Lodging's a little hard to come by in some parts of southwest Missouri. After striking out at 2 local B&B's** we (2 of us) ended up at the Aurora Inn. Located just off U.S. highway 60 on the south side of Aurora, MO.

It's a small motel in a small town that propably doesn't get much traffic. Most folks are speeding towards Branson, or Springfield, or where ever. But the place was clean and comfortable if a bit uninspired in it's appearance and decor. Our room had recently been painted and the carpet looked new. Furniture was sparse but satisfactory, didn't notice anything worn or tattered. There was a mini-fridge and microwave which were clean and functioned properly. The king bed was actually pretty comfortable, not a rock but not a marshmellow either. You don't get 50 cable channels and pay-per-view movies on your TV and you won't get huge fluffy towels like you'd find at a spa. But what you do get will do you just fine for a few nights.

They claim there's wireless internet available. We didn't use this feature. You can skip their continental breakfast. Go across the street to Wal-Mart and buy some groceries and you'll be much better off. For lunch or dinner ask 'em for directions to Richard's Hawgwild Barbecue (try the pulled pork).

**I tried several times over 2 days to call the B&B's. I never reached a live person at either. One had a full voice-mail box that would take no more messages, the other had it's phone disconnected.