Hannibal, Missouri: This Small Town Was the Best Part of Our Trip
“We’re not a people that have much, but when we can lend a hand, we will” said Frank, the traveling salesman who stopped when he saw our SUV pulled to the side of the road in the hot Missouri sun. We rolled to a rather anticlimactic stop – no loud bang or billowing smoke – as our fuel pump gave out.
“Where are we?” I asked, glancing at our worn – ok mangled – cross-country map.
“You are just a few miles from Hannibal, and you couldn’t have found a nicer spot to get stuck.”
Nice? I am dipping paper towels in to the ice chest to wet down my two long-haired cats that are clearly bemoaning the sudden rise in temperature. No fuel pump, no air conditioning.
Gesturing with his mobile phone outstretched like an index finger, Frank announced he was going to help us. He proceeded to call his uncle, who knew someone who fixed Fords. When that did not work, he called a tow-truck driver (whom he knew by name) and then called a motel to make sure they knew we were on the way. He waited with us in the steamy heat until the tow truck arrived, engaging my husband in chat over the merits of a strong Baptist upbringing and wondering out loud what Episcopalian’s like us were all about.
Then with a cheerful goodbye, Frank was off to his next adventure. Frank, the savior of wayward travelers, ambassador of Missouri, King of the Show-Me State.
Hannibal was not on our planned itinerary that day, but it was a lucky mishap. We spent three days in the warm embrace of this small riverboat town, boyhood home to Samuel Clemens – known to most as Mark Twain. I am drawn to small towns. After years of city life, I love driving through small towns and trying to figure out what it is that people “do” for a living there. There are no ad agencies or sports teams or government jobs or large chain restaurants. City life has a way of blinding me and I have become one of those horrid people that use the words “charming” and “quaint” with a smirk on my face. Still, I am drawn to small towns.
Mark Twain Attractions:
The Interpretive Center 415 North Main Street – This is the place to begin your tour. The Interpretive Center will introduce you to Mark Twain, his family, friends and the town.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home 206 Hill Street – This is the house that Samual Clemens grew up in. In 1912 the house was presented to Hannibal as a gift.
The Mark Twain Museum is located adjacent to the Boyhood Home at 208 Hill Street. It was created to celebrate Mark Twain’s 100th Birthday.
The Becky Thatcher House 211 Hill Street – The home of Laura Hawkins who was inspiration for the character of Becky Thatcher in the book Tom Sawyer.
There are more properties of interest to explore around the town. A single admission price will grant you access to all of the properties.
Adults – $8.00
Seniors 60+ – $6.50
Children 6-12 – $4.00
Children under 6 – Free
While Hannibal should make a strong impression fby offering a traveler the boyhood home and museum of Mark Twain, there are a few extras that made Hannibal a memorable experience.
(1) When my mother called the motel to check on us, the owner engaged her in a conversation and assured her the “kids were out having a nice dinner” and that we should be back before nightfall. And this was just the Travelodge! Travelodge, 500 Mark Twain Avenue (573) 221-4100. Clean rooms and very friendly staff. Located only a few blocks from the Mark Twain Historic District. Budget friendly – most rooms available for under $80 year round.
(2) There is a place called Bubba’s Cat House and contrary to what one would think, it is referring to catfish. My husband was able to get his beer Bubba Sized and was inspired to buy a t-shirt to commemorate the experience. There was no air conditioning in the warehouse, but the giant blowing fans were well worth the experience! Look for the markers that show how high the Mississippi has flooded in years past. Bubba’s, 101 Church (573)221-5552. BBQ and Cajun entrees.
(3) Ayer’s Pottery is a fantastic place to spend your money on a hot Missouri day. We happened upon this pottery workshop and storefront by chance and walked away with a family heirloom. Fresh Ayer’s, 213 North Main (573) 221-1017
(4) A group of teenagers converged upon us while we were visiting an overlook just out of town. They needed to find a married couple and get them to kiss in this particular park as part of a treasure hunt. With video camera in hand, they begged us to help them win the game. How could we say no? It is not every day you see a happy mass of teenagers doing something as wholesome as a treasure hunt! Lovers Leap Park, Missouri Highway 79 (South of Fulton St). Scenic views of Hannibal and the Mississippi River.
The sticker shock of our fuel pump did not tarnish our overall stay in Hannibal. Once the vehicle was fixed, we were on our way, already nostalgic for the few unexpected days spent in a small town on the Mississippi. Frank knew what he was talking about. There is not a nicer spot to “get stuck.”
