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

[@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

[@Callylily7]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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,

[@carolynsilvers9999]

You should check out Lone Jack Mo.. famous Civil War battle town with mass grave. Interesting history

[@Mtb9r]

Lot of family members live in king city. Nice area

[@boomerville]

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

[@DiscoverHudsonValley]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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..

[@amberhansen3806]

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

[@artfuldetective7447]

Thanks for this, it's appreciated! I'm from KCMO born and raised but live in Germany now. I miss all those beautiful sleepy little towns I'd pass through when on a road trip or going canoeing. I also love the old and abandoned houses. So curious as to the stories they'd tell. 🥰

[@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.)

[@donnaemslie5729]

Had many relatives who lived in Maryville since the late 1880’s, grave, spent many summers and holidays there. Loved this video familiar with all these towns, live in the area! Thanks

[@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.

[@Jay-Leigh]

Cup of tea and settled in to watch 😊

[@gatorgogo2742]

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

[@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?

[@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!

[@olinwright7628]

Awesome small towns. Thanks for this Spoda!!!

[@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

[@gp10020]

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

[@JavierNoyola-ot6zi]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@suresh77781]

Maryville, MO bring back old memories when I was studying at NWMSU (Northwest Missouri State University). Had wonderful memories there. I am presently living in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia. Thank you for the video

[@bryunferri7197]

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

[@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.

[@ellieramirez413]

I enjoy your videos. Your voice is so soothing 😊

[@catherinenegus9094]

Thanks for covering my little corner of the state. So appreciated.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davecobb5323]

from your little map it looks like yall drove through Rock Port, MO. would have been pretty cool to see my tiny lil hometown on your video.

[@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

[@carolynsilvers9999]

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

[@teddibayer]

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

[@janeswearngin3620]

You drove through Stanberry and Maryville, Missouri, but completely missed Conception Basilica, Conception Junction, and Clyde Convent. Huge mistake. I hope you go back some day. They have lodging and food available. It's a serene environment that I think you would love.

[@donnaemslie5729]

My mom was born in Conception Junction, wish he had gone thru there

[@robviousobviously5757]

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

[@mollyswanner1607]

New here, from Missouri and enjoying the channel! I wish the smaller towns took better care of the roads. It makes such a difference! My small town is not so small anymore, but i really appreciate the good care of the streets.

[@dkdoodle]

They vote against taxes and additionally have a small tax base/population, and that’s where road funding would come from.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! ♥️✌🏽

[@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!

[@damienwhited87]

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

[@donaldmilhoan6379]

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

[@holly5791]

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

[@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

[@jasonturner3512]

Generator blades are recycled. They are fiberglass. Some cement company grindscthem into small pieces and burns them to generate electricity.

[@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.

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@KungFuFighter-h3k]

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!

[@siphomogale779]

Hi everyone i am enjoying the trip as always

[@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.

[@Plimothrock]

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

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I agree. :)

[@Callylily7]

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! :)

[@tennkid5335]

The house at 18:28 is called an earth home. You see those alot in Missouri.

[@gingertom2768]

What lovely towns ,Thank you both

[@RobinGerhart]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@poowg2657]

More old railroad towns that haven't seen a train in decades. The architecture in that area is amazing. Thanks for bringing us along on the tour again. Enjoyed it much!

[@rocinblues]

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

[@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!)👍

[@travisadams4470]

On your return trip to Texas, if you get the chance, drive through Pampa, The City of Panhandle, Borger, Dumas, White Deer and Skelly Town. Skelly Town is almost a ghost town and will be gone in a decade.

[@georgiaanderson4483]

Earth contact house. Saves on heating and cooling 😎

[@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.

[@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.

[@blessiSwu]

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

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool!

[@blessiSwu]

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

[@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!

[@amandamaudlin2853]

Stanberry has a library. He drove by it after post office

[@donnaemslie5729]

Maryville has a library, my aunt worked there for years

[@Kerguelen1]

Oh, please tell me that you’re going to visit Hand County, SD! The teaming metropolis of Miller, the county seat is a shoe in, surely!

[@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.

[@noeldelrosario2403]

I enjoyed watching your videos. Thank you. 🇵🇭

[@DecayUNCUT]

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

[@snufl]

Wind turbines are green only in how the power is generated. They take hundreds of gallons of oil that has to be changed every few months, and apparently the blades can be recycled for something now, but not in an amount that offsets how many waste blades are created.

[@manyinterests1961]

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

[@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......

[@pstan5899]

another outstanding tour, thx.

[@dagwood1327]

There is a company that grinds the wind generator blades and makes some kind of composite out of them.

[@sheeplebeware9511]

There's a giant windmill graveyard in Texas where they bury them.

[@lisahaganLFC]

Love your videos , all the best from Liverpool England ✌

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@shelleyswan535]

When you get back to Wisconsin check out Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Ripon, Berlin, and Green Lake.

[@GlennMoad-w3m]

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

[@pvlittle2024]

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

[@crimsonpearl4686]

Please come to central NJ! Would love to hear your thoughts driving through.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I will be. 😀

[@crimsonpearl4686]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Great, im in the Princeton area

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

@@crimsonpearl4686 I drove through there and scouted it out. Beautiful. 👍

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

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

[@soozeesg]

What area of Wisconsin you are going to? I live on the eastern side in a place called Manitowoc. Lots of older towns in this area, also a WWII submarine like was built here during the war! Just some thoughts on an area you might want to see. We also have the Lake Michigan car ferry!

[@DeBeard]

Big pump…wow, impressive installation😮

[@Stormie007]

Joplin had a major tornado ya'll, 2011..it leveled the whole town..I lived in Missouri then 30yes, @lake of the ozarks, n Tn now..

[@DustpanJoe]

I loved that the first town was boring and doing good lol. Nice change of pace.