Ins and Outs of Hannibal

How to get there: To get to Hannibal from St. Louis, take Missouri 70 to Wentsville, then Missouri 61 north. It’s four lanes most of the way. For the scenic route, take Missouri 70 to St. Peter’s, then Missouri 79 north to Hannibal.

Where to eat: The Carriage House, U.S. 61 at Clinic Road, is famous for prime rib for $10.95. Country Kitchen, 4793 McMasters Ave., has smothered chicken with mushrooms, onions and cheese for $6.45, and traditional fried chicken for $5.25.

The Mark Twain Family Restaurant, 3rd and Hill streets, is known for its Maid-Rite hamburger, $1.22. Four pieces of fried chicken with all the trimming are $5.45.

At the Ole Planters Restaurant, 316 N. Main, guests can get ribs, chicken and shrimp dishes for $7.95. The Molly Brown Dinner Theater, 200 N. Main, features a lunch and dinner show. Lunch is $7.95 for an open-face barbeque sandwich, vegetable and beverage. Dinner-theater prices start at $14.95.

Housed in the second-oldest federal building in the state of Missouri, the Missouri Territory Restaurant & Lounge at 600 Broadway, once a courthouse, has an outstanding seafood buffet on Friday evenings for $11.95.

Where to stay: Heading the bed and breakfasts are the Garth Woodside Mansion and the Fifth Street Mansion. The former (south on U.S. 61 to Warren Barrett Drive), built in 1871, was the country home of the Garth family.

The Fifth Street Mansion, 213 S. Fifth, functioned as the city home of the Garths, who were lifelong friends of Mark Twain. Prices are the same. Both B&Bs; are noted for antique furnishings and substantial breakfasts, and room rates that range from $51 to $70.

More accommodations include the Hannibal House Motor Inn, 3603-11 McMasters Ave., (314) 221-7950, rates from $38-$48; Econolodge, 612 Mark Twain Ave., (314) 221-1490, $45-$55; Holiday Inn, U.S. 61 at Market Street, (800) 325-0777, $57-$61, with indoor pool; Super 8 Motel, Highway 61 South and Huckleberry Heights Drive, (800) 843-1991, $39-$50.

For more information: Contact the Hannibal Visitors & Convention Bureau, 623 Broadway, P.O. Box 624, Hannibal, Mo. 63401, (314) 221-2477, for a 1990 Hannibal visitor’s guide with map and other details.