Need a getaway? (Who doesn’t?) Like sand, cool water and lots of laughter? Can only get away for the weekend and live in/near Missouri?? Don’t want to spend a lot of dough? Need to social distance with people and increase proximity to nature? Go floating and camping in Leasburg, MO! Late June, myself and eight other girls floated in a 10-man raft on the Meramec River in Leasburg, Missouri. We purchased our rafting tickets and camping reservations through Ozark Outdoor Riverfront. For around $37, you can float on a raft for roughly 5 hours through the gorgeous Missouri scenery. The water is clear and cold. The scenery is quintessential mid-MO, gorgeous bluffs, trees tall and proud, sandy spots to enjoy a snack, and hollers of cheer from other friendly floaters. (Everyone is a friend on a float trip in the Show-Me State!) I have been on a few different float trips (Missouri, Utah, Colorado and Arizona) and I can never get tired of them! I love being able to hang out on the water with my closest friends and family while not having to stress about work or school. We went on this trip as a college reunion. A lot of us haven't seen each other in so long! If you are wanting to do a little reunion without spending a ton of money? I highly suggest going on a float trip. Camping was such an interesting experience (lol). We floated all day and once we made it back to the end point...it started pouring down rain! I am offering a couple of recommendations for your next camping trip: General Tips - Don't forget to pack the essentials: sunscreen and bug spray! - Bring a waterproof phone case and a dry bag. I know everyone may think: "there's no way that I would drop my phone in the water"....but when you are on a raft that is constantly running into things or if alcohol is involved....you'll be wishing you had the phone protection! - If you are going with a large group, have everyone bring individual items. By planning out who is bringing what item, you are ensuring that all necessary items will be brought! - If you are hardcore and sleep like a baby on a hard ground...more power to ya! I brought my cots and I slept all night long. I would suggest bringing a cot (only $50 at walmart) or a blow-up mattress. Rain Tips: - Bring an extra tarp just in case for your tent. Our tent worked like a champ and rain didn't get in, but I have had some rough experiences with camping during the rain before and it did not go smooth! - Bring a pop-up tent if you own one! We used a pop-up tent to block the rain from getting onto our food. It was relaxing to sit around a table enjoying each other's company while it was raining. The campsites have some wooden picnic benches, but we had brought our own white fold-able table on which to put all the food and accessories. - Thanks to my avid viewing of #nakedandafraid, I can usually say that I don't have a hard time with starting a fire...but when it is sprinkling, it is difficult to keep the fire going. Bring lighter fluid! - Thankfully, I packed my hiking boots with me, even though it was hot and summer in humid Missouri…. and they were a BLESSING! Walking around the campsite after it rained, was much easier and safer. The “camping reunion” only cost each participant a little over $50, but we made lifelong memories which are priceless!

Looking for a weekend getaway? "Glamp" in style! The TBS Travel Trailer is finally finished and ready to be rented out for your next camping experience! This trailer use to haul pigs, horses, cows, and who knows what else. From poop in every crack (pre) to a relaxing spot to listening to the critters at night in a covered "tent". (now) Totally transformed from country hauling to posh sleeping. From grit to glam! The trailer does not have air conditioning, but you are protected from the elements at night such as rain and powerful winds. I slept like a baby all night in my trailer while my family slept in a tent on the ground (boo). What a transformation, right? Feel free to add a cute sticker to commemorate your travels on the back doors. We'd love to advertise your experience. (I added a sticker from Echo Bluff State Park! I love that newly established State Park in Missouri.) For only $40 a night...sleep in style! Included in rental are two camping cots, sheets, 2 pillows w/ case, storage, etc. There are a few complimentary items in the trunk under the cot such as flashlights, waterproof phone cases, a first aid kit, and a few other camping supplies. The trailer is perfect for two people to spend the night in. I would recommend pulling it with a 1/2+ ton vehicle to haul! The trailer is nothing but metal and wood, so it is a little heavy. Ready to take it on your next trip?

Running out of activities to keep you sane during the quarantine?? Are you sad you can't travel to other states and countries right now? (I am!) Try exploring your own city. I took a day to explore my beautiful home of Kansas City. KC is known as the city of jazz, BBQ and art! Since I can't eat BBQ inside of restaurants and I'm not able to visit my favorite bar in KC, The Green Lady Lounge, I wondered what else I could do! Biking and walking has become such a noticeable hobby that people are picking up due to the virus. Sidewalks and parks are full of people trying to relax, escape, and breathe in the fresh air. I wanted to take a day to explore some of the beauty that KC has to offer as well as the artistic skills that flood our streets. I called the day, "Mural Hopping." With that being said, let me begin with some of my favorite murals in my current hometown of Kansas City, MO. Chiefs Murals Many of these AMAZING Chiefs murals can be found in the Crossroads district of Kansas City. The first three are located near Lifted Spirits Distillery. The fourth mural can be found outside of the Parlor, one of my favorite places to eat in Kansas City. The last Cheifs themed photo-op I have listed is the City Market letters found in the River Market area of Kansas City. Snag some fresh fruits and vegetables while you are there! Valentine's Located: Valentine Apartments, 3724 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111 This mural can be found on the side wall of the Valentine Apartments complex in the Westport area of Kansas City. This mural may not be as well known as other murals in Kansas City, but it is an adorable one nonetheless! There is never a line to take a picture here, but there are a few cars that you may need to get crafty with taking a picture around! Strong Women Lift Each Other Up: This mural is so stunning and I love the message behind it. I see a lot of girls (and guys) posing in front of this painting. It is located in the Crossroads - along with many other paintings. Hustle and Motivate: I have so many words that could be said that could reflect the artistic traits behind this thoughtfully simple mural. I will leave it with one: motivating. This wall is located near Up Down in the Crossroads. This one speaks a lot of words to many people in the city. No matter how down you may get or discouraged, keep hustling. #art #kcart #capture_kc Unknown Name: Unfortunately, I didn't know the name of this mural but I absolutely loved it. The colors and thought behind this art was jaw dropping. There are murals similar to this throughout the entire town in hidden alleys. This mural can be found near Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop in the Crossroads. Raised Royal: This mural is located right near the Boulevard Brewery. If you stop to have some beer, take a step outside and take a picture in front of this art! #raisedroyal #kcmo Unknown Name: This piece of art is located in a parking lot for an apartment in the River Market. The parking lot has a ton of different art on the walls! The colors just pop and beg you for attention. Peace in the Hood: This mural has been around for a while (as you can see from some spots missing and cover ups from graffiti). I like the message behind it - simply put: peace. #peaceinthehood #peace #kcmo There are countless murals in Kansas City that I have not yet had the opportunity to see up close and in person. As I visit more murals in KC, I will make sure to update this page! Do you have a mural you'd like to see featured in this post?? Reach out to me today!

All you can eat Japanese-style hot pot...need I say more?? For roughly $20 a person, you can eat as much noodles and veggies in your hot pot as your little heart desires. There is an additional cost (around $5) to add meat to your meal - I added some beef to my hot pot! If you just landed at LGA and you are starving but don't want to waste a bunch of money on airport food...this buffet is only a few miles away and is definitely worth the wait. Fair warning: if you are hungry before reading this post..you are in for quite the excitement! Here is how it works: 1. Pick your broth 2. Add meats (if you wish) 3. Load your plate up with veggies and noodles (ps - if you are on a low-card diet, there are plenty of noodle options such as zucchini noodles, sweet potato noodles, pumpkin noodles ,etc etc etc) 4. Pick additional spices and sauces for your hot pot There are SO many options to add some flavor to your pot. I added chili sauces and their homemade mixture of spicy soy sauce. 5. Boil it all together 6. GET UP AND GET MORE BECAUSE IT IS A BUFFET! 7. Don't forget to save room for green tea ice-cream! I hope you add Spring Shabu-Shabu to your list because I just crossed it off of mine!

$20?!?! For only $20, one can experience the night-of-a-lifetime cruising on the Anita Dee 2 through the harbor of Lake Michigan witnessing the beauty of the Chicago skyline. Some friends and I took the excursion the night before New Years Eve because we wanted to celebrate casually before hitting the bar scene the next night. The cruise lasted roughly three hours and every moment was absolutely beautiful. The Chicago skyline radiates with light and electricity, leaving you speechless! We purchased the tickets for an extremely great price because of Groupon (my favorite site to search for great deals while traveling). #groupon If you don’t want to stay “dry” while on the cruise, you are in luck! With a full bar and a dance floor, you can enjoy a party-filled night! Keep in mind that the drinks pack a punch---they are pretty pricey. If you aren't looking to spend a ton of moola, I would suggest having a couple of drinks prior to hopping on the boat. Be aware, if you have a sensitive stomach and experience motion sickness, stay away from the booze! If you are planning on visiting Chicago and are looking to spice things up a bit, make sure to add Chicago Evening Cocktail Cruise to your list. Visit Groupon, save a lot of dough and take some friends. You’ll be glad that you did.

Looking for a weekend trip to a beach this Summer? Consider taking a trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida! Clearwater was named the #1 beach in the US by TripAdvisor and everybody that has visited this area knows exactly why. The soft, white sand and dazzling blue waters will make you want to immediately extend your vacation! Have Fun at Clearwater Beach Tan, relax, get a quick snooze in, swim...you name it! A beach day is ALWAYS needed. Afraid that relaxing on the beach might get boring after a while (is that even possible..)? There are plenty of activities for everyone. Jet skiing, paddle-boarding, rollerblading, sand volleyball, dolphin watching, and seashell collecting are only some of the fun things you can do there! There are even beach games right next to Pier 60. Visit Pier 60 Pier 60 is located directly on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. This Pier is a popular spot for sight-seeing, fishing, and taking pictures (of course). There is a gift shop on the pier as well as one right before you enter the pier. Grab a bite to eat, take a relaxing walk on the pier, or grab your fishing pole and give fishing a shot! Enjoy an Evening or Daytime Casual Tropical Buffet/Cruise on Calypso Queen All aboard the Calypso Queen (or Breeze) in Clearwater, Florida! This boat ride includes a delicious buffet with drinks included. The cruise takes you along the shore of Clearwater Beach and passes by some of the most elaborate and decked out houses. You will be amazed! This cruise is perfect for small families, large families, and/or couples. Link to Website Visit Moccasin Lake State Park If you want to a break away from the beach, Moccasin Lake State Park is a short drive away from the beach. Take a peaceful stroll through this beautiful state park while learning about the local wildlife and plants! You may even spot a peacock or two as you enter the park! Looking forward to visiting Clearwater?? Below are some of the top food spots recommended by locals (and of course...by me)! Brunch: Maggie Mae’s - This cute little dinner is located in Sand Key and has the perfect patio view of the ocean. The hash-brown casserole will have you wanting to come back the next morning again! Shorty’s - Recommended by many locals is this delicious breakfast and sandwich stop. This is another perfect spot for brunch if you are wanting to enjoy the scenery! The Island Way - $25 all you can eat brunch buffet WITH desserts and one free mimosa! This place was dangerously delicious. I went up to refill my plate numerous times because there were SO many options. Sushi, fruits, salad, bacon, french toast, salmon, omelets, biscuits and gravy, Wake up and enjoy a nice cup of coffee by the beach on your next vacation! Bars: Shepard’s - If you enjoy live bands, jamming music, and lots of people dancing at a bar by the beach, then this is the place to go! People of all ages gather here to enjoy this lively night scene with delicious drinks beach-side. Pay Shepard's a visit on your weekend trip to Clearwater! Shipwreck - This location is known by many locals because it is the oldest bar in Clearwater. If playing pool and darts while enjoying a delicious beer and listening to music is your type of Friday night, be sure to visit Shipwreck! Hogan's Hangout - Hogan's Hangout is located on Mandalay Ave amongst many other tasty and refreshing restaurants, grills, and food/drink stands. Hogan's Hangout has indoor seating as well as some patio seats right next to the sidewalk for your convenience. This bar is also located a quick walk away from the beach. If you make a pit stop at Hogan's Hangout: make sure to order a strawberry or pineapple mojito! Dinner: The Island Way - This restaurant is so yummy, that it'll have you wanting to eat here twice on your trip! Looking for a fresh shrimp and scallop dish on your Florida vacation? This place is exactly what you are looking for. Crabby’s Dockside - With different entertainment every night, this place never gets boring! The wait can be long during dinner because of its' popularity, so be sure to get there before the crowd. Be sure to start off with the Crab and Spinach dip as a shareable item for the table! Tate’s Island Grill - Located at the Sand Pearl Hotel is Tate's Island Grill: a highly recommended spot to grab a casual dinner and watch the sunset. Tate's has a bell ringing tradition during the sunset and you are just steps away from the beach! Grab a seat around the fire pit and enjoy the calming beach surrounding you. Frenchy's Rockaway Grill - Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is a top spot to grab a drink or a seafood dish directly on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. Drinks/dinner at a fun & vibrant grill with an ocean view & direct access to the beach...does it get better? You can't go wrong ordering the Grouper Nugget Basket as an appetizer. The nuggets are thick, full of fish, and lightly fried to perfection! The Peel & Eat Shrimp were also phenomenal. PS: Make sure to pick up a Frenchy's drink passport/booklet while you are here. This is one of the 5 Frenchy's you can order a beverage at to win a free t-shirt! Palm Pavilion - Palm Pavilion was rated the best spot to watch the sunset and the third best beach bar. If that doesn't convince you to eat here, then maybe the affordable prices and plump scallops will! Everyone NEEDS a relaxing getaway to relieve stress from their everyday lives. Vacations to a tropical area allows you to decide whether you will sleep on the beach, read a book in a hammock, or paddle-board until your arms get sore! Maybe you will even want to try something different like play life size chess or jet ski!

Wake up and smell the pine at Yosemite National Park! If you are on a mission to visit all of the National Parks or if you are just wanting to plan a family vacation to any NP, definitely add Yosemite to your list! We had packed our hiking and camping gear in our suitcases with us to be able to camp in Yosemite and you totally should too! I had never went fully hiking in a National Park and I cannot believe I waited this long. Yosemite is unlike anything I have every seen. You are surrounded by looming mountains with such structure and texture that it will leave you speechless numerous times while you are there! We camped in Crane Flat, which is a short drive from Yosemite Village. We were unable to camp in the village because we booked too late, but Crane flat was just as amazing ☹ Tip for anyone interested in visiting: book far in advance! Fun fact about the campsite we stayed at: it has one of the most sightings of bears!! Make sure to put ALL your belongings in the bear box that seems even remotely like food for an animal…even toothpaste or makeup! If your dog would eat it if you left it on the living room floor while you were at work, guaranteed that a bear would find it tasty too! There are tons of trails up mountains and through the pines, trails along water, trails within the Yosemite Village, and even some longer hikes if you are up for the challenge. I am NO means athletic or in shape, but happily said yes to going on a 6-8 hour hike…#IamCrazy. **Friendly advice: if you are anything like my sister and cannot handle high altitudes...bring an oxygen inhaler!** Hiking the Upper Yosemite Trail was challenging. Not just physically but also mentally. After walking uphill for 3 hours, it is easy to want to just call it quits…and to be honest, the entire hike up to Yosemite is absolutely stunning. It is easy to think that the view can’t get better at the top…but you would be so so surprised. We were lucky enough to climb to the top of the falls and enjoy the cool water of the falls. There is something so fulfilling about seeing the falls from the bottom in the village knowing that you climbed to the very top! If Becs can do it, so can you!! Visit Yosemite during the Spring to see rushing waters and blooming plants. If you want snow/icy shots, go during the Winter. If you plan on going during the Summer, keep in mind you will burn extra calories while hiking because of hot temperatures. Make sure to pack extra water and snacks in your backpack! If you aren't a fan of sweating like crazy in the hot Summer, visit during the Fall or Spring! Take a nice scenic drive through Yosemite National Park. You won’t be disappointed in the slightest. Related Article: Napa Day = Happy Day

Picture this day: Walking through endless rows of grapes, drinking remarkable wine, and soaking up the sun. In Napa Valley, California, you can drink as much sensational wine as you would like! I spent a whole day in Napa Valley and let's just say I could have definitely stayed for much longer (I could have even used a nap). Let me tell you about 3 phenomenal wineries to visit in Napa Valley! Robert Mondavi Winery: You can stroll all day through wine country and drink as much as you would like....but for roughly $50 a person, you can take a tour at one of the fanciest wineries in Napa (#boujeewine). I wanted to take this tour because you get special access to walk among the longest grape rows in Napa. You also get to take a tour of how wine is made, try free samples of their finest wines (paired with an appetizer made by some unbelievably talented chefs), and check out their storage rooms filled with countless barrels of the tastiest wine in all of Napa. Our tour guide was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the history of wine, the Robert Mondavi Winery, and the process of how wine is made. Of course, running through rows or grapes and taking beautiful pictures is ideal and very commonplace in Napa, taking a tour and learning about the history of wine and the Valley will make tasting the wine so much better! Sterling Winery: One of the notably popular locations to try wine is the Sterling Winery! You get to start off your trip to this winery by riding a gondola to the top…#CanYouSayFancy??? Great views, unbelievable opportunities for photoshoots, and memorable moments, I highly recommend taking a stop at the Sterling Winery. I won't lie to you all...we showed up to the Sterling Winery (on actual Labor Day) and the line was so insaneeee that we weren't able to actually go to the top to the winery (womp womp womp). I would recommend getting here early if you plan on visiting on a holiday! Here is a picture of wine instead to excite your taste buds: V. Sattui Winery This was the last stop of our winery excursion and I am so glad we ended at this stop! With a beautiful park and scenery to lay out a blanket and drink wine or shop for some cheeses and chocolates at their grocery store, there is endless opportunity to make some memories! I loved their wine (that we bought by the bottle from the store) and the freshly made chocolate mousse cake! We even bought a block of cheese to pair with our wine (with help from the cheese master behind the counter because I was noticeably struggling to pair my wine with food #winerookie). 😊 If cheese and dessert did not entirely fill you up, you MUST stop at Gott's Roadside for a ridiculously scrumptious cheeseburger. We ordered some beer (decided to take a quick break from wine), cheeseburgers, and a hot-dog to try. WOW WOW WOW. I have not tasted a more delicious hot dog in my life. 100% Becs approved: There you have it...3 must tour wineries in Napa Valley! Let me be honest, anywhere that sells wine in Napa Valley is probably a safe bet! I seriously felt like there are wineries almost every 50 feet while driving through Napa. Only a short drive from San Francisco, definitely make sure to add a day or two in Napa to your itinerary! Related Article: Yos-Mite As Well Visit Yosemite

Museum of Ice Cream? More like Museum of Dessert Heaven on Earth #yum. This museum is a MUST VISIT stop in San Francisco, California! This museum really "floats"...The Museum of Ice Cream was in Los Angeles, then it moved to San Francisco, and now there are plans for it to move to New York. Visit their website to reserve a spot on the wait list in New York! As seemingly basic as this place may seem, the MOIC is full of happiness, optimism, and positive vibes around every corner! Let's begin: You start off the tour by sliding down a big pink slide into a world of color, fun, and delicious snacks! You get to try soooo many desserts while also reading fun facts about the history of ice cream throughout the museum (let's be honest...more picture-taking takes place rather than reading)!! Popsicle sticks, chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cones with dipped chocolate and graham cracker sprinkles, frozen lemonade Dip n Dots, and a frozen ice cream pastry...need I say more??? #icecreamonicecream There is even a room where you can make beaded bracelets and take with you as a memoir! My favorite part of the tour is the pool of sprinkles! With a basketball goal, a mini diving board, and a slide...there is endless opportunities for fun (and photo shoots)! This pool is also very kid friendly - kids of all ages (even a 23 year old like myself AND parents) have a blast in the pool. What are you waiting for?? On your next vacay to San Francisco (or an upcoming trip to New York), make sure to add the Museum of Ice Cream to your list!

Want to spend a peaceful morning back in time rather than spending a bunch of money on bottomless mimosas and brunch?? Lets, be honest, we can all use a mix-up on a Saturday morning. Visit the Amish country to buy some groceries, food, and so much more. Handmade furniture, colorful flowers, fresh vegetables, eggs, milk, baked goods, unique toys, bagged food for your animals, and even farm supplies! The Amish country has surprises and delicious goods on every gravel road. I added a map of the Amish area just to give you all an idea of where to go. Please keep in mind that the community sells these maps and many other versions. At Southside Sales, there is a map with near 200 stops and farms to visit for supplies, food, and services. If you visit the area for the first time, I highly recommend purchasing a map so that you can hit all of the hot spots! The food is my favorite part (and really the main reason why I visit Amish country because YUM)! Everything is homegrown and/or handmade. The baked goods are full of flavor, the vegetables are scrumptious, and the groceries are generously discounted. You can even buy food in bulk and items that you can't get at your local store. Warn donut holes that melt in your mouth (yummyyy) and canned pickles that are still crunchy (the bombbb) from the Rise and Roll bakery makes my entire day! You can also buy some handmade intricate and beautiful furniture. Beds, tables and chairs, outdoor furniture and that's just the beginning. At our farmhouse, we had the Amish completely redo our siding and roofing for an incredible price. They even built a deck on the side of our house! If you are wanting to remodel your house on a budget, go out to Amish community to look at all of their options available. You can also buy some unique glassware, antiques, and home decor. Random Amish Fun Facts: Of course, everyone knows that the Amish lives with zero electricity in their stores and homes. They use natural daylight for lighting, gravity showers in the basements using rainwater, wood stoves for cooking...even in the dead of summer, and outdoor iceboxes to keep their food frozen (sometimes ice from ponds are cut out during the winter to store in these iceboxes). #backintime Watch out for buggies, wagons, walkers, and horseback riding while driving in the Amish territory. They don't drive in cars, so it is important to keep a look out while enjoying the scenery. #peacefulcommunity If you see a red flag on a mailbox, that means that someone in that house is looking for a ride to town. While the Amish can live almost completely self sufficiently, they will sometimes need to ride into town to get some necessities from Wal-mart or other stores. Beards vs No Beards: If you see a man with a full beard, that means he is married. If a man has no beard, that means he is single and ready to mingle :) #wantingtogoamish?? They don’t observe “Fast Time” or Daylight Savings Time! #AmishWeddingSeason is in November only. All marriages take place right after harvest in November which gives the newlyweds all winter to meet their new family and become acquainted with the marriage. Mid-march to almost Halloween there are auctions on Tuesday and Friday mornings to buy mass produce (perfect for those of you who like to can and freeze food)! Dating is private and done after midnight. Girls and boys sneak out for a buggy ride. Except for hand-holding, there is no inappropriate actions. Lip-kissing is for marriage. Friday night church-singing is where couples often plan their dates. Church is held in the home. Taking turns amongst the community give each person a chance to hold the services in their completely wiped down home. Even the walls are washed for their multiple hour long service. The ladies sit on one side and men on the other. There is no music, voices only. You can go year-round to drive through the countryside. No Sunday sales. Period. We've witnessed a community on a frozen pond ice skating, playing hockey, and enjoying hot chocolate around a bonfire. In the fall, there is harvesting. In the summer, the smell of fresh cut hay. Some stores are open year-round, too. You will know since they have signs on their mailbox stating what they sell! Want to learn more about the Amish community? Subscribe to their magazines...https://pathway-publishers.com/family-life-magazine/ Check out the Amish Community In Clark, Missouri Facebook page for more information and updates about their community! FB page: https://www.facebook.com/AmishCommunityInClarkMissouri/

Missouri - also known as the Show-Me State, home of KC (BBQ, Royals, Chiefs, Boulevard, and fountains) St. Louis (Cards, Blues, Budweiser and the Arch) and Branson (show tunes, Silver Dollar City, and Shepherd of the Hills). It's also a flyover state (corn, beans, the Ozarks, I-70, and cows.) Missouri is SO MUCH MORE than what people perceive. Missouri is a great geological wonder waiting to be explored. There are two of many state parks that you must take the time to visit; Johnson's Shut-Ins and Elephant's Rock State Park. Let's talk about two: 1. Johnson's Shut-Ins--- Swimming, camping, fishing, campfires, hiking, horseback riding, you name it! The Shut-In's provides many amenities for all interests! For only $30 a night , you can enjoy a peaceful night in your tent under the stars in a walk-in space (or bring your RV). Critters small and big like to visit if you don't put up your food or apply some bug spray. Camping Rule 101 should always be followed or else you will have some small critters (think raccoons, cute little bandits) and possibly bears (terrifying big bandits...we experienced this fun event)! The Shut-Ins provide clean cold water to relax in, smooth igneous rock slides, & beautiful areas for picnicking. This is a family-friendly area, but do NOT leave your kids alone. Sometimes the currents can be strong and a few of the pools are pretty deep. Some tid-bits: Bring water shoes to walk in! While the rocks can be smooth in some areas, some spots might be slippery or jagged. The swimming area do not allow glass bottles or large coolers - pack at your own discretion! The new and state of the art visitors center was built after a local company's dam failure. This center will answer the who, what, and where questions of the park. #dontfeedthebears #tentcamping #geologicalmarvel #whosjohnson https://mostateparks.com/park/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park 2. Elephant Rocks---This marvel is like walking back in time. It is absolutely spectacular. Right in the middle of the woods and farmland...BAM! A string of pink granite boulders that look like an ancient train of elephants all lined up to entertain in a circus. Kids and adults have a great time climbing all over these large magnificent beasts. Kids of all ages will love this park. You can even enjoy a picnic on top of the rocks! Good to know: Watch your footing on the path because each time that I have visited, I have seen a Copperhead snake. They are timid, but the venom is potent #nothankssnakes Braille is available and the path is handicapped accessible. There is no camping here - rocks are not comfortable to sleep on - park rangers will not allow it! Wear good shoes to hike and climb in - flip flops will flop right off those rocks! Travel to this scenic site in the spring to enjoy blossoming flowers or in the fall to view the changing colors of leaves - makes for good selfies and such #weirdplaces #bigrocks #avoidsnakes #ilikebigrocksandicannotlie https://mostateparks.com/park/elephant-rocks-state-park Instead of the usual, do the unusual in Missouri. Go experience some marvels. The more unique places that I find in Missouri, I will update this page.

Visiting New York and want to spend a day in Lower Manhattan touring the city? Below are some suggestions on how to fill your day! 9/11 Memorial Visiting the 9/11 Memorial is an absolute must when touring around in New York. The memorial is absolutely beautiful, yet gives you chills at the same time. Staten Island Ferry Taking the Staten Island Ferry is free and the trip gives you a great view of the Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline. Battery Park Battery Park is spacious, full of history, and directly next to the Staten Island Ferry entrance. There is so much to look at and do in the park. Bring a book and relax, walk next to the New York Harbor which includes a great view of the Statue of Liberty, and view the many monuments and war memorials. Oculus The structure of the Oculus is very unique. Take a couple hours to view the structure and to shop around! If you are wanting to get a great view of the City, buy tickets to the One World Observatory from inside the Oculus. Charging Bull The Charging Bull , also known as the Wall Street Bull, is a short walk from Battery Park. This is a populalr spot in New York, as it is a symbol for the American Stock Market. If you are wanting to take a picture with the Charging Bull, be ready to wait in a line!