A night under the stars isn't relegated to remote areas where it's so quiet you can hear the rustling of the trees and the hoots of the owls. Sometimes a night under the stars mean cozying up in the car - or on blanket on the ground - as you munch on goodies and await the start of the first of a double feature. For an old-fashioned evening out, make your way to Missouri's largest drive-in.
With two movie screens and enough parking spaces for 700 vehicles, Starlite Drive-In in Cadet earns props as the largest drive-in theater in a small Missouri town.
Not a whole lot has changed since the early days of the drive-in - except today you can tune in to a specified station on your car radio to hear the film's soundtrack.
Moviegoers still arrive early to the drive-in to score the perfect parking spot. Some prefer right up close while others want to be just steps from the concession stand.
Before settling in for your first film and during intermission, you'll likely want to make a beeline straight for the concession stand. After all, what's a night at the drive-in without a bunch of goodies?
Dig into a variety of classics - hot dogs, burgers, fries, and onion rings are great starters. Don't forget the goodies like popcorn, pickles, and candy.
Have you been to Missouri's largest drive-in? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! Next time you're planning a fun day for the whole family, check out this family-friendly outing in Missouri.
This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town In Missouri Is So Worth Exploring
Published Aug 15, 2024
Written by
Contributor
Missouri may be known for its big cities—St. Louis and Kansas City, but the real heart of the Show-Me State lies in its rural communities. While around 55% of the population resides in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, the other 45% live scattered across the state in countless quaint small towns, each offering unique experiences. One such hidden gem is the small town of Bowling Green, Missouri, a delightful destination for those who appreciate great food, charming shops, the great outdoors, and a slower pace of life.
Mid-Missouri is home to several Amish communities, including the one in Bowling Green, which has been thriving since the 1940s. The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce created a brochure and map showing the 10+ artisans and businesses you can visit. You’ll find general stores, bulk foods, footwear, reclaimed barn wood furnishings, plants, garden supplies, bakeries, candies, and more! It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and simplicity of Amish life up close.
Bowling Green, Missouri, is located about an hour and a half north of St. Louis, off U.S. Route 61. Like many small towns in Missouri, you’ll find historic brick buildings inhabited by local small business owners centered around a downtown commercial area.
If you’re more of an outside person, check out my mom’s favorite shop in Bowling Green, Prairie’s Edge Garden Center, she loves the gift shop. Get your veggie plants, rose bushes, flowers, houseplants, chrysanthemums, pumpkins, gifts, and seasonal decor all in one place! In the fall you can visit the corn maze which has been running for 16 years!
While you’re indulging, why not try some handmade chocolates, too? This family-run business has been crafting delectable sweets for four generations, carrying on a tradition that started in 1919. They make them the old-school way, with copper kettles, hand dipping, pouring onto marble countertops, and hand cutting individual pieces. Bankhead’s Candies hours vary seasonally, so check out the website before you visit.
Bowling Green is known for livestock and agricultural roots. At award-winning Woods Smoked Meats, you can find local proteins to cooking yourself or grab some takeout. The meat sticks are my favorite!
Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in and around Bowling Green. The city maintains two beautiful 40-acre lakes: Jack Floyd Memorial Lake, which features a fishing and boat dock, and West Lake, perfect for canoeing and fishing, with BBQ pits, hiking trails, and primitive camping spots. Both lakes are stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation with bass, catfish, and sunfish. For those seeking even bigger water recreation opportunities, Bowling Green is just 11 miles from the Mississippi River and a 40-minute drive from Mark Twain Lake.
Have you ever visited this gem of a small town? What do you like to do in Bowling Green, Missouri? If you’re looking for some other trip ideas in Missouri, check out our guide! Oh, and I should mention, that if you’re visiting rural small towns in Missouri, you may lose cell service. You’re going to need a quality map!
It's not hard to find a charming small town in Missouri. However, one small town just outside of Kansas City has quietly become one of the coolest places in the Midwest. Parkville is not only beautiful but the town manages to maintain its small town charm while being only minutes from Missouri's largest city, Kansas City. While there you can visit one of the many antique shops, come out for their annual microbrewery festival, or dine at any of the amazing eateries. Come find out why Parkville is so cool, but don't just take our word, visit to find out for yourself!
advertisement
Parkville is just 20 minutes north of Kansas City but it certainly doesn't seem like your average suburb.
The arts are well supported in Parkville. Enjoy a performance from the Parkville Symphonic Band, visit a local art gallery, or check out a cultural event at Park Univeristy.
Visit Parkville for one of their many events. This fall they are hosting multiple 5K runs. Parkville is best known for their annual microbrewery festival in April and the Parkville Days carnival held in August.
So, head to Parkville to find out exactly what makes this little town so cool. Regardless of what activities you're interested in Parkville has something for you.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Parkville, its hard to know what to do first! But we know that no matter what, you'll have a wonderful time.
Have you visited Parkville, MO? What do you think is cool about this small Missouri town? Would you agree that it is among the best small towns in Missouri? We love to read about your experience in the comments section below and please let us know what else we need to do or see on our next visit to Parkville .
Visit another small Missouri town for stunning scenery and festive events during the fall months of the year.
Thinking about taking a Show Me State vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
A lot of Missouri residents and visitors love to go camping. If you'd like to try it in an RV but don't have one, visit RVShare. And whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!
