Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Southwest Missouri hosts a great deal of rich history, including more Civil War history than we realized. While visiting in the Springfield or Branson area, plan to spend at least half a day, if not more, at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. In case you need to brush up on your Civil War history (as I always do), Wilson's Creek was the site of the second major battle of the war fought … [Read more...]

Branson Landing review: a stay at Hilton Promenade

Branson, Missouri is the 25th most visited family destination in the US. With wholesome shows rivaling Broadway quality, the natural attraction of the Ozarks, and lots of dining and shopping, we think it gets this top 25 distinction from it's ability to offer something to almost everyone, and its drivable location in the lower midwest.   If you're planning a trip to Branson, you … [Read more...]

Titanic Branson: Big city museum in a tourist town

Surprised to learn one of the world’s most comprehensive museums on the Titanic disaster docks in Branson, Missouri? So was I. From the outside, Titanic Branson looks suspiciously like any other gimmicky tourist attraction, a la Ripleys Believe It or Not or Madaam Tussauds wax museums. Step inside, however, and it’s an entirely different story. The brainchild and passion of former … [Read more...]

Springfield Missouri lodging picks: Ramada Plaza Hotel and Hotel Vandivort

This post is truly a tale of two hotels. Families finding themselves in Springfield, Missouri can choose from a fairly standard array of motels and hotels, or they can pick between two unique choices: the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center for family-friendliness or the new Hotel Vandivort for boutique downtown chic. If I could, I'd squish together the best amenities and features at … [Read more...]

Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope

The following pit stop has been submitted by Julie of Kansas City and My Kansas City Mommy. Thank you, Julie, for sharing such a great pit stop! Visiting Kaleidoscope does take a little bit of planning. They open during scheduled sessions (daily), which you can see on their calendar page here (which also includes contact information to reserve a ticket). Tickets are recycled, so can only be … [Read more...]