We now have planned on paper a 3,000-mile drive around Missouri from St. Joseph to Hannibal, Cape Girardeau to Branson. What's the best time of the year (but not summer). April? May? September?

Note to "barobin": Never was able to send an e-mail, always undelivered.

I would go in October. The trees are amazingly beautiful during the second week of October!
Don't go through Branson in in April-September because it's too crazy!! Believe me, I live only an hour away and know what it's like.
Also, don't miss the beautiful Bull Shoals Lake, which is in Ozark county. Also, you must see the mills in Ozark county--old and beautiful. I especially like Old Dawt Mill off of Hwy. 160 between Gainesville and West Plains. I grew up only 6 miles from there and still appreciate it! If you need any information, please email me. Shelly

October - We just spent the weekend of Oct. 24th in Rocheport, MO. The weather was absolutely perfect that weekend (although this year we had a perfect fall.) The fall colors were beautiful, temp. great. The KATY trail has a trail head in that town with a limestone tunnel along the river that is pretty. We stayed at the Schoolhouse B & B which was very charming. There's also a winery there - if you didn't get enuf in Hermann.

JUD-

I grew up in St. Joseph ("Were the Pony Express Started and Jesse James Ended") and agree that Missouri is most beautiful dressed in fall colors. Don't miss the Patte House Museum in St. Joseph! It really transports you to the Old West. The Pony Express Stables are also fun. If you have any questions regarding St. Joe, I'll be glad to try to help.

If you're travelling in October, be sure to visit the many wineries along Hwy. 94 in St. Charles County. All over tours and samples of the wines they produce, and many are along the KATY trail.
After leaving Hannibal, you can south on Hwy 61 to Hwy 40, then east on Hwy 40 until you reach Hwy 94. Just head south on Hwy 94.