A fair is a just fair until you visit the Missouri State Fair and really see how it is DONE. Last August my family and I made our first trip to the Missouri State Fair, and while I probably visited dozens of fairs across Southeast Missouri, I can say there is still reasons everyone should visit the Missouri State Fair.
Showing posts with label Travel Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Stories. Show all posts
I CANNOT Live Without......
I was recently asked to make a list of things I could NOT
live without, I know they meant for me to write down my kids, my family, my yada yada yada. In reality, we all can’t live without those
necessities, but what are the things that we REALLY can’t live without…or just
really don’t want to! Here is my
list.
Dillard’s Kickin New Shoes.
I searched HIGH and LOW for the perfect pair of summer shoes
for my little man. Truth be told, he
might as well go barefoot most of the time as the child loves his “fip fops”
but “fip fops” make terrible hiking, biking, and traveling shoes. I stumbled across these adorable Timberland Mad River Closed Toe Sandals and decided I would give them a try, or the little
man would try them. Verdict is Momma
Loves them as much as the little man does, these sandals meet our every
need. They are great for outdoor
adventures and still kickin enough we can pull them off with our khaki
pants. We give them out 2- thumbs up
seal of approval.
Forest Park in St Louis, MO
Over the past weekend, I planned a trip with my family and my Gal Pal’s family to head north to the Zoo, with a combo of kids and my husband chauffeuring us around we knew this would be a fun day.
Continue to Read More
The Tricks of Frequent Travel...Save your SANITY
This past weekend I was on a trip, which I cannot share the
entire secret yet about, with one of my dearest longest friends. While we giggling and really just relaxing
(both full-time mommas) she asked me to borrow some shampoo. I handed it over, and she said “I knew I
would be safe with a professional traveler” I of coursed laughed it off, as I
am no professional, just have a love to be on the go.
However, it is no lie sometimes my suitcase does not get
unpacked completely before I am repacking it for the next adventure. Especially this last month as I was juggling
Lesse’s cheer, and family adventures in a jam-packed six-weeks…it is a good
thing I love my car, because I have spent some quality time with it
lately.
Over the past few months, I have traveled with a variety of
people; my family, my gal pal, and even a fellow momma juggling a couple crazy
kids. Each trip someone says to me how
do you remember what all to put inside your suitcase, well honestly it has just
become the normal to me. However, as
normal I have a few secrets that make it easier, especially if you travel more
than just once a year.
Mother- Daughter Roadtrip to Chicago
Every little girl and her momma need to have that time to
connect and know each other outside of the normal day to day. Of course, this was an unintentional
Mother-Daughter Road trip, as originally Dad and Brother was suppose to tag
along, but bailed on us.
We departed from home mid-morning on Friday, and slowly took
our time getting to Chicago. I must say,
it was more like road tripping with my gal pal than my daughter. Big Girl jokes, hysterical comments, and even
her snagging my phone to text people pictures of out road trip.
Being from a small town, in rural Missouri, I was a bit scared to travel to Chicago by myself. Those fears were much unneeded, while I am sure like many other big cities there are sections of towns that you do not cross over to. However, we were downtown Chicago at the River North Hotel by Best Western, walking distance from everything, and I was amazed how clean, and beautiful Chicago really was. Unlike many big cities I have ventured to, I was impressed how friendly everyone is, from the hotel staff (I know they get paid to be nice, but they were just ordinarily friendly), to my Taxi Driver, and to the great folks at all our stopping points.
In the video above you can see a few of the sights and
sounds from out trip, and all the memories we created. I must confess we are not the typical
traveler, and load our weekend up on shopping, and entertainment. We most just took in the sounds, the sights,
and some really good tastes from Chicago.
I asked Lesse as we returned what her favorite thing about
Chicago was, and she said being with you Mom, oh and SPRINKLES Cupcakes…and I
second that!
Have an Adventures Day!
Disclosure: we were given a media rate by Best Western River North during our visit.
Elephant Rocks State Park.....Natures Jungle Gym
The 7.5-acre Elephant Rock natural area may be small compared to many Missouri State Parks, but you will find much to do while there. The giant red granite boulders make the perfect playground for kids of all ages! Scramble, jump, climb to the top, squeeze between the smallest crack, and hear your echo from the top of the mountain. A perfect photo backdrop, an outdoor jungle gym for children of all ages, and a trail specifically designed for people with visual or physical disabilities. Continue to read more....
Tower Rock, Perry County Missouri
I recently posted this photo of facebook asking folks to name what great Missouri beach my Mr. Adventure was at, of course, I even stumped our own Jo Schaper…sorry Jo!
Our Great Missouri beach, happened to be at Tower Rock, and as usual after posting a mysterious photo as that I got a flood of questions “what is Tower Rock”…well what is Tower Rock.
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Memories at Dillard Mill in Davisville, MO
Continue to Read More
Preparing for our Mid-Winter Missouri Vacation
Yes it is February, and every year come February I come down with a severe case of Cabin Fever. This year has been a little better, but still I am ready to get out doors and get back to have some major Adventures!
Normally, about this time of the year I hightail it south to
hit the beaches, visit our beloved GaGa, and soak up some of that southern
sun. This year, being that I am the
Missouri Traveling Mom, and well we have a few more hectic schedules now that
the kids are a few years older, we decided we would make our Mid-Winter
Vacation easier, and stay in Missouri! However, I discovered it is a HARD choice of what to do in Missouri, because there is so MUCH to do!
I will not disclose where we have chosen to hangout at…you
must stay tuned next week to my Missouri Traveling Mom’s Blog for the juicy
details…but I will give you a several of the amazing places that we had to choose
from!
Skiing in Missouri…
Most of would high tail it Colorado for some winter snow
fun, but did you know that you can actually Ski in Missouri. Welcome to Wildwood, MO home of Hidden ValleySki and Snowboard Area…..immediately when I discovered this place, I added it
to my list of must do with my little adventurous man!
Steelville Missouri…..
Steelville, MO known
to be the floating capital of Missouri, and folks I can tell you from my visit
last summer it truly is packed with floaters!
However, in the middle of winter not to many folks want to hop on the
river and float on down….imagine that…but that leaves Steelville peaceful,
quiet, and well just beautiful! Inside
Steelville Missouri, I have discovered Westover Farm, and I have added this
beautiful place to my list of must sees in Missouri. Personally, I am hoping they provide Nanny
Service, because this place looks like the perfect place for me to hide out and
catch up on that much needed sleep!
Kansas City, MO….
Who needs to head to the beach, when we have all the indoor
water fun we need inside the state of Missouri?
I know right, who is thinking about water parks in February…really who
is thinking of putting on a swimsuit in mid-February…I guess that would be
me! CoCo Key Water Resort has an all
inclusive package that can make your mid-winter vacation not only fun, but very
affordable!
Branson, MO….
We all know how fabulous Branson, MO is, but like many other
places we think of Branson for just certain months of the year. Well unbelievably, I received this idea from
my beloved Outlaws (yes the in-laws).
Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort…loaded with fun,
excitement, yet still boasting with relaxation.
Big Cedar Lodge, has not only made Becky’s list of places that we must
check out, but has also made The Outlaws’ list, so you know it is bound to be
good!
These are just our top four selection of our Mid-Winter
Missouri Vacation, but I assure you that you want to stay tune next week to see
what crazy fun adventure we have been on!
May you have an Adventurous weekend!
~Becky
For more great travel info, or a few good laughs follow on twitter @BeckyAdventure
note....videos are provided from the company's website
note....videos are provided from the company's website
Photos of Rothbrick Winery near Shawneetown, MO
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| Welcome to Rothbrick |
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| Tasting Room |
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| Vineyard |
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| Welcome to Paradise.. |
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| The Adorable Cabins |
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| Loveable Animals |
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| Riding Lessons |
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| What a view! |
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| Sweet Escape |
Valentine's Day Sweet Escape in Southeast Missouri
Yep Gentlemen it is that time of year again, I know your brain is
wrapped around the big upcoming Super bowl game, but you had better be
careful; her mind is wrapped around the big Valentine’s Day.
I am going to be a friend to you boys and make romancing that lady a little bit easier….after all I am a woman, so I think like a woman…I HOPE!
Many gentlemen will rush into the store grabbing that last box of chocolates and the card that has “I Love Lucy” on the front of it with prayers that she won’t notice that it is actually a birthday card…..yep my hubby is a total FAIL at Valentine’s Day.
How about you show your buddies up this year and plan something unique, breathtaking, and still stay within your budget. I know you think I am crazy, but there is hope for me and there is hope for you at Rothbrick Winery. Continue to read more
New Madrid, Missouri
Jackson to Jackson on 155 and today, we are tour New Madrid Missouri!
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| Map Provided by New Madrid's Tourism Office |
Visiting New Madrid
New Madrid, much like many Southern Missouri towns is full of history. Historical Homes, Civil War History, and much Southern Culture is to be found around New Madrid.
Hart-Stepp House Art Gallery – The oldest house in New Madrid, relocated to it’s present location is now the Hart-Stepp House Art Gallery. A variety of art is on display inside the art gallery, and you will find different themes throughout the year. The Hart-Stepp Art Gallery is located at 711 Waters Street in New Madrid, Mo, and open every Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm excluding holidays.
Hunter-Dawson Home State Historic Site- Ironically as many times as I have passed by Hunter-Dawson I have yet to visit! This is so unlike me, because we all know that I love Southern Homes and dream of having a mansion!
The Hunter-Dawson house holds a true southern history, the 15-room home most likely built by the Hunter’s own slaves and area craftsmen. The lumber used to construct the massive structure came from one of Hunter’s own mills. The place gives you that whole “Gone with the Wind” feelin
For admission, costs and hours of operation please call 573-748-5340
Scenic River View of the Mississippi River-Take a walk along the Mississippi River, grab your picnic basket and surprise your family with a cool pit stop, or take that sweetie out for a romantic walk along the river! Only three minutes off of I-55 New Madrid’s Riverside Park gives you a panoramic view of the Mississippi River. The Riverside Park is open daily , all hours of the day, and is handicap accessible.
Other Cool locations to visit in New Madrid Missouri are:
New Madrid Historical Museum
Higgerson School Historic Site
For Great Dining locations visit New Madrid’s TourismWebsite.
Nearby Attractions: Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, Mo
Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Mo
Nearby Attractions: Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, Mo
Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Mo
From Jackson to Jackson on I-55 and today we are touring Sikeston, MO
Sikeston, Mo is where the Southern Hospitality Begins, and frankly
that is no exaggeration!
What is Sikeston all about?
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| Photo Provided by Sikeston CVB |
Established in 1942 by Earl and Agnes Lambert in a small building on South Main Street in Sikeston with a total seating capacity of 41 people, today the seating capacity has more than tripled. Anyone who thinks Lamberts immediately they think the Home of the Throwed Rolls a slogan produced by a customer who really wanted his roll and yelled “throw the D*** thing”
Lambert’s needs no flowering up this place is fantastic, the food is delicious, and the folks are friendly. However, I am going to be fair and honest here, with great food, a well-known name; you know there is going to be lines. The waiting time for Lamberts can be as much as an hour, while it is worth the wait parents, please be prepared as little ones do get restless.
Lamberts Café is located at 2305 E. Malone in Sikeston; doors open at 10:30 am and close at 9:00pm. Be prepared Lamberts does NOT accept credit cards, but happily takes cash or checks!
Other great places to eat: Cheers Bar & Grill, Houchins Donuts, and Dexter BBQ
Nearby Wineries: River Ridge Winery and Fermentation Room Café, Indian Hills Winery
The Sikeston Depot, history, culture, and art all in one
place. The Iron Mountain Railroad Depot
now known as “The Depot” built in 1916, listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Do you know where the first mechanical horse was invented? The folks at The Depot can tell you! Let your mind be blown away by
what a size 34-shoe looks like and find out who wore those gigantic shoes.
Normal hours of operation are Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, admission is free, and visit their website regularly for events.
Normal hours of operation are Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, admission is free, and visit their website regularly for events.
Downtown SikestonHistoric Homes Driving Tour will give you a taste of what Sikeston was like in
the early 1900’s. With Southern
Hospitality come the beautiful homes of the south.
Stunning architecture, large front porches, and lavish landscaping all
found along the streets of Sikeston, Mo.
Brochures are available at The Sikeston Depot or the kind folks at
Sikeston’s CVB will be happy to give you directions.
Fun family stops that are available to fill up spare to time and give you more reasons to visit Sikeston include; Beggs Family Farm, Sikeston Bowling Center, Jumpin Jackson Indoor Inflatable Party Center, Paintball Planet, and the YMCA of Southeast Missouri.
The Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo….what can I say it’s a rodeo, but
it is a rodeo done Sikeston’s way. Folks
from all across Missouri make their way to the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo because it
is one terrific show. Rodeo clowns,
cowgirls, and finish off the night with some of the finest country music
singers. The 60th Annual
Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will be held August 8-11; tickets go on sale in
March.
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| Photo provided by Sikeston CVB |
Other exciting events in Sikeston include Sikeston’s St.
Patrick’s Day Celebration, Dogwood Azalea Festival, and their Crawfish Boil
& Music Festival. A complete list of
events is available on the Sikeston CVB’s website.
Where to stay in Sikeston
Video Provided by Sikeston CVB
Fun Facts about Sikeston, Mo
- Sikeston is farthest north Cotton is grown.
- The mechanical horse was invented in Sikeston, Mo
Grab yourself some Southern Hospitality in Sikeston, Mo
~Becky
From Jackson to Jackson on I-55….Jackson, Mo
Road Trip Jackson, Missouri to Jackson, Misssissippi and we are touring Jackson, MO today.
Historic Jackson, Mo
Beautifully paved streets, adorable little shops, and some
of the best places to eat to be found uptown Jackson, Mo.
The Oliver House is a monument to Jackson’s history. The exact date of The Oliver House is unknown, but mortgage records date back to 1848. The beautiful structure, a load of history, and if walls could talk, imagine the stories that could be told. The Oliver House is located at the junction of Adams and Ohio Street in Jackson. Unfortunately, the home is not always open for tours, but please visit their website for more information.
Brookside Park’s Memorial to Veterans of all Wars is
absolutely breathtaking especially on the 4th of July and Veteran’s
Day as the flags line the park and form a scene that will bring tears to your
eyes. Brookside Park is located is
located just off highway 61 North at the edge of Jackson Mo. (see map below)
Old McKendree Chapel build in 1819, and ironically the
efforts to restore Old McKendree Chapel began far before many of us were born
(1920) and is now completely restored. The
chapel grounds are open every day sun up to sun down a guided tour can be given
by David and Theresa Hopkins 573-243-2774.
The Chapel is located just off Interstate 55 exit 102.
Art in Jackson, Mo
Family Fun in
Jackson, Mo
All aboard the St. Louis Iron Mountain & SouthernRailway! The St. Louis Iron Mountain
& Southern Railway is the regions only full size passenger train! Take a step or ride back in time and enjoy
sometimes on the main source of transportation of yesteryears. The St Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway
often host special events and offers a regular schedule of rides, to find those
schedules visit their website or follow them on facebook. 
The city of Jackson is more than blessed with some of the
most beautiful parks and prides themselves with keeping those parks clean,
safe, and family friendly. Inside the
Jackson City Park, you find fun for all ages at Safety City, the Rotary Lake,
the tennis courts, the skate board park, and the Jackson Municipal Pool open
seasonal. Connected to the City Park is also a very nice recreational trail open for bikes, runners, and walkers. ..the rec trail is a fun way to see scenes of Jackson you normally would not see. Visit the City of Jackson’s
website for directions and park hours. Great Eats in Jackson, Mo
We all like to eat right?
I know I do and man is Jackson got some great places to eat. The must stops on anyone who loves to eat
list are: Wibbs BBQ, a Jackson landmark
for years and known for their BBQ and Pimento Cheese sandwiches…you will never
think of BBQ the same. Tractors Classic
American Grill, known for their unique name, but popular for their unique
sandwiches, no one leaves hungry from Tractors.
Personally, I highly suggest Tractors’ Potato Soup...Yum Yum Good! Other popular dining locations Branding Iron
BBQ, Stooges, Lil Miss Muffin, and El Torero Mexican Restaurants.
Have Fun in Jackson, Mo
~Becky
Other Articles on Jackson, Mo
Christmas in Jackson
Meier Horse Shoe Pines Tree Farm
Have Fun in Jackson, Mo
~Becky
Other Articles on Jackson, Mo
Christmas in Jackson
Meier Horse Shoe Pines Tree Farm
Lesse's Adventures
This week Lesse is STAR student for her class and her
school is learning about tourism in Missouri, so to stay in the theme we are
sharing a few of our Adventures with her class!
We have truly been blessed with the opportunity to see so many wonderful
places in Missouri and love to share how much family fun is to be had so close to home!
~Becky
*****Disclosure a few of our Adventures have been sponsored by Missouri Division of Tourism, CSE construstion, Eagle Hurst Ranch, and a few other....and a BIG thank you to each of these places for allowing us to enjoy Missouri!
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