Small glass containers the color of candy and stuffed with posies hung in a shop window. Plates swirled with blue and gold perched on shelves and beckoned browsers to come inside.

Raven's Nest Gallery, 111 North Main St., in Hannibal, Mo., is a shop of intricacies. Fused glass creations by artist and shop owner Dakota Raven Meshko are exhibited in the front gallery. From a room divider screen, impressive in size and beauty, to bright, inexpensive coasters, art lovers can find treasures here.

Two years ago, Meshko relocated from Denver, Colo., to Hannibal in order to be a part of an economic development effort known as 50 Miles of Art: The Provenance Project. Three communities along state Route 79–Hannibal, Louisiana and Clarksville–are getting the word out that not only is this a scenic part of Missouri, it's a region where artists can live and work. Art lovers find their treasures and artists find their niches here.

Sweeping off the welcome mat

George Walley, executive director of the Northeast Missouri Development Authority, said the 50 Miles of Art initiative was launched in 2000 to spur economic activity along state Route 79. The program saw artists as a small business market that’s not often tapped for economic growth.

“You don’t see art projects within economic development,” Walley said. But the idea was awarded start-up grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Missouri Arts Council and the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The communities also did fundraising.

“We said to artists, ‘We see you as part of our tourism and economic components,’” Walley said.

Artists came from around the country, as far as California, to northeast Missouri. They came for tax breaks, for the small-town life experience and the adventure.

As early as 2001, towns were seeing new businesses. Clarksville was the first to take off.

“They filled a row of dilapidated buildings facing the river. Given the number of artists per capita, I’d call Clarksville an artists’ colony,” Walley said.

Hannibal and Louisiana soon followed suit.  Although Walley said it’s hard to tell how much economic impact the project has had on the region, 50 Miles of Art will continue to be a marketing tool, the “fishhook in the pond” to attract businesses to Main Street.

Come for Twain, stay to shop

Most tourists will visit Hannibal to soak up the Mark Twain lore. The city’s attractions that relate to Samuel Clemen’s life as a boy in Hannibal are first-rate and shouldn’t be missed. But visitors also should explore the fine arts and crafts community in town.

In addition to Meshko’s shop of custom glass and textile art, Hannibal’s Main Street is home to The Alliance Gallery (201 Main St.), a place where 14 artists working in different media can showcase their creations.

The Native American Trading Company and Gallery (123 N. Main St.) has authentic Native American goods created by Southwest, Pueblo and Plains Indians. Fine paintings, jewelry and clothing are among the treasures Mike O’Cheltree has collected for patrons. O’Cheltree, who has been in Hannibal for four years, hosted a national artist, Hermon Adams of Arizona, in November 2004 for a showing and demonstrations. He said the event exceeded his expectations and plans to do it again this year.

Potter Steve Ayers has called Hannibal home since 1985. His two shops–Fresh Ayers, 213 N. Main St., and Ayers Pottery, 308 N. Third St.–feature functional stoneware pottery with vivid glazes.

There’s also a glass-blowing studio, a hammer dulcimer shop and fiber arts mixed into the variety of galleries on Main, Hill and Market streets. 

Take a break from exploring at Java Jive, 211 N. Main St. While sipping a caramel latte, browse the textiles, fused and stained glass art by local artists that is displayed in the coffee café.

Hearty Midwestern fare can be found at the landmark Mark Twain Dinette, 400 N. Third St. For more than 60 years, this family restaurant located next to Mark Twain’s Home and Museum has fed residents and tourists with items like fried chicken, catfish sandwiches, monster-sized burgers and the biggest pork tenderloin sandwich I’ve ever seen. Leave room for pie or sweets like the Mississippi Mud Malt (chocolate Oreo cookies, caramel and vanilla ice cream).

Walk off those calories by visiting Twain sites, including the Mark Twain Museum two blocks south of the boyhood home. There’s a great replica of a steamboat pilothouse and works by Norman Rockwell.

Other sites with a Twain theme include the Becky Thatcher Home, Rockcliffe Mansion, Mark Twain Cave, Mark Twain Mississippi Riverboat or “Mark Twain Himself” at the Planters Barn Theater, 319 N. Main St.  

For an overnight stay, Hannibal has hotel and bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

To continue on the 50 Miles of Art tour, head south on Route 79 for about 30 miles to Louisiana, a town of about 3,600 people that is becoming known for its outdoor murals.

Every picture tells a story

Colorful murals are the first things visitors to Louisiana will notice. Twenty murals have been painted on various buildings within the last four years. Three to four are planned for this year. The murals pay tribute to the towns history, river heritage and local sights. The paintings, developed by the Louisiana Mural Organization, are designed to paint the picture to visitors that Louisiana is the place for a day trip or weekend getaway. The public artwork enhances other revitalization going on in town.

Along historic Georgia Street, architectural gems are undergoing restoration. Off Georgia Street is artist John Stoeckley’s Reflections of Missouri Gallery, (107 S. 9^th St.). The restored stagecoach stop has a welcoming effect, much like the pen, ink and watercolor images of Missouri’s historical sites, colleges and cities created by Stoeckley. Viewing his artwork is like a walk down memory lane.

Have lunch, dinner, a glass of wine or a coffee at The Eagle’s Nest Winery, Inn and Bistro, 221 Georgia St. The color pencil drawings of Clark Stoeckley are on permanent view.

Northwest of Louisiana on Route UU is a treasure that’s tricky to find but worth the trip. Saint Louis University’s Henry Lay Sculpture Park features more than a dozen works by American and international artists. Open March through December, visitors can stroll the two-mile trail and view sculptures in various media, including bronze and wood.

From Route 79, go west on U.S. Highway 54 for 3.5 miles, then turn right on state Route UU and continue northwest for three miles until you see the park’s entrance.

Continue south on scenic Highway 79 from Louisiana for nine miles to Clarksville, a river hamlet known for bald eagles and a reborn riverfront.

Flying with the eagles

During winter months, Clarksville is busy with tourists viewing bald eagles. But they can view wonderful artwork in pottery, glass, pewter and wood any time of year.

Several shops and galleries can be explored. Thomas and Patricia Hooper offer hand-crafted items at ASL Pewter, 114 Howard St. Pamper yourself with handmade soaps or oils at Bee Naturals, 108 Howard St. Jewelry and decorative accessories by Gale Bez can be found at Sacre Bleu..! Gallery and Studio, 101 S. Front St. When in town, look for art exhibits or performances at The Apple Shed, which sets on the side of Route 79. All are a short walk from Riverfront Park.  Most businesses will have a walking tour booklet to help visitors see more of Clarksville.

A good place to eat in town is the Steamboat Restaurant, 202 N. Second St. Hearty, country dishes in sizeable portions are offered. The dining room view of the river is wonderful.

This scenic drive can be done in one day, but combining it with an overnight stay allows a traveler to see more of each town. Upcoming events, including the annual Gallery and Studio Tour Nov. 5 and 6, encourage visitors to linger.

In any season, a drive along scenic Highway 79 in Missouri is a delight.

Deborah Reinhardt is managing editor of “AAA Midwest Traveler” magazine in St. Louis.