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Fun Travels Across the United States

MISSOURI 

NEWS: (Note) - Towns follow the news.

Missouri has a lot to offer - more than 200 lodging facilities, 130 restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual to lakeside eateries, three commercial show caves, 16 world-class golf courses, relaxing spas, two state parks, a 110-stre premier shopping outlet, antique stores galore, miniature golf, bumper cars, 10 cent-skee ball and, a 54,000 acre lake. For details, check the News, Cities and Towns listed below.

The 4-Diamond Chateau On The Lake Resort & Spa In Branson, Missouri Offering “Girls’ Spa Getaway Package” (Details below under Branson)

The Wild Canid Survival and Research Center --

(wildcanidcenter.org) is offering new programs that promise to be a howling good time. On the third Friday of each month, it’s the Wine and Cheese Wolf Howls, a truly unique adults-only evening. In addition to the obvious wine and cheese, guests are treated to an informative lecture-style program on wolf communication and behavior that explores the myths and misconceptions surrounding wolves. The evening ends with a short walk to howl with the wolves followed by delectable desserts and coffee – Arrooooo!

The Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail--

in nearby Alton (visitalton.com) features 10 historic sites related to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. In addition to the famous Lincoln-Douglas Square, where the last of the great debates took place, visitors can walk in the footsteps of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as Civil War soldiers from both sides of the conflict. The Alton sites include locations where Confederate soldiers were held captive, died and were buried, and where U.S. Senator Lyman Trumbull authored the 13th Amendment, putting an end to slavery in the United States.

Habitat For The Declining Cerulean Warbler And Other Wildlife Conserved In Ozarks

A coalition including American Bird Conservancy, the state of Missouri, The Nature Conservancy, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation has protected 80 acres containing important floodplain habitat in the watershed of the Current River, one of North America’s most biologically diverse streams. The parcel links together federal and state protected lands and provides breeding habitat for the Cerulean Warbler, whose population is declining throughout its range.

Approximately 37 acres of the tract are in riparian flood plain and have been identified as Cerulean Warbler breeding habitat. American Bird Conservancy committed $35,000 to the purchase price of the tract because it is in an area of the Ozarks where there are high densities of Cerulean Warbler in the floodplain forests of the Jack’s Fork and Current River.

“While the Horse Creek tract was cleared a few decades ago, it has transitioned back into a mature bottomland forest with characteristics that Cerulean Warblers prefer: well-developed canopy layers and canopy gaps where tall trees, like sycamores or cottonwoods, emerge above the tops of other trees,” said Jane Fitzgerald, Central Hardwoods Joint Venture coordinator for American Bird Conservancy.

She also added that by protecting this property, it would prevent the land from being cleared, which allows Brown-headed Cowbirds to increase. The Cowbirds is a brood parasite that can impact the Cerulean Warbler population, which has declined by approximately 70% since the mid-1960s.

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation committed $55,500 through the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund. “MCHF through its Stream Stewardship Trust Fund was eager to help protect the Horse Creek Tract. This property was important for us because it closed a three-sided inholding on public land, contained a high-quality aquatic resource that was vulnerable to adverse private development, and occurs in a Conservation Opportunity Area as identified by the Missouri Department of Conservation,” said Rick Thom, executive director of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.

In addition to preserving excellent habitat for declining bird species, this land acquisition preserves three springs and over half a mile of Horse Creek, a beautiful Ozark stream. While assessing the property, biologists discovered a healthy blooming population of the rare Tall larkspur growing along the creek banks. This handsome wildflower is a popular nectar source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

This acquisition is part of American Bird Conservancy’s Cerulean Warbler conservation program that is restoring and protecting breeding habitat, reducing threats, and developing and providing habitat management recommendations for landowners to optimize conditions for Cerulean Warblers and associated forest species. The project has protected lands for the Cerulean Warbler and critically endangered birds in Latin America, including the creation of the first Cerulean Warbler Reserve in Colombia, protecting 252 acres of wintering habitat.

“This land purchase is the first acquisition in the United States by American Bird Conservancy, and the first in the Central Hardwoods Bird Conservation Region specifically to protect habitat for a high-priority terrestrial bird species,” said Jane Fitzgerald. “This year, American Bird Conservancy also helped reforest abandoned mine lands in Ohio and Virginia as part of the Appalachian Regional Restoration Initiative to support populations of declining bird species including the Wood Thrush, Cerulean, Blue-winged, and Hooded Warblers.

American Bird Conservancy operates the Bird News Network, which distributes the latest information about birds and bird conservation through videos, press releases, and news stories. Video releases are available at Bird News Network Videos or view the latest news stories and subscribe to the network's RSS feed at www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/latestnews.html

BRANSON

White River Fish House Opened on Branson Landing

White River Fish House Restaurant – just a short cast away from Bass Pro Shops White River Outpost on Branson Landing – had its grand opening in October '07.
The unique floating White River Fish House seats up to 307 people. Visitors can relax on the bank of Lake Taneycomo and enjoy the great taste of the Ozarks with a unique dining experience. The restaurant pays tribute to the White River, which was one of the first “highways” used by early American settlers to reach what was once a vast, uncharted wilderness. The river has helped shape Ozarks history.

When entering the restaurant, diners will be awed by the stunning view of Lake Taneycomo and the surrounding countryside. With wall-to-wall sliding glass doors and windows on three sides of the restaurant, there’s a tremendous view of the lake from every seat. The doors slide open to create a wonderful fresh-air experience while being sheltered from the elements. There’s also a fabulous stone fireplace to warm the body after a day on the lake or shopping at Branson Landing.

Diners will be surrounded by what helped make the river a staple part of the Ozarks: antique motors, fishing equipment, paddles, boats and trophy mouths of local fish species.
In addition to the large dining room and bar area, there are two private dining rooms for more intimate gatherings. The restaurant is trimmed with wood and beautiful wooden beams.

The menu is full of local fare, including trout, catfish, walleye, St. Louis-style barbecue ribs, Ozarks hickory-smoked prime rib, steaks, chicken, hamburgers and sandwiches. You’ll also be able to sample a taste of the ocean, including tilapia, mahi mahi, tuna and shrimp.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. It does not accept reservations.

Steve Todd is general manager of the restaurant; Tom Metzner is chef; and Kacie Cramer is the front manager.

About Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops, an international catalog and internet retailer, is also America’s most popular outdoor store, offering shoppers the largest selection of quality outdoor gear, clothing and accessories from top industry names and at value prices. More than just hunting and fishing stores, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World stores are also part museum, part art gallery, part education, conservation and entertainment centers. They offer equipment for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, boating, outdoor cooking and more. A gift and nature center also serves up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture. 

Award-winning in their concept and design, Bass Pro Shops retail stores are rated high as tourist-destination picks. They were recently selected by Sporting Goods Business Magazine as the #1 outdoor retailer in America. Some 90 million people visit the stores annually. Widely recognized for their efforts in conservation and outdoor education, Bass Pro Shops stores also offer Outdoor Skills Workshops for adults, kids and families. Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops currently has 47 retail locations in 26 states and Canada. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun.

For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO. 

Branson Landing, New Hotel and Convention Center, More Great Golf

A $420 million sprawling shopping, dining, luxury lodging, condominium and convention center facility, situated along 95 acres of Lake Taneycomo shoreline in the historic downtown, Branson Landing is the largest development of its kind in the state's history. Anchored by Belk department store and Bass Pro Shop's White River Outpost, Branson Landing boasts over 100 specialty shops and restaurants. In Town Square of Branson Landing is the new boutique Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing with 242 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which have spectacular views of the $7.5 million water spectacular that synchronizes light, sound, music and fire. Adjacent to Branson Landing sits the new Branson Convention Center that will open late this summer and accommodate some 4,500 people in a stunning, state-of-the-art setting.

A curving, exposed timber pedestrian concourse offers a pleasing view of the waterfront as visitors walk between the center's meeting and exhibit space and the adjacent Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, where guests will have a chance to experience the pampering luxury of a metropolitan hotel in the heart of small-town America. Convention-goers will soon have even more reasons to extend their stay with Murder Rock championship golf course at Branson Creek set to open in August and The Tribute, honoring the memory of Payne Stewart, opening next year in Branson Hills.
Relaxation and Recreation

On top of the tremendous variety of live entertainment and attractions awaiting guests in Branson this year, the 301-room, AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Chateau on the Lake Resort and Convention Center presents the ultimate in relaxation, a $6 million, 14,000-square foot spa overlooking Table Rock Lake. Spa Chateau features 10 treatment rooms, an outdoor Roman bath, men's barber spa, salon, fitness studio for group and individual instruction, and an all-new state-of-the-art fitness center located in the main resort.

At the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, guests have the opportunity to walk among thousands of exotic butterflies, watch a 3D movie about their life cycle, and experience the sight and sound of a real rainforest.

Of course, the surrounding Ozark Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop for all of this spectacular entertainment and are the perfect playground for the growing number of outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, bike or ride horseback through the beautiful wooded hills; there are three crystal-clear lakes offering water activities and fishing galore with easy access to boating, canoeing, kayaking, cruises, houseboats, jet-skiing and even "duck" rides.

"Branson has seen record-breaking growth in the past few years and we will continue to see expansion for years to come. Our new and better roads make coming into and getting around in Branson much easier for our visitors. And we continue to be the friendly, hometown place that people have enjoyed for many, many years," said Summers.

To order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit www.explorebranson.com.

DENHAM SPRINGS

Bass Pro Shops Opened

Bass Pro Shops will be coming to Denham Springs later this year. The store will be the anchor to a planned 75-acre development at I-12 and Range Avenue. The 163,000 square-foot store will include an Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant.

The Bass Pro Shops store is themed to the Denham Springs area and features a large aquarium, wildlife dioramas, an 11,430 square foot Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant and a boat service center. The store added approximately 300 jobs and should bring in thousands of visitors to the area as Bass Pro Shops stores typically attract over 3 million visitors per year.

INDEPENDENCE

Vacation in Independence!  

President Harry S. Truman loved his country with the same patriotic fervor that he felt for his beloved hometown of Independence. Stop in at the historic Bingham-Waggoner House, 313 W. Pacific. The exhibit is free with regular admission, which is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-16. The home is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Then head up to the historic Independence Square, where you can hitch a ride on a covered wagon historical tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures and the larger than life statue of Harry Truman standing outside the courthouse. Take an ice cream break across the street at Clinton's Ice Cream Parlor, where a teenage Truman held his first paying job .

In the Truman Home Historic Site Ticket and Visitors Center, 223 N. Main, you can watch a free 12-film about the Truman Home, also called the Summer White House. Purchase tickets for a guided tour by National Park Rangers. The home, several blocks away at 219 N. Delaware, has been preserved just as it was when Harry and Bess lived there. You can also pick up free brochures at the home or the Visitors Center for a self-guided walking tour along marked Truman Walking trail.

Drive up Delaware to the Truman Presidential Museum & Library, 500 U. S. 24 Highway, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year. Make certain to explore the new long-running exhibit, Treasures of the Presidents. This amazing collection of 200 artifacts, on loan from all the nation's presidential libraries, showcases extravagant head of state gifts such as a jewel encrusted dagger, personal possessions such as Bill Clinton's saxophone and whimsical folk art gifts such as a hand carved coconut bust of Harry Truman. On the Fourth of July, admission is free all day, and the Museum is also offering giveaway souvenirs to all visitors.

Stay overnight at one of the city's quaint B & Bs or one of a number of national brand motels or hotels.

For details, visit www.trumanlibrary.org or call 816-268-8200.

For a complete listing of special events, other sites and attractions, discount coupons, themed itineraries and lodgings information, call 816-325-7111, toll free 800-748-7323 or go to www.visitindependence.com.

Independence and the Great Outdoors

While many visitors come to Independence for historic attractions, there's a whole world of outdoor fun awaiting families. The city boasts 41 public parks scattered throughout the city, with amenities ranging from swimming pools to athletic fields, barbeque grills, horse shoe pits, shelters, picnic tables, play areas, restrooms, fishing lakes, walking trails, mountain bike trails and basketball courts. Two water spray grounds have been opened at McCoy Park, 24 Highway and Delaware, and Rotary Park, 24th and Hardy. The free water play areas, open May through Labor Day, cool kids off at stations that shoot, spray or mist water.

The new skate park in Hill Park at 23rd and Maywood was built in 2006 and is open daily until dusk. A custom 10,000 sq. foot poured in-place concrete park features 6 and 9 foot bowls along with skate features like rails, stairs and grind blocks for street ridging. The park is designed for beginners and advanced skaters.

George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road, covers 85 acres of fishing lakes, picnic sites and trails. Inside the lodge, explore archeological treasures found in the area, an aquarium and wildlife exhibits. The lodge, pavilion and campground may be rented.

Adventure Oasis family water park, 2100 Hub Drive, features a lazy river, three water slides, interactive family pool and lap pool. The water park is open Memorial Day to Labor Day

A major youth athletic complex east of Missouri 291 off Salisbury Road is now under construction. When the 140 acre complex opens this fall, four soccer game fields, four soccer practice fields, four football fields, two baseball fields, three softball fields, open and wooded park space, concession and restroom facilities will all be available.

Another highlight is the exciting 30 acre Bass Pro Park nestled in the hills of the Bass Pro Shops development just off I-470. This park will include a 17 acre stocked fishing lake, picnic pavilion with seating for 100, a play ground and hiking trails.

Beginning at the Hartman Conference Center , just north of I-70 and Little Blue Parkway, walkers and bikers can follow 10 miles of the paved Little Blue Trace Walking Trail. Three additional themed marked historical walking trails offer families a chance to journey back in time. The Swales (covered wagon ruts) Walking Trail is a ? mile blacktopped path with nine interpretive signs that winds through the grounds of the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W Pacific. The Missouri Mormon Walking Trail, with 14 customized brass sidewalk markers, focuses on the 1830s era when Independence was a key gathering place for Mormons. You will walk in the footsteps of Harry Truman as you follow the 2.7 mile Truman Historic Walking Trail with 43 sidewalk plaques that describe many sites important to our 33rd President.

Golf options include historic Rockwood Golf Club, 2400 S. Maywood Avenue, where Harry Truman was known to play, Drumm Farm Golf Club, 15400 E. 34th Street, with an 18 hole championship and 9 hole executive courses, and Winterstone, 16400 E. Kentucky. Winterstone's 72 championship course features mature trees, creeks and rolling hills.

For a complete calendar of Independence attractions and events, call Independence Tourism at 800-748-7323 or go to www.visitindependence.com.

KANSAS CITY

·       “Irish in Baseball” Exhibit

From its earliest days, baseball has been as much an Irish-American game as American. Irish immigrants found no quicker way for assimilation for their young sons than through the country’s national pastime. This year, Kansas City Irish Fest’s Heritage Area is showcasing an exhibit on the “Irish in Baseball.” You'll learn about the proud history of Irishmen playing America's game through this text, photo, and living history exhibit. 

·       Irish Guitar Hero

Think you’ve got the skills to rock Irish Fest-style? We’ve got some of the best Celtic rock songs ready for you to try your luck at winning our Irish Guitar Hero Contest. Trust us, you haven’t played these songs before.

·       Diverse Irish Music

We’re always proud to offer our audience a diverse mix of music as “real Ireland” offers much more than traditional and Irish rock. And this year we’re shaking things up even more with Cara, an Irish rock band from Germany; Danny Burns and the Defectors, which brings alt-country and funk to their rock; and Hothouse Flowers, offering a blend of folk, gospel and traditional music into their original "rock and soul" sound. Check the schedule at www.kcirishfest.com for times.

More Craic

§       The Snug

The Snug is back, bigger and better than last year. The Snug is Irish Fest’s member’s only club for visitors and their friends to gather, gab and gulp. But this club is certainly not exclusive—every visitor to Irish Fest is welcome to join. Membership includes drinks, Snug t-shirt, Irish Fest poster and unlimited access to a private area for shade, seats, complimentary snacks and restrooms. Price: $100 day pass ($75 for Friday), $250 weekend pass

§       Ghost expert Barry FitzGerald

Barry FitzGerald, host of "Ghost Hunters International" on the Sci-Fi Channel and Ireland resident, is back for a second year to conduct workshops about ghosts in Ireland on the Childrens’ and Heritage stages.

§       Hotel packages

Kansas City Irish Fest offers an affordable weekend packed with music and culture. The adjacent Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotel and Westin Crown Center are offering special Irish Fest rates starting at $106, which include two tickets to the festival.  To reserve a room at the Hyatt call (816) 421-1234 or the Westin at (816) 474-4400, or book from the Irish Fest website, www.kcirishfest.com.  Be sure to ask for the special Irish Fest rate.

SPRINGFIELD

Wonders of Wildlife Begins Major Renovation & Expansion

Wonders of Wildlife, the National Fish and Wildlife Museum, is moving forward with major expansion and renovation to the museum and aquarium, now in its sixth year.

The expansion will enhance the visitor experience with more water features and live animals, a new atrium/ticket space connecting the museum to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and an all-new Wildlife Galleries. The renovations will allow visitors to see the Wildlife Galleries at Bass Pro and the WOW Museum & Aquarium in one experience. Wonders of Wildlife has been operating the Wildlife Galleries for several years and the expansion brings both parts of the museum together.

Flanking the Aquarium will be a large reflecting pool that will set the stage for the visitor experience. The new entrance will allow the Wonders of Wildlife attraction to expand the useable exhibit space and animal collection, bringing the overall facility to more than 150,000 square feet. The current facility is 92,000 square feet.

The renovation and construction is moving forward with an aggressive schedule. WOW could be closed for up to six months during construction.

For more information about Springfield, visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767.

ST. LOUIS

To find out more about the numerous shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions in St. Louis, visit www.explorestlouis.com.

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All information and photography © 2007-2009 Arline Zatz. All rights reserved. Contact us if reprint permission is needed.

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