I CANNOT Live Without......

I was recently asked to make a list of things I could NOT live without, I know they meant for me to write down  my kids, my family, my yada yada yada.  In reality, we all can’t live without those necessities, but what are the things that we REALLY can’t live without…or just really don’t want to!  Here is my list.  

Dillard’s Kickin New Shoes. 

I searched HIGH and LOW for the perfect pair of summer shoes for my little man.  Truth be told, he might as well go barefoot most of the time as the child loves his “fip fops” but “fip fops” make terrible hiking, biking, and traveling shoes.  I stumbled across these adorable Timberland Mad River Closed Toe Sandals and decided I would give them a try, or the little man would try them.  Verdict is Momma Loves them as much as the little man does, these sandals meet our every need.  They are great for outdoor adventures and still kickin enough we can pull them off with our khaki pants.  We give them out 2- thumbs up seal of approval. 

Momma’s Tag-Along

Since the little man was a baby and the little woman was using training wheels, biking has become one of our weekend entertainments.  Last summer I made the investment in a WeeRide Co-Pilot Bike Trailer and man am I ever so glad I did!  While the Celesse is big enough to ride her own bike, Dillard is still too untrained to understand the brakes, so happily rides on his WeeRide Bike.  Ideally he is suppose to help by pedaling along, but don’t fool yourself, I often find him pedaling backwards, singing songs, or blowing his horn yelling “momma, pedal faster I like to feel the wind”  Momma’s do what they got to do. 

My Own Paparazzi

No I don’t really have paparazzi following me around...I am not that popular yet...LOL.  However, I am my own paparazzi, with my very own Canon Rebel Camera.  I forgot how great my camera was until I was asked to snap some shots with another camera, and sigghhhh the other just don’t live up to my  Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR.  We have not been to a photographer in about 8 years, and Dillard did not understand why the school photographer wanted to take his picture and told him “I don’t need my picture taken, my momma takes pictures of me all the time.”  The child hit it right on the nail, I am constantly snapping photos of my adorable monsters. 

Java Down The Street

While this is not a product, I own it is something I purchase daily, sometimes several times a day.  Recently they opened a Mercato di Rhodi down the street from my house and I must confess the poor cashier there knows the color of my vehicle and what I am going to order.  Hello 9 am Coffee Buzz, I love you!  

*****Disclosure I was NOT compensated for any of these products, and that is my child on the bike with me.  

The Tricks of Frequent Travel...Save your SANITY

This past weekend I was on a trip, which I cannot share the entire secret yet about, with one of my dearest longest friends.  While we giggling and really just relaxing (both full-time mommas) she asked me to borrow some shampoo.  I handed it over, and she said “I knew I would be safe with a professional traveler” I of coursed laughed it off, as I am no professional, just have a love to be on the go. 

However, it is no lie sometimes my suitcase does not get unpacked completely before I am repacking it for the next adventure.  Especially this last month as I was juggling Lesse’s cheer, and family adventures in a jam-packed six-weeks…it is a good thing I love my car, because I have spent some quality time with it lately. 

Over the past few months, I have traveled with a variety of people; my family, my gal pal, and even a fellow momma juggling a couple crazy kids.  Each trip someone says to me how do you remember what all to put inside your suitcase, well honestly it has just become the normal to me.  However, as normal I have a few secrets that make it easier, especially if you travel more than just once a year.  

I have two of everything, I mean everything.  I have 2 blow dryers, 2 make up bags, 2 sets of bath products, 2 of my favorite lotion and perfume, even 2 sets of jewelry, 2 phone chargers, 2 blue-tooth chargers, and 2 sets of anything the kids might need.  Of course, one set of everything remains tucked away in my house happily waiting my return, the other set spend a lot of time in my travel bags, waiting for the next grand adventure. 

I also make a pre –trip list that includes items that I do not have 2 of: my camera, my purse, Ryan’s wallet (don’t tell him that’s where it disappears to), my travel cards, and anything necessary the kids might need like our lovey’s.  As we depart the day of the trip, I am scanning that list to make sure nothing has been left out.  Yes, I have paid costly for items that have been left behind; I am a proud owner of a $45 Handy Manny stuffed doll that normally cost $12 at the store.    

While packing is usually the main concern, I also make a list of what to do prior to leave.  I arrange for house sitters, dog sitters, sometimes kid sitters, have the mail stopped, notify my closest neighbors that we will be departing and our house sitters will be arriving, make a list of what things to check as we walk out the door, and make sure all toilets are flushed….learned that the hard way!  I also highly suggest checking your washer, dryer, and dishwasher before leaving town; I have a friend who once came home to every towel she owned being mildewed after sitting in the dryer wet an entire week…YUCK!

Traveling, especially if you travel frequent can be insane, just remembering your travel plans can be wearing.  I have a specially marked folder for each trip that I am planning, from the first day when I locate the destination, until the last moment when I return and tuck all the receipts away.  Of course, I keep everything so I can share every single juicy detail.  There is no need to go to my extreme, but having a travel folder is good for reservations,confirmations, and any other important information you might need while away.  Yes, we can have all this on hand with our tech savvy world, but a paper copy is good in case the tech savvy world crashes…in say during a thunderstorm. 

My personal motto for travel is keeping it as stress free, and easy going as it possibly can be.  Travel, especially traveling with my family is to be memorable, laughable, and just about making memories together. 

Happy Adventures!

~Becky

Priceline.com STRESSED Me Out

 

In mad dash last minute trip to St Louis, Mo this past weekend, I decided I would tryout Priceline.com.  I had heard great things about the website, and saving loads of money, so I gave it a shot.

Here is the scoop, Priceline.com does initially save you some major $$$$ off your hotel room, and you can score some pretty snazzy rooms.  However, you have NO SAY in the style of room you get, how many beds you have, or really anything to do with the your stay. 

My Priceline Experience…

A gal pal and I needed a last minute hotel room in St Louis for 2 Moms, 2- 8 year old girls, and 2-4 year old boys.  Simple we need 1 regular room with 2 beds, and we would prefer something a with a pool.  I skipped on over to Priceline.com found a 4-star hotel near Forest Park in St Louis for $45 a night, with an indoor pool….sweet!  So I thought!

In the fine print on Priceline.com it says:

  "All rooms will accommodate up to 2 adults. Requests for bed types (King, Queen, 2 Doubles, etc.) or other special needs (including preferences for smoking or non-smoking rooms) should be requested through your confirmed hotel and cannot be guaranteed."

Okay, I did read this, but my thought is you make your reservation, call the hotel and they will accommodate your needs!  Our needs were simple we had 6 people and needed 2 beds in our room. 

Well after 3 ½ hoursof being on the phone, talking to 2 different hotel managers, 2 different Priceline employees, my needs were accommodated at the cost of an extra $30.  We were upgraded to king suite, and they threw in breakfast in the upgrade, an unneeded add on, but better than sleeping 6 people in 1 bed! 

Cha Ching….there went my sweet bargain, I am now at $75 for the room, but it gets better!

Saturday afternoon we arrived at our hotel, get our room key, and head up to our room to discover after spending 3 ½ hours on the phone, agreeing to pay an extra $30 we are now in the EXACT type of room we requested.  A regular room with 2 queen size beds….but wait I had been charged $30 for my upgrade, so here we go again. 

After another 30 minutes of my time wasted, I was now refunded $10 of that $30 upgrade fee, but had no breakfast.  Well whatever, I was to the point I did not care what happened, Priceline.com had STRESSED me out! 

By the time I had checked out of my hotel, I truly saved $0, I paid $45 for the room, $20 upgrade fee, and $15 for parking….Hotel Cost = $80.  The same price as if I had booked the Drury who offered FREE Breakfast and FREE Parking.  

My REAL Thoughts on Priceline.com….

I think the concept of Priceline.com is GREAT, you can score terrific bargains, but it SUCKS for traveling with a family.  I will return to gathering deals elsewhere, using Tripadvisor or Expedia.com for family travel, and save Priceline.com for when I am traveling solo, or when the it is just the hubby and I.

I think Priceline.com could revamp their website, add in the option to note that you are traveling with kids, have a disability, or prefer non-smoking.  I realize that the idea behind Priceline.com is to get super sweet deals, but I did not get any deals if I had to continue to pay the hotel to meet my accommodations!   

Thanks Priceline! 

~Becky

My Apps for Surviving Travel

I have been lost in the “Windy City” for the past few days, and I officially fallen in love with a few new Apps on my I phone.    Who knew I could fall in love with technology….but I have! 

My Love for Instagram…

An Instagram Photo

I first refused to download Instagram after seeing it pop up on all my friends Facebook post, then one day I caved; downloaded the silly App and  I yep I fell in love!  Instagram is must for quick editing snap shots while on the go, sharing photos, and tracking.  I do not share every photo that I take on Instagram, but I Geotag every one to track where we have been.  2 thumbs up to the makers of Instagram, I love you!

My Affair with Postagram….

Send postcard’s from you phone….and they are CHEAP.  Just 2 days before departing for the Windy City, I received a text invite from a friend to check out this Postagram App.  I knew the sender is much more tech savvy than I, so I downloaded the app….and now I am so grateful I did!  I am constantly sending photos to our beloved GaGa (great grandma), and this App makes it SOOOO much easier! 

My Sanity Saved with Trip Advisor City Guides….

As you know Chicago is no small city, and normally I rely on books, maps, and travel guides from the Visitor’s Centers and CVB’s.  This time I found Trip Advisor City Guides a step above anything sent to my by the Chicago Visitor’s Center, any other Apps that I found…even the ones I elected to pay for, or my normal GPS.  Trip Advisor City Guides is an interactional, on the go, City Guide to many cities around the world.  What I love, is I can search what’s close by, the top things around  me, and then it points me on my way…..for this small town girl in the big city, this was a true SANITY saver!  High-5 to Trip Advisor for this great App! 

Peace out my friends!

~Becky

Car Knowledge is POWER...tips from this traveling Mom

I was recently invited to attend a Women’s Car Care SeminarKnowledge is Power hosted by my local mechanic GearHeads AutomotiveRepair.  Of course they invited me, knowing I spend hours on the road destined to find the next GREAT Adventure in Missouri, and I probably the most car dumb person in the state of Missouri….sad, but TRUE.

Ladies, if you get a chance to attend Knowledge is Power seminar, I will happily put my endorsement on this seminar as a must for all women.  I am overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge that I walked away with, and even better, my dear Ryan is excited that someone finally made car information stick in my head!

Here are a few things I walked away knowing:

• Keep a notebook of what is happening to your car – makes sense we keep a list for our doctor of our symptoms, we should keep a list of our car’s issues for its doctor.  What do we put on that list?

              -Is it hot or cold outside?
              -Is it raining or not outside?
              -Does it happen when going uphill or downhill?
              -Are you going highway speed, or town speed?
              -The noise is it a squeak, squeal, knock, tick, whine, growl, click   

• Keep your Mechanic’s phone number in your car, and keep a trusted a tow truck company’s phone number in your car.  Do not be afraid to call your mechanic and ask questions…they can guide you through your issue, or tell you to bring your car by for a checkup!

• Understand your warning lights, and what they mean…the owner’s manual gives a description. 

• Quick Lube shops- this is a bit of warning, quick lube shops are for changing oil, but many will offer to change your filters, fill your fluids, or any other minor detail.  If you do not know if they need checked or change, refuse and get a second opinion….this can save you major bucks! 

• Get a second opinion on a major repair…if your mechanic or any mechanic tells you that your need a lot of work done, get a second opinion.  Even if the second opinion charges you $30 for the opinion, it could save you thousands in the end!

• Know where your Jack, Spare Tire, and tools are in your car.  Know how to use them, and check, your Spare Tire for air…..they can go flat even if you do not use them!

• Have a Road Kit in your car….we keep our emergency kit in our house, but for me I spend more time in my car than my house.  What do we need in that kit?  That is probably why I do not have one!

         -First Aid Kit…no brainer

         -Copy of Health Insurance and Car Insurance Card

         -Tire Gauge…I do have one of those in my car

         -Jumper Cables

         -Old Shoes….in case you need to kick your tire

         -Blanket

         -Hand Wipes

         -Flashlight

If you do happen to be stranded:

• CALL FOR HELP do not allow a stranger in your car!  Many women have fallen victim to this!  You can also call your state’s highway patrol they will help you!

• Put your Flashers on.

• Stay in your car, if it is SAFE; use your best judgment in this case.  If your car is in the middle of the road then obviously you might want to get out of it. 

Knowledge really is power for us women, while I openly admit that I am goober when it comes to car maintenance, but now feel powerful having my notes from this seminar to look back at.  I came straight home and built my Road Kit for my car, added my mechanics number to my contact list, and know that if something goes wrong I can handle it!  

Have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky 

Dieting & Traveling....My Secret Tips

Ideally, it is vacation time, and we can throw away all the rules, unfortunately, for some of us (like me) we are passed our youthfulness and have to watch our diet even while we travel. This has to be one of my BIGGEST struggles during traveling, and something I learned the hard way! No lie I love that southern comfort food, those adorable little ice cream shops, and Missouri has some of the finest fair food around, but all those foods also seem to love my HIPS!

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Hotel Safety Tips from the Missouri Traveling Mom

We recently returned from our midwinter family vacation at CoCo Keys Indoor Water Resort in Kansas City, Missouri. First, I will say my kids loved it, they thoroughly enjoyed getting the chance to burn up the stored winter energy in the gigantic water park. However, much like many of our “adventures” this trip was an educational trip for us, but educational in a very unexpected way.

We travel as a family fairly frequently, but never before have I had a situation happen like happened to us on our trip to CoCo Keys, and friends please use my experience as your learning tool.

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Preparing for our Mid-Winter Missouri Vacation

Yes it is February, and every year come February I come down with a severe case of Cabin Fever.  This year has been a little better, but still I am ready to get out doors and get back to have some major Adventures!  

Normally, about this time of the year I hightail it south to hit the beaches, visit our beloved GaGa, and soak up some of that southern sun.  This year, being that I am the Missouri Traveling Mom, and well we have a few more hectic schedules now that the kids are a few years older, we decided we would make our Mid-Winter Vacation easier, and stay in Missouri!  However, I discovered it is a HARD choice of what to do in Missouri, because there is so MUCH to do!    

I will not disclose where we have chosen to hangout at…you must stay tuned next week to my Missouri Traveling Mom’s Blog for the juicy details…but I will give you a several of the amazing places that we had to choose from!  

 Skiing in Missouri…

Most of would high tail it Colorado for some winter snow fun, but did you know that you can actually Ski in Missouri.  Welcome to Wildwood, MO home of Hidden ValleySki and Snowboard Area…..immediately when I discovered this place, I added it to my list of must do with my little adventurous man!

Steelville Missouri…..

Steelville, MO  known to be the floating capital of Missouri, and folks I can tell you from my visit last summer it truly is packed with floaters!  However, in the middle of winter not to many folks want to hop on the river and float on down….imagine that…but that leaves Steelville peaceful, quiet, and well just beautiful!  Inside Steelville Missouri, I have discovered Westover Farm, and I have added this beautiful place to my list of must sees in Missouri.  Personally, I am hoping they provide Nanny Service, because this place looks like the perfect place for me to hide out and catch up on that much needed sleep!

Kansas City, MO….

Who needs to head to the beach, when we have all the indoor water fun we need inside the state of Missouri?  I know right, who is thinking about water parks in February…really who is thinking of putting on a swimsuit in mid-February…I guess that would be me!  CoCo Key Water Resort has an all inclusive package that can make your mid-winter vacation not only fun, but very affordable!    

Branson, MO….

We all know how fabulous Branson, MO is, but like many other places we think of Branson for just certain months of the year.  Well unbelievably, I received this idea from my beloved Outlaws (yes the in-laws).  Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort…loaded with fun, excitement, yet still boasting with relaxation.  Big Cedar Lodge, has not only made Becky’s list of places that we must check out, but has also made The Outlaws’ list, so you know it is bound to be good! 

These are just our top four selection of our Mid-Winter Missouri Vacation, but I assure you that you want to stay tune next week to see what crazy fun adventure we have been on! 

May you have an Adventurous weekend!

~Becky 

For more great travel info, or a few good laughs follow on twitter @BeckyAdventure 


note....videos are provided from the company's website

Happy after Valentine's Day Weekend

Well we are suppose to believe that the Love that was in the air has bloomed, and we are floating on cloud whatever full of ideas of what to do the weekend after that Big V-day. Right! Nope, I do not think so....Ironically we spend so much time focusing on what to do that special day that we forget what to do the weekend after.
Well, maybe not everyone, but this time of the year I fight the winter blues something fierce. Fortunately, for me and me signing up for all those random e-blast, newsletters, and event alerts those kind folks that want me to come to their events keep me knowledgeable!
This weekend like many others in Southeast Missouri is jammed packed full of fun, I mean we are just a hip group of people around here!
A few of my favorites and some that I have PRAYED would be happening in this area are!   
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Valentine's Day in Southeast Missouri

Well Gentlemen, unfortunately it is that time of year again...we have passed the Superbowl and have rounded the corner to the make it or break it romance day of the year! I know you're heaving that big SIGHHH thinking well shucks what am I going to do this year. If you are anything like my dear Ryan, (please do not tell him I confess this publically) you cringe at the thought of spending all that $$$$ for one night! No worries, Becky (your inside guide to a woman's head) is here to help....of course I do not think like EVERY woman, so use your best judgment at my suggestions!

Valentine's Day on a Dime...

Okay not really a dime, because a dime would not get your car out of your driveway, but you get my drift. What is there to do that is affordable, I am going to share a few "secret" details of what Ryan (after many failed Vdays) has pulled out of his bag and has worked....yes Ryan is quite the tightwad, yet still manages to spoil me like a princess occasionally!

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Valentine's Day Sweet Escape in Southeast Missouri

Yep Gentlemen it is that time of year again, I know your brain is wrapped around the big upcoming Super bowl game, but you had better be careful; her mind is wrapped around the big Valentine’s Day.
I am going to be a friend to you boys and make romancing that lady a little bit easier….after all I am a woman, so I think like a woman…I HOPE!

Many gentlemen will rush into the store grabbing that last box of chocolates and the card that has “I Love Lucy” on the front of it with prayers that she won’t notice that it is actually a birthday card…..yep my hubby is a total FAIL at Valentine’s Day.

How about you show your buddies up this year and plan something unique, breathtaking, and still stay within your budget. I know you think I am crazy, but there is hope for me and there is hope for you at Rothbrick Winery.   Continue to read more

New Madrid, Missouri

Jackson to Jackson on 155 and today, we are tour New Madrid Missouri!

Map Provided by New Madrid's Tourism Office

New Madrid, Mo, best known for the New Madrid fault line, while that is no tourist attraction it plays a lot into New Madrid’s history. Earthquakes are measured almost weekly around New Madrid, nothing major, but still an interesting fact to know. To follow the New Madrid Quakes visit their website and you can also learn more history about New Madrid’s Quakes.

Visiting New Madrid

New Madrid, much like many Southern Missouri towns is full of history. Historical Homes, Civil War History, and much Southern Culture is to be found around New Madrid.

Hart-Stepp House Art Gallery – The oldest house in New Madrid, relocated to it’s present location is now the Hart-Stepp House Art Gallery. A variety of art is on display inside the art gallery, and you will find different themes throughout the year. The Hart-Stepp Art Gallery is located at 711 Waters Street in New Madrid, Mo, and open every Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm excluding holidays.

Hunter-Dawson Home State Historic Site- Ironically as many times as I have passed by Hunter-Dawson I have yet to visit! This is so unlike me, because we all know that I love Southern Homes and dream of having a mansion!

The Hunter-Dawson house holds a true southern history, the 15-room home most likely built by the Hunter’s own slaves and area craftsmen. The lumber used to construct the massive structure came from one of Hunter’s own mills. The place gives you that whole “Gone with the Wind” feelin

For admission, costs and hours of operation please call 573-748-5340

Scenic River View of the Mississippi River-Take a walk along the Mississippi River, grab your picnic basket and surprise your family with a cool pit stop, or take that sweetie out for a romantic walk along the river! Only three minutes off of I-55 New Madrid’s Riverside Park gives you a panoramic view of the Mississippi River. The Riverside Park is open daily , all hours of the day, and is handicap accessible.

Other Cool locations to visit in New Madrid Missouri are:

New Madrid Historical Museum

Higgerson School Historic Site

For Great Dining locations visit New Madrid’s TourismWebsite.

Nearby Attractions:  Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, Mo
                                     Bootheel Youth Museum in  Malden, Mo

Secrets to Making Missouri Travel Easier

Greetings Everyone from Missouri, this is my first official post here at Traveling Mom! I am excited to have this opportunity to share our adventures and all the cool things to do here in Missouri….I am a bit of a Missouri Lover!

Today I thought I would take a few moments to share a few of my secrets or as my hubby calls it my addiction to family travel in Missouri on a planned budget. I think back to my pre-kiddos days when I could jump in my car for a road trip, but I gave that life up almost nine years ago and devote my time to attempting to plan fun family outings.  Continue Here to Read More

Vacation on a Dime in Missouri State Parks

Recently I was reading a post by a fellow Mommy Blogger about State Parks in Illinois and bringing fun back to nature. I applaud her for being uniquely different, and speaking out that fun can be focused around real things.

Many of us forget about visiting our State Parks, and even more of us don’t realize how affordable it is to visit or stay at a state park. I know when I first started “adventuring” with kids; it was hotels or no go! I know I am pathetic! A few years back for my birthday, Ryan surprised me with a weekend at Sam A. Baker State Park. While I still had to cook, clean up after my kids, and spent a majority of my time outside in the woods, I felt like I was worth a million bucks.

Here is the scoop, several of Missouri’s state parks have various types of lodging; I personally prefer the cabins. Why you ask, probably not a huge shocker to my readers, but I am not a very good camper. In fact, Ryan now refuses to take me camping! However, you can still get close to nature without throwing out a tent and sleeping on the ground…for all that do tent camp; I applaud you and please keep camping! Other than not being a good tent camper, I have found a family staying at State Parks can be more affordable than hotels. Continue to read more here

From Jackson to Jackson on I-55 and today we are touring Sikeston, MO

Sikeston, Mo is where the Southern Hospitality Begins, and frankly that is no exaggeration!

What is Sikeston all about? 

Photo Provided by Sikeston CVB

Sikeston’s best known attraction is the home of the “throwed rolls” where folks travel hours, drive many miles, and stand in line just to get a taste of that delicious southern home cooking and have few laughs to. 
Established in 1942 by Earl and Agnes Lambert in a small building on South Main Street in Sikeston with a total seating capacity of 41 people, today the seating capacity has more than tripled.  Anyone who thinks Lamberts immediately they think the Home of the Throwed Rolls a slogan produced by a customer who really wanted his roll and yelled “throw the D*** thing”
Lambert’s needs no flowering up this place is fantastic, the food is delicious, and the folks are friendly.  However, I am going to be fair and honest here, with great food, a well-known name; you know there is going to be lines. The waiting  time for Lamberts can be as much as an hour, while it is worth the wait parents, please be prepared as little ones do get restless.  
Lamberts Café  is located at 2305 E. Malone in Sikeston; doors open at 10:30 am and close at 9:00pm.  Be prepared Lamberts does NOT accept credit cards, but happily takes cash or checks! 

Other great places to eat:  Cheers Bar & Grill, Houchins Donuts, and Dexter BBQ  
Nearby Wineries:  River Ridge Winery and Fermentation Room Café, Indian Hills Winery

The Sikeston Depot, history, culture, and art all in one place.  The Iron Mountain Railroad Depot now known as “The Depot” built in 1916, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Do you know where the first mechanical horse was invented?  The folks at The Depot can tell you!  Let your mind be blown away by what a size 34-shoe looks like and find out who wore those gigantic shoes. 
Normal hours of operation are Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, admission is free, and visit their website regularly for events. 

 Downtown SikestonHistoric Homes Driving Tour will give you a taste of what Sikeston was like in the early 1900’s.  With Southern Hospitality come the beautiful homes of the south.  Stunning architecture, large front porches, and lavish landscaping all found along the streets of Sikeston, Mo.  Brochures are available at The Sikeston Depot or the kind folks at Sikeston’s CVB will be happy to give you directions. 

Fun family stops that are available to fill up spare to time and give you more reasons to visit Sikeston include; Beggs Family Farm, Sikeston Bowling Center, Jumpin Jackson Indoor Inflatable Party Center, Paintball Planet, and the YMCA of Southeast Missouri.

The Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo….what can I say it’s a rodeo, but it is a rodeo done Sikeston’s way.  Folks from all across Missouri make their way to the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo because it is one terrific show.  Rodeo clowns, cowgirls, and finish off the night with some of the finest country music singers.  The 60^th Annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will be held August 8-11; tickets go on sale in March.  

Photo provided by Sikeston CVB

Other exciting events in Sikeston include Sikeston’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Dogwood Azalea Festival, and their Crawfish Boil & Music Festival.  A complete list of events is available on the Sikeston CVB’s website. 

Where to stay in Sikeston

Drury Inn & Suites

Holiday Inn Express

Hinton RV Park

Video Provided by Sikeston CVB

Fun Facts about Sikeston, Mo

- Sikeston is farthest north Cotton is grown.

- The mechanical horse was invented in Sikeston, Mo

Grab yourself some Southern Hospitality in Sikeston, Mo

~Becky

From Jackson to Jackson on I-55….Jackson, Mo

Road Trip Jackson, Missouri to Jackson, Misssissippi and we are touring Jackson, MO today.

Historic Jackson, Mo

A must in Jackson is to hit the Historic Uptown Jackson.  Even before I knew Jackson, Mo as well as I do now, I felt there was something absolutely beautiful about uptown Jackson. 

Beautifully paved streets, adorable little shops, and some of the best places to eat to be found uptown Jackson, Mo.
 

The Oliver House is a monument to Jackson’s history.  The exact date of The Oliver House is unknown, but mortgage records date back to 1848.  The beautiful structure, a load of history, and if walls could talk, imagine the stories that could be told.  The Oliver House is located at the junction of Adams and Ohio Street in Jackson.  Unfortunately, the home is not always open for tours, but please visit their website for more information. 

Brookside Park’s Memorial to Veterans of all Wars is absolutely breathtaking especially on the 4^th of July and Veteran’s Day as the flags line the park and form a scene that will bring tears to your eyes.  Brookside Park is located is located just off highway 61 North at the edge of Jackson Mo. (see map below)  

Old McKendree Chapel build in 1819, and ironically the efforts to restore Old McKendree Chapel began far before many of us were born (1920) and is now completely restored.  The chapel grounds are open every day sun up to sun down a guided tour can be given by David and Theresa Hopkins 573-243-2774.  The Chapel is located just off Interstate 55 exit 102. 

Art in Jackson, Mo

The Steck House located at 210 E Washington Street. The Steck House is home to The Jackson Art Group's Gallery. You will find styles of art from jewelry to paintings all created by some of Jackson's very talented artist. The Steck House Gallery is open the 2^ndSaturday of each month.

Family Fun in Jackson, Mo 

All aboard the St. Louis Iron Mountain & SouthernRailway!  The St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway is the regions only full size passenger train!  Take a step or ride back in time and enjoy sometimes on the main source of transportation of yesteryears.  The St Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway often host special events and offers a regular schedule of rides, to find those schedules visit their website or follow them on facebook. 

The city of Jackson is more than blessed with some of the most beautiful parks and prides themselves with keeping those parks clean, safe, and family friendly.  Inside the Jackson City Park, you find fun for all ages at Safety City, the Rotary Lake, the tennis courts, the skate board park, and the Jackson Municipal Pool open seasonal.  Connected to the City Park is also a very nice recreational trail open for bikes, runners, and walkers. ..the rec trail is a fun way to see scenes of Jackson you normally would not see.  Visit the City of Jackson’s website for directions and park hours. 

Great Eats in Jackson, Mo

We all like to eat right?  I know I do and man is Jackson got some great places to eat.  The must stops on anyone who loves to eat list are: Wibbs BBQ,  a Jackson landmark for years and known for their BBQ and Pimento Cheese sandwiches…you will never think of BBQ the same.  Tractors Classic American Grill, known for their unique name, but popular for their unique sandwiches, no one leaves hungry from Tractors.  Personally, I highly suggest Tractors’ Potato Soup...Yum Yum Good!  Other popular dining locations Branding Iron BBQ, Stooges, Lil Miss Muffin, and El Torero Mexican Restaurants.  


Have Fun in Jackson, Mo


~Becky


Other Articles on Jackson, Mo
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Destination Grandma’s House…AKA Eggers and Company Bed & Breakfast

Warm baked cookies, patchwork quilts, peace and quiet, secret hideouts, and those fond memories of Grandma's house may come flooding back in.  Eggers and Company Bed & Breakfast may not be your Grandma’s house, but it is Ellen Frye’s grandma’s house and she is ready to share it with you.

Continuing our list of our favorite family vacations spots, we have added Eggers and Company Bed & Breakfast in Farrar, MO.  As many of us, I have so many fond memories of my grandma’s house, and miss those simple days I spent as a young girl running through her house.  When I stepped through the door of Eggers and Company I felt like I was child again and I was looking at my grandma’s things.   

Eggers and Company B& B’s specialty is taking you back in time, rather it is the idea of returning to Grandma’s house or it is just taking a step back to yesteryear's.  Minus a few modern day conveniences (indoor plumbing, central heat, and air conditioning), the home has been restored to its former appearance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  To read more of Eggers and Company’s history please continue here. 

Eggers and Company is open for by reservation Friday and Saturday year around.  June through August rooms are available Wednesday through Sunday.  Eggers and Company has three rooms available to rent, and each guest room has their own private bath.  Common rooms include kitchenette, the attic game room, parlor, dining room, and the summer kitchen, which is no longer a kitchen it is actually home to a private hot tub available for guest to escape in.  Parent's most B&B's are not something I recommend for kiddos, but Eggers & Company is kid friendly and Ellen wants to share the Eggers and Company experience with your kiddos! 
Visit Eggers and Company's website for a complete list of accomadations, prices, and watch for upcoming events hosted in Eggers and Company General Store. 

Eggers and Company earned our two thumbs up seal of approval for being historical yet modern, convenient yet secluded, and for great hospitality that we all desire on vacation.

~Becky

Please continue here to see more photos of Eggers and Company Bed & Breakfast. 

Close by Attractions of interest:
Cape Girardeau, MO
Trail of Tears State Park
Rothbrick Winery
Hemman Winery
Lutheran Heritage Museum  


***Note.  My family and I have not stayed at Eggers and Company Bed & Breakfast, we have only visited there.