Missouri Division of Tourism

2011 Official Missouri Travel Guide Available

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - Missouri’s iconic, unique and diverse attractions are featured in the 2011 Official Missouri Travel Guide, the Missouri Division of Tourism’s annual travel publication, which is free and now available at Official Missouri Welcome Centers, local chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, and visitor information centers statewide.

You can order a copy of the 2011 Official Missouri Travel Guide through the Missouri Division of Tourism’s website, www.VisitMO.com. If you prefer to view the guide in its digital format, check it out online at www.VisitMO.com; you’ll find a link to the guide under the “Virtual MO” heading.

“If you are looking for daytrip options, get-away ideas for your spring break, or planning your family’s summer vacation, you should use this guide,” said Katie Steele Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. “Find out more about Missouri and answer that age-old question ‘What is there to do around here?’ You will find diverse and affordable things to see and do.”

With 172 pages of Missouri travel-related information, including listings of attractions, state parks and historic sites, hotels, wineries, bed and breakfast inns, campgrounds, outdoor destinations, golf courses and canoeing outfitters, the 2011 Official Missouri Travel Guide makes a great carry-along companion during trips to the Show-Me State.

In the new guide, which has a revamped and modern design, travelers will find maps to help familiarize themselves with Missouri’s five vacation regions: Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast and...

The National Register of Historic Places

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - What is The National Register of Historic Places all about? You’ve heard of it. You’ve even been to places that proudly advertise: “On the National Register.” And, I’m sure you’ve said to yourself: “Huh? What’s up with that?”

Doesn’t it simply mean that place is more than 100 years old? No! “Historic” is not achieved as result of age. In fact, contrary to popular belief, the definition of ‘historic’ does not include any reference to age or time-frame. Historic is defined as: having importance in or influence upon history.

The National Register of Historic Places includes districts (which may contain many structures), individual sites, buildings or other structures, and objects that are important to of significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and/or culture. To be included, the sites (collectively and individually referred to as, resources) must contribute to an understanding of the historical and cultural foundations of the United States.

Missouri has more than 1,815 listings on the Register. To whet your ‘history’ appetite, here is a sampling of lesser known sites on the National Register in Missouri’s southeast region.

Towosahgy State Historic Site in Mississippi County

In Mississippi County, Towosahgy State Historic Site is a 64-acre tract that was a flourishing American Indian community and trade center. Towosahgy, an Osage Indian word meaning “Old Town,” was established...

Missouri's Wild Discoveries

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. – You devoured part of a turkey, some mashed potatoes and a few green beans, then had a generous portion of pumpkin pie with a dollop of Cool Whip. It’s time to work off those calories before the follow-up round of overeating begins next month. Learning more about Missouri’s wild side is a great way to do just that (and you might get a few eating tips from the more predatory creatures living in Missouri).

Wild discoveries in Saint Louis Zoo is a great starting point

Perhaps there’s no better starting point for wild discovery than the Saint Louis Zoo, which frequently is cited as one of the nation’s top zoos and traces its beginnings to the flight cage exhibit at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. This year marks the zoo’s 100th anniversary, which coincides with the 1910 founding of the Zoological Society of St. Louis. The zoo covers some 90 acres, housing more than 18,000 animals; everything from cheetahs and western lowland gorillas, to California sea lions, parrots, penguins, Chinese alligators, and an assortment of insects and amphibians.

The Blue Baby Monkey in Kansas City Zoo

Across the state, you’ll find another nationally recognized zoo, The Kansas City Zoo,...

Missouri Division of Tourism Honored for Ad Campaign

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

St. Louis, Mo. - For the second consecutive year, the Missouri Division of Tourism has earned a Gold Adrian Award for its advertising campaign from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). The campaign, entitled, “Don’t Take Less of a Vacation, Take a Vacation for Less in Missouri,” created by the St. Louis office of Hoffman|Lewis, is also in contention for top honors — the Platinum Award — at this year’s awards show, which will take place in New York City on Feb. 1, 2011. 

The Missouri Division of Tourism earlier this week learned that its advertising and marketing programs have earned a total of nine Adrian awards. The Adrians, presented annually by the HSMAI, recognize excellence in marketing communications programs created for hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, destinations, credit card companies and more.  

The Missouri Division of Tourism’s “Stay Close” campaign, created by Hoffman|Lewis, received a Gold Award in 2009. In addition, the Division received three Gold, seven Silver and nine Bronze Adrian Awards last year. The campaign also was a runner-up for the Wisdom of the Crowds Award, sponsored by Google, which recognizes cross-platform integration, brand impact and overall innovation.  

Both campaigns are widely credited with helping to stabilize Missouri’s $12.3 billion tourism industry through the recession, generating nearly $670 million in state tax revenues for the year ending June 30, 2009.  

“Travelers have many options when making their vacation plans, and competition for their attention is tougher than ever,” said...

Experience Missouri's Yesterdays Today

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - From museums and state parks to homes dating to the 1700s, there are countless places around Missouri where the state’s history and heritage are preserved, meaning the Show-Me State is home to dozens of destinations where guests almost literally step back in time.

One such place is Missouri Town 1855, located at Fleming Park in Lee’s Summit. At this living history village, where special events are held throughout the year, interpreters dressed in period-appropriate clothing showcase life in western Missouri, circa 1820-60. The village, spread over 30 acres, includes 25 original structures. Tours are self-guided, so guests should feel free to ask questions and interact with the interpreters.

A 40-minute drive to the northeast of Lee’s Summit takes you to Sibley, near the banks of the Missouri River, where the Fort Osage National Historic Landmark offers another glimpse at life in the early 1800s. This site was built in 1808, under the direction of explorer William Clark, as both a military camp and trading post. This reconstructed venue, designed to showcase how the fort appeared in 1812, features life in the fur-trading era of the 1800s, complete with staff members dressed in period clothing. Special events, including holiday celebrations, are held throughout the year.

Historic Village at Faust Park in Chesterfield

Across the state, the...

Civil War Commission Announces New Website’s Launch

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Missouri’s Civil War history and heritage is the focus of a new website being launched by the Missouri Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission as the 150th anniversary of the war’s beginning approaches.

The new website, www.MoCivilWar150.com, features information on a variety of topics, including the Civil War’s key figures and their specific roles in Missouri history; the battles and battlegrounds where troops from the Union and Confederacy engaged one another; the places history enthusiasts and travelers still can visit today (along with a trip-planning tool); upcoming events; and educational opportunities for students and teachers alike.

The site also includes links to: photos from Civil War sites, social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter, a special YouTube channel, and a series of war-related videos from Wide Awake Films.

“Missouri’s role in the Civil War was an active one,” said Katie Steele Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. “Overall, Missouri had a greater number of battles and engagements -- more than 1,000 -- than any state except Virginia and Tennessee. Visitors and residents alike will want to see these attractions and events to learn about the Civil War and Missouri's tumultuous past."

“In many ways, the Civil War’s roots were in Missouri,” said Bill Bryan, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks. “The same forces that drove the nation to war in 1861 were present in Missouri almost a decade before. This website will serve...

Missouri Offers a Holiday Season to Remember

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - No matter where you are in the Show-Me State, you’re never far from memorable holiday events. Whether your vision of the perfect holiday season is straight out of Norman Rockwell or your Christmas list includes an Official Red Ryder BB Gun with a compass in the stock, cities and towns across Missouri have an event that’s sure to warm your soul and put a smile on your face.

For listing of holiday events in Missouri, check out www.VisitMO.com or visit the Missouri Division of Tourism on Facebook.

Missourians Celebrate European Holiday Traditions

Missourians are proud of their heritage, and the holidays offer visitors an opportunity to take part in traditional Christmas celebrations with an English, Irish, German or French flair.

Fans of the Charles Dickens's classic “A Christmas Carol” can immerse themselves in this timeless story at Joplin’s DickensFest, Dec. 10-12. The event, held in the city’s Murphysburg district, includes an outdoor Olde English village with realistic storefronts, an indoor London Marketplace, costumed Dickens characters, carolers, a live nativity and Father Christmas. Concerts are included each evening at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Rolla hosts Christmas from Dublin – the Three Irish Tenors, on Dec. 17, featuring Ciaran Nagle, Eugene Ginty and Dominic McGorian. The evening includes special guests, soprano Jacqueline Whelan and violist Tara Novak. The Leach Theatre, on the campus of Missouri University of Science & Technology, will ring out with the warmth...

Missouri's Renowned Generals

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Headlines: “Missouri General Appointed Judge Advocate General of the Army.” “U.S. Congress Creates New Military Rank - Bestows It On Missouri Native.” “Missouri General to Command Largest Body of American Soldiers Ever Assembled Under One Field Commander.” News from Iraq? No. Afghanistan? Way before that.

“Missouri General Appointed Judge Advocate General of the Army”

Enoch Herbert Crowder was born in Edinburg, Mo., in 1859. After graduating from West Point, class of 1881, he was stationed in Texas and Missouri. In 1885 he was appointed Professor of Military Science at the University of Missouri, during which tenure he received a law degree. Although promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers (now known as the reserves) in 1901, it was February 1911 before he attained General Officer status in the regular Army. Brigadier General Crowder was then appointed Judge Advocate General of the Army, a position he held for 12 years. In that position, he spearheaded a complete revision of the Manual for Courts-Martial, and was primarily responsible for the Selective Service Act of 1917, more commonly known as the draft. In 1917 he was promoted to Major General, a rank he held until his retirement from military service in 1923. On the day of his military retirement, Crowder was appointed the first U.S. Ambassador to Cuba, a position he held until 1927. Crowder died in Washington, D.C., in 1932; he is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles is dedicated to Glass Art

For those who appreciate sculptured art, journey to St. Charles, Springfield and Kansas City.   St. Charles is home to the Foundry Art Centre, which recently opened a gallery dedicated to glass art. Now through Dec. 3, guests can view Handle with Care: Glass. The artist created this interesting exhibition as a means to celebrate the various elements of glass, such as its aesthetically pleasing appearance, resilience and flexibility to be shaped by a wide range of techniques.   

In search of more sculpture artworks, migrate to southwest Missouri. At the Springfield Art Museum is Jennifer Falck Linssen’s Between the Lines: The Katagami Sculpture. This compelling work uses a combination of the ancient Japanese technique of katagami-style paper carving, along with classic basketry, and metalsmithing. Enjoy this display before it ends Nov. 14.

Kemper Museum...

Hit the Road This Autumn:

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - There’s no better time to hit the highways of Missouri than fall, when the days are warm, the nights are cool, Mother Nature’s putting on her best colors and the air is filled with music and laughter. Whether you’re getting away for a long weekend, or just want to take a quick spin through the countryside, the roadways of the Show-Me State await you.

You can find a collection of great trip ideas on the Missouri Division of Tourism’s revamped Website, www.VisitMO.com, by clicking the “Trip Ideas” button on the home page.

Sample some of the state’s best “road food” along U.S. 36, a coast-to-coast highway that connects New York and San Francisco—and delivers some great attractions between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Highway 36 not only features the homes and lives of Mark Twain, Walt Disney, Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing and Jesse James, it’s also home to some of the state’s best “road food”—and the birthplace of sliced bread.

On 17 murals painted on the sides of buildings throughout downtown in the Livingston County seat of Chillicothe, you can learn the history of possibly one of the world’s greatest inventions. According to the story, in 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company, located at First and Elm Streets, was the first to use a machine called the Rohwedder Bread Slicer—invented by Iowa inventor, Otto Rohwedder—and offer pre-sliced bread to the public.
...

Going to the Mill in the 1800s

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - In pioneer Missouri, villages and towns were often built around a grist mill, where grains were ground into flour or meal, and a saw mill, where timber could be worked into usable lumber. These water-driven mills were plentiful in Missouri, especially in the southern regions where an abundance of spring-fed streams provided an almost inexhaustible supply of water power.

Shoal Creek near Joplin

In fast-running rivers, such as Shoal Creek near Joplin, the millstone was driven by a water-wheel which extended directly into the flow of a stream. Slower moving, shallow streams were damned, often as far as a mile upstream, the water then redirected to the wheel by a series of sluices often called a mill-race. In some locations a water-turbine was located in a pit and water was diverted vertically through it to drive the mechanism.

Because of high demand the mills often ran 24 hours, except on Sundays. Service was on a first-come, first-served basis whether the farmer brought a wagon full of grain or one two-bushel sack. When a man arrived with raw grain, the miller marked that grain by a stamp placed on the sacks or wagon, thus designating the man’s place in line. The miller withheld one-sixth of the grain as a fee for grinding; a price fixed by law....

VisitMO Has a New Look!

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - The Missouri Division of Tourism today announced the redesign of VisitMO.com, the official tourism website for the State of Missouri. Designed with the traveler in mind, the updated VisitMO.com offers users a variety of ways to find attractions, accommodations, restaurants, outdoor opportunities and events – in other words, a variety of travel destinations – in Missouri.

“Travelers have many choices when considering where to take a trip,” said Katie Steele Danner, Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. “We are confident this improved site will assist them in selecting Missouri as a destination where they can find diverse options for their enjoyment.”

One of the most significant changes to VisitMO.com is the addition of regionalized searches. This enhancement presents a Missouri map highlighting the Division’s five designated vacation regions: Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast and Southwest. By clicking a specific region on the map, visitors find only the listings and information pertaining to that region. For example, guests clicking the Southwest Region find listings and information about places such as Branson, Springfield and Joplin, to name a few.

Another key change is the addition of feature callouts on the homepage and on landing pages throughout the site. The features offer links to information in general categories, such as Kid-Friendly Vacations, and Shopping Malls and Antique Shops; and in very specific results sets, such as Golf Courses, Zoos and State Parks.

Travel Missouri's Wine Trails

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Missouri’s long history of producing fine wines dates to the 1830s, when German immigrants established the town of Hermann on the banks of the Missouri River. The area was chosen because of its resemblance to Germany’s Rhine River Valley and its ideal grape growing conditions–long, hot summers; good sun; ample rainfall; and thin, rocky soil with good drainage. The wine industry quickly spread along the Missouri River to Augusta; eventually there were wineries in 48 counties throughout the state.

In the mid-1870s, an insidious louse began attacking vineyards throughout France. It was discovered that roots of the Norton grapevine were impervious to the phylloxera parasite. The French wine industry was rescued from disaster by grafting their native vines onto millions of cuttings of pest-resistant Norton rootstock from Missouri. All Bordeaux vines that survive are, to this day, growing on American roots. (This is not to say that all French wines are actually American wines, because rootstock does not affect the quality and characteristics of the grapes themselves.) Monuments in Montpelier, France, commemorate this rescue effort.

Hermannh of Vineyards, Hermann

In 1873, at the Vienna World Exposition, a Norton wine from the Hermann area was named "Best Red Wine of All Nations." Wine critics of the day believed Missouri’s Norton grape would someday rival the great wines of Europe in quality; today, many believe that prediction has...

Unusual Menu Items and Unique Dining in Missouri

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Kansas City is famous for barbecue . . . St. Louis has toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake . . . and cashew chicken was first created in Springfield. While those cities certainly have food-related claims to fame, the Show-Me State has a wide variety of signature tastes and settings.

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, Kansas City

People interested in stimulating their minds find brain food aplenty at Wimpy’s Sandwich Shop on Jefferson Street in Washington. Pull up a chair at Wimpy’s and ask for the deep-fried brain sandwich; it’s breaded, deep-fried pork brains served on a bun and with plenty of “fixins.” This tasty treat is said to be a local favorite.

If pork brains don’t sound appealing, try something a little higher up the food chain: Alligator. There are a few places around Missouri where alligator is on the menu, including Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine in Cape Girardeau, which is noted for its signature, marinated gator tails. They are coated with Cajun seasoning, fried and served with Broussard’s cocktail sauce. Also, alligator, served as either an appetizer or a meal, is on the menu at PC’s Elkhorn Steakhouse in downtown Chillicothe.

Another interesting meal choice is found at the various Syberg’s Restaurant locations, where the menu features a “shark chunks” appetizer, made from mako shark, along with the Syberg shark steak. Sybergs has several...

Fall into Missouri’s Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - The heat of summer has given way to fresh breezes and the relaxing, cool air of the approaching autumn. Now is a great time to experience Missouri’s hunting and fishing opportunities first-hand.

Today marks the beginning of the first of two bow seasons for hunters seeking deer and turkey in Missouri. Deer season for bow hunters runs through Jan. 15, 2011, though there is an 11-day break for the firearms portion of deer season, which runs Nov. 13-23.

Bow hunting proved to be a popular and productive method for harvesting Missouri deer during the 2009-10 archery season. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, a record 51,972 deer were taken, marking the first time more than 50,000 deer were harvested during archery season.

Those looking for public lands on which to hunt will find the Missouri Department of Conservation has thousands of acres of public hunting areas around the state, which means it’s not difficult to find area where deer hunting is allowed during archery season.

A few places to consider deer hunting include Bluffwoods Conservation Area, a 2,300-acre tract near St. Joseph, where the conservation department reports a good deer population; or the 348 acres of Montgomery Woods Conservation Area near Kirksville, where another good population of deer resides.

Don’t forget Little Dixie Lake Conservation near Millersburg, a 733-acre area in Callaway...

Missouri’s Fall Festivals Offer Music and Fun for the Entire Family

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Children are back in school and the summer heat is slowly fading into the mellow amber of autumn. With footballs flying and sweaters coming out of mothballs, it’s time to hit the road for what many consider to be the greatest time of the year—fall in Missouri. As we celebrate harvest season, cooler temperatures and the brilliant fall color, Missouri serves up great events designed to help you make the most of your weekends. For a complete guide of Missouri Fall Festivals, go to www.VisitMO.com.

Fall is a cool time to hit the Lake of the Ozarks, which offers a slower and gentler pace as the leaves change and boaters share the area with bikers, at the 4th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, Sept. 16-19. This is the ultimate bike fest experience, offering scenic riding, biker-friendly bars, restaurants, hotels and campgrounds; plus, live entertainment at three locations and the popular full throttle passport run, with a grand prize motorcycle giveaway.

The Lake offers great family festivals all season, including the 41st Annual Hillbilly Fair, Sept. 17-19; the 22nd Annual Osage Mountain Man Rendezvous and Muzzleloader Shoot, Sept. 18-20; the 30th Annual Old Tyme Apple Festival, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Versailles; and the 24th Annual Fall Harbor Hop on Oct. 9. Visit www.FunLake.com to view a complete list of all of the great events taking place at Central Missouri’s Lake of the...

Guns, Rails and Girlfriends

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - You have done the traditional shopping and spa weekends with the girls and are looking for something new. Try a themed girlfriend weekend in Missouri. “Gunfights and Outlaws,” “A Walk Back in Time,” or “Riding the Rails” take your pick, book the trip and your girlfriends will think you are the most creative in the bunch!

“Gunfights and Outlaws,” something not typically associated with a girlfriend weekend, but a great adventure nonetheless. Start your trip on Sept. 16 with a presentation at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City on Ozarks Gunfights and Other Notorious Incidents. Author Larry Wood will share details of the shocking incidents that took place in the Ozarks from the late 1860s through the 1950s, including the showdown between Davis Tutt and Wild Bill Hickok.

The next day, drive north of Jefferson City for the day and take the Battles of Boonslick tour. Five Civil War Battles occurred in this area, including the Battle of Boonville, Battle near Rocheport, Battle of Marshall, Battle of Fayette and Battle of Glasgow. Blackwater, also a Boonslick community, offers the perfect afternoon refreshment at the Bucksnort Saloon. Step up to the period bar and order a sarsaparilla or one of the other old-time non-alcoholic beverages available.

Missouri State Penitentiary

Make sure you return to Jefferson City the...

10 Missouri State Parks in 10 Days

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Visiting 10 Missouri State Parks in 10 days is an ambitious adventure that highlights the best of the Missouri Ozarks, from mountaintops to river valleys, with a few wineries in between.  The schedule has plenty of built in down time to soak in a sparkling stream and to explore the subterranean treasures of the Cave State.

The adventure starts in one of Missouri’s most beautiful landscapes, Hawn State Park near Ste. Genevieve. The park is home to the 10-mile Whispering Pine Trail. Give those feet a break by dipping your toes into picturesque Pickle Creek, a designated natural area.

Sam A. Baker State Park

From Hawn, the first overnight would be in a cozy cabin at Sam A. Baker State Park, which is south of Hawn. The next day take one of Missouri’s most challenging hikes, the 12-mile Mudlick Trail, which climbs to a mountaintop for a taste of wilderness. Or, you could take a leisurely stroll back on the Shut-Ins Trail and spend the day lolling in the deep pool below the bluff.

After a second night at Sam A. Baker, Day 3 is spent roaming over the giant formations at Elephant Rocks State Park and standing on the state’s highest point at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.

Show Me Shrimp Festival with shrimp, live music, shrimp, games, and shrimp. They’ll even cook your shrimp for you, Cajun style; you can’t get any fresher than that.

Sayersbrook Bison Ranch in Potosi

How about bison (that’s buffalo to most of us)? Ever tried buffalo? SayersBrook Bison Ranch, home to more than 1,000 live bison, is located in Potosi. They offer fresh bison meat, ranch tours and activities like hunting, boating, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and a country store. SayersBrook buffalo can be...

Waterways a Great Opportunity to Cool Off in Missouri

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - The so-called dog days of summer are here and 90-plus degree temperatures are forecast for the foreseeable future. But the rising mercury shouldn’t spoil your summer getaway; make one of Missouri’s many beautiful waterways a part of your end-of-summer plans.

Around the Show-Me State, there are dozens of lakes, rivers and streams offering relief from the oppressive summer heat. A hot summer’s day provides the perfect opportunity to take a float trip, go for a boat ride or swim, scuba dive, or fire up the bass boat to find that trophy fish your mantle so desperately needs.

A float trip is a great experience for anyone who appreciates nature and enjoys a leisurely day on the water. At dozens of Missouri’s canoe outfitters, you’ll find folks who will load up canoes, rafts, kayaks and tubes – whichever conveyance you prefer – drive you down to the water and offer hints on tips for having a fun and safe experience on the water. Missouri is home to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park area to protect a wild river system, and two great destinations for floaters: the Current River and the Jacks Fork River.

On a hot day, taking a dip in a spring-fed body such as the Current River can be quite exhilarating, considering the water temperature hovers near 60 degrees. Along the Current and Jacks Fork, you’ll find outfitters such as Akers Ferry (about 25...

First Lady’s Pie Contest Highlights 2010 Missouri State Fair

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Missouri First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon will host the 2010 Missouri First Lady’s Pie Contest at the 2010 Missouri State Fair on Thursday, August 19. This is Mrs. Nixon’s second year officiating the pie contest, which is one of the highlights of the fair.

“I have met great chefs and bakers when visiting families from across the state of Missouri,” said the First Lady. Speaking in a video recently posted on YouTube, Mrs. Nixon recollected: “One of my favorite childhood memories is an apple pie, baking in my mother’s kitchen.” Apple pie is still the First Lady’s favorite, although she speaks fondly of her mother’s blueberry pies, as well as the pecan and pumpkin pies her mom made during the holiday season.

Mrs. Nixon still takes time to bake herself, and shares her secret for a great cherry pie. “I use the tart cherries and just the right amount of sugar so that the pie isn’t too sweet,” she said, noting that when she and Governor Nixon were courting, he was, “dazzled by my cherry pie.”

“I encourage people to enter this contest and take part in the bounty of Missouri and be a part of the celebration at the State Fair,” said Mrs. Nixon. “May the best pies win.”

Official rules, recipe forms and entry blanks are available online at www.MoStateFair.com/pie/.

The 2010 Missouri State Fair will be held in Sedalia August 12-22 under the theme, “Growing Great Memories,” which reflects...

Free Missouri! How to See the Show-Me State Without Showing Any Money

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - As Tin Pan Alley lyricists Lew Brown and Buddy DeSylva famously observed, “the best things in life are free.” And some of the best free things are right here in Missouri, where you and your family can experience more than 300 events and attractions at no charge. A complete list is available on the Division of Tourism’s website, www.VisitMO.com by clicking on the “Free Admission” link located in the “Things to See & Do” box on the home page.

Summertime is a perfect time to visit Jefferson City, when the legislature has wrapped up its work for the year (most of the time) and several of the city’s 12 free attractions have smaller crowds than during the school year.

The State Capitol is home to the Missouri State Museum, which features two galleries on the main floor of the Capitol, covering Missouri’s history, natural resources, veterans, and the Civil War in Missouri. The Capitol is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the visitors are free to roam the museum at their own pace. Free, guided tours of the Capitol are available. Be sure to ask for a glimpse inside the House Lounge on the third floor of the Capitol’s west wing, which is home to a floor-to-ceiling mural, “Social History of Missouri,” painted by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton.

Enjoy the rides and a splash at Six Flags in St. Louis

Unlike other Six Flags throughout the nation, Six Flags-St. Louis has a joint water park, Hurricane Harbor, free with theme park admission. The park is divided into nine themes: 1904 World’s Fair, Britannia, Bugs Bunny National Park, DC Comic Plaza, Gateway to the West, Illinois, Studio Backlot, Chouteau’s Market and Hurricane Harbor. Each section is filled with rides, games and attractions.

But if rides don’t really catch your fancy, there are food and shopping opportunities, as well as meet-and-greet sessions for the Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and Scrappy, and the Justice League DC Super Heroes. Guests can also watch live performances such as Show Stoppin’ Looney Tunes Dance Off, Dick Clark’s Face the Music and Fuzion. For ‘Funatics’ Six Flags is the place for you, offering a season pass with a rewards program.

Six Flags offers special events all summer, including Glow in the Park, now through Aug. 14. Through the end of July, see today’s top tween and teen music artists...

Wilderness in Missouri?

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - Tired of the crowds; the hustle of the city; long waits at the airport; Interstate highways teeming with road-hogging 18-wheelers; fast-food restaurants? Want to rediscover your family all over again? These are all good reasons to enjoy America’s great wilderness areas—right here in Missouri. Wilderness? Missouri? Yes! There are eight congressionally designated Federal Wilderness Areas in Missouri.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 describes wilderness in these terms: A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled (not confined or limited) by man; where man himself is a visitor who does not remain . . . an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions . . . generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable . . . has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation . . . shall be devoted to the public purposes of recreation, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation and historic use.

Activities within Wilderness Areas may include hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing . . . in short, most types of outdoor recreation are allowed. However, mechanical...

Do You Barbeque, Smoke or Grill?

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - Is it barbeque or barbecue, BBQ or Bar-B-Q or Bar-B-Que? Honestly, the choice is yours; all are correct. Then there is the question of method: do you barbeque food, smoke it or grill it? Confused? Well, let’s have a look. In the United States, the experts almost unanimously stand by these definitions.

Grilling involves cooking food directly above the heat source. Charcoal briquettes, gas and electricity are common sources for supplying heat. Grilling generally involves the use of marinades, salt, spices and herbs, and tomato-, sugar- or vinegar-based “barbecue sauce” to impart flavor. Grilling is quick, but because the temperature used is usually much too high, grilling commonly produces somewhat less tender, often dried-out and charred food.

Barbecue on the other hand is indirect cooking, where the food is not placed above the wood or charcoal heat source; smoking implies cooking the food, also away from the heat, by exposing it to smoke from burning or smoldering hardwoods. Meat and fish are the most common foods used, although hard cheeses, some vegetables and even course grained salt can be smoked. In these two methods, a dry rub is often applied prior to cooking; a basting liquid may be used periodically to maintain moisture. Barbequing and smoking are usually long, slow processes where the meat is flavored and tenderized by the process. Wet sauces are rarely used during the actual cooking period; they are added when the food is served.

Missouri’s Mom-and-Pop Outfitters Get Fishing Trips Off to a Friendly Start

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Every great fishing trip starts with getting the right supplies and equipment. For Missouri anglers, the state’s many family-owned outfitters are the first stop on the way to their favorite fishing holes. Experienced fishing fanatics know that when it comes to getting the latest information about where and what the fish are biting, no one has the inside scoop like the locals.

From crystal clear streams to vast lakes, to fast-flowing rivers and even farm ponds, Missouri offers an abundance of fishing habitat and challenges for all skill levels.

And whether you’re going for bass, crappie, catfish or trout, chances are there’s a family-owned outfitter nearby who’s awake and open and ready to get you supplied and on your way.

Rachel Huffman and her fiance, Roger Guernsey, opened DIA Bait & Fishing Supplies next to their Hardin home to ensure that anglers can buy bait anytime day or night.

Roger Guernsey of DIA Bait & Fishing Supplies in Hardin (660-398-1262) is a perfect example. “Our hours are five in the morning until nine at night—no matter what—and we’ll open up just about anytime people drop by and we’ll even deliver bait to people who need it,” said Guernsey. He and his fiancée, Rachel Huffman, opened their bait shop in a garage near their home, in part out of frustration with the fact that most local bait shops...

Visitors Encouraged to Horse Around in Missouri

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - One of the best ways to experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Missouri’s great outdoors is from the back of a horse, and the Show-Me State offers a number of equestrian adventures to suit riders of all skill levels.

For children and beginning riders, learning how to command a horse builds confidence and is a way to get some great outdoor exercise at the same time.

Whether you’re a city slicker looking to play cowboy without heading too far out of town, or an experienced trail rider seeking an authentic wilderness adventure, Missouri encourages you to horse around on a trail ride, at an equestrian camp or one of our many dude ranches.

You may not be able to buy your child a real pony, but riding lessons at summer camp are often the next best thing (and you don’t have to feed, stable or clean stalls first-thing in the morning!) Check out the Meritage Farms, www.meritage-farms.com/lessons.html, in Robertsville, which offers riding lessons for children ages seven and up. Castlewood Stables, www.castlewoodstables.com/, is a state of the art facility located in West St. Louis County, adjacent to Castlewood State Park. Lessons are available for equestrian enthusiasts at all levels, and Great Griffin Farm, www.greatgriffinfarm.com/, in Wentzville, provides summer day camps for all ages. Drew Training Stables, www.drewtrainingstables.com/Lessons.html, in Troy gives lessons to students of all...

New Advertising Campaign from Missouri Division of Tourism

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) has launched a new advertising campaign for summer travel, featuring the tagline “Don’t take less of a vacation, take a vacation for less in Missouri.” To bring this idea to life, the Missouri Division of Tourism in conjunction with their advertising agency of record, Hoffman Lewis, developed light-hearted, humorous situations of vacationers who are guilty of taking less of a vacation.

In recent years, MDT’s campaign strategy has been based on the emotional connection consumers seek when they travel. For the new campaign, MDT focused on research that showed consumers are making travel decisions based on value and affordability.

“We are excited to take a completely different approach on this campaign than we have in the past,” said Katie Steele Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. “Our research has shown that people want to take vacations, but they look for an affordable destination. Our message to the audience is you don’t have to entertain the family at home, you can find an affordable vacation in Missouri.”

Television spots began airing in mid-May and print will appear in July issues of select regional publications. Interactive Web banners are running in MDT’s target markets.

In addition to the value message in the advertising, MDT will incorporate coupons, discounts and packages into other marketing efforts including social media outreach, and on VisitMO.com beginning July 1.

To view the campaign, go to

Cemeteries

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - A cemetery or a graveyard is not always a place of sadness and reverence; it is often a place of history and education and enlightenment. There you can trace your ancestry, learn about great people who have gone before you, follow the history of your community and gain insight into life itself.

A graveyard is almost always owned by the church on whose property it sits and is reserved for members of that congregation. The use of graveyards was largely discontinued in the mid 1800s because of the rapid rise in population, outbreaks of highly infectious diseases, and lack of space on church property. As a result, cemeteries, especially in their modern landscaped and garden form, became the principal place of burial for the deceased.

A cemetery can be a privately owned business or it may be publicly owned, operated by the city, state or nation. Cemeteries are a respected, protected area. The vandalism of grave sites, markers or buildings is considered a serious crime.

A National Cemetery—there are 146 throughout the United States—usually contains the graves of U.S. military personnel, veterans and their spouses, but not exclusively so. A few National Cemeteries, especially Arlington, contain the graves of important civilian leaders and national figures. Also, there are state veteran cemeteries for the internment of local veterans. Some State and National Cemeteries contain sections from the Civil War which contain Union and Confederate soldiers.

There are five National and...

Pick-your-own, PYO or U-Pick, It all spells fun for the entire family

Tue, 25 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Do your kids know vegetables and fruits come from a farm and not from the store? Have they ever picked apples or cherries right out of the tree? If your answer is “no,” visit a U-pick farm this summer.

The word “fresh” gets a whole new meaning when you have a choice to pick your own produce right from the farm. U-pick farms offer a great way to get your kids outside and active, while also supporting local family farmers.

Experience the joy of picking your own produce in one of Missouri's u-pick farms

Picking your own food means you can gather all the fresh ingredients yourself. The apples in your apple pie, the berries in your shakes or the juicy tomatoes on your burgers will undoubtedly taste better than produce of unknown origin.

Missouri‘s pick-your-own farms combine entertainment with agricultural activities, and many U-pick farms feature more than just fields of produce. Many farms feature gift shops with local souvenirs, including homemade jams, locally raised honey, salad dressings, chutneys and salsas, and cookbooks or recipe cards for using ingredients raised on the farm. Some even offer fresh-baked pies and breads or refreshment stands. Many farms have picnic areas, too.

Fresh baked cookies right inside the farm

The French were the first to encounter American Indians in what is now Missouri. On 25 June, 1673, explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette came across a village of Illinois Indians in extreme northeast Missouri. The area, situated north of Wayland, is marked by the Iliniwek Village State Historic Site; now an important archaeological site because of its size and the quality of preservation, www.MoStateParks.com/iliniwek.htm. A walking trail crosses the site of an excavated Illinois Indian longhouse.

Life in the 1700s was raw and rough. As an example, a restored and authentically finished 1790s French and Indian trading post and village can be seen at Fort Charrette Village and Museum in Washington, Missouri. The fort includes five log houses, one of which may be the oldest west of the Mississippi. All are furnished with 1700s American antiques. A historian gives a...

Kansas City’s Civil War Driving Tour Retraces History; Showcases Popular Modern-Day Neighborhoods

Tue, 11 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Kansas City, Mo. - When Confederate General Sterling Price marched 12,000 troops into what became known as the Battle of Westport, he had no idea the ground he was covering would someday be among the most-visited parts of modern day-Kansas City.

But those of us 156 years removed from the “Gettysburg of the West” can doubly enjoy retracing the steps of those who fought in the October 1864 skirmish by not only reliving history, but also by experiencing some of Kansas City’s most popular destination neighborhoods along the Battle of Westport driving tour.

Established in the 1970s, the 32-mile tour leads visitors through the streets of Westport and the historic Country Club Plaza to Jacob L. Loose Memorial Park, where much of the actual Battle of Westport took place. From there, tourists visit neighborhoods including Brookside and the Battle of Westport Visitors Center at Swope Park. The tour also includes a section of the Marlborough Heights and Red Bridge areas, and concludes at 96th Terrace and Wornall Road in South Kansas City.

Most visitors begin the route at Marker One in the historic Westport District of Kansas City, located at Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. This marker stands upon the site of Federal Gen. Samuel R. Curtis’s headquarters in the Harris House Hotel, and is now located in the heart of Westport, across the street from Kelly’s Westport Inn (the oldest structure still standing in Kansas City), and...

Step Outside to See Great Works of Art in Missouri’s Sculpture Parks

Tue, 04 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - When most people think about seeing priceless works of art, they generally picture a cool dark museum space, well removed from the light of day. But great art and great weather don’t have to be mutually exclusive; Missouri offers a number of art “galleries” that offer the perfect combination of natural and man-made beauty.

So pack a picnic and grab your sketchpad; Missouri’s sculpture parks offer a great way to enjoy the spring weather while admiring some of the world’s most renowned works of art.

Just minutes from the Country Club Plaza, the Kansas City Sculpture Park is a 22-acre oasis of parkland in the heart of the city. Designed by internationally recognized architects Dan Kiley and Jaquelin Robertson, the Sculpture Park is on the grounds of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, www.Nelson-Atkins.org, and contains more than 30 sculptures primarily from the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Park, originally named the Henry Moore Sculpture Garden, opened in 1989 with 12 monumental bronzes by Moore, the renowned English sculptor. Eleven of these bronzes were acquired by the Hall Family Foundation and the 12th is owned by the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The Hall Family Foundation acquired and added a 13th sculpture in 1991.

The Sculpture Park, designed by internationally recognized architects Jaquelin Robertson and the late landscape architect Daniel Kiley, features a south-facing central formal landscape defined by a sunny grass mall,...

Biking, birding and outdoor fun for girlfriend getaways

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - Among the first signs that spring has arrived in Missouri are the amazing creatures flying through the air that put smiles on our face with their color and songs. Of the estimated 9,000 species of birds in the world, approximately 900 occur in North America, and more than 400 have been recorded in Missouri. In addition to the 150-plus species that regularly nest in Missouri, other species migrate between nesting grounds to the north and wintering grounds to the south, and others wander in from the east and west. Because of this, Missouri is a favorite destination of birding enthusiasts.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, www.MissouriConservation.com, has put together a list of the top 10 public areas for birding in Missouri, http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/birds/emobirds/birding.htm. These locations are chosen because their rich and diverse areas attract a large variety of birds. Looking for one closer to your hometown, the Missouri Audubon Society offers an extensive list along with birding tips at www.MoBirds.org. Maybe you will be one of the lucky few to spot the rare-to-Missouri Harlequin Duck, Bohemian Waxwing or Swallow-tailed Kite.

Enjoy the sport of birding in Valley Park

Enjoy viewing birds, but don’t know much about the sport of birding? Visit the World Bird Sanctuary, www.WorldBirdSanctuary.org, in Valley Park. This 305-acre sanctuary offers a self-guided display of live eagles, owls,...

Missouri Celebrates 50 Years of Modern Turkey Hunting

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Benjamin Franklin is said to have argued forcefully in favor of the wild turkey—rather than the bald eagle—as our nation’s official symbol. In a 1794 letter to his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Bache, Franklin famously disparaged the eagle and lauded the wild turkey:

“For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison [to the bald eagle] a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

Thankfully, Franklin was overruled by his fellow founding fathers, sparing all of us the agony of having to consume eagle each Thanksgiving.

Even better, we in Missouri are able to enjoy not only the eating of turkeys, but also the challenge of wild turkey hunting, which opens its spring season April 19 and runs through May 9.

Thanks to a concerted effort by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and citizen volunteers, wild turkey are abundant in the Show-Me State, with an expected spring harvest of approximately 44,000, according to Missouri Department of Conservation Resource Scientist Tom Dailey.

The Department of Conservation will issue nearly $3 million in turkey hunting permits this spring, half of which will be purchased by out-of-state hunters, making turkey hunting a major industry in Missouri. For more...

You Don’t Have to Hunt to Find Good Mushrooms in Missouri

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., – It’s difficult to find avid mushroom hunters who will tell you exactly where they spotted those massive morels now destined for their respective skillets. But there are plenty of places to find good mushrooms in Missouri, all without getting mud on your boots.

Perhaps there’s no better place to start looking for mushrooms in Missouri than in Richmond, www.RichmondChamber.org, which bills itself as the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” Richmond (the final resting place of Robert Ford, the “dirty coward” who killed Jesse James) will this year celebrate its 30th annual Mushroom Festival, www.RichmondChamber.org/festival.html, from April 30-May 1. The event focuses on mushrooms, but also includes a barbecue competition, live entertainment, games, food and family fun.

Vendors will be cooking up crowd-pleasing fried mushrooms, while folks who are interested in doing their own cooking will want to participate in the fresh mushroom sale scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. May 1 on the courthouse square. Last year, more than 150 pounds of fresh mushrooms sold prior to 10 a.m.

Another great place to find mushrooms in Missouri is The Mushroom Farm, www.TheMushroomFarm.com, located on 40 acres about a mile off I-70 near Montgomery City, www.MontgomeryCityMo.org, at Bugtussel (a reference to the fictional home of TV’s “The Beverly Hillbillies”). This family operation cultivates a variety of mushrooms including shiitake, morels, stropharia and oyster, all of which are available for purchase when they’re in...

Water, Water Everywhere

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., – The morning sun breaks out from its hiding place below the horizon, casting a gold and pink glow across your bedspread. It’s quiet. It’s Tuesday. You’re on vacation in Missouri. Your room rocks gently in the morning breeze; a blue heron glides past the window and settles into the shallows. You take a deep breath and decide to stay in bed a while longer . . . there’s no hurry today. This houseboat travels with you when you’re ready to get underway.

This year, enjoy all Missouri’s major lakes have to offer, without all of the hassle. No need to move from motel to motel . . . rent a ‘floatel’ instead. Swim, fish, dive, eat, drift with the breeze, kick back, relax and take your luxurious accommodations along for the ride. Discover all there is to do – or not do – on the water in a houseboat. It’s a family vacation like no other. Now get out there and have a really great time exploring Missouri by water.

Houseboats can be described as floating, moveable condos. They range in size from 30 feet, sleeping four, to behemoths 65 feet in length, sleeping as many as 12 quite comfortably. No need to lug around that oversized cooler, always looking for a place to buy ice, or to pack and unpack the car every time you change your base of operations.

Houseboats come with a fully equipped galley (kitchen for you landlubbers) with stove and...

A Year for Anniversaries in Missouri

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - 2010 is the year of anniversaries for several Missouri attractions, making it a great year for festivals and celebrations around the state.

On April 3, 1860, Johnny Fry left the stable in St. Joseph, Mo., and headed west to Sacramento, Calif., beginning the first relay mail service in the U.S. This year, St. Joseph, www.StJoMo.com, will be celebrating the sesquicentennial of the Pony Express, April 1-3, with a series of celebratory events. Among them are a Buffalo Bill Look-Alike Contest and Chuck Wagon Dinner, Bridle and Saddle Parade featuring the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and a Johnny Fry Ride with a direct descendent of Johnny Fry riding from the original stables to deliver the mail.

A Missouri icon, Mark Twain, and his hometown, Hannibal, www.VisitHannibal.com, are celebrating three anniversaries this year, including the 175th anniversary of Mark Twain’s birth, the 125th anniversary of Twain’s pinnacle work Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and the 100th anniversary of Twain’s death. Celebrating Twain’s legacy, and named one of the American Bus Association’s top 100 Events in the USA, is the National Tom Sawyer Days, held over the Fourth of July every year.

Yet another sesquicentennial celebration is happening in Sedalia, www.Sedalia150.com, where residents and visitors can go back in time at a “Welcome to the 1860s” celebration on May 1, a competition challenging ragtime composers to write a rag commemorating the event,...

Spring is here and so are Missouri’s festivals

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., – Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to shelve your Snuggie, head outdoors, take in the sunshine and enjoy warmer weather.

Around Missouri, outdoor fun is multiplied by the dozens of unique fairs and festivals scheduled to take place in the coming months, so, no matter where you live – or are visiting – in Missouri, you’ll surely find an event to your liking. We’ve got storytelling events, festivals with an international flair, and plenty of good food and drink. So put away your snow boots and grab your tennis shoes, it’s time to stroll through Missouri’s festival landscape.

Although March is almost over, there are two events to help fill your social calendar until April. From March 25-27, Lake of the Ozarks, www.FunLake.com, will serve as host to the 12th Annual Great Lake of the Ozarks Gospel Sing, www.GreatLakeOfTheOzarksGospelSing.com/schedule.html, where eight acts will perform over three days at the Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach. Another major event in March is the 50 Miles of Art Studio and Gallery Tour, www.50MilesOfArt.com, which features art galleries and studios in the cities of Hannibal, www.VisitHannibal.com, Louisiana, www.Louisiana-Mo.com, and Clarksville, www.ClarksvilleMo.us. The event, March 27-28, stretches along 50 miles of Route 79, a highway that meanders along beautiful stretches of countryside along the Mississippi River.

In April, the festival season really picks up around Missouri, so hold onto your hat,...

The Head Over Heels Go Underground at Missouri’s Bridal Cave

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - As the first daffodils, crocus and tulips burst forth from the thawing tundra, one can’t help but hope spring is on its way, meaning brides across the nation are furiously planning for their June weddings. Although the National Center of Health Statistics reports July and August have edged June as the most popular month for weddings in the United States, June retains its status as “the wedding month”.

Historically, June has been a popular month due to its association with Juno, Roman goddess of marriage. In medieval times, June brides were still relatively fresh from their annual May Day baths and would likely bear their first children in the spring, enabling the bride plenty of time to recover for the fall harvest.

June weather in Missouri typically lends itself to outdoor affairs, but some couples, fearing spring rain, opt instead for one of the nation’s most unusual wedding venues - Central Missouri’s Bridal Cave.

Many an underground romance has begun at Bridal Cave, which is located at the Lake of the Ozarks near Camdenton. Since 1949, more than 2,100 couples have exchanged vows before the cave’s stunning stalactites.

The legend of Bridal Cave suggests two Indian princesses were once held captive in the cave following their abduction by love-struck braves from a rival tribe. While one princess escaped and leapt to her death, the other later married her onetime captor in the cave, and the legend of “Bridal Cave” was born.

The late Basil...

Missouri a Hotbed for College Hoops

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. - Air up the basketball and grab your high-tops because basketball’s postseason is heating up, and when it comes to college hoops, there’s no place hotter than Missouri.

Two major basketball events begin Wednesday in Missouri, with Kansas City’s Sprint Center playing host to the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament and College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout hosting the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament.

In Big 12 play, the University of Missouri Tigers (22-9 overall), who earned the tournament’s No. 5 seed, will play rival Nebraska (14-17), the No. 12 seed, at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Should the Tigers advance – and they’ve already beaten Nebraska twice this year, both times by double digits – they’ll face Texas A&M (22-8) at 2 p.m. Thursday.

Another major hoops event in Kansas City is the Women’s Big 12 Tournament, which tips off Thursday at Municipal Auditorium. The Missouri Tigers (12-17) are the No. 12 seed, and they’ll face the fifth-seeded Texas Longhorns (21-9) at 1:30 p.m. If the Tigers win, they’ll have a 1:30 p.m. Friday contest against No. 4 seed Texas A&M (22-7).

While you’re in Kansas City, www.VisitKC.com, and in the mood for hoops, be sure to visit the College Basketball Experience, www.CollegeBasketballExperience.com. Here, you’ll be able to go center court to shoot hoops, play a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E or just hone your skills. You’ll also have the chance to “beat the clock” in a shooting game...

In search of Missouri’s 'best'

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo., - Missouri’s winter has been tough and there’s been no shortage of snowfall this year. But spring is right around the corner, and it’s time to get back out and see the best Missouri has to offer.

But what constitutes “the best?” Well, like a lot of things, it depends on whom you ask. So, the Missouri Division of Tourism recently conducted an informal Facebook poll where we asked our fans to tell us where we could find things like “the best” of everything, from best cheeseburgers to best scenic drives.

As expected, we received a variety of answers, which helps us appreciate the diversity of Missouri’s offerings. So if one of the following spots is something you’d like to check out, hop in the car and take a drive. Missouri is beautiful, no matter what time of year it is, and you just might find “the best” our state has to offer.

The Missouri Division of Tourism’s Facebook fans seemed to have a variety of opinions about which of the Show-Me State’s eateries offers the best cheeseburger, but Blueberry Hill, www.BlueberryHill.com/menus/, in the Delmar Loop in St. Louis earned a couple of mentions. Famous Dave’s, www.FamousDaves.com , which has locations in Branson, Kansas City and St. Joseph, also earned a nomination for having the best burger, as did the Tater Patch in Rolla, www.VisitRolla.com.

Looking around Missouri, you may also be interested in the...

Land a Big One When Trout Season Opens in Missouri

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo.– Winter may linger for a few more weeks, but the first sign of spring officially arrives Monday, when trout season opens in Missouri’s four designated trout parks.

Look for the waters around Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Montauk State Park near Salem, Maramec Spring Park near St. James, and Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, to be teeming with anxious fishermen ready to catch their first trout of the season.

Trout fishing - Montauk Spring State Park

Each of the waterways will be stocked with trout provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates trout hatcheries at these four parks. The state parks are managed by the Department of Natural Resources, while Maramec Spring Park is owned and operated by the James Foundation. The odds of catching a trout seem to favor the fishermen, as the four parks will be stocked at a 3-to-1 ratio, based on opening-day attendance estimates. The Department of Conservation expects 8,000 anglers to participate Monday, so 24,000 trout will be released.

Professional fisherman Scott Pauley says the opening day of trout season at these four parks marks a time-honored tradition, with many people and families who make the event an annual outing. “That tradition is important to our state and our economy,” Pauley says.

Pauley has several bits of advice for...

Missouri Serves Up Sweet Treats for Chocolate Lovers

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. -- Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. You have purchased a gift to satisfy the sweet tooth, but what do you do to make the evening special? For those in the St. Louis area, head to the 2009 Sauce Magazine Favorite Place for Date Night winner, Baileys’ Chocolate Bar, www.BaileysChocolateBar.com. Offering a variety of martinis, including the chocolate bar signature martini (served hot or cold), thin mint martini, Mexican martini and a selection of more than 75 beers, you are sure to have an enjoyable evening.

What do lawyers, cupcakes and chocolate have in common? Sounds like the start of a bad joke, but these three elements led to the establishment of Askinosie Chocolate in Springfield, www.Askinosie.com. Shawn Askinosie, creator of these tasty chocolates, was a successful lawyer when he developed a new hobby, baking. His original plans were to open a cupcake store, but he soon turned to chocolate, and Askinosie Chocolate was born.

Introducing Midwesterners to the delectable chocolate that was once only found in Europe was the dream of André and Elsbeth Bollier when they emigrated from Switzerland to Kansas City in 1955 and opened Andre’s Confiserie Suisse, www.AndresChocolates.com. Now, nearly 55 years later, Andre’s still uses only the best ingredients and has expanded its business to include the Tea Room, which serves a light Swiss lunch.

History and chocolate go hand-in-hand when you step into Crown Candy Kitchen, www.CrownCandyKitchen.net,...

Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour to open in Spring

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Branson, Mo. -- Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, now under construction in Branson, plans to be open this spring. Construction of the platforms for the new eco-adventure is ahead of schedule. Branson’s newest attraction, located on Highway 65, seven miles north of downtown Branson, will introduce visitors to a unique form of outdoor entertainment.

“This is a completely different experience,” said General Manager Emma Hamilton, “and there is no other attraction that comes close to combining ecology and adventure in a fun activity that is both exciting and safe for people of all ages.”

Using a system that originated in the jungles of Costa Rica, the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour will allow guests to soar in the Ozark Mountains. As visitors “zip” from observation platform to platform, through and over the trees, certified guides will accompany participants pointing out unique topographical and historical features of the Ozarks. Certification for the guides will be provided by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), as will the accreditation for the courses themselves.

Branson visitors will be able to experience the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour® a two and a half hour, interactive tour which will feature a variety of zip lines, walkways and platforms; and the Blue Streak Fast Line®, a thrilling one-stop ride from the top of the property to the base.

The Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour is the only facility of its kind in the region. Hamilton said it’s common for zip line...

Missouri Offers Ideal Locations for Filmmakers

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

PARK CITY, Utah--- A delegation representing the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Film Office and Missouri Division of Tourism will be in Park City this week to attend the Sundance Film Festival and promote the Show-Me State as an ideal location for filmmakers.

Notable motion pictures recently shot in Missouri include Debra Granik’s “Winter’s Bone,” which will makes its World Premiere at Sundance 2010 in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, and Jason Reitman’s “Up in the Air,” winner of the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay.

“Missouri offers numerous benefits for filmmakers who not only seek the perfect locations, but also want access to talented production crews and need to make the most of their production budgets,” said Jerry Jones, director, Missouri Film Office.

“Missouri is proud to provide locations for such notable and critically acclaimed films and we look forward to hosting many more productions in the future,” adds Katie Steele Danner, deputy director, Missouri Department of Economic Development and director, Missouri Division of Tourism.

Home to the rugged Ozark Mountains, more than 7,000 natural caves, picturesque small towns, prairies and major cities, Missouri features location settings appropriate for nearly any production, and the cost of doing business in Missouri is significantly lower than in other parts of the country.

Missouri’s location in the Central United States is easily accessible via coast-to-coast airline service via St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia and Branson. Talented crews and...

Missouri Rich in African-American History

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO – Dred Scott. George Washington Carver. Scott Joplin. Buck O’Neil. You might be familiar with the names, but have you been to the courthouse where Scott, a slave, sat after he successfully sued to earn his freedom? Have you walked the grounds where Carver developed his love for agriculture? Can you hear the music play as you imagine Joplin sitting at his piano and composing “The Entertainer” or picture what O’Neil’s accommodations might have been like for road games?

If you answered “no” to these questions, it’s time for a visit to Missouri, a state rich in African-American culture and a great location to learn about the people who struggled to gain freedom, fought to make contributions to society, put their own stamp on a generation and simply wanted to get in the game.

The Old Courthouse in St. Louis, www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/och.htm, plays an important role in the history of African-Americans in Missouri and in American history. It was the site of the first two stages of the Dred and Harriet Scott freedom trial, which began in 1847, sparking debates that divided the nation and playing a central role in the beginning of the Civil War. If you’d like to walk the halls where the Scotts' battle for freedom began (roughly 300 other people sued to earn their freedom at the courthouse, too), view a display about the trial or watch a video featuring an interview...

St. Louis Will Host A Nation's First

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

St. Louis, Mo. - The motion picture “Drumline,” (2002) starring Nick Cannon, launched the spectacle of historically black college and university marching music into the mainstream and brought the entertainment phenomenon worldwide acclaim. Surprisingly, in the wake of the movie's success, there has yet to be an actual historically black college and university drum line battle brought to any live arena… until now.

On Saturday, March 6, St. Louis will provide the setting for this show-stopping art form by hosting America's first SHOWDOWN: Historically Black College and University Drum Line Show. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the intimate (10,600 seat) Chaifetz Arena. The battle will feature the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, the Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio) Marching Marauders Band, the Kentucky State University Marching Thorobred Band, Langston University’s Marching Pride Band, Lincoln University’s (Jefferson City, Mo.) Marching Musical Storm, and the Mississippi Valley State Mean Green Marching Machine. There will also be featured performances by: the Show-Me Sound F.O.C.U.S. (For Our Children's Unfettered Success) DRUMLINE, the Show-Me Rhythms Senior DRUMLINE (a.k.a. the Big Brothers to the Show-Me Sound F.O.C.U.S. ensemble) and other St. Louis area ensembles.

Tickets are on sale now for $15. Visit the Chaifetz Arena Box Office, 1 South Compton Ave., St. Louis. Tickets are also available through Metrotix by calling 800-293-5949, or www.metrotix.com (additional fees will apply).

St. Louis has enjoyed a rich drum line history that was established by the American...

Girlfriend Getaways

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Most people think girlfriend getaways are for warm, summer months, but that is not so. Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you and the girls can’t get away for a little indoor fun. Not only do many Missouri attractions offer group opportunities and rates, but more and more are offering special girls-only events and packages.

For example, Loganberry Inn in Fulton, www.LoganberryInn.com, offers multiple packages for girlfriend retreats. Chocolate for Chicks celebrates the joy of chocolate with a cup of homemade hot chocolate and a fresh-baked cookie upon arrival, followed up by a chocolate martini before bed. A breakfast of double chocolate waffles, a chocolate tasting and wine pairing class, and a chocolate dessert buffet are offered the next day. Spa packages are also available.

The Inn at Harbour Ridge at Lake of the Ozarks, www.HarbourRidgeInn.com/girlfriends-weekend.htm, offers girlfriend weekends including goody bags, appetizers at arrival, a late-night pizza party, breakfast both mornings and options for transportation to the Osage Beach Premium Outlet Malls, spa time, or mini makeovers and foot massages.

The Raphael Hotel in Kansas City, www.RaphaelKC.com, also offers a Girlfriends Getaway package. It includes one night in a spacious suite with two bedrooms and two baths, a pajama party complete with margaritas, pizza, popcorn, chocolates, breakfast, a movie rental from the hotel's "chick flicks" library and use of board games, and a disposable camera.

Scrapbooking is a top activity among girlfriends, so...

Follow in the Footsteps of Famous Missourians

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri is famous for many things, from roaring rivers and scenic state parks to world-famous barbecue and the Gateway Arch. But cities around the Show-Me State also served as the backdrop to the lives of many famous folks, allowing visitors the opportunity to follow in their footsteps.

Around Missouri, many attractions are devoted to historic figures such as Mark Twain, Harry S. Truman, Jesse James and George Washington Carver. But elsewhere around the Show-Me State, you can find plenty to do in the towns whose famous former residents include celebrities from Brad Pitt and Jenna Fischer to Walt Disney and Cedric the Entertainer.

If you’re more into fame from a historic standpoint, chances are you’ll be most interested in the sites devoted to Twain, Truman, James and Carver.

Twain is perhaps Missouri’s most-famous son. Born in the city of Florida, Twain grew up in Hannibal and used the Mississippi River city as the basis for many of his famous works, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Today, Twain’s presence looms large over Hannibal, where the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, www.MarkTwainMuseum.org, is just one of many attractions where the author’s legacy lives. You’ll find a statue of Twain in the city’s Riverview Park and see him depicted as a young riverboat captain at Glascock’s Landing on the riverfront, or you can go underground to Mark Twain Cave,...

Travel Around the Culinary Globe Without Leaving Missouri

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo.,- Think it’s unlikely to find an authentic French quiche, mouthwatering moussaka or trendy Spanish tapas without purchasing an expensive plane ticket to a faraway land? Think again. Missouri is coming into its own as a place for delectable international cuisine, and new restaurants are opening all the time. Best of all, you don’t need your passport.

For a taste of authentic Argentina, head to Piropos, www.PiroposKC.com, in Kansas City. Argentinean dining is very cosmopolitan, with influences from Spain, Italy, France and other countries. Piropos’ menu features bite-sized crab cakes served with cilantro pesto aioli, chorizo Argentine skewers served with red pepper and chimmichurri sauce, and of course sangria, a sweetened red wine with fruit and a touch of brandy.

To feel as though you’re in the Basque region of Northern Spain, head to La Bodega, www.LaBodegaKC.com, on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, for a taste of Spanish tapas. Other offerings include rosemary marinated pork loin, grilled skewers of beef tenderloin served with ancho chili aioli, and a Spanish chicken sandwich served with roasted red peppers, Manchego cheese and chipotle cream spread.

If you’re in the mood to try Missouri’s only Albanian restaurant, head to Columbia, home of Felini. Brothers Bekim and Ilir Canhasi, refugees of the Kosovo War, came to the United States in 1999 and proudly serve cuisine from their native land. Open daily from noon to 8 p.m. and offering private dining for groups as large as 60,...

Family-Friendly and Free

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Mo.,- It’s more and more difficult to stretch a dollar these days, and there’s nothing harder to deal with than bored kids who just want “something to do.” Well, there are lots of things to do in Missouri that don’t cost a dime and will keep the kids happy and occupied. You just need to know where to find them.

The St. Louis Art Museum, www.slam.org, is one of the nation’s leading museums with exceptional works from virtually every culture and time, including Oceanic art, ancient Chinese bronzes, and 20th Century German art. Classes on different topics are also held for those who want to dive more deeply into a certain type of art.

The nearby St. Louis Zoo, www.StlZoo.org, offers kids the chance to pet guinea pigs and goats and see naked mole rats up-close and personal. There’s a large colony of meerkats -- which the kids may recognize from the TV show “Meerkat Manor” or perhaps the animated tale, “The Lion King,” and an active family of small Fennec foxes with huge ears. The Children’s Zoo also has a “Just Like Me” play area where children can climb a giant spider web or dig like an aardvark in a sandbox. The indoor space is divided into desert, forest, water and backyard, and kids can crawl through the Frog Surround, climb a cool tree house or “drive” a jeep through a savannah.

The Whittle Shortline Railroad in Valley...

Hop Aboard Missouri’s Winding Rails This Holiday Season

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Missouri’s railroad heritage is alive and well today, even though many of its historic depots no longer serve in their original capacity. All across the Show-Me State, Missouri train depots offer a glimpse of the state’s proud rail heritage. This holiday season, Missouri train depots offer an array of exciting experiences that educate and bring to life the many stories of the American railroad, many with a holiday twist.

Branson invites your children to hop aboard The Polar Express, an experience based on the Chris Van Allsburg children’s book (and animated motion picture). This journey begins as the train departs from the 1906 original train depot located in Downtown Branson, www.BransonTrain.com. Once aboard, the porter punches the passengers’ tickets, and chefs hand out cups of hot chocolate, as children—dressed in their pajamas—settle down for a nighttime train adventure. The story is read aloud during the train ride, and children can relive the adventure of “The Polar Express” while the train transports them to the North Pole.

Another holiday adventure unfolds as The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train, www.kcsi.com, brings Santa and his elves through the Show-Me-State. Beginning in Blue Springs on December 14, the tour runs through December 20, when the train pulls into Kansas City’s Union Station.

Speaking of Union Station, www.UnionStation.org, the Kansas City landmark also brings the Missouri rails story to life through its Rail Experience interactive exhibit. Kids will enjoy...

Feel Like Royalty by Visiting One of Missouri’s Castles

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Take your little princes and princesses on a journey back in time by visiting one of the many mansions and castles that grace the countryside in the Show-Me-State. Missouri is home to more than 20 castle-like structures that are open to the public, offering a unique way to delve into the world of kings and queens.

As you approach Rockcliffe Mansion, www.RockcliffeMansion.com, set atop a hill in Hannibal, you’ll see the beauty of this charming home built in 1900 by lumber baron J. J. Cruikshank. It is one of the most well preserved house museums in America with more than 60 percent of the Cruikshank family’s original furniture, décor items and personal belongings intact. In 1967, the mansion was saved from the wrecking ball by several prominent Hannibal families, and it has been open as a museum since 1968. The mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. When touring Rockcliffe Mansion, take note of the architecture and keep in mind it was designed by the same architects — Barnett, Haynes and Barnett — who also designed and built the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City, www.MissouriMansion.org, and the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, www.CathedralStl.org.

Your family may not have any dragons to slay, but you’ll find many wild creatures in a natural setting as you amble toward Ha Ha Tonka Castle located in Ha Ha Tonka State Park, near Camdenton on the Niangua arm of the...

Marci Bennett Elected Chair of Missouri Tourism Commission

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo - Marci Bennett, who has served 16 years as the executive director of the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, was elected chair of the Missouri Tourism Commission at the group’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Bennett has been a member of the Tourism Commission since 2007, but her work in the travel and hospitality industry dates to 1979. During her career, Bennett has served in a variety of leadership roles, and she’s currently the executive director of the Missouri Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, a position she’s held since 1999.

“I’m kind of shocked,” said Bennett, who succeeds Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder as the Commission’s chair. “But I guarantee I will do everything I can to ensure the continued success of the tourism industry’s positive economic impact in generating needed tax funds for the State of Missouri so that they can invest those funds into the much-needed state programs, especially during these difficult budget years.”

Bennett also said she’s looking forward to working with Katie Steele Danner, who was appointed Tuesday as the new director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.

“I think Katie and I will be a great team,” said Bennett. “With Katie … along with the Tourism Commission and the Division staff, we have the experience to continue the dynamic work already put in place by the Commission and the industry.”

Bennett, whose term on the Commission expires in 2011, served as president of Image Associates, an independent marketing and consulting firm...

Murals Make Missouri Magnificent

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.,-- Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton, who reportedly said, “murals are the highest form of art because they are public art,” set the bar fairly high with “Social History of the State of Missouri.” Considered quite controversial when it was unveiled in the state Capitol in 1936. The mural is now considered one of the most relevant murals in the United States, according to Steve Sitton at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio Historic Site in Kansas City. “Benton particularly liked to paint murals because he could put so many scenes in them,” said Sitton.

Missouri Wall of Fame Mural in Cape Girardeau, MO

In the last decade, murals have become prominent all across Missouri, expressing the unique characteristics and history of a community while generating a greater sense of pride, understanding and ownership by the people who are represented in the oversized art.

Mississippi River Tales Mural in Cape Girardeau, MO

Take for example the Mississippi River flood wall in Cape Girardeau. A valuable necessity for communities along most of Missouri’s river communities, flood walls are an ideal canvas. The Mississippi River Tales Mural covers 18,000 square feet, is 1,100 feet long and provides an energetic backdrop for the downtown business district. Created by Chicago artist Thomas Melvin in 2004, the mural and at least a dozen...

Armistice Day

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In 1927, the United States Congress passed a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation calling for the display of the Flag of the United States of America on all government buildings at the 11th Hour, of the 11th Day, of the 11th Month, and inviting all citizens to reverently observe that time in schools, businesses and churches. At the appointed hour all traffic stopped, volleys were fired and “Taps” sounded in tribute to our WWI military dead.

However, it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill mandating that each November 11 “. . . shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace . . . hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” By Act of Congress in May of 1954, the name of the commemoration was changed to Veterans’ Day. President Eisenhower explained that the name change was in order to honor the service men and women of all America’s wars.

This year on Veteran’s Day, Missourians can honor fallen soldiers at numerous sites, such as the boyhood home of General of the Armies John J. Pershing, in Laclede; the hometown of Five-Star General Omar N. Bradley, in Moberly; the national Military Heritage Museum, in St. Joseph; the Soldiers Memorial and Military Museum, in St. Louis; and the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City.

Ceremonies and parades are held at many locations throughout our state on November 11: The United States...

What’s Cookin’?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-- It takes a little more motivation and a little more planning, but the number of people cooking at home rather than eating out is on the rise. The sour economy, it seems, has sweetened the desire to save money by dining in. So cooking classes are more popular than ever, and there are plenty of places in Missouri for aspiring chefs to hone their culinary craft.

The Alpenhorn Gasthaus in Hermann, www.alpenhorngasthaus.com, offers weekends of gourmet cooking classes or three-hour luncheons during the week.

“Both options are popular, depending on how much time people have,” said Kate Schandl, who, along with husband Adrian Sigrist, teaches the classes. The couple also owns the old-style bed and breakfast in Missouri wine country where the classes are held. “We focus on local ingredients and fresh herbs from our garden.”

Cooking instructor and cookbook author Judith Fertig teaches a class how to make steak salad at "A thyme for Everything" in Lee's Summit, MO.

Schandl stresses presentation, believing that we eat with our eyes first. It’s not uncommon for her to serve ceviche in a frosted martini glass, or plop rich chocolate mousse into a similar glass that has been dusted with cocoa powder. “I’m a simple cook who doesn’t believe cooking has to be complicated,” said Schandl. “If you go to the effort to cook a meal,...

Independence ready to open its new events center

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

This month, Harry Truman’s town gets its own pro sports palace, the Independence Events Center, which opens Saturday. The building’s anchor tenant, the Missouri Mavericks minor league hockey team, will play its first home games Nov. 13 and 14.

The 5,800-seat building includes amenities that the modern sports fan has come to expect: 25 private suites and VIP-level bars where patrons can watch the action or mingle next to picture windows that offer views of Interstate 70 and the Little Blue River. Yet in the town where Truman personified the common touch, Independence leaders didn’t want a venue that reeked of exclusivity. You’ll find no velvet rope at the President’s Club, a bar on the building’s ground-floor concourse. In similar facilities built around the country by Global Entertainment of Arizona, the same space has been devoted to restricted-access bars.“Independence officials wanted residents to feel that they could be comfortable here, like they were in their living rooms,” said Aaron Young, the building’s project manager. Whether enough paying patrons find that comfort level is what those same Independence leaders will be watching for.

The new center elevates Independence from a local to regional destination, said City Manager Robert Heacock. Also, patrons could stay and eat in the motels and restaurants that surround the center, boosting sluggish sales tax receipts. It also will represent a new venue for community events — ranging from high school basketball games to graduation ceremonies. “This building can be a memory-maker,” Heacock said. From the get-go, Independence...

Celebrate Heritage and Tradition at Holiday Events Throughout Missouri

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.,-- No matter where you are in the Show-Me State, you’re never too far from memorable holiday season events. All across the state, Missouri celebrates the holidays in a big way. So hop in the car and let the festivities begin….

Christmas comes early in Branson www.ExploreBranson.com, where the Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration kicks off in early November. The season officially begins with the Holiday Promenade of Stars on Nov. 7, with Andy Williams as Grand Marshal and many popular Branson stars performing. www.HolidayPromenadeOfStars.com

Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters will sing along with Santa at the Welk Resort in Branson.(Photo Courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau)

An Old Time Christmas begins the same day at Silver Dollar City www.SilverDollarCity.com, the 1880s theme park. Ranked by CNN.com as one of the world’s top holiday events and by USA Today, Good Morning America and The Travel Channel as one of the nation’s top events, an Old Time Christmas is not to be missed. With more than four million lights (That’s 350 miles of lights!) and more than 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, the park is a glittering winter wonderland that pleases young and old.

The Miracle of Christmas show that...

November Rocks for Racks (and Does) in Missouri

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., --- In 2008, more than 18,000 hunters crossed the state line to hunt whitetail deer in Missouri, joining thousands of Missourians with bows, rifles and muzzleloaders. There are lots of reasons to hunt whitetail in Missouri, too, including trophy racks, tasty tenderloins, millions of acres of public hunting lands, and a wet spring and summer that nurtured crops and acorns for big bucks and does.

November in Missouri is a whitetail hunter’s paradise. Hunters can begin with a bow in late October-early November, when deer start to get active, and then switch to a rifle during the rut and opt for either a muzzleloader through late December or back to a bow until mid-January.

Missouri kicks off its rifle season with the statewide Early Youth portion from Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 across the state. As with the regular season, hunting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour past sunset. The firearms portion runs from Nov. 14 to Nov. 24, followed by a special antlerless hunt in selected areas, including the upper half of the state, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 6. The muzzleloader portion runs from Dec. 19 to 29 and the late youth hunt runs Jan. 2 - 3 statewide. For regulations about deer hunting in Missouri, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Web site: http://mdc.mo.gov/hunt/.

Lonnie Hansen, resource scientist for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), said, “Bucks are starting to move now but the...

SCIENCE CENTER ANNOUNCES LARGEST DINOSAUR EXHIBITION EVER TO HIT ST. LOUIS

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

St. Louis, MO. Dinosaurs Unearthed Exhibition Arrives Nov. 7, Bringing With It Rare, Feathered Fossils and More Than 20 Life-Sized Dinosaurs Depicted in a Realistic Habitat“.

Walking into Dinosaurs Unearthed is like stepping back in time,” said Brad Nuccio, Senior Vice President of the Science Center. “The impressive, life-like replicas of the dinosaurs in their environment paired with the most current scientific theories and information make it an incredible entertainment and educational experience.”

The exhibition highlights the latest theories in paleontology. Though dinosaurs are usually portrayed with scaled, reptile-like skin, most scientists now accept the theory that many were covered with feathers. Dinosaurs Unearthed explores this theory and presents some of the first life-sized models of feathered dinosaurs ever created. Each model has been hand-carved, with thousands of down-like feathers also placed by hand.

Visitors can also take control of several animatronic dinosaurs such as a baby Stegosaurus, Baryonyx, Parasaurolophus and an Allosaurus. Featuring new technology using electronics instead of hydraulics, these models demonstrate some of the most life-like motions possible with animatronics.“We know how intrigued our visitors of all ages are with dinosaurs,” said Nuccio. “This exhibition has the sense of mystery and excitement that always surrounds dinosaurs, grounded in the latest science, which makes it completely new and unique.”

Not only are dinosaurs taking over the Science Center’s EXPLORADOME, but passers-by will also be greeted by a 57-foot long Apatosaurus on the front lawn of the museum, providing...

Missouri Haunts Unveil Some of the Season’s Favorite Spooks

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A certain chill in the air gets people thinking about campfires, hayrides, hot apple cider and of course, ghost stories. Speaking of haunts, there are several spooky legends and hillside tales that continue to send chills up and down Missourian’s spines.

If you’re headed toward the Springfield-Branson area to view the beautiful fall foliage, you might catch a theatrical production at the Springfield Little Theatre, www.SpringfieldLittleTheatre.org. This historic landmark has been entertaining Springfield residents since opening in 1909 and is rumored to be the home to a few ghosts. On December 19, 1920, the theatre suffered an extensive fire and one of the janitors working that day died in the blaze. His spirit has been known to appear on the balcony; often sighted by the actors and actresses on stage. In addition, visitors of the Little Theatre often say they hear the sound of a baby crying, and that is soon comforted by the voice of a lady in the balcony area.