Omaha Road Trip – November 2024
November 14 – 19, 2024
Over 1,960 miles and 35 hours of driving, we explored seven states in six days with our pup, Macaroni along for the ride!
Day 1: Dalton to St. Louis (Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri)
The Gateway to the West greeted us after an eight-hour drive through four states. First stop? The iconic Gateway Arch, soaring 630 feet above the city. Designed by Eero Saarinen (of TWA Terminal and tulip chair fame), this masterpiece was a fitting start to our adventure.
We balanced the architectural sights with local flavors, indulging in toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake, two St. Louis classics. For the night, we checked into the Magnolia Hotel, a gem with no dog fees—a rare and welcome perk for pet travelers.
Days 2-3: St. Louis to Omaha (Iowa, Nebraska)
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum: A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. We saw the missile that my dad worked on during his time in the Air Force – The Hound Dog.
- Old Market District: Cobblestone streets, eclectic shops, and a vibrant vibe.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (AKA “Bob the Bridge”): Spanning the Missouri River, this spot let us stand in both Nebraska and Iowa simultaneously—one for the bucket list!
- Blackstone District: While we just drove through, this lively area made our “next time” list. Fun fact: Warren Buffett lives nearby – we drive past his unassuming house on the way back to the hotel.
- Kros Strain Brewing: A perfect end to our Omaha stay. The Fairy Nectar IPA and Gas Station Cheeseburger were standouts.
Day 4: Omaha to Kansas City (Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas)
Three hours on the road brought us to Kansas City, where BBQ and beer took center stage.
- Slap’s BBQ: A Kansas-side favorite that lived up to the hype.
- Boulevard Brewing: Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this brewery offered a mix of stellar flagships (Tank 7, Pale Ale) and a few less memorable seasonals.
After cruising through the Crossroads Arts District, we retreated to the quirky yet luxurious 21c Museum Hotel for the night.
Day 5: Kansas City to Paducah, KY (Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky)
A seven-hour drive brought us to Paducah, a city with a rich artistic spirit recognized by UNESCO. While most things were closed on Mondays, we made a nostalgic stop at nearby Metropolis, Illinois—home of Superman! The popular Bob’s Drive-In delivered greasy-spoon charm, rounding out the day.
Day 6: Paducah to Dalton (Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia)
Our final leg was a relatively breezy 6.5-hour drive back home. From standing atop the Gateway Arch to straddling two states on the Bob Kerrey Bridge, this trip was a whirlwind of art, history, and flavor. Seven states, countless memories—until the next adventure!
Final Stats
- Miles Driven: 1,960
- Total Hours: 35
- States Visited: Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas