Planning and Preparation:
We planned and plotted out the event with the normal trials and tribulations of the drive with revisions along the way to establish our final route. Of course, we had a good time doing this with the normal fanfare of constant conversation and final plans resulting in a nice event.
Event day:
The group gathered around 8:45 a.m. on Sunday February 23rd. We met at St. Louis Bread Company at 2400 Taylor Road, Grover, MO 63040, right off Manchester Road, where everyone signed in and had a chance to meet and greet and grab coffee and a bagel.
The weather was glorious! Members of JAGSL, AACA and the Gateway Club totaled 33 participants driving 19 cars with some classics included, both cars and people, haaa…. It was a beautiful day to take the cars out for those that braved the day, driving about 100 miles in each direction! After weeks of rain, snow and ice the temperature was around 60 with sunny skies, a welcome reprieve from the winter weather we have been experiencing.
Upon arriving in Jefferson City, we drove past the old Penitentiary, then headed to lunch at Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant, (ordering from menu). We had reserved the patio private room which is a glassed in extension on the end of the building with unobstructed views. The service and food were excellent. The facility is an old shoe factory built over 100 years ago, complete with an entrance that walks you through an old elevator shaft with counterweights to the side as you enter.
After lunch, it was a mere ½ mile drive to the Capitol Building for our private tour. The Missouri Capitol embodies the history and resources of the state through its architecture, artworks and materials. The Missouri Capitol is a working building that houses the Missouri General Assembly and offices of state officials and legislators. Our tour took us through the hallways and public spaces of the building, highlighting the history of the state through the artworks and architecture. We also viewed some of the Capitol’s most famous artworks, including those of Thomas Hart Benton, which are located in the House of Representatives Lounge. We were even allowed to visit the General Assembly Room. The Capitol building is in great condition and is considered to be one of the top five most beautiful Capitol building in the country! Other displays included a replica of the Navy’s Missouri Battleship where the surrender of Japan took place at the end of World War 2, the hall of Governors portraits, numerous items from Missouri history and the rotunda over 4 stories high.
Finally, we headed over to Central Dairy for an Ice Cream Social. The line moved along quickly and I think everyone enjoyed the treats they selected.
The ride home was uneventful and relaxing after a fun filled day of activities. We arrived home around 5pm.
