Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Villa Ridge Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee offers laid-back comfort with a nod to Route 66's scenic allure. Featuring the proud slogan "Where the Ozarks Begin," it celebrates Villa Ridge, Missouri: a charming stop where the rolling hills of the Ozarks first greet travelers. Perfect for nature lovers, history buffs and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee honors the rustic allure of a town rich with classic motels and gas stations.
Celebrate Villa Ridge: a Route 66 gem in Franklin County, where the Sunset Motel, The Diamonds Restaurant and the historic Zephyr Gas Station mark the start of the Ozarks' rugged beauty. Villa Ridge's small town vibe and natural splendor make it a standout on the Mother Road.
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About Villa Ridge, Missouri: A Scenic Gateway to the Mother Road
Villa Ridge sits in Franklin County along the 1926-1950s alignment of Route 66. True to its name, this elevated "village on the ridge" divides the Meramec and Missouri River watersheds, giving travelers their first real taste of the Ozark's famous rolling hills. Originally a key stop on the highway between St, Louis and Jefferson City, Villa Ridge gained even more prominence when Route 66 was established in 1926, quickly becoming a welcoming waypoint for early motorists.
The town's Route 66 heritage is preserved in its impressive collection of classic mid-century landmarks. The Sunset Motel remains a beloved relic of roadside Americana, while The Diamonds Restaurant, which first opened in 1927 and was famously was rebuilt in 1948, fed generations of travelers and became one of the best-known eateries on the highway.
Another highlight is the Quonset-style Zephyr Gas Station, built in 1946. Through it now operates as a alternate store, its historic architecture continues to charm visitors. Together with the long-lost Pin Oak Motel, these sites embody the golden age of American road travel.
Though bypassed by a new, four-lane alignment of Route 66 in the 1950s, Villa Ridge retains much of its historic character. Today travelers can still enjoy a preserved stretch of the original alignment along MO-100 and County Road AT: a quiet scenic journey into the Ozark foothills that evokes the romance of the open road.
The legacy of Villa Ridge is kept alive not only by its surviving landmarks but also by its place in the wider Route 66 community. Events such as the Route 66 Cubafest, which is held in nearby Cuba, MO, celebrate the enduring spirit of the Mother Road and ensure that towns like Villa Ridge remain part of the living story of America's most famous highway.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
