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Momma Told Me: Show me a map and I'll show you America.
Travel- I'd be lying if I didn't say I am most wooed by the promise of exotic lands and unique cultures; I have long romanticized a journey through Ireland and Europe. However, having been through nearly 23 of the 48 continuous United States, I can also attest that our own country has much to offer for travelers of it's homeland. As a child my family journeyed up and down our large state of California until I felt I knew it inside and out. Then, after graduating I took off in a tiny Saturn across country with my best friend. The awe of watching 4th of July Fireworks erupting over the mesa of Arizona, or the impact of driving along the Pine tree lined hills of Pennsylvania has resonated within me ever since.
I could spend my entire life and never leave this continent, or even country, and still feel the richer for my travels, of that I am confident. In fact, growing up, there were several places within this great nation I recall listening to tales of as the adults spoke and the children 'slept.' My father's family migrated from Europe almost five generations back now, and settled in the New England area. Somewhere in downtown Fall River. MA there is a porch stoop with my father's baby hand prints. But, as time tends to go people fall in love or take off on new life journeys that sometimes lead them away from 'home,' to create new ones. My grandfather's sister is no exception, flying the coop at a young age and starting a family down south in the Shreveport, LA area.
Her heart grew as fast as her family and so did my own family's excuse to travel to parts of the country we'd otherwise not explored before. As my father grew up his family grew at an equal rate of the Lousiana extension and by the time he was a teenager there were large scale family reunions being planned every other Summer. These meet ups were most often not local to either clan, and often ended up in Missouri. To be quite honest, I'd have no reason to hold personal regard for this often overlooked state (being raised in 'glamorous California,') but the photos and tails I have heard my entire childhood make it seem like an epic travel destination. Yes, epic.
The show me state has a lot to offer including a rich historical placement within the Civil War, and several invention credits such as boasting themselves as the home of George Washington Carver. There are plenty of museums to visit, local landmarks to photograph (need I even mention the breathtaking achievement in architecture that resides in St. Louis?) And if you're looking for hearty, delicious, Southern inspired food, look no further than the state with their own style of ribs named after it! But my Missouri travel fantasies have always revolved around the entertainment capital of the state, Branson, MO which offers a plethora of musical, theatrical, and alternative (gambling) entertainment.
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Show Me State has much more than great food, shows, and historical sites, it is also full of rolling scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. From campaign and rafting to one of my very own bucket list attractions, a Hot Air Balloon Ride Missouri is waiting for a future vacation. If you don't have the excuse of 'Cousins Parties' (ie: family reunions) to make a stop in this beautiful state, perhaps I've given you just a few to consider!
What Daughter Says: You'll find hidden treasures all along this great country, but there's only one Show Me State just waiting to show them to you!
