• Day Trip,  Illinois,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    5 Great St. Louis Fall Color Drives

    Fall has been off to a slow start in the St. Louis area this year. However, the cooler temperatures are finally starting to arrive and trigger the changing of the leaves. If you are planning to load up the car and head out leaf peeping, here are 5 St. Louis fall color drives for the ultimate scenic road trip. 1. Great River Road This epic scenic drive is amazing no matter the season, but the road really puts on a…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Take a Cave Adventure at Meramec State Park

    An easy hour drive down I-44 from St. Louis lies Meramec State Park. This lovely Missouri State Park is located along the scenic Meramec River. The park’s claim to fame is that it is the location of over 40 known caves, more than any other park in the state. Our family has enjoyed visiting over the years to hike Meramec State Park’s kid-friendly trails full of interesting natural features. Below is a round up of our favorite trails to explore…

  • Day Trip,  Kids,  Missouri

    Adventure Underground at Meramec Caverns

    If you have driven around Missouri much at all, you have certainly seen the billboards and painted barns advertising Meramec Caverns. This attraction is a mix of natural wonder and road trip kitsch. As the cave is a constant 58 degrees year round, it also provides a perfect place to take a tour on a steamy summer day. Located about an hour west of St. Louis, the cave and other on site attractions make a great road trip destination. History…

  • Day Trip,  Hikes,  Hiking,  History,  Kids,  Missouri

    Visit to the Charming River City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri

    Cape Girardeau is a thriving river community located near the bootheel of southeastern Missouri. Rich in history and culture, the town features an array of attractions for all ages. The city makes a great getaway from St. Louis as it is a an easy 2 hour drive down I-55. We recently spent a day exploring the area and left wanting extra time to see even more. Here are our recommendations on some of the best places for a great visit.…

  • Day Trip,  History,  Illinois,  Kids

    Family Fun in Springfield, Illinois

    We were recently in Springfield, Illinois for another event and managed to squeeze in some sightseeing as well. This state capital is full of history and attractions. Even better, many of the things to see and do are free! The biggest draw here is the huge collection of buildings and museums related to Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln made his home in Springfield for 17 years before becoming president of the United States in 1861. The downtown area is full of various…