Explore Exciting Attractions, Outdoor Adventures, and Unforgettable Memories in the Heart of Missouri BRANSON, Mo. – (March, 2025) – Branson, Mo. consistently ranks as one of the top family-friendly destinations in America. Besides being filled with fun and memorable things for families to do, it is also considered to be within a day's drive for nearly half of the country. Those who want to take a road trip must look no further than Branson … [Read more...]
At 40, SATW Foundation Announces 2024 Recipients of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards
November 2024 – Choosing among 1,371 entries, the 27 judges at the University of Missouri School of Journalism conferred 120 awards on editors, writers, photographers, podcasters, social media experts and videographers in the 2024 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition. The awards were announced today at the SATW annual convention in Istanbul, Turkey. Professor Jennifer Rowe and Carol J. Loomis, faculty fellow, along with Professor … [Read more...]
Exploring the Midwest of the United States of America
I stopped in Chicago, one of my favorite food and wine towns in the entire country. I enjoyed some exceptional wine and food at the Greek Restaurant Avli on the Park on top of a tall building just up from the waterfront. I headed south that evening, arriving in South Chicago. It was very dark. I arrived on a street filled with people running around, yelling, drinking and cars double parked. I felt out of my element. My desired space for the night … [Read more...]
Lake of the Ozarks sets its Sights on Breaking the World Record for the Largest Boat Parade
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO - It was announced during a press conference that the Lake of the Ozarks will make a second attempt at breaking the current record for the largest official boat parade in the world on Saturday, June 11, 2022. The current record, according to Guinness World Records, stands at 1,180 vessels and was set in Terengganu, Malaysia in September 2014. Over the years, there have been many attempts to break the record by different … [Read more...]
Mark Twain Country, Missouri – October 2021
One of the world's greatest travelers, Mark Twain once said, (we won't reference the common Twain quote here) "...nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people." During our International travels we sometimes come across Mark Twain monuments indicating his prior visit. The man got around. Mark Twain was born in what is still very rural Missouri. When you … [Read more...]
The Spirit of Columbia
COLUMBIA, MO - Columbia has a reputation for world-class festivals, big-time collegiate sporting events and outstanding outdoor recreation. There's always a palpable feeling of excitement as the city does everything in style. And, that's no different for Columbia's burgeoning hand-crafted beverage industry, which includes acclaimed microbreweries, distilleries, a cidery and an award-winning large-scale winery. "Like many destinations, … [Read more...]
Living the Independent Lifestyle, Freelance Writing
When I started my travel site in 1996, there were very few independent online travel focused websites. Like many others (especially those beginning blogs), my site began as a personal journal - a place to compile notes from various trips with tips and tricks to help other travels avoid mistakes that I made on my own travels. Over the years I've retained this focus - but the site has also morphed into more of a travel community with writers … [Read more...]
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Named Most Beautiful Place in Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks, MO - In a recent article published by Condé Nast Traveler, the Lake of the Ozarks' Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located at 1491 State Highway D near Camdenton, was named the most beautiful place in Missouri. The article, which listed the most beautiful and compelling place in each of the 50 states, urges readers to consider the list as a "starting point to the most epic cross-country trip ever." According to Condé Nast: … [Read more...]
What’s New in Branson for 2018
Branson has lots of theaters offering live shows with entertainment choices from Broadway songs to country music, Rock 'n' Roll, to magic and comedy! A trip to Branson is not complete without experiencing Silver Dollar City, an 1880-style award-winning theme park where you'll find authentic Ozarks history along with crafts, eateries, six festivals and a brand-new thrilling ride. Visitors can enjoy three Ozark mountain lakes, perfect for fishing … [Read more...]
More of What’s New in Branson for 2017
Silver Dollar City's Festival of Wonder Leads this Year's Events BRANSON, MO. – The all-new Festival of Wonder in April, a new summer concert series and a big new Christmas expansion top the lineup for Silver Dollar City’s 2017 season in Branson, Mo., designated the Year of Food and Crafts. Come celebrate the art of American fine craftsmanship with new handcrafted treasures, new signature dining experiences with bold, innovative flavors and … [Read more...]