Close to Home Itineraries

Say goodbye to the standard two-week vacation destination; say hello to oodles of get-away options. More and more, folks are recognizing the pleasure of taking frequent breaks from their busy schedules — and taking to the road to relax and recharge.

To help visitors plan spur-of-the-moment getaways, the Missouri Division of Tourism has published this collection of destinations to provide some suggestions.


Missouri Wine Region, Augusta to Hermann
Take a day-tour of Missouri’s wine country, designated America’s first official viticultural area.  Sample a wide assortment of sophisticated tastes at 11 of Missouri’s wineries, which cluster along the banks of the Missouri River like grapes on a vine. A drive down the picturesque Highways 94 and 100, which straddle the Missouri River, will lead you to these small towns rich in history and wine country heritage.
To find out more go to www.missouriwine.org


Meramec Caverns, Stanton
Tour Meramec Caverns in Stanton, one of the oldest tourist stops along Route 66. This seven-story, 400-million-year-old complex of mineral formations and color was once the hideout of outlaw Jesse James. Eighty-minute guided tours explain the historic and geologic aspects of the cave.
To find out more go to www.americascave.com


St. Louis
St. Louis has many new things to see and do in 2008, including the new “Evel Knievel” ride at Six Flags St. Louis; a $12 million expansion to The Magic House, one of the nation’s premier children’s museums; the ZOOmagination Station at the St. Louis Zoo; and the brand-new Moto Museum, which features a collection of more than 100 motorcycles from 20 different countries.
To find out more go to www.explorestlouis.com


Grant’s Farm, St. Louis
For the ideal family trip, head down to Grant’s Farm in St. Louis. The farm is operated by the Anheuser-Busch Company and features a mini-zoo and animal refuge, as well as a petting zoo where you can hand-feed some of the animals. You can also see some of the famous Clydesdale horses as well as some of the Busch family’s collection of equestrian equipment and trophies.
To find out more go to www.grantsfarm.com


Ste. Genevieve
Explore Ste. Genevieve, the first permanent settlement west of the Mississippi River.  Settled in 1735, this delightful town is truly a living museum, with dozens of historic homes and French-Creole-style buildings.
To find out more go to www.ste-genevieve.com


Jamesport
Slow down and experience a simpler life in Missouri’s largest Amish settlement, Jamesport. Listen for the clip clop of horses and buggies as you browse more than 30 antique and specialty shops featuring handmade quilts, scented soaps and candles and handcrafted oak tables and chairs. And don’t forget to sample the freshly baked bread and cinnamon rolls from local bakeries.
To find out more go to www.jamesport.net


Columbia
Columbia’s eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, music venues, sporting events, and coffee houses means there’s never a shortage of things to do. Columbia’s distinctive blend of small town feel and big city options offer visitors an exciting mix of venues from which to choose.
To find out more go to www.visitcolumbiamo.com


Jefferson City
Get a real-life civics lesson at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Learn all you may ever need to know about Missouri at the State Museum on the first floor. Another popular attraction is a series of Thomas Hart Benton murals in the House Lounge. And if you visit when the legislature is in session, you can watch the proceedings from the visitors’ gallery.
To find out more go to www.visitjeffersoncity.com


Lake of the Ozarks
Tee off at one of the 15 golf courses carved out of the verdant forest and rolling hills at Lake of the Ozarks. Nestled amid the lake’s 1,150 miles of scenic shoreline, the area’s 261 holes beckon everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Play courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and others.
To find out more go to www.funlake.com


Branson
Get star-struck in Branson. This year, Branson offers more than 100 shows, and Branson's stars can be spotted each morning, afternoon and evening in almost every type of theatrical performance imaginable. Pop, gospel, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, western, Cajun, swing, classical, big band, Motown and Broadway shows abound, as well as shows featuring Branson’s country and comedy roots.
To find out more go to www.explorebranson.org


Hermann
This quaint German town located in the Frene Creek Valley has a winemaking heritage dating back to the 1800s. Winery tours take you through vaulted catacomb wine cellars and end with a free sample of wine or grape juice. While in Hermann be sure to visit the town’s antique shops and romantic inns for the perfect getaway.
To find out more go to www.hermannmo.info


Elephant Rocks State Park, Graniteville
Visit Elephant Rocks State Park in Graniteville. Billion-year-old giant granite rocks stand end-to-end like a train of red circus elephants in this 129-acre park. Follow the trail and you’ll come to Dumbo, the park’s largest boulder, which towers more than 27 feet in the air and weighs in at 680 tons.
To find out more go to www.mostateparks.com/elephantrocks.htm


Hannibal
Relive the stories of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn and their adventures on the Mississippi River in Hannibal, where Samuel Clemens – better known as Mark Twain – grew up. Close by are other pieces of Twain history, including the Becky Thatcher House and Judge Clemens’ law office.
To find out more go to www.visithannibal.com


St. Joseph
The city where the Pony Express began and Jesse James met his end. You’ll find plenty of living legends to make your imagination run wild.  Visit St. Joseph’s Patee House, the luxury hotel that later became the Pony Express headquarters. On the Patee House grounds, you can also visit the Jesse James Home, where, living under the name of Mr. Howard, was shot and killed in 1882.
To find out more go to www.stjomo.com


Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Float down the crystal-clear waters of the Current or Jack’s Fork rivers. Drift past rocky bluffs and shorelines thick with wildflowers encompassing more than 134 miles of shoreline. This is a favorite canoeing and tubing area for both beginners and experienced floaters.
To find out more go to www.nps.gov/ozar


Harley-Davidson Assembly Plant, Kansas City
Get your motor running at the Harley-Davidson manufacturing plant near Kansas City International Airport. Imagine yourself with the wind in your hair as you see an American icon take shape on the factory floor. Phone first to make a reservation, (816) 270-8488.
To find out more go to www.visitkc.com


Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
The new $200 million, Steven Holl-designed Bloch Building at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a world-class addition to one of the country's premier general art museums. The addition is the equivalent of a 67-story building lying on its side. The contemporary architecture of the all-glass building is woven into the landscape and the Kansas City Sculpture Park.
To find out more go to www.nelson-atkins.org


Truman Presidential Museum and Library, Independence
The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum is one of 12 presidential libraries
administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Step into a replica of Truman’s Oval Office, test your presidential mettle with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, and discover the powerful stories of an era that continues to shape our world today.
To find out more go to www.trumanlibrary.org