• Home
• New Jersey Books
• Outdoor Tips
• Travels
• Product Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Holidays
• Contact Us

Fun Travels Across the United States

MISSOURI 

News Alton Branson Denham Springs Independence Jefferson City Kansas City Lake of the Ozarks Laurie Lebanon St. Louis Springfield

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 about seasonal activities, as well as information about upcoming events, lodging, dining, shopping and attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.

ALTON

The Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail--

(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.

BRANSON

White River Fish House Opened

White River Fish House Restaurant – is just a short cast away from Bass Pro Shops White River Outpost on Branson Landing. 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.

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.

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

This Bass Pro Shop is 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.

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.

JEFFERSON CITY

About Jefferson City

You're Invited to Feel the History and Join in the Fun. Jefferson City isn't just Missouri's capital, it's also a multi-dimensional center for the arts.

From traditional to trendy and everything in between, if you're looking for creativity, fun and cultural enrichment, Jefferson City is the place for you.
You can stroll through the Capital Arts Gallery to admire a diverse selection of art ... applaud from a front-row seat as the curtain rises on a popular theater production ... dance the night away at a local hotspot ... or create your own art itinerary from Jefferson City's wide range of visual and performing arts options.
No matter what your tastes, you can satisfy the right side of your brain in Jefferson City.

Capital Arts Gallery Exhibitions

Through the end of February, some of mid-Missouri's finest artists will have their works on display in two exhibits at the Capital Arts Gallery (1203 Missouri Park Blvd., Washington Park Center).
Art lovers looking for a place to finish their holiday shopping can find one-of-a-kind items for sale at the Capital Arts Gallery during the Give the Gift of Art Exhibition. At this exhibition, patrons can view and purchase arts and crafts from mid-Missouri painters and other artisans. The exhibition runs through Jan. 12 and admission is free.
From Jan. 14 through March 1, the Gallery presents Art by Men, For Men - a display featuring works from male artists in central Missouri. Admission to this event is also free.

The Gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 573-635-8355, email artsadmin@capitalarts.org or visit the Gallery online at CapitalArts.org.

The Rhythm of Jefferson City

Jazz, blues, rock, gospel and more - life in Jefferson City is a song with many tunes. There's a venue or a festival for every type of music lover in the capital city of Missouri. Here are just a few of the options in the area during the upcoming months:

The Mission (915 E. High St.) offers an eclectic mix of music from bluegrass to hard rock, featuring national, regional and local artists. Adding to the ambiance are brick walls covered in concert posters, a retro backstage lounge, a stamped ceiling and pinewood floors. The Mission is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. For a schedule of live entertainment or for more information, visit The Mission on Facebook or call 573-893-2800.

The Spot (222 E. High St.) features live rock music performed amid hard-rock inspired (complete with metal-shop themes and album-cover type art on the walls). The Spot is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the bands that are scheduled to rock the house, visit The Spot on Facebook or call 573-635-0744.

The Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra will perform a "pops" concert on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Robert and Charlene Mitchell Auditorium (710 E. Dunklin). The Orchestra will play popular selections from the musical Les Miserables, the TV mini-series Band of Brothers and the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, as well as several other popular and patriotic medleys. For more information, contact the Symphony by email at janzstudio@embarqmail.com.

For more about the music scene in Jefferson City, contact the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-769-4183 or visit the CVB online at VisitJeffersonCity.com.

The Miller Performing Arts Center is home to a number of first-class performances throughout the year.

A Multiplicity of Theater

If you're a theater fan who can't wait for the curtain to rise on a musical, drama, comedy or even just a 10-minute play, there's a seat for you at one of four diverse stage companies in Jefferson City. Schedules vary at each theater based on factors such as the time of year and the featured production. Be sure to check each theater's website or call in advance for specific information on dates, times, name of performance, etc.

The Capital City Players perform dinner theater productions at the Shikles Auditorium (1200 Linden Dr.). Evening performances are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with a preceding sit-down dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are offered at 1:30 p.m. with a 12:30 meal. For more information or for a schedule of theater performances, call 573-681-9012 or visit The Capital City Player's website.

The Little Theatre of Jefferson City, founded in 1969, is a large-scale volunteer theater group that performs regular productions at the Etta & Joseph Miller Performing Arts Center (510 Madison St.). Evening productions begin at 7:30 p.m. and matinees start at 2 p.m. For more information or for a schedule of theater performances, call 573-681-9400 or visit the Theatre's website.

The Stained Glass Theatre of Mid-Missouri is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian theater founded by playwright and director Ron Boutwell to use the art of theater to communicate God's love to the world. Performances (at 830 E. High St.) are generally held on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. For more information or for a schedule of theater performances, call 573-634-5313 or visit the Theatre's website.

Scene One Theatre in downtown Jefferson City.

Scene One Theatre is a black-box theatre (a small, intimate theater setting allowing for close observation of the performers' talent) founded by Artistic Director Mark Wegman, featuring primarily original works. Performances (at 117 E. High St., Ste. A) are held at 7:30 p.m. on select Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Call 573-681-9199 or visit the theater's website for more information.

A night or afternoon at the theater in Jefferson City is very affordable, the average price of tickets range anywhere from $5 to $30. Some performances scheduled for the 2012 Jefferson City theater season include: Man of La Mancha, Willy Wonka, Smoke on the Mountain, The Nerd and Book of Days. Be sure to check the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau's calendar of events for dates, locations and show times.

MSP on DVD

Portraits of death row inmates inside the now defunct MSP gas chamber.

An "inside-the-walls" look at the historic Missouri State Penitentiary, once called the "Bloodiest 47 Acres in America" by Time magazine, is currently available for purchase on DVD.

The DVD, titled "Missouri State Penitentiary: 1836-2004," presented by the Jefferson City CVB and Cabin Cabbage Productions, chronicles the captivating real-life stories of the MSP - including daring escapes, infamous prisoners, humorous yarns, and tragic tales of violence and murder."We have had an extremely positive response to the DVD so far," said Ryan Winkler, Communications Manager at the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Anyone with a love of history or an interest in the Missouri State Penitentiary is sure to enjoy this in-depth look into the prison. The first shipment of DVDs received in early November sold out quickly, so act fast and get your copy before they all escape."

For a preview of the DVD, check out the trailer on YouTube.com.
DVDs are $10 each and are available for purchase at MissouriPenTours.com, by calling 866-998-6998 or stopping by the CVB office at 100 E. High Street.
After viewing the DVD, you'll surely want to take a real-life trip "inside the walls" of the Missouri State Pen for a hands-on look at the landmark correctional facility. Lucky for you, the new MSP tour season begins on March 1. Public history tours are $12 per person, twilight tours are $17 and ghost tours are $25. Additional tours are available; call 866-998-6998 or visit MissouriPenTours.com for more information.

Coming Up...

Museum After Hours

Date: February 1, March 7
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Location: Missouri State Museum, Missouri Capitol
Description: Starting in January, the Missouri State Museum will have "Museum After Hours" events on the first Wednesday of each month. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to visit the museum at night, or your schedule doesn't allow daytime outings, come join the Museum for special programs and view the exhibits.
For More Information: Call 573-751-2854
Cost: Free

For more information about lodging, events and attractions in and around Jefferson City, please contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-769-4183, at

Visit JeffersonCity.com or at the city's Facebook or Twitter pages.

Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau | 100 E. High Street | P.O. Box 2227 | Jefferson City | MO | 65101

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.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS

The Lake of the Ozarks area can provide you with some new Christmas memories via three drive-through holiday light parks: The Enchanted Village of Lights and The Shrine of St. Patrick's Festival of Lights in Laurie and The Unity Circle of Lights in Versailles.

The Shrine of St. Patrick's Festival of Lights celebrates its 30th anniversary this season. Started by Father Fred Barnett, the Festival of Lights was the first official holiday lights display at the Lake. The Festival of Lights is located both at the Shrine of St. Patrick and the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, in Laurie. The Festival runs through New Year's Day. Hours are 6-10 p.m. each evening and admission is free.

LOOKING AHEAD...

The winter season is loaded with fun festivals and events at the Lake of the Ozarks! For more information about Christmas getaway packages, lodging, dining, shopping, events and attractions throughout the Lake area, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau's web site, FunLake.com.

For more information about Lake-area festivals and events or for more info about local lodging facilities, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit FunLake.com.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS TRI-COUNTY LODGING ASSOCIATION & CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU
Phone: 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) Fax: 573-348-4292 
P.O. Box 1498 Osage Beach, MO 65065
Website: www.FunLake.com Email: Info@FunLake.com  

Festivals, Fairs And Special Events Assure Year-Round Fun At Central Missouri's Lake Of The Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks Boredom Beaters

There's a reason the Lake of the Ozarks is Missouri's "fun lake" and favorite vacation destination: there is never a dull moment. "We're very fortunate to offer our visitors such a wide variety of family-oriented, fun-filled festivals and events throughout the year," says Jim Divincen, executive director of the Tri-County Lodging Association. "Our events, combined with our convenient central location and so many fun recreational options, continue to be primary reasons that visitors choose the Lake of the Ozarks as their family vacation destination." With a calendar packed with an impressive number of interesting, entertaining and unique fairs and festivals, there is always something for you and the whole family to enjoy.

TAKE A HIKE...

How about mixing your love of nature and autumn leaves with a light exercise routine? Take advantage of one of the many hiking trails at one or both of the Lake of the Ozarks' two state parks - Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest state park in Missouri, sports over 17,000 stunning scenic acres and twelve hiking trails. Scenic Ha Ha Tonka State Park is known for its 14 different hiking trails and its magnificent castle ruins. These State Park trails guide hikers through a variety of sights - including vast Missouri woodlands, bluff tops, flowing streams, glades, various wildlife and gorgeous views of the sparkling Lake of the Ozarks.

A list of these state park trails, along with trail descriptions and trail distance, can be found at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park website and at the Ha Ha Tonka State Park website. Guidebooks and maps for these trails can usually be found at the park office or are located at the trailheads. For more information about these trails and the state parks, please call the Lake of the Ozarks State Park office at 573-348-2694 or the Ha Ha Tonka State Park office at 573-346-2986.

A LURE TO THE LAKE...

Fishing on a boat in the middle of the pristine waters of the Lake of the Ozarks, surrounded by all of nature's handy work, can provide a type of tranquility that money can't buy. Of course, actually landing a few trophy bass with your trusty rod and reel makes the trip that much more enjoyable and peaceful. And according to John Neporadny, accomplished fisherman and author of THE Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide, the fall is an outstanding time to hook a haul of fish at the Lake. "The fall colors and cooler weather makes autumn one of the most enjoyable seasons to fish Lake of the Ozarks," said Neporadny. "The fish are in a fall feeding frenzy in preparation for winter. Bass, crappie and white bass are all ganging up on schools of shad then and will readily bite on a variety of baits."

For Missouri fishing regulations and fishing reports please visit TakeMeFishing.org or the Missouri Department of Conservation website. You can find out more about author and outdoorsman John Neporadny on the web at www.jnoutdoors.com.

HIT THE BACK NINE ONE MORE TIME...

Call up your golfing buddies and make an autumn trip to the Lake of the Ozarks for a round or two of golf. Enjoy fewer crowds and lower rates on the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail at 13 challenging courses and 10 fabulous lodging properties. It's as simple as visiting GolfingMissouri.com and booking a Golf Trail Getaway Package. With a Golf Trail Getaway Package you can book your guaranteed tee times and lodging at a price that's much less than booking lodging and golf separately. You can also call 800-490-8474 for more information about the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail and Getaway Packages.

Castle Ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

LEBANON

While you're in Lebanon , be sure to schedule a visit to the Route 66 Museum & Research Center at the Lebanon-Laclede County Library, located at 915 S. Jefferson. Visitors to the museum will get pulled back into time with tons of relics from the highway's legendary history. A classic 1957 Chevy and replicas of a 1950s motel room and café are all included in the exhibit. For true history buffs, there's also a Route 66 research area with books and reference materials about "The Mother Road." The museum is designed for self-guided tours and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Friday and Saturday of Summer Blast. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

For more information , please call the Lebanon Convention and Visitors Bureau (located in the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center) at 866-532-2666 or visit LebanonMo.org.

Lebanon offers a busy lineup of festivals and activities in and around Lebanon. Following are just a few events you won't want to miss:

The Lebanon Art Guild will have its second annual Art in Bloom festival onat Marilyn's Nursery and Garden Center, 27081 Highway 5. Art in Bloom hours will be 12-6 p.m. on both days. The event features an art show, hands-on art instruction from talented local artists, music, poetry, an art auction and children's projects. Admission to this festival is free. Donations are accepted and are tax deductible. All proceeds benefit the Lebanon Art Guild. Please contact the Lebanon Art Guild for more information at 417-532-1895.

It's a can't-miss summer season in Lebanon where you're sure to have a blast. For more information about lodging, dining, shopping and attractions in Lebanon please contact the Lebanon Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 866-LEBANON (532-2666) or visit LebanonMo.org.

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.

Home | New Jersey Books | Outdoor Tips | Travels | Product Reviews | Holidays | Contact Us

All information and photography © 2007-2011 Arline Zatz. All rights reserved. Contact us if reprint permission is needed.

---