Discover Here – Right Now

Indeed, Missouri is an awesome state. This issue we hope to give you a lot of reasons to consider vacationing locally. Why stay here you say? Well, just consider the amount of variety the Show-Me State has to offer. Among rivers and lakes, we have more than 1,000 miles of shoreline (that’s more coastline area than California). The abundance of clear rivers and streams provide attractive conditions for paddlers and kayakers. If you want to boat, swim or fish, The Lake of the Ozarks was voted the best recreational lake by USA Today readers and 10Best.com in 2015.

Is hiking on your list? There are nearly 700 miles of trails that zigzag throughout 1,000 miles of conservation areas. If you are a trout fisherman or always wanted to cast a line, the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks 1.5 million trout annually. That’s a lot of fish! Then there is an abundance of wildlife to hunt or enjoy. You might even be inspired to try out some of the wild game recipes and tips we provide.

Hunter or not, stop by the renowned Bass Pro Shop’s Outdoor World in Springfield, which attracts visitors from around the world. And never to be forgotten, Branson is the ever-popular family destination with non-stop live music shows and entertainment parks. If you are looking for culture, there are art galleries to explore in Columbia, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City. The Kaufman Center for Performing Arts features national touring performers and performances, and be sure to have barbecue while you’re in Kansas City. Who doesn’t love good jazz? There are great options in both Kansas City and St. Louis. Immerse yourself in history at the Henry S. Truman’s Presidential Library in Independence and Mark Twain’s boyhood home museum in Hannibal. Never mind Napa Valley; there are plenty of vineyards for your journey throughout the state. And, known as the gateway to the west, be sure to ride the Gateway Arch to the top, the country’s tallest national monument located in St. Louis of course.

Although we’ve only scratched the surface, we hope you will consider a few of these destinations and be inspired to find even more.

Happy journeys in the Show-Me State.

Suzanne Wonderly Gibson, Editor
suzanne@businesstimescompany.com