Joplin, Missouri: Route 66, Bonnie & Clyde, and the OK-KS-MO Tri-State Marker

After World War II, the main road through Joplin was designated as part of U.S. route 66. Today, the decommissioned Route 66 passes through Joplin as 7th Street, and the town makes the most of it. It's a great stop for any Route 66 fans.

We had a great lunch at Norma's Diner, 1901 S. Main Street.

Just down the road we found the 1933 hideout of Bonnie and Clyde. They spent a few weeks here in 1933, robbed some businesses and killed a couple of people. They escaped that time. The apartment is now an Airbnb so you can rent it if you'd like (215 W. 34th Street).

(This seems like a much smarter idea than how the owner of the Walter White house in Albuquerque is handling the fame of the house, doing everything she can to prevent decent photos of the house. Maybe rent it out instead and I'm sure you'd be much happier 😉)

About 20 minutes away you can find the OK-KS-MO Tri-State Marker (1183 S.E. 118th Street, Joplin).

It may not be the Four Corners but it was still a fun find 😊

Punxsutawney, PA ~ June 2017

The first official Groundhog Day in the U.S. was held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1887, and the town continues to embrace its groundhog fame. 

These are photos from our 2017 visit to Punxsutawney.  It's a town like no other. 😊

We first went to the place we all see on TV on this day every year. Few people were there in June, and certainly not Phil.

The town has a big claim to fame.

A little research brought us to the place Phil resides when he's not looking for his shadow. The library has custody.

This is all we could see of Phil through the "burrow" window.

With Groundhog Day being the main tourist attraction, Phil statues are creatively and plentifully displayed throughout the town, and we set out to find them.

Some are more elaborate and intricate than others.

The Legend of Wojak:

The Postman:

Postcard Phil:

And Save A Penny Phil:

Other Phil creations, not part of this project, can also be found here and there.

If you're on a road trip anywhere nearby, the town is worth a little of your time.

Happy Groundhog Day!