Travel Tips

When we think of really terrific destinations to find great sights and experiences, we somehow tend to think of the coasts of America. And to be sure, from the California to Washington State to the eastern seaboard, these states boast some of the most exciting vacation destinations we have in this country. But its never a good idea to overlook the wonderful locations located dead center in the middle the country for that experience of the Midwest that will be as unique as your trip to Boston or San Francisco.

Kansas City boasts a robust Midwest culture that is both boisterously western and very metropolitan as well. It is actually a beautiful city that is filled with fabulous art that is on display literally anywhere you can turn. The city fathers made sure that art was a big part of how the city grew up and you will see interesting and skillfully made art sitting in the middle of a garden, off the side of the road or in an out of the way place all over Kansas City.

But no trip to Kansas City is complete without enjoying the amazing tastes of what is possibly the best steak and barbeque in the entire country. Kansas City sits directly on the route of the Cumberland trail. If you remember your history well, you know that in the days of the early west, the Cumberland trail was used by cattlemen to drive herds of cattle up to the markets of Kansas City, Omaha and other great merchant stops to be sold and shipped out via railroad or by barge to be meals for consumers all over the country in the world. Small wonder that it is Kansas City is the home of chefs who know better than anyone does how to prepare beef that will literally melt in your mouth. Some have said the quality of meat you will get in a fine Kansas City restaurant is so good that you wont even have to use your teeth to eat it.

Kansas City is also home to some great historic stops. Just a few miles away from the city center, you can visit the inspiring Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. You can walk through the notes and pictures of the term of this great president and get a feel for what he went through as he made decisions that shaped the history of this great nation. And dont be surprised if you will find your kids not bored at all but completely enthralled with the story of the life of this historic American president. And its likely if they take back some mementos from their visit, they will probably get extra credit in school for taking the time to enjoy this wonderful stop in Independence Missouri.

But Kansas City is also all about fun. For the kids, Kansas City has some of the best water parks in the country. You can drop them off for a day of fun and the adults can take in some of the exciting casinos that have sprung up along the river for some pleasant adult time of recreation as well. Then that night, everybody can gather at a Kansas City Royals baseball game and take in Americas pastime, eat a few hot dogs and enjoy one of the best baseball parks in the nation. Whether the Royals win or lose doesnt matter. Its a thrill to go to a major league game and it will be a memory the kids will be talking about for months, maybe years to come after you finish your trip to Kansas City Missouri.

There was a fun song that came out in the nineteen sixties that had the refrain I dont care what you say I wont stay in a world without love. Is it even possible to imagine what a world would be like if we didnt have such a place as wonderful as California? I know imagining America without a California alone is almost impossible to do.

California is so rich with sights and great places to visit that one has to plan not one but many trips there to truly take in all it has to offer. Why a visit to Los Angeles alone can fill a week and you would still leave behind so much to do and see. Here in the home of our great movie industry, the idea of hanging out near the major studios to catch a glimpse of a movie star is pretty hard to resist. And you can pass your time waiting by going to Graumans Chinese Theater to put your own feet in the famous imprints on the walk of fame. There you can see if your shoe size lines up with such greats as Marilyn Monroe, Marlin Brando, Dustin Hoffman or even Lassie.

While in LA dont forget that this is the area of the country where you can check in at the original Disneyland. Yes while the Florida and other locations that have been built since then are wonderful, dont miss the chance to sing Its a Small World After All with the anamatronic figures that will delight you and your children in those historic rides in Disneyland.

Anywhere you go up and down the California coast, one thing will continue to draw your eye is the amazing California coast. The sight of those waves making huge breakers on the rocks and beaches has been the object of art for many painters over the years. If you live in a land-locked state or even if you have enjoyed the coast lines in the gulf states and the eastern seaboard, the California surf will be yet another viewpoint of the majesty of Gods creation in the oceans that grace our fair country.

It might take another whole trip to enjoy the exotic locations all around the city of San Francisco. But give it that time because this is a town you want to take in on foot or by traveling on their famous and historic street cars. For a small city, San Francisco will charm you so thoroughly that you would swear you were in one of the quant and charming villages of Europe, Spain or Greece. The sight of those breath taking hills that the residents have to drive each day will probably bring back some great movie you saw that was filmed there. And its easy to get goose bumps standing on the corner of Haight and Ashbury and reflect on the birth of the Hippy Movement in the early sixties right on that spot.

There is just so much to do up and down this big and diverse state that you will want to have a car at your disposal just to tour the paradise like conditions that residents enjoy there every day. A tour of the wine country in northern California is another experience that has become famous for charming visitors of all ages. You can even retrace the voyage of the characters in the movie Sideways which won an Academy Award and further added to the lore and fame of this wonderful part of California.

California may not steal your heart away from your home town and state. But one this is for sure. Your trip to California will leave you with dozens of exciting memories and it will leave you with something even more lasting. You will come home with a determination that you have to get back to California and continue to enjoy the many treats this great American state has to offer.