learn and understand how arts and culture are an addition and diversification of traditional community and economic development practices. In addition, learn how the arts can favorably impact local and regional economies.
Location:
401 Regent St, Elms Resort & Spa, Excelsior Springs, MO
For more information go to: http://extension.missouri.edu/communityarts/home.aspx This workshop is the first event in a series co-hosted by the MU Extension Community Development Academy. The MU Extension Community Arts Program provides expertise and support for art-based community and economic development partnering with Missouri communities, University of Missouri, and MU Extension. An equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer
[5] www.bigbamride.com
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THE HEADLINER Kris Lager Band
Pre-Party: St. Joseph June 11
ST. JOSEPH has earned a reputation as a historic departure point. On the night of April 3, 1860, the first Pony Express rider left St. Jo on the first leg of a lonely two thousand mile horseback ride to Sacramento, California. Unlike that rider, you’ll be traveling three hundred miles by bicycle across the state in the opposite direction. And the entire St. Jo community has come together to ensure that you won’t be lonely, creating a weekend haven that includes pre-event bike rides, jazz entertainment, and a downtown buzzing with artistic expression. If you come in early, you can transport the gang back to the days of the Wild West at the Pony Express National Museum, Jesse James Home Museum, the American Indian Gallery (St Joseph Museums) and the Patee House Museum. Add in one terrific art museum (Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art), and one of the most unusual museums in the country (Glore Psychiatric Museum), and your group will be pumped for the week ahead. But St. Jo is so much more than its past. It’s also the summer home of the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp, located at Missouri Western State University. For last minute supplies, take a shopping excursion to the East Hills Shopping Center at 3702 Frederick Avenue. The downtown is thriving with unique shopping venues, such as A-Z Freshair Fare Natural Market, where you can stock up on herbs, vitamins, and super snack foods to fuel your long ride. While you’re downtown, keep an eye out for the Tobiason Stained Glass Studio. Snap a selfie in front of the Pony Express Statue at the corner of Frederick and Tenth. Post it with #GoStJoMo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Then let your own historic cross-country ride begin! For more information on St. Joseph, go to StJoMo.com/BigBam.
2016 BIG BAM PRE PARTY The 2016 Big BAM will kick off t the St. Joseph Heritage Park at 2202 Waterworks road on Saturday afternoon.
[6] MissouriLife
Stay
Shakespeare Chateau Built in 1885 on a high bluff overlooking the city, the mansion boasts 47 stained glass windows, antique furniture, and four luxury suites. 809 Hall Street · 816.232.2667 shakespearechateau.com
Eat
Bad Art Bistro • Looking for gourmet food in a quirky atmosphere? Come on downtown, next to the historic Missouri Theatre. Bad Art Bistro offers contemporary seasonal fare with an everchanging menu. 707 Edmond Street· 816-749-4433 · badartbistro.com Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood and Steaks Specializing in authentic cajun cuisine and St. Jo favorites. 224 North Fourth Street 816-387-9911 · boudreauxstjoe.com
Drink
First Ward House • First Ward House is the “oldest saloon west of the Mississippi.” Established in 1878, the historic bar serves up burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, beverages, and entertainment in historic surroundings. 2101 St. Joseph Avenue · 816-259-5141 1stwardhouse.com The Tiger’s Den • A unique bookstore that offers a wide variety of used books, as well as craft beers, fine wines, and classic cocktails 519 Felix Street · 816-617-2108
For more information visit
bigbamride.com ALSO IN ST. JOSEPH Tour the Jesse James Home Museum, where he was shot and killed. • Take a self-guided tour of St. Jo’s Civil War action, which includes a stop at Fort Smith Park, on the banks of the Missouri River. [7] www.bigbamride.com
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[9] www.bigbamride.com
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THE HEADLINER Old Salt Union
Day 1: To Hamilton WHEN YOU COME to the Hamilton city limits, fight the urge to raise your hands high in the air as if taking the checkered flag Hamilton’s winning nature is infectious, earning it the nickname of “Titletown” among the locals. The city’s high school football team has gone to the class 1A state championship four times in the last six years. James Cash Penney, the man responsible for creating the JCPenney chain of department stores, was born in the heart of town. And The Missouri Star Quilt Company, headquartered in Hamilton, was named the US Small Business Administration’s business of the year in 2015. It was the Missouri Star Quilt Company that earned Hamilton its other nickname: “Disneyland of Quilting.” Half of the buildings on Main Street are dedicated to quilting, with more promised in the near future. Hungry? Hamilton’s eight restaurants will satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Cuisine ranges from authentic Mexican at Mi Mexico, the best BBQ in the Northland at Hank and Tank’s, awesome burgers at J’s Burger Dive, sweets and coffee at Momma Hawk’s Kitchen, feel-good food from Kathy’s Kitchen (mobile eatery), to fabulous five star dining at the Blue Sage. There’s also Casey’s pizza and Subway sandwiches. Hamilton is also one of the few towns in northwest Missouri to boast a microbrewery. You can grab a pint of hand-crafted beer in the quiet laid-back environment of Ninja Moose Brewery’s taproom. With twelve beers and ciders on tap, if you can’t find something to quench your thirst, maybe you’re not really thirsty. The town also has several locally owned shops with unique gifts, flowers, décor and candles. Twigs, Rust and Dust, on Main Street for 25 years, provides a shopper with unique items handmade by the owner. In fact, 90% of the inventory is unique to this shop! Farmhouse Collectibles and Tammy’s Flowers round out the shopping on Main Street with their own supply of fresh, fun items, and floral designs Come back to town as summer fades into fall to enjoy Penney Days, a two-day event that takes place on the last weekend of September. Three other events are worthy of marking on your calendar: The annual Steam Engine Show is the third weekend in August, Tractor Pull in June, and the Mud Run in July.
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Stay
Home Inn Hamilton Bed & Breakfast It offers rooms or the entire property in two different houses on 15 acres with two ponds. One house has three queens and four twins, and the other has six queens and one double. 4011 Northwest State Route P · 435-849-2564 homeinnhamilton.com
Eat
Blue Sage • Contemporary American Cuisine. Menu includes steak, salads, panini grilled sandwiches, charcuterie and bottled beverages. 100 North Davis Street · 816-583-1161 Hank and Tank’s BBQ • Carry-out and patio dining only. Choose from smoked pork loin, pulled pork, and rib dinners with sides of baked beans and coleslaw. 408 North Davis Street 816-649-8474 · www.hankandtanksbbq.com Momma Hawk’s Kitchen • This bakery/coffee shop specializes in homemade baked goods, specialty coffees, and light fare lunches, including soups, salads, and panini. 118 North Davis Street · 484-888-8436
Drink
Ninja Moose Brewery • Twelve taps of brew, including Imperial Stout, Deacon’s Oatmeal Cream Stout, and Dunkelweizen. 105 West Bird Street · 816-668-9421· ninjamoosebrewery.com
For more information visit
bigbamride.com ALSO IN HAMILTON J.C. Penney Museum and Library on the north end of town · J.C Penney boyhood home in downtown center · Go for a swim: City pool hours: 1-5 and 6-8. Pool Rentals from 8-10 pm · Play nine holes of golf at the Lakeview Golf Course. The City of Hamilton hopes you enjoy your visit and come back soon. [11] www.bigbamride.com
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ILT SHOPS THA U Q E R N MO
ANY TOWN IN
THE WORLD! HAMILTON MISSOURI
All shops open Monday-Saturday 9-5, closed Sunday.
Start at 114 Davis St.
WELCOME TO
HAMILTON Attend an event:
BIG BAM RIDERS! Go for a swim:
August 19-21 Northwest Missouri Steam & Gas Engine Show September 24 JC Penney Days Celebration and Craft Show November 26 Small Business Saturday Christmas Expo November 26 Christmas Tree Lighting
Visit local businesses:
City pool hours: 1-5 and 6-8. Pool Rentals from 8-10 pm. We hope you enjoy your visit and will come back soon! THE CITY OF HAMILTON 100 Memorial Dr. 816.583.7550
108 N. Davis St. 816.583.4045 105 W. Bird St. 816.668.9421
201 S. Davis St. 816.583.2154
111 N. Davis St. 816.583.2143
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Chillicothe is proud to be part of The Greatest Ride Since Sliced Bread. Big BAM rolls into Chillicothe on June 13-14.
WWW.VISITCHILLICOTHE.COM • 1-877-224-4554
GEAR UP FOR THE
WITH THIS COUPON FROM YOUR FRIENDS AND OFFICIAL BAM BIKE SHOP THE TREK BICYCLE STORE
20
% OFF
ANY REGULAR PRICED HELMET, GLOVES OR SHOES Offer valid in-store or online. Limit one per customer. Some restrictions may apply, see store for details.
Promocode: BAM202016 Expires May 15, 2016
trekbicyclestores.com [13] www.bigbamride.com
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THE HEADLINER Final Mix Band
Day 2: To Chillicothe June 13
AS YOU RIDE into Chillicothe, you might feel like making a toast. Or making toast, anyway. This north central Missouri community is known as “the greatest thing since sliced bread” for good reason. Chillicothe, which translates to “Our Big Town” has an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. In July, 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company produced the very first loaves of commercially made, presliced bread. The machine that ensured the town a place in bread-making history is on loan from the Smithsonian and currently on display at the Grand River Historical Society Museum at 1401 Forest Drive. From the museum, head south to the picturesque Historic Downtown Square, featuring more than twenty larger-than-life murals. Downtown is a popular destination for unique shopping and delicious dining as well as an eclectic offering of events. If you want to “Chill out in Chillicothe,” there are several options for cool fun. Chilli Bay Water Park offers visitors a tropical paradise to relax and unwind with water slides, a lazy river, private cabanas, climbing wall, high dive, and more. Ask any local where the best place to dine is and you will get a variety of answers. Favorites include: Jersey’s Sports Grill, Washington Street Food and Drink Co, Nico’z, Essential Kneads Café, The Boji Stone Café, Wabash BBQ, and PC’s Elkhorn Steakhouse. If you need to recharge your carbs, check out Francine’s Pastry Parlor and Chilli Café & Yogurt. Chillicothe was recently named 2016’s Creative Community of Missouri for its excellent arts reputation. Come back for one of the many cultural arts performances and signature festivals, including The Sliced Bread Jam Bluegrass Festival in June (this year, June 18. You could ride back!) Sliced Bread Saturday in August, and Chautauqua in the Park in September. No matter how you slice it, Chillicothe has what you knead.
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Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Just off Highway 36, our newest hotel offers great accommodations, delicious free breakfast, guest laundry as well as microwaves and refrigerators in each room. 250 Business 36 · 660-646-9900
Eat
Hick’s Hometown Drive-in • Enjoy homestyle food and ice cream in a classic Drive-In atmosphere. 1311 Washington Street · 660-646-1008 Nico’z Catering & Eatery • Reservations are recommended, but not required, at this haven of “healthier dining.” You won’t find fried food or ranch dressing, but you will find soups, salads, sandwiches, specialty pizzas, and seasonal specials. Indoor and patio dining available. 612 Second Street · 660-707-0868 nicozcatering.com
Drink
Jerseys Sports Grill • The perfect place for sports, food, and fun. Located adjacent to the Fast Lane Bowling Alley. 2870 Grand Drive 660-646-8535 Washington Street Food and Drink Co. Choose from “below the border” specialties to fresh seafood. 1100 North Washington Street · 660-646-4058
For more information visit
bigbamride.com ALSO IN CHILLICOTHE Stretch those leg muscles on a Downtown Mural Walking Tour to see twenty original, hand-painted murals, including one representing railroad history because the Burlington, Wabash, and Milwaukee all converged here. For more murals, check out the Grand River Museum on Forest Drive. The museum proudly displays many exhibits that span hundreds of years and celebrates Chillicothe’s cultural history and heritage.
[15] www.bigbamride.com
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THE HEADLINER William Elliott Whitmore
Day 3: To Brookfi ld June 14
WHEN YOU REACH the city limits of Brookfield, relax! You’re halfway to Hannibal. It’s fitting that Brookfield lies at the balance point on the BigBAM trail. The town is situated between Marceline, the boyhood home of Walt Disney, and Laclede, the birthplace of General John J Pershing. Between the dreamer and the defender, you’ll find the heart of small town America. On your way to the starting point of Big BAM, visit the Twin Parks Summer Festival June 10 and 11. On the 10th, you can enjoy a wine and brew stroll, and on the 11th, an open Bicycle Parade for any kids on bikes and a decorating contest. A Concert on Main Street on the 11th features Nashville sensations Kelleigh Bannen, Logan Mize, and Dylan Scott. A car show by the Backroad Cruizers will display both days. Brookfield and Linn County offer some of the best fishing and hunting spots in Missouri. Bring along that lightweight collapsible pole. If you’ll be camping or bringing a support vehicle, Shady Rest Park has RV hookups, as does Pershing State Park in Laclede, just five miles down the road. You’ll also find RV hookups in Brookfield South City Park. The charming Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site within Pershing State Park is one of only four of these relics remaining in the state. The rolling green hills entice you to stay, relax, enjoy. We think you’ll love Linn County so much that you’ll want to come back for our Great Pershing Balloon Derby on Labor Day weekend. Area residents, visitors, and balloon enthusiasts have enjoyed this event for 40 years. In fact, it has the distinction of being the longest running ballooning event that is sanctioned by the Balloon Federation of America. Come see magnificently colored balloons fill the skies in and around Brookfield and Laclede. The sight is breathtaking.
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Brookfield Inn, 715 West Helm Street 660.268.6515 Best Western, 28622 Highway 11 660.258.4900 Martin House Motel, 731 South Main Street 660.258.7257 The Lamplighter, 101 West Ira Street, Marceline, 660.376.3517 Circle O Lodge and Tipi, 29783 Morton Road 972.523.9908
Eat
The Brickhouse Bar and Grill • Food and beverage in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try the daily specials. 620 West Lockling Street 660-258-7300 Tequila Jalisco Mexican Restaurant Food and Beverage. 517 South Main Street 660.258.2226
Drink
Helm Street Inn • You can’t leave Brookfield without visiting this iconic bar and grill. 107 West Helm Street · 660.258.9832 Pig Skin Bar • Kick back and cool off with a cold beverage downtown. 119 East Brooks Street 666.258.2600
For more information visit
bigbamride.com ALSO IN NEARBY MARCELINE ON DAY 4’S RIDE Hop off our bikes in magical Marceline, famous as the boyhood hometown of Walt Disney. Stroll the original Main Street USA. Visit the quaint shops and cafes that define he town. This small town jewel was a recurring source of inspiration throughout his life and is now the home of a museum that bears his name. [17] www.bigbamride.com
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THE HEADLINER David Wax Museum
Day 4: To Macon June 15
WHETHER YOU LOVE hunting and fishing, antiques, live theatre performances, exotic animals, wine, crafting, beautiful park trails, unique shopping, and camping or are just interested in some good eats, you’ll be happy you rode into Macon, The City of Maples. Check out Macon’s historic downtown where you can catch a professional show at Maples Repertory Theatre. Ring of Fire opens the night you are here. Professional actors, designers, and technicians make Macon their summer home to bring exceptional performances to the legendary theatre that opened in 1889 as the Jobson Opera House, While downtown, visit destination shops such as Ben Franklin, grab some delicious ice cream at Miller Rexall, or stop at West Winery for a taste of some of the best Missouri wine made right in their downtown building. Macon is truly a downtown working to rejuvenate, renovate, and preserve its history. If you’re the outdoor type, head over to Long Branch Lake at Long Branch State Park where you’ll find fishing, boating, walking trails, camp sites, and a beautiful beach complete with a volleyball net. There is a changing facility located near the lake at the campground. Macon also has a smaller city lake, appropriately called Macon Lake, which offers great fishing. Hunters will want to come back to Macon County, too. The area is a hunting paradise with record-setting deer yields for bow and fi earm experts. Annual wildlife banquets are always in season from National Wild Turkey Federation, Whitetails Unlimited, Young Guns Chapter of Quail Forever, and Delta Waterfowl events. The Macon Historical Society is home to some amazing treasures in its three-story museum, which is located on Highway 63 on the city’s south side. A driving tour of the area’s Civil War sites is also offered through the Historical Society. You won’t be able to experience all that Macon has to offer just by “Brakin’ in Macon.” You’ll want to come back.
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Stay
Comfort Inn Macon All rooms and suites feature free WiFi, minifridges, microvaves, and a continental breakfast. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool, laundromat, and business center. 1821 North Missouri Street · 660-395-8000
Eat
Raspberry’s Bar-BQ • Specialties include The Razz—Smoked Pulled Pork on Texas Toast; The Big Moo—two-thirds pound hamburger; and Snicker Pie. 2013 North Missouri Street · 660.385.1436
Drink
Ole Beaumont • A local landmark, this downtown establishment offers food and spirits with daily specials. 203 North Rollins Street · 660-395-0278 · olebeaumont.com
For more information visit
bigbamride.com
ALSO IN MACON Every July, the Macon County Fairgrounds Park hosts the Old Time Flywheel & Collectibles Annual Reunion, where you can watch antique machinery thresh, bale, and more. • See surviving Romanesque Revival buildings of the Blees Academy, on the National Register of Historic Places. [19] www.bigbamride.com
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RV PARK
Your Full Sales & Service RV Park 955 N MACON ST. BEVIER, MO 63532 Ph. 660-773-5313 * WWW.SHOEMAKERSRV.COM “Where family fun is what we are all about” Rest Your Rear & And Have a Beer In BEVIER! Places to Eat and Drink • UGO’s Pizzaland • Luv’s Truck Stop Subway • Coal Miner’s Daughter • Matt’s Market & Deli • Shoemaker’s RV Park Lakeside Patio BAM Riders Lunch Stop in Bevier Play Picture Poker for a Chance to Win $100.00
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[21] www.bigbamride.com
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THE HEADLINER The Black Lillies
Day 5: To Shelbina June 16
BE PREPARED for a unique experience. Shelbina—said to have been formed by combining the name of the county (Shelby) with the name of an early town minister’s daughter (Vina)—is the only community in the world with that name. The uniqueness of the community extends beyond its name. The rich prairie soil quickly led to an agriculture-based economy. Broadacres Farm, just south of Shelbina, became nationally famous for its beautiful American Saddle Horses. The first commercial corn planter, patented by J. Vandiver, was invented and manufactured in Shelbina. Other businesses over the years have included an ax handle factory, a brick and tile plant, a cigar factory, a hatchery, a poultry processing plant, and a broom factory. A Shelbina potter is also responsible for creating the first six-gallon porcelain toilet. Shelbina is also known as the boyhood home of Walmart founder Sam Walton; the home still stands on West Spruce Street. Another former Shelbina resident is Randy “Duke” Cunningham, who served as a Navy fighter pilot during the Vietnam War and was the inspiration for the motion picture Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. This might explain why, as you approach Shelbina, you’ll “feel the need—the need for speed!” Cyclists have been a part of Shelbina’s history since the late 1800s, when the Shelbina Cyclists Club was created. Shelbina Lake was built in 1936 as a WPA project, to serve as the city’s water reservoir and continues to be maintained by the city for camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, or just relaxing. You can’t swim in the lake but the Shelbina Aquatic Center at 614 East College Street is open to the public. Daily admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children, and $10 for a family pass. The Shelbina Lakeside Golf Course is a nine-hole golf course located on Highway 15 at the Shelbina City Lake. The lake will also be home to a BBQ Dinner for Big BAM by the City of Shelbina and 49ers Club on Thursday, June 16.
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Stay
Americas Best Value Inn Motel offering 20 rooms with AARP discounts and continental breakfast. 711 North Center Street · 573.260.4340
Eat
Martha’s Family Restaurant • The epitome of the small town restaurant, Martha’s Family Restaurant provides traditional fare in a friendly environment. 119 South Center Street 573-588-7890 Shelbina Family Restaurant • Located smack dab in the middle of town, SFR will serve up one of the best tenderloin sandwiches you can find. 302 North Center Street · 573.588.7778 Dobyns’ Market • Known as “Shelbina’s Original Convenience Store,” Dobyns’ Market features a full deli with burgers, subs, pizza, and daily dinner and lunch specials. 108 West Maple Street · 573.588.4413
Drink
Loose Brick Bar • Located in the heart of downtown Shelbina, the Loose Brick is the official sponsor of the Big BAM Block Party on West Chestnut Street. 111 West Chestnut Street · 573.588.0182
For more information visit
bigbamride.com ALSO IN SHELBINA On your way to the lake, treat yourself to the special Big BAM Block Party downtown on West Chestnut Street. Enjoy food, music, and much more fun from 1 to 6 pm. Shelbina will also be booming with business specials and fundraisers throughout the town (at the Christian Church, Senior Center, Father Buhman Center, and American Legion, just to name a few). If you would like a little history, visit the historic Shelbina Mansion (also known as the Benjamin House) at 322 Shelby Street, or stop by the Shelby County Historical Society Museum at 107 South Center Street in downtown Shelbina. [23] www.bigbamride.com
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THE HEADLINER Cory B. Clay and the Twains
Day 6: To Hannibal June 17
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“HANNIBAL HAS HAD a hard time of it ever since I can recollect, and I was ‘raised’ there,” said the city’s most famous resident in a letter dated April 16, 1867. “First, it had me for a citizen, but I was too young then to really hurt the place.” As you roll into Mark Twain’s boyhood home at the end of your Big BAM adventure, take in some of the town’s history before heading to the biggest party you’ve attended all week. Nestled on the west bank of the Mississippi River, Hannibal, Missouri, is known around the world for being the boyhood home of arguably America’s greatest author— Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain—who based at least two of his many books on the childhood he spent in the Missouri river town. Visitors to Hannibal can walk in Twain’s footsteps and see the actual places that inspired The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. You can explore the roots of Twain’s genius at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. In addition to Twain’s boyhood home, the museum also includes the home of Laura Hawkins, the little girl who inspired the character of Becky Thatcher, Twain’s father’s Justice of the Peace Office, and buildings featuring hands-on exhibits detailing Twain’s life and his impact on the world. Visitors can have plenty of adventure at Missouri’s oldest show cave, Mark Twain Cave; the cave that young Mark Twain himself played in. The one-hour guided tour offers a fascinating mix of history and cave knowledge. For a natural cave experience, Missouri’s newest show cave, Cameron Cave, is open for tours. This natural cave requires tour goers to carry a lantern or flashlight as your guide takes you through the labyrinth of passageways. For those wanting to experience the Mighty Mississippi, Hannibal offers sightseeing cruises with live narration and dinner cruises on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Visitors can also enjoy strolling down Hannibal’s Historic Main Street, which is full of specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. With so many locally owned restaurants to choose from, you are sure to find one to enjoy. Hannibal also features a microbrewery and a winery with varieties to suit every palate. Don’t even think about leaving Friday! Hannibal has a great lineup of activities on Saturday, June 18th. Enjoy Fiesta Del Sol, a craft beer and music festival, located in Central Park. If you didn’t get enough miles, bicycle enthusiasts are planning a fun bike ride to Louisiana, MO. But if you had too many, you might be ready for the motorcycle show lining the streets in historic downtown.
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Stay
The Belvedere Inn Hannibal’s newest Bed and Breakfast is housed in one of the city’s most famous mansions. Mark Twain is said to have played billiards there. 521 Bird Street · 217.799.6086 BelvedereInnHannibal.com Rockcliffe Mansion This mansion sits on a limestone bluff with spectacular views of Hannibal and the Mississippi River. 1000 Bird Street · 573.221.4140 rockcliffemansion.com
Eat
LaBinnah Bistro • An homage to the “Gentlemen’s Club,” established by many of the city’s leading citizens. It’s Hannibal spelled backwards. 207 North Fifth Street · 573.221.8207 labinnahbistro.com Mark Twain Dinette • Remodeled several times since it opened in 1942, the Mark Twain Dinette still remains at its original location near the Mark Twain Boyhood Home. 400 North Third Street · 573.221.5511 · marktwaindinette.com
Drink
Mark Twain Brewery • Located across the street from the boyhood home of Mark Twain, this brewery produces 12 beers and has 17 on tap, including Huck Finn’s Habanero Wheat and Clemens Kölsch. 422 North Main Street 573.406.1300 · marktwainbrewery.com
For more information visit
bigbamride.com ALSO IN HANNIBAL Finish your ride off ith a skydive at Barron Aviation. • If you want to “set a spell,” try Richard Garey’s Mark Twain Himself Live Show. • Or take the Hannibal Trolley sightseeing tour. • Visit the cabin where Samuel Clemens was born at the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site. [25] www.bigbamride.com
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THE END OF THE RIDE IS THE BEGINNING OF THE
FUN
You aren’t going to want to miss these great activities happening Saturday June 18th! • Free Fun Ride along the Mississippi • Fiesta Del Sol on Saturday, featuring live music, craft beer and home brews • Lone Wolf No Club Motorcycle Show • Tons of shopping in historic downtown • Mark Twain history at the Boyhood Home and Cave • Mississippi River adventure on the Mark Twain Riverboat • Haunted Ghost Tours • Great local wine and beer tasting
Explore VisitHannibal.com or request a free visitors guide by calling 573.221.2477.
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Last Dinner on The itanic ~ Apr 11 • Great Girlfriend Getaway ~ Apr 22 - 24 • Splash of Color Quilt Show ~ Apr 1- 2 21st Annual Loafers Car Club Show ~ May 7 • Down by The iver Music ~ May 13 & June 10 • Second Saturday Gallery Walk ~ May 14 & June 11 • Twain on Main Festival ~ May 21-22 • Music Under The tars ~ June 2, 9 & 16 Bluff ity Th ater “You Caught Me Dancing” ~ June 3 - 18 • Big BAM ~ June 17 • Fiesta Del Sol ~ June 18 Historic_Historic_Hannibal_ML_0416.indd 1
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Color in Motion ~ June 18 • Lone Wolf No-Club Bike Show ~ June 18 • Music Under the Stars ~ June 23 & 30 Bluff ity Th ater “Alice in Wonderland (The usical) ~ June 24 - July 30 • National Tom Sawyer Days ~ July 1 - 4 Music Under the Stars ~ July 7,14,21 & 28 • Down By the River Music ~ July 8 Second Saturday Gallery Walk ~ July 9 & Aug 13th • Bluff ity Th ater presents “Best of Enemies” ~ July 13 - 29 Historic_Historic_Hannibal_ML_0416.indd 2
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Riverboat Dockings ~ American Queen and Queen of the Mississippi ~ July 17, 26, 28 & 31 August 1 & 2 Annual Bear Creek Rendezvous ~ Aug 1 - 2 • Music Under the Stars ~ Aug 4,11,18 & 25 Big River Steampunk Festival ~ Sept 3 - 5 • Second Saturday Gallery Walk ~ Sept 10 & Oct 8 40th Annual Historic Folklife Festival ~ Oct 15 - 16 • Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas ~ Nov 26 - Dec 24 091 ML0416.indd 3
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