Where Do You Like to Travel in Missouri During Spring?
Spring officially begins today (March 20), and that means we can finally put behind one of the coldest and snowiest winters we've had. There may be a few chances at snow coming up, since winter was long, but I want to concentrate on what's coming up: lots of sunshine and travel.
I have had several conversations with friends about some of my favorite spots in Missouri to take a quick getaway and enjoy the weather outside of Pettis County. One of the great assets of living in the middle of Missouri is the chance to get away on a whim. You can be in Kansas City or Columbia within an hour or so, Springfield within two hours and St. Louis within three hours.
This year I want to take my family to see the Steamboat Arabia in Kansas City and enjoy the great foods from the City Market area. I have never been to either and I think it's time to do that. I also want to take the time and see the World War I Museum inside the Liberty Memorial. I have great respect for our military and the hardships of fighting in trenches and facing mustard gas is something I can't even really imagine and would like to learn more about "the War to End All Wars." Of course I want to take in some of the sports action, whether it be Kansas City Royals, Kansas City T-Bones or Sporting KC.
I got a taste of Springfield recently when my cousin's basketbal team, Wayne State, played in the NCAA Division 2Tournament at Drury, but I haven't focused a lot of time in Springfield, even though I've lived here since 1985. One of these days I do plan to eat at Lambert's and take in a game of the Springfield Cardinals at Hammon's Field. I think part of my reason I don't venture down there much is I get hooked on the Lake of the Ozarks area along the way. I do plan to camp out at the Niangua River Oasis this year, but may have to watch how much I canoe with my recent shoulder surgery.
Columbia has been the place I frequent lately. Whether it be enjoying Mizzou sports, shopping or food places like Flat Branch Pub & Brewing. I always wish there would be a professional sport in Columbia, but Mizzou has plenty of activities to do.
St. Louis is a place I have been wanting to go to more often. My wife and I fell in love with it when ate at The Hill District and want to take the kids to the St. Louis Zoo, which is free admission. I have been to many St. Louis Cardinals games and I do want to return to Union Station, the Arch and can't wait to see the new bridge.
Of course, I have promised I'd take my kids fishing, and I do need to test out the shoulder for golf season, so there are lots of places to enjoy for that.
Do you have a favorite place to travel to for springtime in Missouri. Let us know in the comments.