Cuba nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri is one of those unique and special places where every visitor feels as though they are coming home. It is more than just the hospitality. It is the sense of community made manifest in the pocket parks, the colorful murals, the events, and the support that business owners lend each other. It is the wonderful cafes and restaurants. It is the generational businesses with roots that span decades. It is the smiling faces.

Last year I during a Jim Hinckley’s America research trip I was privileged with an opportunity to spend several days in this charming village bisected by Route 66. I had time to visit area attractions, sample the different restaurants, and to simply stop and visit with the locals. It left me wondering what might of been if I had discovered this charming place twenty years ago. There is the very real possibility that this old desert rat might have headed for greener pastures.

As I am passionate about restaurants, one of the treats for me was the surprising number and the diversity of restaurants in such a small town. As an example, how many towns big or small do you know where you can get a delicious lamb burger with Tzatziki sauce? Well, that is now one of my favorite offerings at the Four Way restaurant in Cuba that is housed in a colorful painted building that began life in about 1930 as a gas station and garage. Looking for good traditional breakfasts? No problem, just stop by Shelly’s or Tuggie & Joe’s. Excellent Mexican food. No problem. Great pub food, and cold beer. Again, no problem.

The one and only Wagon Wheel Motel Photo Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America

This little town should be more than a stop on the way to. It should be a destination for Route 66 travelers as well as folk looking for a pleasant weekend getaway, or a new place to call home.

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