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Quiet Destinations–Escaping the Holiday Chaos

Tomorrow is Black Friday. A time when shopping bags, elbows, expletives, and in some cases, even fists fly. If you are looking to escape from the midnight mall madness, the customer–driven craziness, and the all encompassing chaos that accompanies the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season then consider traveling to northwest Missouri. That’s where you’ll find Conception Abbey, one of several Roman Catholic Benedictine monasteries around the world that are open to groups and individuals looking for a safe haven to reflect, pray, meditate or simply escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (especially during the Christmas … Continue reading →

Top Reasons to Visit Branson, Missouri

I’ve traveled to Missouri dozens of times (in college I dated a guy who attended Drury University) and while I’ve visited some of the “Show Me State’s” most popular attractions I was still a bit taken aback by a recent statistic that made headlines regarding Branson, Missouri. The family-friendly Ozark resort town, which is known for its country music roots, attracted more than 8 million visitors to the area last year alone. So what’s the draw? I’ve compiled this list of reasons why people from around the world are putting Branson at the top of their must-visit lists: Affordable. Branson … Continue reading →

Gazing at the “Gateway City”

St. Louis, Missouri may have earned the nickname “Gateway City” because it once served as a gateway to other parts of the country. However, once you begin your tour of the booming metropolis you might just find yourself wanting to stay a while. Thanks to a massive multi-million dollar renovation project downtown St. Louis is now home to a new entertainment district, refurbished parks, new condos, luxurious hotels and hip restaurants. Still, the top tourist draw is still the Gateway Arch. The structure, which rises 160 feet into the St. Louis sky, is the city’s crown jewel. Eero Saarinen crafted … Continue reading →

Mardi Gras in Missouri

I’m still in shock. As I was going through my new calendar today I noticed that we are only about a month away from Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday falls on February 5th this year. Fat Tuesday then Ash Wednesday and before long it’ll be Easter… and we’re still celebrating Christmas in our home. My daughter is up to the ninth day of Christmas and happily belted out what her true love gave to her earlier today as she eagerly awaits the Epiphany and the gifts she’ll get to open on Three Kings Day. But, back to Mardi Gras. If you … Continue reading →

More Travel Tips for 2008

Whether you plan to crisscross the country in a Winnebago, take to the skies on a trip to Austria, or set sail on a high seas adventure in the Caribbean, the following information might affect your travel plans. WEAK DOLLAR It’s no secret the weak dollar is affecting travel to Europe and other parts of the world. (Or, in the words of my brother who just returned from Canada: “The American dollar and Canadian dollar are equal for crying out loud.”) What’s more, according to a recent United States Tour Operators Association survey, 50% of its members have reported a … Continue reading →