Sweet Delights in Missouri You Don't Want to Miss
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Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store
Don’t miss Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store. You heard that right—Uranus Fudge Factory. If you like puns, poop jokes, and fudge, you must make a stop.
This quaint store is located just off I-44 between St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri, along Historic Route 66. “Welcome to Uranus” will greet you as you walk in the door, with the smells of fudge made fresh daily. Did you know the best fudge comes from Uranus? You can even try a free sample to know which ones to purchase. But thats not all. There are many fun products offered by the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store.
The shop also sells many candies, including 80-plus flavors of taffy, candy made from bugs, drinks, hot sauce, t-shirts, gifts, Ozark novelties, and more. Ask one of the friendly Fudge Packers if you need help finding something.
Uranus Fudge Factory is owned by Louis Keen, who calls himself the “Mayor of Uranus.” It was opened in July 2015 and has been making visitors giggle ever since.
The original Uranus Fudge Factory is located in St. Robert, Missouri with a second location in Anderson, Indiana.
Redmon’s Candy Shop
As you continue your trek down I-44 on a sugar high, take note of the four-fingered man urging you on to Redmon’s Candy Shop at Exit 188, Pine Street. You can’t miss the billboards that seem to be spaced every mile from Springfield to Lebanon.
Redmon’s was established in 1995 by John and Sharon Redmon to create a fun, clean, and comfortable stop for travelers. The onsite candy kitchen produces gourmet chocolates and homemade fudge. The store boasts more than 70 flavors of bulk candy and touts more than 1,000 snacks.
According to its website, redmonscandy.com, the store has welcomed more than two million travelers. Just follow the billboards, and you can’t miss it.
Meramec Caverns
Meramec Caverns is another fantastic stop as you head down I-44 toward St. Louis. Located near Stanton, Missouri, the caverns are a 4.6-mile cave system formed from the erosion of large limestone deposits over millions of years.
Take a guided tour by a trained ranger along a well-lighted walkway around about one hour and 20 minutes in length. Learn how an ancient limestone “Wine Table” and an entire 7-story mansion were formed underground. See one of the rarest and largest cave formations in the world. Pre-Columbian Native American artifacts have been found in the caverns.
The Theatre Room Light Show is a computerized LED show accompanied by the singing of God Bless America. The show was introduced on September 11, 2014, and is dedicated to those serving in the armed forces, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.
The caverns were a station on the Underground Railroad, with thousands of runaway slaves reportedly housed there. During the 18th century, the cave was used to extract saltpeter to manufacture gunpowder. In the Civil War era, the Union Army used the caves as a saltpeter plant, but it was discovered and destroyed by Confederate guerrillas.
Legend also says that Jessie James and his brother Frank used the caves as a hideout in the 1870s.
In 1933, the extended cave system was discovered, revealing the present 4.6 miles. It was introduced to the public as a tourist destination in 1935. In 1972, Meramec Caverns provided the cave settings for Tom Sawyer. In the 1998 movie Deep Impact, the limestone caves of Missouri were referenced as the location of the ARC shelter depicted in the film.
Make a day of your stay and enjoy a zipline, river trip, wax museum, and more.
The cave stays open daily except for Christmas and Thanksgiving and is at a mild 60 degrees year-round. It’s a great escape during hot weather. Check out the website for admission prices and times.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terri Nighswonger and her husband, Todd, are well-traveled RVers and work campers. They have work camped from Maine to Arizona and parts in between with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi.
They are currently loving their time in Arizona, where they don't have to put away their shorts, and winter coats are a thing of the past. They plan to enjoy the west for a while. Writing is Terri's passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors.
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