Route 66

History - Businesses - Events

There's more to Route 66 than the Downtown District.  Wonderful businesses and places to visit can be found all along our Mother Road corridor.  Be sure to check them out too!

 

History

Five years after U.S. Highway 66 was decommissioned, on July 10, 1990, Missouri became the first state to award the highway historic status.  A legislative bill, sponsored by Missouri State Representatives Jim Mitchell of Richland and J. Dan Woodall of Springfiled, won unanimous support in the General Assembly.

The bill was signed by then Governor John Ashcroft during a ceremony held on the lawn of the Pulaski County Courthouse in downtown Waynesville.  On the day of the signing, Governor Ashcroft said he hoped the official designation would stir nostalgia and recreate interest in Route 66 and the small towns located along it.  Governor Ashcroft's prediction, nearly 30 years ago, has been realized.  Missouri's recognition of the Mother Road helped to spur the Route 66 survival.

 

 

 

 

THE ROCK HOUSES OF ROUTE 66

Made from sandstone taken from the magificent bluffs of the Gasconade, Roubidoux and Piney River Bluffs, the Rock Houses of the Ozarks have been a beautiful attraction for close to a century.  Waynesville's Rock structures, made from the "Roubidoux Formation" dot the landscape of our small town even today.

Built in 1920 by Earl Bohannon, the garage was built with a spacious drive-in basement.  In March of 1948, George Long leased the building for his wife and Mrs. Elmer Long in order to open Long's Café.  A 24-hour eatery, the café operated in conjunction with Mr. Melvin Power's garage located in the west portion of the building.  

 

Today, the building is owned and operated by Ed Wilson Auto Works and has been for many years.  A quality auto repair shop, they are dedicated to providing superior value in all parts of installation and service.  Backed by their flexible warranty, they pride themselves on developing long-term relationships with their customers.  To learn more about the services Ed Wilson Auto Works provides, go to www.edwilsonautooworks.com.

 

This slab rock duplex stands next to what was the Bell Hotel, now Waynesville Memorial Chapel on Historic Route 66.  In the 1940's, this cabin served as living quarters and an office for a group of eight frame cabins.  It has quite a few large split slabs that adorn the front and sides.  The tops of the windos and front doors are ornamented with sun-ray patterns.  It is still a rental residence today.

 

This beautiful home, located on Route 66 in West Waynesville, was built for William and Chadna Brisch in 1940.  The large bay window sets it apart from the other three rock houses located farther west.  Two lots to the west, Brisch built the largest brick building in Waynesville at the time to house his O.K. Garage, currently occupied by Parabellum Martial Arts & Strength. The Brisches occupied the home together until William passed in 1968 , at age 73.  Mrs. Brisch remained in the house for alittle more than three years when she passed, as well.  The house today has a red metal roof which adds to its striking appearance.

 

Built in 1941 for the Clyde Wheeler family, Howard Bales, who was the premier rock layer in the Waynesville area in the 1930s and 1940s, was responsible for the rock work.  His grandson and local contractor Jim Bales notes that one sign of his grandfather's rock work is the thick and rounded mortar lines.  

Bill Wheeler, son of Clyde, remembered the home in his book A Kid Growing Up on Route 66. "Our family property was about one mile west of downtown and almost out of the City limits, at that time.  The house was constructed of native fieldstone, like so many of the commerical and residential buildings along the highway.   

 

For more information on the Rock Structures located not only along Route 66, but throughout Waynesville, visit the Old Stagecoach Stop's website at www.oldstagecoachstop.org and visit their Old Settler's Gazette Archive.  The information used here came from an article in the 2020 edition of the Old Settler's Gazette by author Terry Primas.  If you are interested in learning more, check out the article, here.   

 

 

 

 

BUSINESSES

Known as America's Mother Road, Historic Route 66 has undergone a business resurgence as travelers search for the open roads and unique establishments of a bygone era.  Waynesville's stretch of 66 is filled with those "Mom and Pop" stores and cafés people long for and they are filled with great merchandise, amazing food and some of the friendliest and down-home people you'll meet on the By-way.

 

drachenfutter

The name alone speaks of awesomeness in large porportions.  German for "Dragon Fodder", this quaint coffee shop is a powerhouse of gourmet coffee, delicious baked goods and mouthwatering soups, salads and sandwiches.

Established in 2018, Drachenfutter quickly became a local favorite, not only for their amazing cuisine, but for their support of the community. From the gathering of gifts and holiday cards for the residents of area care centers to the collection of prom attire and accessories for local students to enjoy the momentus occasion at no expense to them, Drachenfutter has naturally become the heart of Route 66 in Waynesville.

For the latest events and specials, check out Drachenfutter's Facebook page!

 

 

 

PULASKI COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

The Pulaski County Farmer's Market has grown from a small gathering in the Roubidoux Park, to a weekly festival of sorts that is located in the old Street Department Building in view of Route 66.

Due to significant damage from the 2013 flood, the old Street Department Building was transformed into a pavilion, giving the Farmer's Market an updated more permanent home.  

Although vendor participation slows down during the winter months, you can always find something interesting and unique all year round.  If you are a vendor and would like to set up a booth at the market, reach out to them on their Facebook page!

 

 

 

 

EVERY BLOOMING THING

This quaint and adorable little shop is located in the historic Bell-Sinclair Gas Station that serviced Route 66 travelers as far back as the 1940's.  

Working with a small staff and big hearts, Every Blooming Thing has been a source of happiness, support and comfort for the Waynesville area for over thirty years.  They offer fresh cut floral arrangements and permanent botanicals for any and all occasions.  

You can learn more about Every Blooming Thing on their Facebook Page.

 

 

 

66 Garage

A relative newcomer to the Route 66 business scene, the 66 Garage is a multi-service business with a small-town shop feel.

Whether it's cars, trucks, RV's or campers, motorcycles, trailers or the Classics, 66 Garage can handle all your repair and maintenance needs.    

Offering the most variety of services on the Route, they can handle your performance upgrades and state inspections too.

For more information about scheduling an appointment, check out their Facebook Page.

 

 

WESTSIDE SALON & BOUTIQUE

Fresh off of being voted Pulaski County's Best for Home Decor, Westside Salon is more than just your average beauty parlor.  It's a customer's one-stop-shop for all things beautiful and glamorous! 

Experience dedicated professionalism with a down-home country feel as each client's needs & desires are considered and fulfilled.  

Melissa Shelden, owner and operator of this award winning salon & boutique offers true satisfaction with any of the variety of services and merchandise the boutique offers.

To learn more about Melissa and her amazing little shop, head on over to Facebook.

 

 

MARDIYAMA HIBACHI EXPRESS

With some of the best Japanese Hibachi on Route 66, Mardiyama is an area go-to for great food served by amazing people!

With a menu that rivals any brick and morter Japanese Grill, Mardiyama brings the quality you would expect from upscale sit down restaurants.

With food this great, you may expect a hefty price tag.  Not so, with Mardiyama.  They are serving up awesome portions at reasonable prices which makes them a regular stop for most of the locals.  

Looking for their menu?  Head on over to their Facebook page.  

 

 

PARABELLUM MARTIAL ARTS & STRENGTH

Having recently relocated into the old O.K. Garage on Route 66, Parabellum is area's premier fitness community.  

Believing that training and physical fitness are the best ways to prepare for the rigors of life, "Parabellum", meaning "Prepare for War" in latin, is all about the individual's journey.

From Youth & Adult Martial Arts to Strength and Conditioning, Parabellum is the area's premier fitness community.

For more information or to sign up for classes, check out their website and Facebook Page

 

 

WESTSIDE CAFE

Looking for the best burger in town?  Then look no further than Westside Cafe. A local favorite for more than a decade, their serving up classic, homestyle American cuisine six days a week.

You won't find a better breakfast in the area, either.  With biscuits as big as a hubcap smothered with mouthwatering sausage gravy, Westside is the perfect place to start your day.  While your at it, stop back by for lunch specials like Grandma used to make.  From fried chicken to goulash and more, heading to the Cafe early to beat the lunch crowd is a handy tip.  

To keep up on daily specials and and other events, be sure to check out Westside's Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

TC Towing

When it comes to dependability, TC Towing as cornered the market.  

Offering long and short distance towing service, recovery, vehicle transports and roadside services, TC Towing is always a phone call away when your in need.

Their drivers do their best to make a bad situation better with great customer service and constant professionalism.  

If you are ever in need of their services, call their 24 hour dispatch at 573.528.0796.  For all other inquiries and updates, head over to their Facebook page.

 

 

swenson'S AUTO SERVICES

Located at 1010 Historic Route 66 West, Swenson's Auto Service has served the Waynesville area for decades.  

Swenson's offers promises a perfect service in Waynesville.  While you're in for a repair, ask about the terrific tire changes and rotations additionally offered.  

Make sure your car gets the body work it needs with a visit to the professionals at Swenson's Auto Service.  Whether you're looking to get some major repairs done or just need a check-up, the auto specialists at Swenson's Auto Service are there to help.

 

 

ANYTIME FITNESS

Whether you'r a beginner or fitness fanatic, Anytime Fitness will help you get to a healthier place.

Not just your average gym, the support is real and it starts the moment you meet the staff.  Their coaches don't have a one-size fits all program, they develop a plan that fits your individual needs.  

You can find more information on available plans and pricing on their website.  For upcoming events and other news head over to their Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

express cleaners/fashion land

Fashion Land and Express Cleaners has been a presence on Route 66 for almost 30 years.  Fashion Land offers clothing alteration and repair services, sewing supplies and custom formal wear. 

Express Cleaners, known for quality work and excellent customer service, provides dry cleaning services for amazing prices.  Express Cleaners also provides repair services on everything from jeans to leather bags.

For their hours of operation, check out their Facebook page.

 

 

 

pratts lawn & garden

With over 25 years worth of experience in outdoor small engine repair and service, Pratt's Lawn & Garden is the local's one-stop-shop for all samll engine, lawn mower, chainsaw and outdoor power equipment sales and service needs. 

Veteran and family owned since 1991, this jewel of Route 66 is operated by three generations of the Pratt family.  A Cub Cadet and Hustler dealer, if they don't have it in stock, they'll work with you to get you want you need, when you need it.

For more information on Pratt's Lawn & Garden, visit their website at www.prattslawn.com or their Facebook page

 

 

Locations

Drachenfutter
307 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.252.1402
View Website

Every Blooming Thing
206 Historic Route 66 East
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.6775

Westside Salon & Boutique
400 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.3100

Mardiyama Hibachi Express
313 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.745.0666

Parabellum Martial Arts & Strength
508 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.433.2323

Westside Cafe
1119 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.3644
View Website

TC Towing
613 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.528.0796
View Website

Swenson's Auto Service
1010 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.2390

Anytime Fitness
1104 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.4195

Boggs Automotive
1107 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.2272

Express Cleaners/Fashion Land
1113 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.6964

Pratt's Lawn & Garden
1805 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.774.2867

66 Garage
203 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.855.6061
View Website

Pulaski County Farmer's Market
163 Revere Lane
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
573.842.9079