Patriotic in Okoboji

Lake Okoboji in Arnold's Park, Iowa is a classic scene for the American summer by the lake, fourth of July cookouts and booze-ridden boat trips. Lake Okoboji is an ideal place for Midwest city mongers to leave their worries with concrete and indulge in the simplicity of lake life.

A Lesser Known Capitol

While in grade school, American students are expected to learn/memorize the capitol cities of all fifty states and generally regurgitate the information on an exam. So, for many American adults later asked to recall the capitol city of a particular, more obscure state, the information has often been left behind on their fifth grade test paper. Missouri is one of these obscure states. The capitol of Missouri is neither of the state's major cities -Kansas City or St. Louis- nor is it referenced in news and media very often. During my trip around Missouri, I thought it only necessary to stop in the quaint Jefferson City and pay tribute to the obscure capitol city of a particularly beautiful state. Finished in 1917, it is the third capitol building in Jefferson City. Notably, a bronze fixture on the top represents Ceres, the Roman goddess of Agriculture. And at the building's entrance, standing tall and ready to greet you, dutifully frozen in time, is Thomas Jefferson.

Missouri's Little Treasure: Wine!

Just a little over an hour from Columbia, MO off the Interstate and along the windy back roads of the Missouri countryside nestles an old German town touting original brick architecture and several local wineries. Historic Hermann, Missouri is perched along the Missouri River and serves as a spectacular place to revel in Missouri's natural environment while getting a quick history lesson and sampling a wine or two. There are B&Bs to stay in, or just pitch a tent in the city park and hit the trolley for your local wine tour. Kevin, a former ostrich farm owner, gives a personalized tour of the area while explaining his love for giraffes, life as a farmer and much much more!