RURAL MISSOURI: A Tour Of Five Faded Towns In A Quiet Corner Off The State

We visited a quiet corner of Missouri, a place where four states (Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas as well as Missouri) are in close proximity to each other. We toured these 5 towns: Albany, King City, Stanberry, Maryville & Savannah.
Joe's Instagram: / joeysroadtrip
Travel Vlog 241

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

What I love most about small town America is the general tranquility and apparent safety. 🎧 Greetings from Ostend, Belgium.

[@eddiehulk7804]

We'll, so you know, 40% of Americans are on drugs and/or alcoholics. Tranquility because no one goes outside anymore

[@Eagle101Reed]

If you think America is a safe place right now wake up brother.

[@Grant6243]

@@Eagle101Reed outside of major city centers where most crime is happening, what makes you think America as a whole isn't safe? I've driven across the country multiple times over the past few years and have never been concerned about safety, except in places like St Louis, LA, parts of Chicago, Albuquerque, and a few other major cities.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

The problem with living in a very rural area is that everybody knows your business, and your coming and going. I lived in a rural area of Pennsylvania, which is beautiful, but house robberies were rampant. With so few folks around, it was easy to see when someone wasn't home, and that's when you would get robbed. Any one from the "outside" was quickly identified due to a car or style of dress the residents hadn't seen. There is bad with the good.

[@dzikr494]

Stil better place than easter europe

[@anneshoemaker-magdaleno-br9ww]

I could watch you driving past those beautiful homes and yards with old, elegant trees and manicured lawns forever. The first town was absolutely perfect with the stunning courthouse, and street after street of unique homes with lovely porches. I can imagine being a kid riding my bike all over town knowing all was right in my world. I LOVE your fact filled narrations and your love of architecture and history. Your videos can Never be too long! I watch, listen, and learn every day! Thank you and Nicole for sharing your travels! Sincerely, Annie

[@Imagineitisraining]

I agree that his videos can't be too long. Love beautiful neighborhoods like you.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you. :)

[@TinkerTailor4303]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip This is such a nice compliment to you.

[@VickyRenee]

My sister lives in Albany and I go there every month. You're right, it is a very nice town! I live in KC and it's SO nice to come here and get away from the city.

[@WWS78363]

I was in King City a few weeks ago visiting the cemetery located not too far outside of town (family relatives are buried there). Having lived in Missouri and recently making numerous trips back, one day I will be living there. I mention the King City (as I have visited those other cities as well you have) but almost half way you show a clip driving on a rural road and there was a modern windmill. Having been there "back in the day", many farms were dotted with the other ones used for pumping water or provided occasional power for other things. That being said about the family farms, it was never uncommon to see some cows, chickens, pigs (especially the pigs), etc. with miles of row crop. Farmers competed (to a point) with advantages only for those who have larger acreage and/or more farm hands to take care of even rented land from nearby fields. The skylines for that area of Missouri were nothing but trees, vertical silos, and the old-fashioned windmills. Times, sadly, have changed and now areas of western Missouri have the power-generating windmills which in my opinion ruin the beautiful skyline when looking west to follow the beautiful sunsets. It is sad that those who lived before us and long before us remember the beauty of the family farm is now replaced with modernization. Thank you for sharing these videos of your travels (specifically the ones in Missouri). I am indebted to you.

[@mattcrispin6737]

These are the prettiest little towns I have seen on your channel so far. This is how I imagined the rural U.S to be here in the U.K. Pine Bluff, Cairo, Paris, Texas etc have been a bit of a shock. Good to see some of this beautiful architecture etc.

[@andrewward5891]

Marville being a college town probably explains why it’s average income is lower but it’s home values are higher then the other towns in the area. College students don’t make much money but the demand for off campus housing for students probably spurs a good house rental market so investors buy homes to rent out for students (which increases home values in town).

[@mshiss10]

You’re right …. You’d think the gov’t would take into consideration the fact that all the college students leave for 3 months + each year, when they’re doing the numbers.

[@LJones69]

It’s great to hear Nicole’s voice in the background! We moved to Kansas 9 years ago to a small city called Waterville, you probably know that by now as I watch all your videos and comment on most of them. But I found it so odd when we first moved here that no matter how small or poor the cities are, they all have extremely nice looking churches! Sometimes out in the middle of nowhere. I guess that might be why they call it the Bible Belt maybe? Savannah has the Trifecta I like to call, low cost of living, low poverty and low crime,

[@maxium4x4]

Some of the older homes you feature are ordered from Sears or Montgomery Ward catalogs with different owner variations added to them.

[@joycelebaron2582]

I think many of the now-popular Craftsman homes were built that way.

[@Nlarx950]

I just came across this video. Being a home town girl from Maryville, I was pleased to see your segment on us. I haven’t read all of the comments, but I thought I would add that the Big Red Pump Art Deco building was for many years located in Maryville. It was a functioning gas station and then moved to the site of a business on the north edge of town. Finally it was sold and moved out of town.

[@thebunsenburner]

Shame what that town allegedly did to the Colemans.

[@davetaylor4741]

All I can say is there were some good builders floating around in those neighbourhoods. And some very fine architects. Those municipal buildings are gorgeous. Reasonable income. Low living cost. Pretty good all-round places to live.

[@DiscoverHudsonValley]

Doesn't look too depressing or sad to me! Thank you for the tour Joe! Good stuff!! 👍🔥💯

[@amberhansen3806]

Missouri is one of my favorite places ever. I lived in St Louis and loved it

[@Jay-Leigh]

Cup of tea and settled in to watch 😊

[@jackies5481]

I really enjoy your videos. You research the towns, you give facts, talk about the architecture and so much more. I like that you're openminded about places and people. I also love the cat sightings! Keep up the great work!

[@teresap268]

I live in Saint Joseph which is south of the towns in this video. Thanks for viewing towns in my area. Saint Joseph is the home of the Pony Express.

[@lloyddavies5587]

Nick Johnson did a St. Joe video..

[@RedProg]

I find myself now checking real estate in every town you visit. 😅 Thank you for another great roadtrip. 👍

[@Sealight007]

me too--just for the heck of it. If I was 20-30 years younger I would be looking into the potential.

[@jennbasil]

I do too. Takes me double or triple the time to watch the video cuz of it. 😂

[@fabriccouch]

Haha me too!

[@joycelebaron2582]

Me too!

[@cheerbearsue]

I looked up about the wind turbines. This is what I found. “There are more than 8,000 parts to one wind turbine and they can have an operational lifespan of up to 25 years (most last around 20-25 years). They can mostly be recycled at the end of this working life and have increasingly been made from reused materials that have already been recycled.”

[@Randy7th]

Most don't last 20 years-15 is a better expectation. The cost of tearing them down and disassembly is very high

[@sheeplebeware9511]

You are definitely misinformed. The blades are not recycled, they get buried in massive holes. Their projected net positive is long after their lifespan. They're not cheap to maintain and require petrochemicals to do so. Their impact on the local environment including wildlife like birds, and other animals as well as people from exposure to EMFs is also problematic.

[@artmosley3337]

Complete propaganda.. did Greta write that article? I lived in Colorado Spring Co… they built Huge wind farms by Limon.. about 60 miles East of Denver.. worst decision ever by a brainwashed liberal State and local government… they are Only used for Peak Power.. a few hours in the mid mornings to late afternoon.. they break, wear out very quickly, and the worst thing is the synchronized flashing red lights on top of each one.. at night, what was just 8-9 years ago a beautiful rural night landscape with the Purple Mountains in the background, is now a sea of red flashing lights on and off all at the same time…

[@Moochie007]

The courthouse in Maryville reminded me of the building blocks I played with as a child. Beautiful. Thanks again for another splendid tour. (And a quick "hello" to your co-pilot, Nicole.)

[@kathleens.laroche754]

So nice to see what I would consider a normal American town, Albany, Missouri - normal meaning that everything is well kept up. And that Maryville courthouse, so elegant! It's my favorite of all the ones you've covered so far. But all those impressive court houses are a special feature of these middle of the country states. Not being from that area, I had no idea. Somebody should make a coffee table book about them. Your next project?

[@gatorgogo2742]

These were pretty little towns. Love the courthouse in Maryville. Thanks Joe & Nic.

[@maribethspence9458]

I used to live in Albany, MO. My oldest son was born in the hospital there. There's a lot a history there both good and bad. There's so many nice houses there because there used to be a pretty nice college there in until the early to mid 1900's. Unfortunately there in Albany there was some pretty dark history in the early 1900's. Where that bargain outlet store there was probably the smallest Walmart ever for a short time. If you'd gone straight there at the antique store you might have seen a more run down side of town, which is where I lived in a little trailer court with my first son. The town kinda died when Rival manufacturing, the crockpot company closed up and left. I miss that little town. Wish I could go back. My sister still lives in King City and I have niece in Stanberry and I also lived there for a short while in for 2010 to about 2012 maybe 2013

[@JavierNoyola-ot6zi]

Beautiful court houses. Now a days a modern court house is just a square box.

[@curtiseggemeyer5681]

I can see that cultured people live in these towns, they care about the community, this was a real informative video and thankyou Joe and Nic.

[@FrancesBraam-et1wx]

Some very pretty little towns there in Missouri. Glad to hear you'll be coming to Wisconsin. Its gorgeous in the summer, so hope you will spend some breathing time here!

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

I love that you take the time to learn facts about the places you visit…including architectural styles and such. That, plus your usage and knowledge of classical music, really impresses me quite a lot. You’ve said you’re a former bartender. I suppose you picked up a lot of knowledge while tending bar.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Yep, lol. :)

[@bilbobaggins8551]

Turbines are a blight on the landscape.

[@gp10020]

Glad to see Nicole in the video. I miss her inputs and I like when you eat out somewhere

[@ProfSaxby]

This is a great series. But you show homes and courthouses. Do none of these small towns have a library? Sad to think that middle America might be short a few libraries!

[@boomerville]

Savannah, Missouri was named after Savannah Woods, the child of the first settler.

[@olinwright7628]

Awesome small towns. Thanks for this Spoda!!!

[@JakesFable]

I have watched every single one of your videos since the spoda series! Always really appreciate what you do Joey!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!

[@teddibayer]

It's nice that these houses in the towns your toured are not "cookie-cutter" houses. Each one is unique to its neighbor.

[@gingertom2768]

What lovely towns ,Thank you both

[@bryunferri7197]

Thank you for showing us another side of America, you make your trips very interesting to listen too.

[@joycelebaron2582]

I just marvel at the vision and optimism and creativity these town fathers had for their respective towns. I mean in the 1890s there were no cars, never mind freeways so they were out in the middle of nowhere on the Plains, and yet they only saw their towns as the next best thing. I mean, they weren't going to put up a shack and nail a sign out front that said 'courthouse'. Only the best for them, I mean Romanesque? Italianate? High Victorian Gothic? They're so beautiful but where did they come up with that fancy stuff? Amazing.

[@duncan649]

So interesting to see the road less travelled in Rural America. Despite the very real and big problems in many cities, it's good to know that there are still many well kept, proud and safe smaller communities. Excellent commentary, nice laid back style, not too much talking. Having such a splendid wife certainly adds to the overall enjoyment of your videos. Thank you for sharing your great country, regards from the UK.

[@BirdDogey1]

Been around much of these areas. For me, the lack of food diversity would be hard.

[@mrblue2011]

For me too !

[@DonariaRegia]

On the upside, living in a small town is made easier by the internet. All those obscure items that were previously only available in big cities can arrive anywhere. The food thing is would be the biggest challenge. I guess a weekly trip to civilization could fix that.

[@maryflaherty7096]

Another interesting Tour. Love that County Court House. Marysville. Always love to see houses. I shared Humbolt Nebraska with my neighbor. She was so glad to see it. She grew up there and some relatives still live there. Wanted to tell you.

[@catlover614]

A great video, so enjoyable just cruising around and exploring. I love old signage, too, especially the colourful neon ones, so beautiful. Thanks so much, Joe and Nic.🥰

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks, CL!

[@damienwhited87]

Maryville, Missouri is also home to a pretty good NCAA Division 2 football team (Northwest Missouri State).

[@rinalizmi9073]

It's interesting to see not only the abandoned houses from the outside but more on the inside. Would love to see you exploring.

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Joe & Nic, Enjoyable Tour. Safe Travels. always, Tommy🤠

[@zoidmo3388]

I may have said it before while traveling with you- but I'll say it again. God Bless you cause u both really chill me out in this insane world. I thank you so much. 🥰

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@kenseger5684]

Audio kept drifting in and out but still great video. Old homes were fantastic. The videos showing old homes is what makes your videos stand out and on the top of our watch's list every week.

[@holly5791]

You were absolutely right about the storybook house. It is the idyllic storybook house. 🙂

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

I agree with Nickie. Maryville clock tower reminded me of Back to the Future. I was going to say so, just as she clocked in with her comment.

[@pstan5899]

another outstanding tour, thx.

[@dtourville9293]

Nice to see still a form of sanity out there. All those old homes always makes me want to peek if originally built of logs.

[@donaldmilhoan6379]

I liked Savannah MO. Nice looking town. No traffic, peaceful

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

I love the King City green energy museum. The turbines / fans always look so small from the highway! The courthouses in Maryville and Savannah are stunning! I’d love to tour the house that’s 1/2 buried in the ground. This area of MO is beautiful. Some very nice houses and beautiful roads and trees. Great video !

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Alexandra!

[@Plimothrock]

J&N-These small towns video are all outstanding.Please keep up the great work and thank you.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I agree. :)

[@darleenhickson6005]

I've enjoyed watching!

[@ellieramirez413]

I enjoy your videos. Your voice is so soothing 😊

[@LesMorrisracing]

Very nice good to see Nicky. No cats spotted. I figured you two would stop some where to eat. Thanks for the ride along

[@carolynsilvers9999]

I'm a fan of architectural styles. Appreciate that you point them out and identify them. 😊

[@siphomogale779]

Hi everyone i am enjoying the trip as always

[@rocinblues]

Very nice small towns, and the courthouses were outstanding. Safe travels Cheers!

[@noeldelrosario2403]

I enjoyed watching your videos. Thank you. 🇵🇭

[@jockcooper8888]

love your vids, very relaxing. It would be neat to see you stop for a meal at a local place more often like I believe I saw in one of your vids recently.

[@DecayUNCUT]

It's fun to do what you are doing. I miss the days.

[@carlhaldeman420]

I like seeing the areas between the towns, the farm ground, pastures and hay fields.

[@blessiSwu]

I get super excited whenever i see you post!! ❤️

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool!

[@blessiSwu]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip i'm crying 🥺🥺 you're my mr beast.

[@robviousobviously5757]

you were so close to Weston MO... worth a visit... distillery, winery & lots of shops.. touristy, but fun day trip.

[@clifhiker]

I enjoy your videos very much! As a retired school teacher I wouldn't mind seeing the schools in these communities ... although I understand, for safety perhaps, not showing them. I think schools show a community's pride (or lack of it) in where they live. Again thanks!

[@RobinGerhart]

So nice to visit places I haven’t been thru your camera lens!

[@Mtb9r]

Lot of family members live in king city. Nice area

[@johnscannell4189]

Hey Joe & Nic, I just found your channel and really enjoy it! You both are enjoyable to listen to. I love going through small, older towns. I will definitely watch you both as you travel around America. Yes, I subscribed.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Welcome aboard! I'm glad you're here.

[@debbiestewart6756]

We found channel month or so ago and have been binging from the beginning! We also will go to small towns to visit. I am from a small IL town originally

[@InvestgoldUK]

I am currently enjoying your videos en masse and I’m amazed by the level of commercial outlets in small towns with less than 1000 people. In the uk villages this size lose it all, even the pub and shop

[@davidbrown4540]

11:37: That is your CLASSIC Haunted House! That is a house you just ROLL ON BY...

[@juergenlohse6902]

Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Germany

[@UTxTheArchangel]

It'd be nice to see videos like these and just acknowledge how different a small town can be vs a heavily populated city. Witness what architecture was maintained or rebuilt to show off history. Instead the comments have a habit of getting turned into bigots making the video racial. Which I'd bet a lot of money isn't Joe's intent with the videos. So folks should be respectful to his channel and not ruin the good experiences.

[@user-ts3nu6jz9d]

Awesome! What beautiful clean little towns. Stunning architecture. No cat sightings, did get a dog though. He looked like he was coming to let you pet him. I too would like to see you take that sign down. You ain't skeered! Once again I felt like I was there. Thanks Joe and Nicole!

[@atleeriksen8514]

I love your videoes. Makes me know The US nooks and crannies more. Albany looked very nice, clean and a place I could live.

[@pvlittle2024]

I love you channel ❤️ u did a great job, thank y

[@bonnieleelee9936]

I love your videos. Thanks so much.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@lisahaganLFC]

Love your videos , all the best from Liverpool England ✌

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@patm5594]

Good video, nice part of Missouri

[@lisahaganLFC]

Them windmills kills alot of birds I've seen on a documentary I've watched here on KZbin. So if that's true then it's not all good.

[@sheeplebeware9511]

Yes, they are not at all what they're cracked up to be.

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

As a teen we would drive to Albany just to hang out... Our town of Denver Mo. there was nothing to do but get in trouble. If anything go messed up they knew that the Hall boy were bored, Needless to say we would get a strapping/ belting/ whooping however you want to call it. My grandfather preached a few times in Kings City. Yea that part of Missouri was part of my stomping grounds when we were down... By the way back in the 70's Denver Mo. had 104 people. Our family made up 26 of that... LOL......

[@user-bf7ug1ke1y]

Awesome video on Albany I was born and raised in Albany Missouri

[@JamesFraley]

If you get a chance, make a trip through Mount Vernon, Stotts City, Sarcoxie, Pierce City, and Monett Missouri. I grew up there and would love to see how they've changed in the last 30 years.

[@heatherkanto6037]

Been to Albany a few times. I worked for a regional retailer called PM Place Stores (Place's) headquartered in Bethany MO who was bought out in 1999 by Pamida Inc .... I've been to several of the small towns in the north.

[@cherienafo7676]

Another great tour U2 !! love those 2 storey houses under big trees- very 'Americana' to me, dont have them in OZ, wish we did. Thanks guys ! Cheers from Sth Australia.

[@NSGca]

Not sad, outright depressing. I have to take a break from the videos. ✌️

[@janefinley-english1051]

Beautiful houses indeed! I was quite surprised, as other parts of Missouri were e really sad. Would be interesting to know what industries fuel tge towns. Thanks as always! ♥️✌🏽

[@jonathanlee5185]

👍Thanks. These travel dash-cams really add a visual dimension to my reading of John Grisham, Jonathan Frazen and other all-American novels (though you are not to blame for my cheesy literary tastes here!)👍

[@verohamer8245]

Thanks 🙏 greetings from the Nederlands

[@manyinterests1961]

I also immediately thought of Back to the Future when Maryville segment started

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Always a delight to hear and see Nickie…your best asset. (Believe me…I know my best asset.)

[@juliogonzales5441]

Great 👍 video...keep it going

[@VickyRenee]

I know ALL these towns!! Cool video!

[@mariesheppard3750]

Still loving your videos . from BC Canada, so much wasted home , so many homeless Wow little hot out there, here its 80 F and will be all week

[@DonariaRegia]

Goes to Albany "WTF there are no crappy houses here guys, on to the next town." 😭😂

[@af-np4pg]

Small town America forever!

[@Imagineitisraining]

I've never given much thought to Kansas other that hearing about tornados and Dorothy . 😀 The homes are beautiful and people seem to care. I can see me living there. . An enjoyable video. Thanks. Nice to see Nicole out with you. Speaking of heat, middle Alamaba is suffering under the heat. Not like Texas. It seems a bit early to me. Y'all stay safe.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks! :)

[@SajjadKhan-jn7cw]

i really enjoy your videos very informative thanks for sharing

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks for watching!

[@arthurcontrivida7227]

Nice content.watching here from Phil.8:52pm

[@Nicksonian]

An anthropologist should study a place like Albany, MO to try to figure out why it remains a largely nice, functioning town, while so many in the same region are going the way of Detroit. It’s puzzling.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

It’s the county seat. Those towns usually fare better, due to the fact that the county government and courthouse are there.

[@barkeater9606]

They know the answer, but will never say it. It’s not politically correct.

[@Nicksonian]

@@barkeater9606 I’ll say it then. I’m not saying you’re necessarily wrong, but many, many of the failing towns across America are largely white. If you’ve watched a number of Joe’s videos, you’d know that.

[@r5u26d3]

Many towns failed because of declining industry. It’s difficult to replace. But the right demographics plays a role. Towns with a majority of people of northern European stock will do better . People of African stock will fare worse.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

@@barkeater9606 Are you trying to say that it is due to race? No. These small towns are all largely white. Race has nothing to do with it.

[@maribethspence9458]

I think that really ornate building as you drove into Stanberry, the one that is a bank now might have been the original post office, at any rate that building is also very old and beautiful inside...if it's still like it was inside when I banked there. It looked like walking into an 1800's bank or what ever it was back in those days.

[@tranchiegarvin6499]

No, that was a "Hella!" cool house.

[@DeBeard]

Big pump…wow, impressive installation😮