Travel

There’s no other way to describe the Vaile Mansion during the holiday season. Each year, the Victorian Society—a volunteer group dedicated to the mansion’s preservation—selects a Christmas theme and begins to deck the halls of this historic Second Empire-style home.

Closely nuzzled against the Katy Trail in Rocheport, Meriwether Café & Bike Shop provides a quietly colorful experience. Managers Brandon and Whitney Vair transformed the building that used to house the Trailside Café into a bright spot set against the green-covered hills of Rocheport.

Since the height of their popularity, drive-ins have endured rising land prices, daylight savings time, and most recently, the end of 35mm projection— all of which have contributed to their decline.

Tour a simple life at six Amish Communities

The residents of Lawrence, Kansas, would never forget what happened on August 21, 1863, if indeed they were lucky enough to survive. The reason for the bloody raid that left nearly two hundred men dead and caused between $1 million and $1.5 million in damage (in 1863 dollars) is still the subject of speculation.

Life on the river carries its own unique lessons. Here, the senses are on overload in this peaceful environment. There were times when the only sound was of the paddles dipping and lifting in the current.

The corner deli was many things. It was the neighborhood grocery where you’d take your weekly order and get it filled while you caught up on all the community gossip.

Missouri’s general stores of yore offered shoppers everything they needed—and a lot of what they wanted—along with a generous side serving of local news, gossip, and a few tall tales.

After some investigating, I found Karen Daniels, senior historic preservation specialist for the Missouri Department of Transportation. She’s the expert on the state’s roadside parks.

The Holy Trinity of Conservation takes place at Prairie Star Restoration Farm in Bland on Saturday, June 3. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for students. There is a special reserved evening dinner on June 2 for $100 per person.