This post is brought to you by Quality All-Care, a locally owned lawn care company serving the
greater Kansas City area since 1986.
The greater Kansas City area has a lot to offer! From great food to all kinds of entertainment,
there’s nothing you can’t find in our metropolis. However, taking a road trip can provide a breath
of fresh air and give you a sense of adventure. That’s why we put together a list of fun day trips
you can take in the Kansas City area. We separated these into romantic getaways and
family-friendly fun to help you find the right trip that suits you.
Romantic Getaways
If you and your partner are looking to get out of the area for some time alone and away from the
chaos of everyday life, one of these road trips is just what you need.
Pirtle Winery
Distance: Approximately 33 miles or 38 minutes
Located in historic Weston, this is an easy day trip for anyone that likes wine. Get a tour of their
beautiful Pirtle Winery and enjoy the unique flavors of wine they offer. Before you head back
home, have dinner at The Vineyards, a five-star restaurant located right next door to the winery.
Excelsior Springs, MO
Distance: Approximately 28 miles or 34 minutes
There is a lot to do in Excelsior Springs for any couple. The Excelsior Springs Hall of Waters &Cultural Museum has relaxing mineral baths, or you can get a day pass to the Elms Resort andSpa, a great 19th-century getaway. This area has been popular since the 1800s and is the
perfect spot for relaxation.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Distance: Approximately 130 miles or two hours
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts. This park has tons
of trails to hike and bike through a beautiful landscape with some of the most popular trails in
Missouri. What’s more, there’s an extensive cave system that you can explore if you don’t mind
being underground.
Family Fun
There’s nothing like a fun getaway for the whole family! These trip ideas will provide a fun
distraction for everyone in your household.
Gage Park
Distance: Approximately 68 miles or an hour and twelve minutes
Home to the Topeka Zoo and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, there’s plenty to do at
and around Gage Park in Topeka. The zoo is relatively small, so you can see it in a day, and
they even have a petting zoo for the kids. The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is a fun,
interactive children’s museum where kids can learn while having an exciting afternoon.
Jamesport, MO
Distance: Approximately 85 miles or an hour and twenty-eight minutes
This is a trip for people that want to truly escape city life. Amish country is only an hour and a
half from the city, where people make horse-churned ice cream, ride buggies, don’t use cell
phones, and don’t have the internet. We recommend stopping by the Homestead Creamery and
Gingerich Dutch Pantry. These places have delicious food that’s made from scratch!
Atchison, KS
Distance: Approximately 50 miles or 56 minutes
There’s a lot to do in Atchison. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful forests, and
it’s also the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. But if your family is ready to get a little spooky, take the
45-minute trolley tour where you’ll learn about how the town became one of the most haunted
places in the country.
Lawrence, KS
Distance: Approximately 40 miles or 46 minutes
With the University of Kansas, Natural History Museum, and The Spencer Museum of Art,
there’s too much to do in Lawrence for just a day trip. Your family can see debris from the World
Trade Center, learn about Native Americans, and shop on Massachusetts Street where they
have fresh candles, delicious cinnamon buns, and other greats stores for shopping. This small
city won’t disappoint!
Take It From Us!
The staff at Quality All-Care has lived in the Kansas City area almost all our lives. We know the
best things to do in the area, and we hope you enjoy some of these trip ideas. If you decide to
take one (or all) of these day trips and don’t have the time to manage your lawn, trees, or
shrubs properly, just let us know. We’d be happy to help!
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Cozumel, Mexico - A Fun Family Vacation
I can't explain why I love Mexico, but there's something about this country that just speaks to me. I love the architecture, the designs and the whole environment of Mexico. I've been to Mexico three times now, and each time is different.
This month, my family and I went on a cruise. One of our stops was Cozumel, Mexico. The first thing we done was a sting ray excursion. We got to swim with the sting rays (and some fish) as well as feed them. I will admit, I was a little hesitant, mainly because I have this fear of deep water. When I say deep water, I'm talking about water where I cannot touch bottom!
We first listened to our guide as he explained how to use the equipment we were about to put on (snorkel, goggles and life vest.) Now, I had the snorkel and goggles down, because I had already went through this before. But the vest...Well, it was not your regular orange life jacket. This was a vest where you aired it up, blowing air into this little valve and then letting the air out, but pushing this valve down. This was scary! What if I accidentally pushed on that valve, while swimming!!
Once I had my gear on, I slowly (and I mean slowly) entered the water. As soon as my foot left that last step...Oh yeah! I could not touch bottom. Panic mode! After about 15 minutes in the water, I finally became a little more at ease in the water, as well as learning how to use the goggles and snorkel. I couldn't help but to forget my fear, as I witnessed the most beautiful sting rays and colorful fish, swimming around the bottom, below me.
These creatures gently glided, back and forth in the water. Schools of fish swam all around us and I was constantly snapping away at my water camera. After 30 minutes swimming with the sting rays and fish, we then made our way out of this deep water, back onto the dock and then over to the shallow water, where we had our pictures taken, touching and kissing the sting rays. After our group was done with photos, we then were given two slim looking fish. These were to feed the sting rays. Yeah, the fish didn't smell to great and I was a little scared to have the sting ray just come up and suck that fish from my hand.
I can't really tell you if the sting ray took the fish from my hand, because as soon as one of them came up to the fish....I let go of it! I can tell you, however, that the fish that were already swimming around me, grabbed one of the dead fish from my hands and just tore it apart, like freaking piranhas!
To end our excursion, our guide let us pick out a hermit crab for a race. The winners (there were three) got to pick their prize...a bag of chips or a shot of tequila. Now come one...what do you think I went with? My hermit crab won 3 place, so of course, I took the shot of tequila! Hey, free liquor!
All in all, I had a wonderful time in Cozumel. I got to explore the city, enjoy a swim with the rays and enjoyed the beauty of Mexico. I can't wait to go on another cruise soon, and I hope when I do, one of the destinations is Mexico!
What was one of your favorite places to visit? Why was it your favorite. I wanna know!
This month, my family and I went on a cruise. One of our stops was Cozumel, Mexico. The first thing we done was a sting ray excursion. We got to swim with the sting rays (and some fish) as well as feed them. I will admit, I was a little hesitant, mainly because I have this fear of deep water. When I say deep water, I'm talking about water where I cannot touch bottom!
Me snapping away on my water camera
We first listened to our guide as he explained how to use the equipment we were about to put on (snorkel, goggles and life vest.) Now, I had the snorkel and goggles down, because I had already went through this before. But the vest...Well, it was not your regular orange life jacket. This was a vest where you aired it up, blowing air into this little valve and then letting the air out, but pushing this valve down. This was scary! What if I accidentally pushed on that valve, while swimming!!
One of the instructors, handling the sting ray
Once I had my gear on, I slowly (and I mean slowly) entered the water. As soon as my foot left that last step...Oh yeah! I could not touch bottom. Panic mode! After about 15 minutes in the water, I finally became a little more at ease in the water, as well as learning how to use the goggles and snorkel. I couldn't help but to forget my fear, as I witnessed the most beautiful sting rays and colorful fish, swimming around the bottom, below me.
I can't really tell you if the sting ray took the fish from my hand, because as soon as one of them came up to the fish....I let go of it! I can tell you, however, that the fish that were already swimming around me, grabbed one of the dead fish from my hands and just tore it apart, like freaking piranhas!
To end our excursion, our guide let us pick out a hermit crab for a race. The winners (there were three) got to pick their prize...a bag of chips or a shot of tequila. Now come one...what do you think I went with? My hermit crab won 3 place, so of course, I took the shot of tequila! Hey, free liquor!
All in all, I had a wonderful time in Cozumel. I got to explore the city, enjoy a swim with the rays and enjoyed the beauty of Mexico. I can't wait to go on another cruise soon, and I hope when I do, one of the destinations is Mexico!
What was one of your favorite places to visit? Why was it your favorite. I wanna know!
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
New Orleans - A Fun and Always Entertaining Experience
I have always been a big fan of New Orleans. New Orleans is one of those cities that I always love to visit and would love to visit, at least once a year. The city has so much charm, history and I especially love the French Quarters!
New Orleans may not be a city for everyone, but for my family and I, we love it. I was recently in the "Big Easy" city for one night, the night before our family's first cruise on the Carnival Dream. We stayed at a bread and breakfast place, a 5 minute walk to the French Quarters.
Once in the French Quarters, we were automatically welcomed with Jazz music, blues and full of entertainment. Bourbon Street, a street that you must visit, is one of the infamous streets in New Orleans. I swear, that street never sleeps! There was a pink parade going on, music and people everywhere and just a whole lot of fun and good times.
One of the places we stopped in to eat, was Pier 424 Seafood Market. 424 Seafood Market is located at 424 Bourbon St. This restaurant has awesome cuisine that will tickle anyone's taste buds! I ordered the Blackened Fish of the Day, which was a white fish, served with seasoned steamed vegetables and andouille sausage jambalaya. Man oh man! So good! The blackened fish was cooked perfectly...flaky and moist while the andouille sausage jambalaya had a slight Cajun flavor.
After our wonderful meal, we decided to walk off some of the delicious food we had just eaten. Walking up and down Bourbon Street is the thing to do, when in New Orleans. You never know what you will run across, between parades, dancers, and bead being thrown from the balconies of the historic hotels.
New Orleans is also known to be one of the most haunted cities. You can learn about the haunted city, as well as the most haunted places to visit, by taking a haunted tour. Don't worry...you are never left alone and your guide is very expertised in this area. We went with Ghost City Tours for our haunted tour. Ghost City Tours is one of the most popular tours to go with and with several different tours to choose from, we opted in for "The Killers & Thrillers East Tour." This tour is recommended for ages 16+. Our Tour guide was Randy Reid, an awesome tour guide who knew his stuff!
The haunted tour is a walking tour, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is a must. The tour goes on, whether rain or shine. You can find out more about Ghost City Tours of New Orleans by visiting their website: https://ghostcitytours.com/new-orleans-ghost-tours/
I promise you, you will learn a lot about the history of the gruesome murders, killers and the gritty details of each incident.
If you are looking for a drink after all your walking, you won't have to look very far. There seems to be a bar, pub or walk-up everywhere you turn on Bourbon Street. But, if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street and enjoy a nice cocktail or two, head on over to 21st Amendment Bar, located on 725 Iberville St. It's a very nice and historical place to visit!
If you love Mardi Gras and want to know what all goes on during the making of the floats, you definitely want to visit Mardi Gras World, located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place. There, you'll learn, the history of this unique tradition and what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life.
There are so many places to visit, so many things to do and each visit is always unique and fun. But, before we left the following morning on our cruise, there was one last stop we HAD to make...Cafe Du Monde! You absolutely, cannot leave New Orleans, without trying the famouns Beignets! These little donut like gems are a must to try! They literally melt in your mouth, with the soft and fluffy pastry that is generously sprinkled with powdered sugar! Everyone who visits New Orleans, has to try the popular beignets.
So, if you are in New Orleans, check out these stops, plus more.
***I want to thank New Orleans Convention & Business Bureau for sponsoring some of the wonderful places I was honored to visit during my stay in New Orleans and to Ghost City Tours for hosting my family and I on the Ghost City Tours.
Bourbon Street
New Orleans may not be a city for everyone, but for my family and I, we love it. I was recently in the "Big Easy" city for one night, the night before our family's first cruise on the Carnival Dream. We stayed at a bread and breakfast place, a 5 minute walk to the French Quarters.
My son and I on Bourbon St. Gotta love the Big Ass Beer!
Once in the French Quarters, we were automatically welcomed with Jazz music, blues and full of entertainment. Bourbon Street, a street that you must visit, is one of the infamous streets in New Orleans. I swear, that street never sleeps! There was a pink parade going on, music and people everywhere and just a whole lot of fun and good times.
One of the places we stopped in to eat, was Pier 424 Seafood Market. 424 Seafood Market is located at 424 Bourbon St. This restaurant has awesome cuisine that will tickle anyone's taste buds! I ordered the Blackened Fish of the Day, which was a white fish, served with seasoned steamed vegetables and andouille sausage jambalaya. Man oh man! So good! The blackened fish was cooked perfectly...flaky and moist while the andouille sausage jambalaya had a slight Cajun flavor.
After our wonderful meal, we decided to walk off some of the delicious food we had just eaten. Walking up and down Bourbon Street is the thing to do, when in New Orleans. You never know what you will run across, between parades, dancers, and bead being thrown from the balconies of the historic hotels.
New Orleans is also known to be one of the most haunted cities. You can learn about the haunted city, as well as the most haunted places to visit, by taking a haunted tour. Don't worry...you are never left alone and your guide is very expertised in this area. We went with Ghost City Tours for our haunted tour. Ghost City Tours is one of the most popular tours to go with and with several different tours to choose from, we opted in for "The Killers & Thrillers East Tour." This tour is recommended for ages 16+. Our Tour guide was Randy Reid, an awesome tour guide who knew his stuff!
The haunted tour is a walking tour, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is a must. The tour goes on, whether rain or shine. You can find out more about Ghost City Tours of New Orleans by visiting their website: https://ghostcitytours.com/new-orleans-ghost-tours/
I promise you, you will learn a lot about the history of the gruesome murders, killers and the gritty details of each incident.
If you are looking for a drink after all your walking, you won't have to look very far. There seems to be a bar, pub or walk-up everywhere you turn on Bourbon Street. But, if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street and enjoy a nice cocktail or two, head on over to 21st Amendment Bar, located on 725 Iberville St. It's a very nice and historical place to visit!
If you love Mardi Gras and want to know what all goes on during the making of the floats, you definitely want to visit Mardi Gras World, located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place. There, you'll learn, the history of this unique tradition and what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life.
There are so many places to visit, so many things to do and each visit is always unique and fun. But, before we left the following morning on our cruise, there was one last stop we HAD to make...Cafe Du Monde! You absolutely, cannot leave New Orleans, without trying the famouns Beignets! These little donut like gems are a must to try! They literally melt in your mouth, with the soft and fluffy pastry that is generously sprinkled with powdered sugar! Everyone who visits New Orleans, has to try the popular beignets.
So, if you are in New Orleans, check out these stops, plus more.
***I want to thank New Orleans Convention & Business Bureau for sponsoring some of the wonderful places I was honored to visit during my stay in New Orleans and to Ghost City Tours for hosting my family and I on the Ghost City Tours.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Memorial Day Weekend - What are your plans?
Memorial Day weekend is a busy weekend for most. Some of us will grill for the family, some will travel to be with families and some will spend the weekend relaxing...at a campground!
I fall in the latter part...I love to camp, especially when it's a holiday weekend. Camping for me and my family is a way to get away, a way to just relax, even if it's only for a short amount of time.
Now, I'm not the type who will drive half a day just to camp. I want to spend most of my Memorial Day relaxing my a nice cool stream, lake or river and enjoying the sunsets at the end of the day. Some of the things we will do (on our short mini vacation) is grill, have some ice cold beverages and maybe take up a hike or a walk to enjoy the scenery.
After many many year of camping at the same campgrounds, it's time for a change. I'm yearning for something new, something more adventurous and something that will promise a fun time. I'm constantly searching for new places, places I've never been. Some of the places my family and I have camped are Wappapello Lake, Missouri, Van Buren, Missouri and West Memphis, Arkansas, which is right on the border of Memphis, Tennessee.
Van Buren (Current River) campgrounds has several campgrounds to choose from...Current River Campground, Van Buren Campground, Big Spring RV Camp, Big Spring Campground and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Floating down Current River is one of the main attractions, while in Van Buren, and although you don't have to camp to float, it's always nice to have a camp site to relax afterwards...although floating can be totally relaxing. I love to float. You spend hours floating down the river on a tube or in a canoe. It's a time to lay back, relax and enjoy the warm sun beaming down on you. During your journey, you will see many houses that sit on top of high cliffs and hills, inviting you to enjoy the marvelous view of each house.
Van Buren is one of my favorite spots to camp. There are people of all ages, young and old, that you will find camping. You make new friends and everyone is so friendly! I love the whole camping by the river, dipping your feet into the cool water and enjoying background music from all the campers.
As a matter of fact...I've just reserved my spot at Current River Campground on Memorial Day weekend and I can't wait! Some of my favorite places to stop and enjoy a bite at Van Buren are Float Stream Restaurant and Jolly Cone Drive In.
Jolly Cone Drive In is the perfect place to grab an ice cream cone after a hot day on the river. You have tons of options when it comes to flavors and toppings. Float Stream Restaurant is a great place to dine for some down home country cookin'! You can expect to find fried chicken, meatloaf and many side items that will have you leaving full. I've dined here on my last visit to Van Buren and the food was awesome! Food arrived fast, hot and I devoured every morsel of food on my plate!
So, if you're ever in Van Buren, Missouri, check out the campgrounds, be adventurous and try your hand at floating. It'll be an experience you won't want to miss out on.
*What are your favorite things to do on Memorial Day weekend?
*Do you love to camp?
*What are your favorite camping places to visit?
I would love to hear what your plans are for this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend!
If you found this post helpful, or even interesting, please share, tweet or pin. I would be forever grateful!
I fall in the latter part...I love to camp, especially when it's a holiday weekend. Camping for me and my family is a way to get away, a way to just relax, even if it's only for a short amount of time.
Now, I'm not the type who will drive half a day just to camp. I want to spend most of my Memorial Day relaxing my a nice cool stream, lake or river and enjoying the sunsets at the end of the day. Some of the things we will do (on our short mini vacation) is grill, have some ice cold beverages and maybe take up a hike or a walk to enjoy the scenery.
After many many year of camping at the same campgrounds, it's time for a change. I'm yearning for something new, something more adventurous and something that will promise a fun time. I'm constantly searching for new places, places I've never been. Some of the places my family and I have camped are Wappapello Lake, Missouri, Van Buren, Missouri and West Memphis, Arkansas, which is right on the border of Memphis, Tennessee.
Van Buren (Current River) campgrounds has several campgrounds to choose from...Current River Campground, Van Buren Campground, Big Spring RV Camp, Big Spring Campground and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Floating down Current River is one of the main attractions, while in Van Buren, and although you don't have to camp to float, it's always nice to have a camp site to relax afterwards...although floating can be totally relaxing. I love to float. You spend hours floating down the river on a tube or in a canoe. It's a time to lay back, relax and enjoy the warm sun beaming down on you. During your journey, you will see many houses that sit on top of high cliffs and hills, inviting you to enjoy the marvelous view of each house.
Van Buren is one of my favorite spots to camp. There are people of all ages, young and old, that you will find camping. You make new friends and everyone is so friendly! I love the whole camping by the river, dipping your feet into the cool water and enjoying background music from all the campers.
As a matter of fact...I've just reserved my spot at Current River Campground on Memorial Day weekend and I can't wait! Some of my favorite places to stop and enjoy a bite at Van Buren are Float Stream Restaurant and Jolly Cone Drive In.
JOLLY CONE DRIVE IN
Jolly Cone Drive In is the perfect place to grab an ice cream cone after a hot day on the river. You have tons of options when it comes to flavors and toppings. Float Stream Restaurant is a great place to dine for some down home country cookin'! You can expect to find fried chicken, meatloaf and many side items that will have you leaving full. I've dined here on my last visit to Van Buren and the food was awesome! Food arrived fast, hot and I devoured every morsel of food on my plate!
So, if you're ever in Van Buren, Missouri, check out the campgrounds, be adventurous and try your hand at floating. It'll be an experience you won't want to miss out on.
*What are your favorite things to do on Memorial Day weekend?
*Do you love to camp?
*What are your favorite camping places to visit?
I would love to hear what your plans are for this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend!
If you found this post helpful, or even interesting, please share, tweet or pin. I would be forever grateful!
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