7 Things To Do In Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney is known as the best place in Nebraska to view the annual spring sandhill crane migration. However, the central Nebraska community of about 31,000 is home to a variety of attractions that make it a great place to visit at any time of the year.

If you’re visiting for the crane migration, plan on an extra day to take in the sights. If you’re looking for an enjoyable long weekend getaway, Kearney is an excellent option. It offers everything from pioneer history to local art to outstanding dining options.

Here are seven things to do when you’re in the area.

The Archway in Kearney, Nebraska. — Charles Lewis / Shutterstock

1. The Archway

Crossing Interstate 80, The Archway celebrates the pioneers’ westward migration across the plains. Three major pioneer trails passed through Nebraska — the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails — and each followed a similar route to the Rocky Mountains.

The interactive exhibits at The Archway give visitors a sense of the challenges the pioneers faced as they left their homes in the East for a new life in the West. As you explore the museum, you’ll encounter exhibits simulating lightning striking the prairie along with claps of thunder. Out in the open, there was no protection against these storms. Then you’ll see the landfills where pioneers dumped their family heirlooms and furniture they hoped to bring with them, but instead bogged down the wagon trains. The exhibits also offer a look at the relationship between the pioneers and Native Americans.

Another exhibit focuses on travel across United States Route 30, also known as the Lincoln Highway. Built in the early 1900s, it was the first transcontinental highway that connected the East Coast to San Francisco. Nebraska was one of the states the highway ran through. Kearney celebrates its place on the highway with exhibits showcasing auto travel, including an old-fashioned diner and drive-in.

2. Classic Car Collection

Whether or not you’re a classic car enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the stories behind the vehicles at the Classic Car Collection. Appropriately located on the historic U.S. Route 30, the museum features an assortment of vehicles donated by a couple who sought to keep their 200-car collection together rather than sell them individually. With more than 125 vehicles on display at a time, the Classic Car Collection showcases them against fun backdrops, including a vintage downtown scene, a gas station display, and a drive-in showing classic movies.

3. Museum Of Nebraska Art

Housed inside an old post office, the Museum of Nebraska Art features the works of native Nebraska artists and others who have called the state home. From oil paintings to sculptures, there’s a lot of talent showcased over the three floors. Some paintings depict scenes you’ll find around the state, such as people gathering at a local ice cream joint or sandhill cranes spending time in area cornfields.

Behind the museum is the Hillegass Sculpture Garden, named in honor of the founder of CliffsNotes. Cliff Hillegass graduated from Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska — find the sculpture of him sitting on a bench holding a copy of his notes. You’ll find about a dozen other sculptures in the garden, including one recognizing Nebraska’s infatuation with basketball.

4. G.W. Frank Museum Of History And Culture

The G.W. Frank family lived in this Richardsonian Romanesque mansion from 1886 until 1900. One of the first homes west of the Missouri River to be wired for electricity, the mansion had 10 fireplaces.

Today, the home is the G.W. Frank Museum of History and Culture and is located on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. When you tour the historic house, take in the fine wood-carved staircase and furnishings, as well as the rooms decorated as they were when the Frank family lived there.

Fort Kearny State Historical Park in Nebraska. — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

5. Fort Kearny State Historical Park

Built in 1848 to protect settlers traveling along the Oregon and California Trails, Fort Kearny also served as an outlet for the Pony Express, a stagecoach stop, and housing for workers along the railroad. Today, the Fort Kearny State Historical Park offers a look back in time with a replica of the fort’s walls, a blacksmith shop, and a stockade. Visitors can also stroll the parade grounds.

This area is an excellent spot for bird-watching during crane migration time, and it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Note that you must have a permit to visit — you can purchase one at the visitor center.

Sandhill cranes from the Rowe Sanctuary. — Megan Bonham / Shutterstock

6. Iain Nicolson Audubon Center At Rowe Sanctuary

Located a few minutes east of Kearney, the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to spot birds in their natural habitat year-round. Hugging the Platte River, the Rowe Sanctuary is home to natural trails where you can enjoy a leisurely hike, taking in views of beautiful birds like the belted kingfisher and piping plover.

During the spring migration, the sanctuary hosts daily tours showcasing the sandhill cranes. You might also spot the elusive whooping crane or bald eagle patrolling the river. A few miles away, you can watch the cranes nesting for the evening from a public viewing station.

7. Shopping In Kearney

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs at the Stagecoach gift shop or exploring downtown’s shops and boutiques, you’ll find plenty of local treasures in Kearney.

As you explore downtown Kearney — also known as The Bricks because of its brick streets — you’ll find a variety of shops, including gift shops, clothing boutiques, and pottery stores.

Best Restaurants In Kearney

Angus Burgers & Shakes

Angus Burgers & Shakes serves up unique burgers from beef raised by the restaurant’s owners. For something that challenges your palate, try the relleno burger, starring poblano peppers, Monterey Jack cheese, avocado spread, salsa verde, cilantro, and mayo. For something milder, consider The Knockoff, a basic cheeseburger with regular toppings.

You’ll want to forget about any diet when you dine here, because you’ll want to cap your meal with one of the handmade shakes. These aren’t your average shakes — each is specially designed. Try the banana pudding shake, which features vanilla ice cream, a whole banana, Vanilla Wafers, and chocolate garnish, or the Captain Crunch, with vanilla ice cream and lots of Captain Crunch cereal. You can always order a basic vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shake if you’re not feeling adventurous.

Alley Rose

With a menu that features delicious steaks, sandwiches, and entrees such as turkey and brie frites, Alley Rose offers a casual dining environment. With its fireplace and brick walls, the restaurant is a throwback to the old-fashioned steakhouse with salad buffet. The aged steaks, seafood, and pasta are reasonably priced and delicious. Alley Rose also offers an excellent wine menu with both reds and whites.

The Breakfast Cart & Catering

If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, head to The Breakfast Cart & Catering, which has been serving up breakfast in Kearney for nearly a decade. The Breakfast Cart offers classic breakfasts — such as two eggs, breakfast potatoes, and your choice of meat (bacon, ham, or sausage) — as well as omelets and egg sandwiches. You can also enjoy the eatery’s unique cinnamon monkey bread.

Best Hotels In Kearney

You’ll have your choice of national chain hotels in Kearney, including Hampton Inn, Country Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express.

However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, you might want to reserve a room at Burchell’s White Hill Farmhouse Inn near Minden, Nebraska. About a 25-minute drive south of Kearney, the converted farmhouse features four guest rooms, each with a private bathroom and entrance. Located on a century-old working farm, Burchell’s White Hill Farmhouse Inn offers plenty of quaint country charm.

For more on the sandhill crane migration, see this page.

South Dakota Road Trip: Sioux Falls To Deadwood

South Dakota is a state with many different landscapes. When you start your road trip on the eastern side of the state, you are in the rolling hills. On the western end of your road trip, the Black Hills greet you for an experience of a lifetime in and around the forested area near Deadwood. Summer is a great time to explore South Dakota as the weather is ripe for stunning outdoor activities.

This road trip offers experiences all year long, but summertime brings magical experiences that do not happen year-round. The wide open skies with beautiful summer sunsets along this route offer an opportunity to appreciate middle America. Here are my recommendations of the things that you need to experience on your epic South Dakota road trip. Keep in mind that I suggest a one-week itinerary, but this road trip could easily fill two weeks of your time.

Sioux Falls in South Dakota. — Steven Frame / Shutterstock

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls is located along the eastern side of the state and is home to beautiful Falls Park. The park itself covers 123 acres and is beautiful during the daylight but extra colorful after the sun goes down. The Butterfly House and Aquarium is fun for everyone as it’s home to more than 800 free-flying butterflies who will greet you. Highlights of the aquarium are the coral reefs, marine life, and other sea creatures who reside in South Dakota’s only public saltwater aquarium.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Sculpture Walk, and the Arc of Dreams offers a nice walking tour of the downtown area. Visitors have the opportunity to explore art and take in the beautiful downtown while experiencing culture in the Midwest. Plan a minimum of two hours in the downtown area and one full day to explore before you head west toward the other side of the state. Sioux Falls offers a good three days worth of activities, which means you will have several things to choose from.

The Mitchell Corn Palace in South Dakota. — Phil Lowe / Shutterstock

Mitchell, South Dakota

Mitchell is home to The World’s Only Corn Palace. As an Iowa farm girl, I grew up stopping here on all of our trips to the Black Hills and Yellowstone. To this day, I still stop here with my family when we head west in South Dakota. I highly recommend that everyone visit the Corn Palace as it’s a wonderful tribute to agriculture and beautiful architecture.

The Dakota Discovery Museum is an affordable museum that offers insight into history and art. These two attractions alone make Mitchell a place to unwind from your South Dakota road trip. Another unique place to explore is the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, which showcases archaeology in many different forms. RV parking is available onsite at the village as are picnic areas for your enjoyment.

The Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture in Chamberlain. — Richdoc / Shutterstock

Chamberlain, South Dakota

A highlight of Chamberlain is the Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture of a Native American woman standing tall on a bluff over the Missouri River. She honors the Native Americans of the Great Plains and can be accessed via I-90 at the Chamberlain rest area. Be sure to take a photo of this stunning sculpture and visit the wonderful museum inside the rest stop. I would plan to spend two days in this area.

The Native American National and State Scenic Byway runs through this area of the state. Landscapes along the way include mixed-grass prairie and rolling hills that end in limestone cliffs that line the river in many places. It’s common to see prairie dogs, pronghorn, and deer as you travel this north-south route through central South Dakota. A lot of this route is undeveloped, making it a historical route that appears to be untouched by time.

Hunting and fishing are both very popular, and the area offers several outfitters and lodges that accommodate guests. Birding is very popular in the Chamberlain area, so make sure you have packed your binoculars.

Wall, South Dakota

Wall is home to the world famous Wall Drug. As you travel westward to Wall, you will see signs that read, So many miles to Wall Drug. In the 1930s, this became known as the place to stop for free ice water as folks traveled west. Plan to spend a full partial day here, as you will find unique shops, Western art collections, a chapel, and even a good old-fashioned soda fountain.

Your stop would not be complete without a meal at the Wall Drug Store Cafe. The bison burgers are popular as is the coffee. If you enjoy quirky roadside attractions, you will fall in love with Wall Drug. If not, you may want to travel onward to the next stop, which is south of town.

Badlands National Park offers rugged beauty that you cannot find elsewhere. The bighorn sheep will lure you in, and you will spot them around many turns. If you are fortunate, you will also see bison, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. The overlooks are handicap accessible and afford you vistas of 244,000 acres of natural beauty containing one of the world’s richest fossil beds. I would highly recommend visiting near sunset as the golden hour is truly a magical sight. This park has never been exceptionally busy when I have visited, which makes it an extra special place to visit.

The South Dakota Air and Space Museum. — Paul R. Jones / Shutterstock

Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City sits on the eastern edge of the Black Hills and offers experiences that many just drive by. Instead, this is where I suggest you explore museums on this road trip. The South Dakota Air and Space Museum is located at Ellsworth Air Force Base and offers adventure for everyone. With more than 30 vintage military aircraft on site, you will appreciate fascinating stories.

The Museum of Geology offers specific insight into paleontology and mineralogy. Sioux Pottery is made from the red clay that you find in the Black Hills in South Dakota, and it’s fun to see it come to life here. Visitors cannot only view the pottery, but also visit the factory to see how it is made. You will most likely want to plan a future trip to Rapid City alone.

Keystone, South Dakota

Keystone is where you will find yourself in the heart of the Black Hills and can experience Mount Rushmore. The Rushmore Borglum Story is located in town and offers tours that provide insight into the creation of Mount Rushmore. Upon your arrival at Mount Rushmore, you’ll find that this attraction is unique in the fact that there is a fee for parking but admission is free. Hang onto your parking ticket, as it is good for one year. This will give you an excuse to plan another road trip through this area of the country, as Mount Rushmore is truly an all-American experience you may want to have again.

Near Keystone is where you can also hop on the well-known Iron Mountain road. This is where you will experience granite tunnels and pigtail curves. If you are lucky and paying attention, as you near Mount Rushmore, you will have a view of it through your windshield. Anyone with a tendency toward motion sickness will want to sit in the front seat, as this is a winding road.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Deadwood is where you will wrap up your road trip across the beautiful state of South Dakota. This town is loaded with history, as there’s a story to be told around each corner. The Historic Fairmont Hotel, also known as the Oyster Bay Bar and Casino, and the Bullock Hotel are where you can have a ghostly experience if you’re after the paranormal. Mind Blown Studio offers glass blowing classes, which I would highly recommend. You can also grab a sandwich and a cup of coffee while observing this fun craft.

The Historic Adams House offers tours that showcase its beautiful oak interiors, hand-painted canvas wall coverings, and stained glass windows. A tip I would give you is to purchase a combo pass, which includes the Adams Museum, Days of ’76 Museum, and the Historic Adams House. The best tip I can give you is to make time to stroll the streets of Deadwood. You will find something that intrigues you as you explore.

Your road trip from Sioux Falls to Deadwood, South Dakota, has the potential to be a life-changing experience. Make the time to explore each town, dine in the local diners, and get to know the people in the communities. The people of South Dakota are warm, welcoming, and very proud of their state. From the historical sites and museums to outstanding nature experiences, I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed in the time that you spend in South Dakota.

Travel Down Memory Lane With Mom Photo Contest

Celebrate Mother’s Day with TravelAwaits by entering our Travel Down Memory Lane With Mom photo contest! Submit your favorite travel photo with that special woman in your life for a chance to win a $50 gift card from ProFlowers. While our team agrees that mothers should be celebrated year-round, we know that now more than ever is an opportune time to reminisce about our past travels as we look ahead to the adventures that await us. So dust off your old photos and submit a fun or memorable travel photo of your mom, grandma, or another motherly figure in your life and add some joy to their day! Submit your photos using this link!

4 Ways To Experience Basque Culture In Northern Nevada

Step inside a Basque restaurant in Northern Nevada, and it’s as if you’ve stepped back in time, with long community tables pressed so close you can almost sample your neighbor’s dinner. During peak hours, the noise is booming with the sound of jovial conversations, clanking forks, and platters being delivered to tables. The food is simple, home-style fixins served family-style that are reminiscent, for many, of Sunday dinner around the table.

Between the turn of the century through about the 1960s, the first Basques arrived from Europe for the gold rush. They found that raising sheep offered secure money so many Basques in Southern California eventually moved eastward to high desert areas where there’s good grazing for sheep. “Although the Basques weren’t traditionally sheepherders in the homeland, they were often raised on small sustenance farms and knew about animal husbandry,” Marie Louise Lekumberry of J.T. Basque Bar and Dining Room told me. Lekumberry said that knowledge, combined with a strong work ethic and an ability to endure solitude in the mountains with the sheep led a lot of young Basque men to immigrate to Nevada to herd sheep. Lekumberry’s father was one of these men and immigrated there in 1947.

She says once a town would get one or two hundred Basques, “some enterprising couple would either lease or buy an old hotel and turn it into a boarding house,” creating a home away from home for newly arrived immigrants or those between jobs. It began with the boarding houses serving three square meals a day with long tables. Then they eventually opened to the public. “At six o’clock every night, the dinner bell rang and all the sheepherders and town folk would just sit down for dinner.” One meal was served per day and it was homestyle, serving whatever the kitchen was cooking that day.

The meals are made according to traditional Basque recipes using local ingredients — so the coastal Basque communities served lots of seafood. In turn-of-the-century Nevada, the meals were heavy on meat and potatoes. The foods the sheepherders were cooking made its way down to the Basque hotels: simple soups and salads passed around the table followed by an abundance of stews and beans and fried potatoes. The Basques, Lekumberry told me, “like any other peasant culture,” eat all of the animal they butcher, so many of the stews contain organ meats. There’s oxtail stew and beef tongue stew, plus recipes incorporating sweetbreads, pigs feet, and tripe.

There are many ways to experience Basque culture in Northern Nevada. Experience the family dining at a Basque restaurant; sample a Picon Punch, a brandy cocktail with grenadine and Amer-Picon bitters; visit a Basque festival; or study their culture at a Basque library or monument.

1. Visit Jon Bilbao Basque Library In Reno

Located at the University of Nevada, the William A. Douglass Center for Basque Studies houses the Basque Library, one of the world’s largest collections of Basque-related materials with 55,000 volumes. Founded in the late ’60s, the library supplies researchers of Basque studies with documentation and information and also creates and distributes publications on Basque culture and history.

2. See The National Monument Of The Basque Sheepherder In Reno

This monument is situated in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. It represents a sheepherder carrying a lamb and has a map that illustrates the Basque settlement in the United States.

3. Participate In Festivals In Elko And Reno

The Elko Basque Clubhouse in Elko hosts an annual National Basque Festival. What started as a local gathering in 1964, the festival is a celebration of Basque heritage. The festival kicks off each year with an opening event at the Elko Basque Clubhouse where visitors and Bascos get a glimpse of the weekend’s festivities. There are live dance performances, traditional Basque music, wood chopping competitions, a bread making contest, parade, plus plenty of food and the famous Picon Punch. An interesting tip: Festival goers wear all white clothing with the intention of cutting loose and spilling wine on themselves. It’s a sign of a successful festival, and a badge of honor, to have wine-stained clothing at the end of the day.

Or immerse in the culture at the Reno Basque Festival for a full day of celebrations. Taste the cuisine and experience the dance, music, and other traditional activities like weight carrying competitions.

4. Enjoy Basque Dining Across Northern Nevada

J.T. Basque Bar and Dining Room in Gardnerville is an award-winning, family-owned business. For the full experience, order the Basque family-style dinner. You’ll get large servings of soup, salad, stew, beans, French fries (seriously, all of these separate plates arrive before the entree), plus a bottle of red wine, coffee, and ice cream for dessert. For the entree, choose from top sirloin steak, lamb shoulder steak, sweetbreads, pigs feet with tripe, and other dishes. It’s a memorable — and filling — event.

Reno is home to Louis’ Basque Corner, open since 1967. The servers wear traditional Basque clothing, giving an even more authentic feeling to the visit. Sip a Picon Punch at the upstairs bar — the restaurant’s signature version is made with grenadine, Picon liqueur, club soda, and a splash of brandy with a lemon twist — then enjoy another family dinner that includes soup of the day, French bread, Basque beans, salad, French fries, a first course, a main entree, dessert, and a glass of house wine. For the entree, try the sweetbreads, either sauteed with garlic, peppers, mushrooms, and onions or prepared in a red wine and mushroom sauce.

Also in downtown Reno is the Santa Fe Hotel, which opened in 1949 and was home to many immigrants seeking community. The hotel is gone but the restaurant is still a bustling place for family-style dinners served with signature entrees such as the pork loin Milanese, Campo Viejo beef tongue, or braised oxtail.

The Villa Basque Cafe in Carson City is home to Pete’s Famous Basque Chorizo. The recipe has been passed down for generations and utilizes naturally air-dried chorizo made from pork flavored with garlic, paprika, and other spices. Order some chorizo to go, or try it cooked in an omelet, smothered in gravy on the Spuds and Biscuit, or in the Basque Chorizo Con Huevos.

At Toki Ona Bar and Restaurant in Elko, Basque and American favorites are served in large portions. Sip a Picon Punch or Kalimotxo, a mixture of wine and cola, at the bar, or enjoy dinner favorites that include a variety of seafood, steaks, and chicken dishes.

The Star Hotel, also in Elko, opened in 1910 as a home away from home for Basques. There were 11 rooms, one bath, and heat from wood stoves. The Star gave herders a place to stay until spring. As business increased, the building was added onto, doubling in size. Meals were served family-style in the copper-ceiling dining room, where a waitress rang a large bell that was heard throughout the hotel. There weren’t any menus and everyone ate the day’s special, which might include leek soup, garlic soup, salt cod in a tomato and pimento sauce, clams and rice, garbanzos with chorizo, rice with chicken, rice pudding, and flan or fruit. Later, spaghetti and beans were added as side dishes. The family-style service and the calling dinner bell remain today.

In Winnemucca, the Martin Hotel, established in 1898, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All of the dinners are served in the traditional Basque style with servings of soup, salad, beans, side dishes, home-baked bread, hand-cut French fries, and their own Martin bread pudding accompanying your entree of choice. For the entree, choose a pasta dish such as the Pasta Conchiglie de la Polo, with chicken, garlic, onion, asparagus, and mushrooms sauteed in white wine and served with Alfredo sauce over pasta shells. Or try the traditional Basque lamb chops or sweetbreads, which are battered and fried golden brown and served with homemade country gravy.

If you know when you’re going, read up on the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in the winter or the best things to do around Lake Tahoe in the summer, too.

7 Things To Do In Jefferson City, Missouri

My wife and I enjoy visiting capital cities when we travel. While our goal is to visit all 50 state capitals, we’ve only made it to 11, so we have plenty of work ahead of us. As we visit, we take in the sights and sample local cuisine to get an overall impression of the city.

In Missouri, Jefferson City — Jeff City to locals — offers a unique capital-city experience. It’s not the largest city in the state (only the 15th-largest), nor is it home to the state’s main university, as many other state capitals are.

Nevertheless, Jefferson City, located near the Ozarks, offers an interesting look at state history and local culture and makes for a spectacular weekend adventure.

Here are seven things to do when you’re in the area.

The Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. — Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

1. Tour The Missouri State Penitentiary

The Missouri State Penitentiary operated for nearly 190 years, opening its gates in 1836, the same month as the Battle of the Alamo in Texas. Nicknamed “The Walls” because of the large stone blocks used to enclose it, the Missouri State Penitentiary once housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd and James Earl Ray. The prison was referred to as the “Deadliest 47 Acres in America” because 40 inmates were executed there. Even more died at the hands of other inmates, guards, and local businessmen, according to the tour guides. Another notable inmate was the boxing champion Sonny Liston, who actually held matches inside the prison.

Today, public tours take you through the prison cellblocks, yards, and other areas. You can even participate in a haunted tour for an extra fee.

Inside the Missouri State Capitol building. — Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

2. Explore The State Capitol

You can learn a lot about a state’s history on a guided tour of the state’s capitol building.

State leaders chose Jefferson City as Missouri’s capital city because it was centrally located along the Missouri River, then the state’s main transportation route. Fun fact: The first capital of Missouri was Saint Charles, located northwest of Saint Louis.

Completed in 1917, the Missouri State Capitol is located near the river and offers beautiful views of the area. Its campus is decorated with water fountains, sculptures, and floral gardens. The Lewis and Clark Trailhead Plaza recognizes the 1804 explorers who sailed the Missouri River en route to the Pacific Northwest.

Inside the Capitol, you’ll notice beautiful artwork celebrating the state’s natural resources encircling the rotunda’s dome. Home to the state legislature and governor’s office, the Capitol offers a tour of both the Senate and House chambers. The House lounge features murals showcasing state history and hosts public hearings as well as social gatherings.

The Capitol is also home to the state’s Hall of Famous Missourians, which features 50 busts of some of the state’s greatest residents, including President Harry S. Truman and baseball legend Buck O’Neil.

Located on the Capitol’s first floor, the Missouri State Museum offers a look at the state’s early days, from the time when Native Americans were the dominant people to the present day. The museum also provides a look at Missouri’s geography, from the swamps of the southeast to the glacial lands of the north.

A short walk away is the Missouri Governor’s Mansion, home to the chief executive and his family. The Mel Carnahan Memorial Garden features beautifully landscaped flower beds and shrubs.

3. Visit The Museum Of Missouri Military History

The Museum of Missouri Military History, located in the National Guard’s training center, offers a look at the state’s military involvement. Visitors can learn about Missourians’ participation in America’s wars and take in exhibits featuring a Revolutionary War musket, a Civil War howitzer, and a World War II machine gun, as well as uniforms and equipment. The museum also has a McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and other military vehicles in its outdoor exhibit.

The Lohman Building at the Jefferson Landing Historical Site. — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

4. Travel Back In Time At The Jefferson Landing State Historic Site

When Jefferson City became the state capital, the lower end of Jefferson Street developed into a business hub. Home to the Lohman Building and other businesses, including a hotel, the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site offers a look at the city’s early growth. You can see what it was like to live in the city during the 1850s with a visit to the general store and warehouse. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

5. Cross The River To The Katy Trail

You can get a sense of the area’s natural beauty by taking a walk or bike ride along the Katy Trail, which runs along the Missouri River.

Cross over on the Missouri River Pedestrian Bike Bridge, which includes two lookout points where you can take in views of the Missouri State Capitol and more. It’s a peaceful spot, with the Missouri River flowing beneath you, the trees and bluffs reaching skyward, and the Capitol peeking out from behind the trees. On a sunny day, there may not be a more spectacular view in Jefferson City. Bring a padlock along and join the fray as people place “Locks of Love” on the fencing along the pedestrian bridge.

After you’ve enjoyed some time on the bridge, enjoy a stroll along the Katy Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail that runs nearly 240 miles from near Saint Louis to Clinton, Missouri.

6. Explore The Historic Downtown Area

There’s some impressive architecture to be found in downtown Jefferson City, including the oldest synagogue west of the Mississippi River. The downtown area boasts several buildings constructed during the mid-to-late 1800s in the Romanesque and other elegant Victorian styles. You’ll find stained glass windows, old clocks, and unique building materials.

Buildings of interest include the Cole County Courthouse, Lohman’s Opera House, Temple Beth El, and Exchange and Trust Bank Building. Before you set out, print the walking tour brochure from the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau — it highlights 20 important buildings in the area.

7. Check Out The Unique Shops

Downtown Jefferson City is also home to several unique shops and boutiques. Here are some of the highlights.

You can find bath and gift sets, as well as clothing and stationery, at Southbank Gift Company.

You can create your own pottery design at Unique Creations. Choose a home decor piece — like a butter dish, plate, or cup — and set about painting your own gift.

Classic and vintage home decor and accessories can be found at Dogwood Vintiques. Featuring sewing machines, radios, glassware, and more, the 15-year-old mall is home to about 28,000 square feet and two floors of treasures.

Where To Eat In Jefferson City

Ask any local where to get a bite to eat, and they’ll likely mention ECCO Lounge. Once a saloon, ECCO Lounge is now known for its pub-style menu, including its breaded onion rings, handmade burgers, and beer-battered chicken sandwiches. The restaurant also offers steaks and seafood.

Located about three blocks from the Missouri State Penitentiary is Prison Brews, which brews its own beer on-site. Prison Brews offers a casual environment and items such as burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. The decor has a prison theme, and the brewery encourages visitors to enjoy their time in the big house — or restaurant — and even offers souvenirs, including themed T-shirts.

For dessert, head to Central Dairy. Established in 1920, Central Dairy was Jefferson City’s best-known milk producer. In 1934, the dairy added an ice cream counter, and it’s been a popular treat shop ever since. People line up outside, willing to wait for a fresh hand-scooped ice cream cone, dish, sundae, or shake at the old-fashioned parlor. Be prepared to have your ice cream to go, because the booths and tables fill up fast. You can even order a pint or gallon to go.

Where To Stay In Jefferson City

The centrally located Capitol Plaza Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Missouri State Capitol and other downtown attractions. With comfortable, pet-friendly rooms with plenty of space, an indoor pool, and a restaurant, the hotel is a great place to relax.

Bed-and-breakfast enthusiasts will want to check out the Dauphine Hotel. Opened in 1875 as a hotel, the Dauphine transitioned to a bed and breakfast in recent years. A stay in one of the seven well-appointed rooms is guaranteed to be an intimate and cozy experience. The bed and breakfast, located about 30 minutes from Jefferson City in Bonnots Mill, Missouri, offers rooms at affordable rates.

For more to see and do in Missouri, see this page.

Why An All-Inclusive Resort Is The Perfect Place For A Multigenerational Trip

I was a guest of the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. All opinions are my own.

Multigenerational travel is on the rise. According to Virtuoso, an organization of travel advisors, multigenerational travel was the top trend in the industry in 2019. Destinations, resorts, and tour companies have responded by making themselves as attractive as possible for families traveling with two or more generations.

All-inclusive resorts are especially attractive to multigenerational groups because of the wide array of accommodations, activities, and dining options they offer. These types of resorts can be found all over the world, with options available for everyone from budget to luxury travelers.

The Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic is a perfect example of how all-inclusive resorts can meet the vacation needs of people of all ages. At this large, beautifully landscaped resort, family members can spend as much time together — or apart — as they choose.

Here are just a few of the reasons why an all-inclusive resort is an ideal place for a multigenerational trip.

Everything Is Included

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but concerns about costs can instead cause stress for travelers. While it’s always a good idea to have a budget for your trip, unexpected costs often arise. When there are several people involved, each with different ideas of how much a trip should cost, the situation can become uncomfortable.

All-inclusive resorts are a nice way to stick to your travel budget. Most packages include accommodations, meals, alcoholic beverages, activities, childcare, entertainment, and airport transfers.

When everything is included, there is no need to divide checks or decide who should pay. There is also no need to carry a purse or wallet — just leave it in the safe in your room.

It Requires Minimal Planning

I love to plan travel and relish extensive research on every part of my journey. But when there are multiple people of different ages involved, this process can become stressful. What makes grandparents happy will not be the same as what keeps the grandkids entertained.

All-inclusive resorts offer a streamlined planning process for vacations. Once the resort and level of accommodations are selected, no further planning is needed. Instead, each family member can choose what they want to do and where they want to eat. When desired, meals or activities can be coordinated, but little preplanning is required.

Everyone Can Relax

Traveling with kids or grandkids can be exciting, since it allows adults to experience a new place through children’s eyes. But it can also be stressful when young ones need naps, get hungry, or aren’t getting along with their siblings. Most all-inclusive resorts offer options that can help reduce that stress, like kid-specific activities and childcare.

Adults can really relax by taking advantage of the spa. For a small fee, the Grand Palladium offers the Zentropia Spa, with a selection of pools, hot tubs, mud treatments, and a snack bar. You can also book a massage or facial for deep relaxation.

There Are Accommodations For Everyone

A typical hotel room can feel cramped for a family, so many all-inclusive resorts offer accommodations for families, including larger rooms, suites, and adjoining rooms. Some may even offer multiple bathrooms — perfect if you’re traveling with teenagers. If there are babies or toddlers in the group, be sure to look for a resort that will provide cribs, high chairs, and other essentials.

The Grand Palladium offers families rooms with a loft. With two separate sleeping areas and two bathrooms, parents and kids can have their own space. Adjoining rooms are also available for larger families.

During my visit to Punta Cana, I stayed in the adults-only portion of the resort called TRS Turquesa. This would be ideal if a couple without children was traveling with a multigenerational group. While everyone can get together for activities and dining, some may prefer that their room be located in a quieter section of the resort. A unique feature of the TRS Turquesa is the swim-up room located on the first floor of each building. Simply step out of your hotel room, then onto your private patio, and then into the pool.

There Are Daytime Activities For People Of All Ages

If your idea of a great vacation is doing as little as possible, that’s okay — feel free to lay by the pool and order an adult beverage. But if you like to pack your day with activity, that’s acceptable as well. An all-inclusive resort can accommodate each person in your group, no matter how much or how little they plan to do each day.

All-inclusive resorts offer a wide array of organized activities each day, including fitness classes like yoga and pilates, guided walks and runs, language classes, and cooking demonstrations. Typically there are games and contests as well. Additional activities may include tennis, golf, sailing, snorkeling, and much more.

During my visit to the Grand Palladium, I participated in a guided beach walk, Spanish lesson, and rum tasting — just a few of the activities offered daily. On my own, I strolled the grounds, went for a swim, and spent some time in the gym.

Childcare And Children’s Activities Are Available

A few years ago, our family traveled to Jamaica and stayed at an all-inclusive resort. At the time, our daughter was a teenager, and our son was a preteen. Finding things to do that made everyone happy wasn’t easy, but the week we spent in Jamaica was one of our most successful family trips ever. Everyone found something to do that was appealing. Our daughter enjoyed the organized activities led by the staff, while our son hung out in the pool playing volleyball.

No matter the age of your children or grandchildren, all-inclusive resorts are ready to help. I had the opportunity to tour the childcare facilities of the Grand Palladium and was impressed. There were a variety of games and activities, both indoors and outdoors, that would appeal to any child. Kids could spend half a day in care while parents relax by the pool, or just drop in while the adults enjoy a fine-dining experience. There was also a children’s water park featuring a pirate ship, waterslides, waterfalls, and a mermaid fountain.

You’ll Find A Wide Range Of Dining Options

Planning meals with a large group of people can be stressful. Everyone has food preferences, and some may even have dietary restrictions. All-inclusive resorts make dining much easier by offering a large selection of restaurants.

Buffets may be one of the best options for dining. With a large selection of salads, main courses, and desserts, everyone can be accommodated. Many buffets feature a children’s section with simpler foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken fingers.

During my stay at the Grand Palladium, I enjoyed a breakfast buffet at Capricho. The typical breakfast foods were available along with a great selection of fruit and fresh juices. While buffets often bring to mind excess, they can be a nice alternative for healthy dining when there are abundant fruit and vegetable offerings.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, all-inclusive resorts often provide international cuisine in addition to buffets. At the Grand Palladium, you can sample Indian, Peruvian, French, Mexican, and Japanese cuisine. These may require reservations, so be sure to check with the concierge.

You’ll Enjoy Live Music And Entertainment

After a day of relaxing and dining, some in your group may be ready to party. All-inclusive resorts are well known for their entertainment options, which typically include live music, dancing, and other performances. During our Jamaica vacation, we enjoyed live reggae and a festive dance show on the beach. At larger resorts, there may be multiple live entertainment options to suit the different interests of your group.

During my visit to Punta Cana, we enjoyed after-dinner drinks and live music at Hemingway’s, a Cuban-inspired bar. Those interested could also dance. The Lobby Bar Caoba offers nightly tropical-themed music. Sports fans can head to the Xtra Time Sports Bar to watch a variety of games from around the world, including soccer, basketball, and car racing.

For something really special, make reservations for Chic Cabaret. This six-course dinner includes more than 2 hours of nonstop entertainment in the form of dancing, singing, comedy, and acrobatics. There is an additional cost for this, and all guests must be 21 years of age.

You’ll Meet People From Around The World

One of the top benefits of travel is meeting other people, and all-inclusive resorts are a great way to do this. Strike up a conversation with someone sitting next to you at the pool, or get to know the other people in your yoga class. The grandkids can find playmates while splashing at the pool or hanging out in childcare.

During my time at the Grand Palladium, I heard French, German, and Spanish being spoken, giving me just a glimpse of the countries represented at the resort. In a relaxed state, it can be much easier to open up to the people around you, making your vacation even better.