Boots Court Motel
February 2026
Across the street, Boots’ diner served all-day breakfast and aired the daily radio show, “Breakfast at the Crossroads.” Route 66 and Highway 71 had been dubbed the “Crossroads of America.” Boots eventually sold the property, and the next owner added a back building with five larger rooms.
Fast forward to 2011, two Georgia sisters bought Boots Court to save it from demolition and moved to Missouri to reestablish the motel. They replaced the gable roof with the original flat roof design and restored the neon sign. (One of their daughters currently heads up housekeeping.) Eventually, local nonprofit Boots Court Foundation purchased the property and started additional renovations in 2021.
Today, rooms have been refurbished keeping many original features including pine flooring and doors, stucco walls, built-in desks and checkered bathroom tile. Art deco-style headboards mirror the motel’s exterior design. Rooms boast a radio—but no TV—5G wifi and top-quality bath towels and bedding. Guests in the front building use the old-time carports adjacent to rooms.
Manager Janna Conklin displays a world map and pins the states and countries from which guests come. My husband and I arrived on a Thursday evening just after a New Zealand couple. Two other guests were exploring Route 66 from Chicago through Oklahoma.
“One visitor from Finland rode his moped the entire length of Route 66. Afterward, he donated pieces of his moped to his favorite stops. He gifted us his handlebars, which we have on display,” says Conklin.
Guests check in at the Carthage Visitor Center next door, which formerly housed a 1964 Sinclair gas station. Its gift shop sells Route 66 souvenirs created by 21 local artists—t-shirts to notecards to Route 66 guides. Plans include constructing a green space connecting the motel and visitor center where fellow travelers can relax and swap Route 66 stories around fire pits and outside seating. With the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, the foundation will partner with the city to celebrate.
“We love to welcome new guests and offer them the chance to experience the simpler days of travel,” says Conklin. “We already have reservations for the 2026 anniversary.”
Visit BootsCourt66.com for more information.
The Historic Browning House
November 2025
Two short blocks from Lee Summit’s delightful downtown, my friend and I checked into The Historic Browning Bed and Breakfast for a quick girlfriend overnight. Co-owner Cynthia led us upstairs to our cozy room with two queen beds and private bathroom just down the hall. We settled in before heading out to browse the boutiques and have dinner.
Elijah T. Browning built this prominent family home in 1889, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as Browning Row, he constructed three homes. Only this main house contained a kitchen because the patriarch wanted family to dine at his house.
Owners Kevin and Cynthia Samsel grew up and met in California. As a 17-year-old art student, Cynthia was hired to work backstage catering and after-parties for well-known musicians—Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Prince, to name a few. She also catered movie sets starring Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal.
“For eight years, it was my culinary training after working in several restaurants,” says Cynthia. “When I started, I created a fruit and vegetable carving for Diana Ross. She came into the kitchen to find out who made it and thanked me for it. She validated my passion to combine food and art.”
The Samsels honeymooned on the Oregon coast at a bed and breakfast and have often visited inns for anniversaries—which sparked a dream to open their own establishment. Eventually, Cynthia started her own catering business, and Kevin worked in security and law enforcement while they raised their two children in northern California. They also fostered kids and hosted international exchange students who shared their culture and recipes. In 2022, the Samsels, who live on-site, decided to move near their grandkids and bought the Browning home. Along with three upstairs bedrooms and a lovely living room downstairs, guests can enjoy the expansive deck, patio and porch.
For breakfast, Cynthia curates seasonal farm-to-table fare based on her guests’ needs and desires. She served us asparagus and ham crépes, a gluten-free banana muffin, bacon, fruit and velvety panna cotta. Guests can also request charcuterie boards or her freshly baked cakes and pies during their stay.
Currently, Cynthia is writing a cookbook highlighting stories from her career. She has taught cooking classes at The Culinary Center in Overland Park and currently teaches private lessons by request. She also enjoys hosting small chef dinners featuring American or international cuisine—ranging from Japanese to French to Thai. Simple menus start at $45 per person; multi-course meals with wine pairings begin at $65.
Visit TheBrowningLS.com for more information.
Elijah T. Browning built this prominent family home in 1889, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as Browning Row, he constructed three homes. Only this main house contained a kitchen because the patriarch wanted family to dine at his house.
Owners Kevin and Cynthia Samsel grew up and met in California. As a 17-year-old art student, Cynthia was hired to work backstage catering and after-parties for well-known musicians—Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Prince, to name a few. She also catered movie sets starring Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal.
The Samsels honeymooned on the Oregon coast at a bed and breakfast and have often visited inns for anniversaries—which sparked a dream to open their own establishment. Eventually, Cynthia started her own catering business, and Kevin worked in security and law enforcement while they raised their two children in northern California. They also fostered kids and hosted international exchange students who shared their culture and recipes. In 2022, the Samsels, who live on-site, decided to move near their grandkids and bought the Browning home. Along with three upstairs bedrooms and a lovely living room downstairs, guests can enjoy the expansive deck, patio and porch.
For breakfast, Cynthia curates seasonal farm-to-table fare based on her guests’ needs and desires. She served us asparagus and ham crépes, a gluten-free banana muffin, bacon, fruit and velvety panna cotta. Guests can also request charcuterie boards or her freshly baked cakes and pies during their stay.
Currently, Cynthia is writing a cookbook highlighting stories from her career. She has taught cooking classes at The Culinary Center in Overland Park and currently teaches private lessons by request. She also enjoys hosting small chef dinners featuring American or international cuisine—ranging from Japanese to French to Thai. Simple menus start at $45 per person; multi-course meals with wine pairings begin at $65.
Visit TheBrowningLS.com for more information.
Inn At Hermannhof
August 2025
Exquisitely restored from the late-1860s, it hugs the Missouri River. Outside its front door, Hermann’s historic district offers quaint boutiques and restaurants. Across the street lie Hermannhof Winery tasting room and the Hofgarten, a European-style brick courtyard filled with flowers and tables. It connects to the Black Shire Distillery and G. Husemann tasting rooms. Award-winning Wagon Works BBQ serves tasty fare in warmer months.
St. Louis businessman Jim Dierberg and his wife, Mary, fell in love with Hermann at Maifest celebrations in the late-1960s. Their first investment was Hermann’s bank followed by the Hermannhof Winery. In 2005, they spearheaded the town’s million-dollar makeover and now own numerous properties including six hillside cottages, former wine houses used by German settlers in the 1830s that now contain luxury suites, plus several wineries, the Tin Mill restaurant and Tin Mill Brewery.
On a Sunday night, my husband and I checked into the inn for our anniversary and couldn’t have been happier. Our spacious suite, one of six, offered 900 square feet of high-end luxury akin to something in historic Williamsburg. Early American reproduction furniture with modern conveniences included a king-sized pencil-poster bed of tiger maple and gas fireplace. Another gas fireplace flanked a whirlpool tub in the expansive bathroom that featured heated floors plus an oversized six-head shower.
“Mary Dierberg handpicked everything from the artwork to the furniture and fabrics,” says Georgie Busch, Director of Hospitality. “Local artist, Carole Behrer, painted many of our pieces using a Colonial art form of stencil painting on velvet. She also handpainted the solid wood doors with feathers.”
The next morning, we lingered over a three-course breakfast served downstairs in the Festhalle dining room. Breakfast changes daily but will often include house-made granola and mouthwatering bacon from Hermann Wurst Haus, just across the street.
The adjacent Celebration Hall seats up to 250 people for weddings, reunions and retreats. Saturdays in October, an authentic German band performs. In-house catering and a professional kitchen are available.
Established in 1837, Hermann was settled by a group of German Philadelphians who ventured west to preserve their language, customs and culture. Today, German flair remains alive and well with numerous area wineries, wine trail events and the ever-popular Oktoberfest. Hermann Farm showcases Missouri’s agricultural and winemaking heritage and its Black Shire draft horses via carriage or tram tours.
Visit InnAtHermannhof.com for more information.
TUXEDO PARK STL B&B
May 2025
Since 2018, Bill and Maureen Elliott, along with their brown and black labs, Guinness and Murphy, have welcomed guests. Tucked into the township of Webster Groves, the inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The perfect spot for a stroll or a run, meandering streets flanked by charming homes surround the quaint downtown. Old Webster was originally a hamlet organized along the railroad line until it was annexed to St. Louis in 1906. The neighborhood was built without electricity or water, which were added after annexation.
Bill, an architect specializing in historic renovation, envisioned repurposing the church. He took on the daunting 18-month project while Maureen pitched in at every turn. Vacant more than 10 years, absolutely everything within the property was replaced. The second-floor was converted to four spacious guest rooms with private baths. The Elliotts live on site. Experience as a former elementary teacher, mother of three and construction firm office manager prepared Maureen to become an innkeeper.
“Due to extensive water damage, only the stone exterior and part of the wood floor are original,” says Maureen. “The roof of the former choir loft, now the Rose Room had completely caved in.”
Breakfast is served in the open kitchen at a massive, curved island. Before arrival, Maureen always asks guests about their preferences and caters to their individual needs. She prefers to whip up low-sugar, low-carb entrees. Maureen served us made-to-order eggs on sliced and broiled sweet potatoes topped with cheese and accompanied by fruit. Bill’s indulgent apple cobbler rounded out breakfast and satisfied my sweet tooth.
Not only is the B&B within a 10-mile radius of iconic St. Louis attractions, but several Route 66 sites and noteworthy restaurants lie nearby. Our locally-sourced dinner at Big Sky Cafe impressed us. Another highlight was a Turkish lunch at Balkan Treat Box. Lines often wrap around the corner building, which attests to their award-winning wood-fired cuisine.
Visit TuxedoParkSTL.com for more information.
The Ozarker Lodge, Branson
February 2025
My husband and I checked in at the coffee and wine bar. Serving specialty coffees incorporating their “Scenic Blend” custom roast, it also offers natural wines, Turkey Creek beer on tap and local pastries. With a curated welcome brochure in hand, I quickly reviewed the property map and on-site amenities as well as detailed recommendations for food and drink, museums, outdoor activities, tours and more. Morning perks include a hearty continental breakfast buffet served in the communal pantry that can also be reserved for small private events.
“We want to bring back the joy of the family road trip,” said co-owner Dustin Myers who, prior to purchasing it, first stayed at the property during a weekend trip with his son. “My business partner, Jeremy Wells, and I own Longitude°, a hospitality branding company in Springfield. We’ve worked on a lot of cool concepts across the nation and the world, but we wanted to reimagine something in Branson. This area is special to us because we grew up visiting here.”
Opened July 2023, the lodge’s 102 rooms include four suites and ever-popular double queen bunk rooms accommodating families. Thoughtfully planned, the renovation took 15-months to complete. Mid-century modern touches, cozy throws and found objects from antique shops reflect intentionality of design.
Creekside, guests unwind in Adirondack chairs surrounding firepits or enjoy soaking in the hot tubs. Umbrellas dot the deck of the new heated pool (open March through December) so guests can even take a dip on New Year’s Eve and warm up by the pool’s two firepits. There’s a small, natural play area for kids and, of course, the creek entices sloshing and splashing.
A highlight was the two-hour private fireside experience; pricing varies seasonally, and reservations are recommended. Under a canopy of trees, my husband and I relaxed in Adirondack chairs. Friendly staff started our fire and delivered a bottle of chilled wine, a generous charcuterie board and s’more fixings complete with skewers for marshmallow roasting.
Daily “Golden Hour,” from 4-6 p.m., offers discounts on wine, beer and charcuterie boards. The lobby’s Mercantile sells merch and regional quality crafts. The Ozarker hosts live music on Wednesday evenings, guided wine and cheese tastings, seasonal kids’ craft nights inspired by nature and movie nights by the pool through December 31.
Visit TheOzarkerLodge.com for more information.