Missouri is among the nation’s leaders in maintaining its transportation system and getting good value, according to a report issued recently by the Reason Foundation, which measures every state’s road conditions and expenses.

Missouri jumped to a national rank of 13th in 2006, compared to a rank of 17th in 2005 and 28th in 2004.

“We’ve made a lot of progress making Missouri roads smoother and…[more]

St. Louis, Missouri): Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden on Labor Day weekend for the Midwest’s
largest celebration of the culture and traditions of Japan. The 2008 Japanese Festival, presented by
Wachovia Securities, features sumo wrestling, taiko drumming, rakugo Japanese comedy and more,
Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1.[more]

Kansas City’s premier agricultural playground; Almost 30 Activites to paticipate in! Choose from Atlantic Giants to Babby Boo’s!,winter squash and prepicked produc.  Snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours. 

Activities include: Mining Shaft Hill Slide, Jack and Jill Hill Slide , Rope Maze, Photo Cut Outs, Haunted Barn, Rock Climbing Wall, Game Corral, Pumpkin’ Chunkin”, Yellow Brick Road Train ride,…[more]

PaintAmerica’s “Paint the Parks” exhibit tours the nation, and helps fund the PaintAmerica mission of supporting the visual arts and artists across the country.

A portion of the proceeds from “Paint the Parks” are contributed annually to the National Parks Foundation and the PaintAmerica Scholarship Fund.

Paintings must…[more]

Beginning October 1, 2008, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Annual Pass will have a different look.  According to Supt. T. John Hillmer, Jr., the new pass will feature a full color picture of the historic Ray House on the front and an additional signature line will be provided, allowing the pass to be issued to more than one person.
In December of 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands…[more]

There’s still plenty of time this year to participate in the Interpretive Site Coalition of Kansas City’s thirteenth annual Passport to Adventure event at the Ernie Miller Nature Center or at any of 15 other sites in the metro area.

This year’s event began in late April, but runs through Oct. 31. Passport to Adventure is a great way for area residents to experience nature, science, and history…[more]

Visiting the Gateway Arch? Lines for the tram to the observation area on top are shortest right after the monument opens at 8:30 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. You also can buy tram tickets early in the morning for specific times later in the day.

Don’t miss the ecological attractions: the Climatron at the Missouri Botanical Garden which houses a re-created rain forest; the expanded Saint Louis Science…[more]

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. –The Three Little Pigs will get their revenge and visitors will get to sample some great food at the 16th annual Laurie Hillbilly Bar-B-Q Cook-Off, Aug. 1-2 at the Laurie Fairgrounds off Highway 5 at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

“Huffin’ and Puffin’ BBQ” will be this year’s comical theme, with a logo depicting the Three Little Pigs twirling the Big Bad…[more]

Cannons will boom again as the Battle of Athens is re-enacted on Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 at Battle of Athens State Historic Site near Revere. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Holmes Brigade, the event is free and open to the public. Festivities on both days will begin at 9 a.m. with the opening of the Civil War-era camps, followed by a variety of activities.[more]

This summer, Kansas City is offering travelers a simple way to offset higher gas prices: 11 money-saving discounts at Kansas City’s best attractions. From longtime favorites—such as jazz, barbecue and fountains—to new attractions, restaurants and a brand new downtown entertainment, getaway to Kansas City this summer and save money with the DiscoverKC Pass. The free Pass provides money-saving offers to some of Kansas City’s signature shopping districts, museums and attractions.…[more]