Kansas City from the Missouri River

Branson, Joplin, Springfield, Kansas City, St Joseph cities of Western Missouri steeped in history and filled today with the excitement of modern life. The Missouri River takes a turn through the Region to its confluence with the Mississippi doubling it's flow. Route 66 cuts the region, along with the historical Pony Express and Lewis and Clark trails. Today Interstates 70 and 44 traverse the state perpetuating Missouri as a crossroads in the mid west.

Modern Kansas City Missouri is a showcase for the best in urban bustle with the charms of a small town. A hot spot for Jazz, March brings Jammin' at the Gem: Women in Jazz featuring Oleta Adams who hails from Kansas City. Sponsored by the American Jazz Museum and part of March's month long celebration of women in Jazz. April is Jazz appreciation month, check the schedule at the Museum for a selection of outstanding events and performances.

Who would not want to celebrate the birthday of an international Diva? Through 2010 the Toy and Miniature Museum showcases “Celebrating 50 Fabulous Years with America's Favorite Doll”, a Tribute to Barbie. A wonderful exhibition for a favorite fashionista, friend and business woman.

Sports enthusiasts can catch the 2010 NCAA Women's Basketball Regional Finals at the Sprint Center in March. The Kansas City Royal's begin their home baseball season in March at the Kauffman Stadium. A baseball game at Kauffman Stadium is a great place for a fun family outing. Soccer fans, look for Kansas City Wizards Soccer to begin games later in the spring.

Independence Missouri outside Kansas City was the boyhood home of Harry S Truman, the only U.S. President from Missouri. He was born in the small town of Lamar to the south where his birthplace home can be toured. The Truman Presidential Museum and Library is located in Independence and will be celebrating President Truman's birthday on May 8^th. The festivities include a traditional tractor pull in the morning, wreathlaying, birthday cake and kids activities.

The city of St. Joseph to the north is famous in history as the birthplace of the Pony Express. A special 150^th anniversary celebration will be held this April featuring a reenactment, parade, food, and activities. Come celebrate the fascinating feat of the Pony Express which was able to deliver mail almost 2000 miles away to Sacramento in 10 to 14 days.

Historic Tip: St. Joseph is also where the notorious outlaw Jesse James was killed in April of 1882. His legend lives on and the hole from the bullet that ended it can be seen at the Jesse James house which is now a Museum.

The southwest corner of Missouri has a rich history in Americana. Springfield is the site of the first shootout recorded in the United States which included the infamous Wild Bill Hickok. The shootout was a quick draw duel to settle a gambling dispute. Also called the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield was where the famous highway was named.

Joplin neat the Kansas state line has a year long schedule full of events. A unique and fun event to celebrate St Patrick's day is the St Patty's Revenge Urban Race and Adventure in March. The course of the race is secret until the day of the event where teams of 2 or individuals compete through challenges, checkpoints and events. A great event for beginners and casual runners and amazing fun. Boomtown Days in June features an action packed weekend drawing crowds from the surrounding states for fun and entertainment. Runners can join in a 5K or Half-Marathon.

Nearby Branson is the capital of entertainment in the Midwest. In addition to fantastic live entertainment, music and theater it is home to some amazing events. During the month of April Branson hosts the month long See The World In Branson event. Featured are food, cultural events, and entertainment from around the globe. A great place to travel for a 'staycation' and have an international experience.

Silver Dollar City also hosts an international themed Worldfest in April. In May, Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and Barbeque Festival begins. Headliners include award winning Bluegrass musicians and stars. Stay awhile and sample the best BBQ from the Midwest while enjoying the best in bluegrass music.

Gateway Arch - St. Louis, Missouri

The Mississippi River is the figurative divider between the eastern and western United States. St. Louis' skyline is dominated by the famous Gateway Arch located on the Mississippi River front. Referred to as the gateway to the west it is the nations tallest monument.

Spring brings baseball season and the St. Louis Cardinals are favored sons in Missouri. Catch a game at Busch Stadium, spring training games are in March with the regular season games beginning in April. Also on the sports scene, former Cardinal Football Quarterback Jim Hart is an honored guest at the 3rd annual Jim Hart Celebrity Golf Classic in May. A wonderful golf and charity event at the Country Club at the Legends.

For the active Go St Louis Family Fitness Weekend is held annually in April. Geared for the entire family including new and experienced runners. Day one features a children's fun run, a 'Mature Mile' and a 5K walk and run. Day two is for the serious runners and fans with the marathon events schedule. Included is the full marathon, half marathon and a 4 person marathon relay.

Motorcross fans, plan on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross FIM World Championship in mid April. Bring the entire family, seating includes a non-alcoholic family section. Come early for the afternoon Pit Party.

The Capital City of Missouri is Jefferson City, located in the Center of the state. Early German settlers in the area planted vineyards that have continued to be cultivated in this region. Visitors may be surprised yo find vibrant wineries and tastings in the area. Early May features a Hermann Norton Wine Trail tour with wine and food pairings at six area wineries.

Historic tip:2010 marks the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain's death and the celebrations of his life and works begins in Hannibal Missouri his boyhood home. The Mississippi River Life Festival is held in may and celebrates life on the Mississippi in historic downtown Hannibal. There is something for everyone with food, music, crafts, antiques and wine. In June celebrate Juneteenth as well in Hannibal with a festival including 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, singing, performers along with food and activities.

In mid April, the Jefferson City Jaycee's Fairgrounds hosts the Capital City Cook. This is a big draw and rewards cash prizes to winners of the sanctioned barbecue competition events. The activities include a bluegrass festival featuring the states finest musicians and groups. This is a fun and filling springtime event.

Thirty Miles north of Jefferson City is Columbia, just off Interstate 70. Columbia is the home to several unique winter and springtime events. The True/False Film Fest in late February features four days of documentary film screenings many picked from more well known film festivals like Sundance and Toronto. The town becomes nirvana for film makers and fans who will enjoy creative and in depth looks into current events and topics.

The Original “Blind” Boone Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival is held at the end of May and early June. The festival honors John William Boone, Columbia's native son, who was famous in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, for his piano concerts and ragtime music. The schedule of events is full, but people come from all over to hear the indigenous ragtime and early jazz music.

South of Columbia and Jefferson City around Fort Leonard Wood, the Freedom of Road Riders sponsor a Memorial Day weekend Motorcycle rally. Bikers and fans gather for the Mid-America Freedom Rally dedicated to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve freedom in the United States.

Best Western Hotels are ready with clean and affordable accommodations throughout Missouri. Conveniently located for all your travel and lodging needs.