On the last morning at Branson, we drove around to take some additional pictures (as if we didn't already have enough!). We took Chuie along and he enjoyed being with us rather than trapped in the RV.
After this little excursion, we took off in the RV headed north (and a little east) to Jefferson City, to see the Missouri capitol building. On the way we came across Lambert's Cafe in Springfield. This is the home of "thowed rolls." We had never heard of it but while we were in Memphis and had car problems, the tow truck driver told Bill about it. It said it is such a great place people in Memphis drive over just for a meal. So, we figured we needed to check it out, and it was around lunchtime anyway...
This place is a sensory explosion, with wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. You order off a menu like a regular restaurant, but once you have your food people walk around carrying large bowls of fried okra, potatoes, and tomatoes and pasta. You just get this added to your plate! And there is a man walking between the tables with pans of freshly baked rolls. You catch his eye and he literally throws a hot roll at you from across the room! The first time Matthew did this, two fingers punctured the roll. There is also a woman walking around with "sorghum molasses" and she will spoon some on your roll if you like. It was wonderful.
Bill, with a modest serving of chicken fried steak, a house favorite. Plenty of room to add more food in that frying pan.
The roll thrower.
We posted some pictures on Facebook and had people comment that they had also eaten here, so even people in central Ohio know about Lambert's!
As we drove along we enjoyed the Ozark mountain scenery. One thing we did not expect was a bike race. We passed about six riders, each followed by a van with backup bikes. The cyclists were participating in a "Race Across America" to raise money for suicide prevention.
We later saw one of the vans in downtown Jefferson City.
Jefferson City was a joy. It appears to have no business other than the state government, so it was like a small town. It was easy to drive around the city. Also, we are finding out that many states have a part-time legislature. Sometimes they meet only 90 days on even numbered years and 60 on odd years. One guide commented that they make fewer laws if they don't work as long.
The building was very different from other capitols we've seen. The inside was very ornate, with lots of words carved or painted on the walls. In some cases it was scripture and in others it was words like "Justice," "Liberty" and so on.
Here's the state seal. They make a big deal of grizzly bears, using them as decorations throughout the building.
This is part of a large four-part mural that shows the history of Missouri, including true events and some fiction (like Tom Sawyer). Above the door is the story of Frankie and Jonny, from the famous blues song.
The house of representatives.
Almost looks like a Greek Orthodox church!
There were beautiful grounds and many statues.
Lewis and Clark were here, years ago...
One of the sculptures was the 10 commandments. I believe there have been court cases about the legality of having that work on their grounds. From the Missouri point of view, it fits right in with the sentiments displayed on the walls all over the inside of the building.
A peak of the Missouri River. It was hard to get to because of the train tracks.
Lunch at a Greek pizza place. Yummy.
We stayed about 6 miles outside Jefferson City in a little 15 site city park that Beth found on the Internet. We had full hookups and a common shower/toilet building. It was a great location and only $15 per night!
Matthew's Notes: When in Rome, do as the Romans
- Arris' Pizza Palace has great food.
- The sorghum molasses is actually "sweet sorghum syrup"
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