Show Me Missouri

America As You Like It • 13 November 2019

Missouri isn’t known as the Show Me State for nothing - the state offers beautiful scenery and lots to see and do for all the family!

With buzzing metropolitan cities and dramatic and beautiful scenery around every corner there’s plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained. Here we’ve focused on some of the amazing rural experiences in this beautiful state.

The Netflix drama Ozark has really put the Ozarks on the map. This beautiful mountain and lake region is actually located in four different states in the heartland of central United States. The Bagnell Dam featured in the programme can be found on the Osage River at the Lake of the Ozarks, a large reservoir in central Missouri. This manmade lake boasts more shoreline than California – 1,150 miles to be exact. Nicknamed The Magic Dragon because of its serpentine shape, the impressive lake stretches 92 miles from one end to the other and offers a raft of recreational activities both on and off the water.

Nearby Branson is the Ozark town that is best known for its exciting shows and live music – from rock and country music to comedy and variety. Branson actually has more theatre seats than Broadway and over 50 theatres. Offering the perfect blend for family and children of all ages, Branson has plenty of rides and museums, restaurants and bars. For the thrill seekers there is parasailing, zip lining and a host of other activities but the real star of the show is the natural beauty of the area. With rolling hills, lush forests and gorgeous lakes, Branson is a haven for nature lovers. There are plenty of options for camping, hiking and horse riding as well as a host of activities on offer on the water. You can jet ski, waterski, kayak, wakeboard, paddle board or play a round of golf at one of the many courses in the area.

Missouri has 6 National Parks as well as 92 historic sites and state parks including the wonderfully named Ha Ha Tonka State Park and the Trail of Tears State Park. Hike the trails, explore caves on foot or by kayak, marvel at the waterfalls or simply breathe in the fresh air all whilst educating yourself on the land’s fascinating history.

Missouri’s climate with its long, hot summers and thin rocky Ozark soil is excellent for growing grapes. And what better way to end the perfect day than by seeking out some tasting rooms to sample some of the wonderful Missouri wine on one of the regions many wine trails.

Missouri is great place for a fly-drive holiday, with a section of Route 66, the ‘Mother Road’ running through the state and the highway having been officially designated U.S. Route 66 on 30 April 1926 in Springfield, Missouri. Traversing though the heart of Missouri Route 66 today offers travellers a chance to get their kicks at the Route 66 Drive-in amongst other retro gems.

America As You Like It offers a 5 night Route 66 self drive from £745 per person including flights, accommodation and car hire. Book before 31st December and save 10%.

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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