Showing posts with label Places to see in Missouri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Places to see in Missouri. Show all posts

17 December 2022

Historic St Charles Missouri

St Charles Christmas Market 2022 /suttong.com




St Charles Missouri was Missouri's first State Capitol between 1801 and 1826.

We stopped by for the annual Christmas market and parade. Parking at the historic Lewis and Clark Boathouse, pictured below, soon filled up.



Further along by the river is the old railroad station.


The Missouri River runs parallel to Main Street where locals and visitors gathered to watch the parade event between shopping and eating.



St Charles MO / G Sutton 2022


A vendor sells chestnuts and wassail.

St Charles MO/ G Sutton 2022


The sign to the left marks the old trail to Fort Osage, established August 25, 1808. General Clark and his men were guided by Nathan Boone, son of Daniel Boone as they headed west.


We saw a variety of Christmas gifts and lots of food-- a sample.










You can hear these women sing in the video below.


The Mistletoe Misses



The English Shop got my attention--but I think they should call it British.






At the end of the parade, Santa appeared.




There's a touch of international flavour.




Here's a video of the Christmas parade we watched 4 December 2022.

One of their biggest festivals is Heritage Days -- a re-enactment of Lewis & Clark's 1804 camp.


St Charles is less than a half-hour west of St Louis where we visited other sites during our Christmas getaway.

Click for Google Map

See other St Louis Area posts

Wild Lights at St Louis Zoo

GLOW at Missouri Botanical Gardens


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10 June 2022

Branson Scenic Railway Branson Missouri


 Branson Scenic Railway is a leisurely ride through the Ozarks.

After arriving, we picked up our pre-ordered tickets 11:30 tickets inside the depot then waited outside on the crowded front deck.

Our grandson finished eating lunch--you are not allowed to bring food or drink on the train.


You can sit anywhere that is open. We were surprised to find a dome coach open. Perhaps it was because the air conditioning doesn't do so well in the three glass-topped coaches. But the views great.

The photo below is from the domed coach facing south as we head toward Arkansas on a sunny late Spring day in June.




The short video clip below is from the window above. It should give you some sense of the scenery and the journey in case you are thinking about going. You will hear some old music in the background, which attempts to add 1940s ?) ambience.







You can explore the train between the end diesel locomotives. In this room, there was only one chair.


At the end of the journey, people mill around to take photos. I was surprised at the length of the train. Although the outside waiting area was crowded, there was plenty of room on the train.



The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The website says there are two different journeys. On this one we headed south for about 40 minutes before returning. 

The Ozark Zephyr is a diesel-powered locomotive. The passenger coaches (or cars) are restored and date from the 1930s to the 1960s. If you want the best air conditioning, it felt cooler in the cars with blue or red leather seating--no guarantee that will be true on a future ride.




Some tips

Book online if you can. Tickets are numbered and you board by the number on your ticket.

In 2022, you had to have a paper ticket to board. So, even if you purchased online, you still have to enter the station to collect your tickets.

You can buy tickets inside the depot if available but your number will be higher than those ahead of you.

The station is small. Although there are two restrooms, the line was long and slow when we were there.

Consider mealtimes. We booked the 11:30 am departure. They are very strict about not permitting food and drink on the train. There is a small snack bar on the train with limited options. Cookies were $1.10. You can buy some drinks for $2.00.

Refunds are limited. We purchased tickets the night before but I can't say if that is a good idea.

They do travel on rainy days.

Parking is across the street in a gravel lot north of the station. There is no additional charge for parking.

If you want to eat before your trip and don't have time for a sit-down restaurant, there are fast food restaurants west of the station.

There are restrooms on the train. The toilet stalls are very small. There was soap and water and a few paper towels. There were sanitizing bottles throughout the train.

Smoking and drinking alcohol are not permitted.

They announced that no guns were permitted--including concealed weapons--but I did not see them check to see if people had a concealed weapon.


And other notes from June 2022

Most of the passengers were senior citizens. Some children were with the seniors and there were a few families.

Those using a walker or wheelchair board first.

I noticed one conductor and one woman who gave a brief commentary during the first let of the journey.

More Information

Website = bransontrain.com



My website     suttong.com


My videos on YouTube      SuttonTravels


28 October 2017

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum Springfield MO USA






The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum in Springfield Missouri USA is an entertaining and educational experience. The galleries are first class. The adventures take visitors on a wide-ranging safari across North America and into Africa with side trips to view wildlife in other parts of the world.






I've been to natural history museums in the US and elsewhere and find the Wonders of Wildlife galleries as good or better than those you will find in places like Chicago, New York, and London. Of course, you do not see the variety of natural history exhibits that you would elsewhere since the focus here is on wildlife. But when combined with the adjacent aquarium, you have a full day's worth of an awesome experience.


You enter up the stairs near the main entrance to the Bass Pro Shop. You can get tickets online or onsite. The tour begins with an optional film then a walk through the Native American Gallery, past Theodore Roosevelt's Cabin, along the Lewis & Clark journey, and into America's National Parks.





The galleries include Boone & Crockett, Bucks & Bulls, Sheep Mountain, Penguin Cove, and the Polar Expedition.











The Great African Hall is like a miniature Kruger or other African preserve-- especially when you add Africa After Dark, Lion's Den, and Operation Rhino.









You exit into the large entry by the gift shop and aquarium (Great Oceans Hall).


INFORMATION

Location:  500 W. Sunshine St. Springfield, Missouri, USA 65807

Hours: Mostly 10:00 am to 8:00 pm - some variations so check the website for details.

Entrance Fees: It is expensive but not more than you would pay at a large city aquarium.

TIP: Check closely as there are a variety of tickets for individuals and families with discounts available. We plan to go back so we purchased an annual pass. Ask about the upgrade rules before you leave if you bought a one day ticket and want to return.

Refreshments: There is a place to eat inside. You can find a number of restaurants nearby.

Parking: The parking is free and so far, there has been plenty of spaces available.

Website:  http://www.wondersofwildlife.org/visit.html


Connect

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Facebook page Geoff W Sutton

Twitter @GeoffWSutton 

Here's a few more photos












27 October 2017

AQUARIUM at Wonders of Wildlife Springfield Missouri





The Aquarium at the Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield is worth a few hours of your time in Southwest Missouri.

My wife and I visited the aquarium soon after it opened and were quite impressed--which is not easy because we have seen some great aquariums in the US, UK, and NZ.

When you first walk in you see a huge multistory aquarium, which in itself is impressive--300,000 gallons worth! You quickly find yourself tracking movement as you navigate the circular structure.

What's next?

Well, there are displays of fishermen and their equipment. That might not thrill folks not into fishing. But don't despair. There's more. Much more actually. According to the ads, there are "more than 35,000 animals...over 800 species of sharks, rays, jellies, eels, sport fish..."

Here's a glimpse of some of the things you can enjoy.

Shipwreck Reef











Swamp at Night-- with audio effects! (Kinda dark so, no photos)

Rivers and Streams  *  Mangroves  *  The Amazon

An under river experience  *  Shark Alley  *  Coral Reefs

A fantastic display of seashells from around the world (they are in glass cases so I did not get any good photos here)


A look in deep waters


Sometimes you can see divers feeding fish.






There are dark caves and River Monsters


And there's a chance to touch rays and starfish. Great for kids-- all ages of course.






And of course a gift shop where you can find gifts at reasonable prices. We naturally thought of our grandchildren.


INFORMATION

Location:  500 W. Sunshine St. Springfield, Missouri, USA 65807

Hours: Mostly 10:00 am to 8:00 pm - some variations so check the website for details.

Entrance Fees: It is expensive but not more than you would pay at a large city aquarium.

TIP: Check closely as there are a variety of tickets for individuals and families with discounts available. We plan to go back so we purchased an annual pass. Ask about the upgrade rules before you leave if you bought a one day ticket and want to return.

Refreshments: There is a place to eat inside. You can find a number of restaurants nearby.

Parking: The parking is free and so far, there has been plenty of spaces available.

Website:  http://www.wondersofwildlife.org/visit.html

Beauty comes in many shapes



      


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Check out my web page https//www.suttong.com

03 July 2017

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Missouri








Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Southwest Missouri is worth a visit if you are in the area. The Visitor's Center includes an introductory film that runs near half an hour. The museum includes storyboards giving the historical context of this early battle, which was decisive for the slave-holding state of Missouri--and perhaps for the nation.

I recommend reading the information on the website to get an overview along with additional details regarding hours and fees.

The staff are helpful. And there are special events, which are listed on the webpage. Following the film, we viewed a musket firing demonstration. Notice the clothes of this man representing Col Franz Sigel's German troops. This was 10 August, 1861 before the Blue and Gray uniforms clarified which side a soldier represented.




Later, a volunteer told the story of the Ray family house, which became a field hospital during the battle. General Lyon, the first Union general killed in the war, was brought there before eventually heading back to his family in Connecticut. Read more on the John Ray family.



Ray House, Wilson's Creek Battlefield




Gen Lyon brought to this bed











The Ray House is also a story of slavery in the Ozarks. Here's a quote and link to more information about Rhoda Ray (Ray story)

Rhoda Ray was born a slave about 1824; she and her children were owned by John Ray. She was referred to as “Aunt Rhoda” by the Ray family, and she and the children worked on the Ray farm. During the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, on August 10, 1861, Rhoda and her children initially sought shelter in the cellar of the Ray house, then helped treat the wounded after the house was occupied as a Southern field hospital. Rhoda was freed in 1865 and moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she married John Jones in 1868; she “took in laundry” and her husband worked in a stone quarry. Rhoda Jones died in Springfield, Missouri, on November 4, 1897, and is buried in Hazelwood Cemetery.
The tour road is accessed via a token-operated gate and is a one-way blacktopped road to the left. There are turnouts and parking areas along the route. Storyboards tell about local places and battle events. A phone number provides an audio message along the route.

In addition to the historical information, the site offers the beauty of the Ozarks -- green rolling hills in the spring and summer, various birds, white-tailed deer, wildflowers, and a variety of trees. And of course, there is Wilson's Creek. There are many well-marked trails as well.



Wilson's Creek itself is worth a few moments of tranquility and reflection.





White-tailed deer at Bloody Hill


Rest rooms are available in the Visitor's Center.

And there is a picnic area nearby.








Connections

My Page    www.suttong.com
  
My Books  AMAZON                       GOOGLE STORE

FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton
TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton



18 June 2017

City Market Kansas City MissouriCity

City Market Entrance Kansas City MO/ Geoff W Sutton 2017


We walked about the City Market during a June 2017 visit to Kansas City. It's a good place to mix with people from many cultures selling a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, and various items suitable for unique gifts.

An historic marker identifies an old trading post.




There are several restuarants offerring a variety of ethnic foods in addition to other vendors. Many offer tempting samples. It's a good place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

We found parking nearby and there's a local city tram serving the area.

The market is also home to the Arabia Steamboat Museum- also worth a visit.



Arabia Steamboat Kansas City MO


Arabia Collage Geoff Sutton 2017
We are glad we went to see the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.

The local explorers display tons of buried treasure they found when the excavated this pre-Civil War Steamboat, which sank in 1856. The museum tells the story of the ship and the discovery along with the process of restoration, which the explorers learned as they sought to preserve the contents of the mud-covered horde along with parts of this iconic 1800s boat.


Tons of treasure but only a few cents
We were fortunate to meet two of the explorers who answered questions following the brief introductory video. The film provides an overview and though not like those you will find in the best museums, you get a sense of adventure as you join in the exploration and awesome find. The authenticity comes through in a way that glitzy presentations can not capture.



An award-winning pitcher/ Arabia Steamboat/ Geoff W Sutton 2017

The displays are nicely designed and the lighting is much better than in some museums so you can actually read the inofrmation boards and take decent photos without flash.


Arabia Steamboat Treasure

Many of the items were for sale at area stores so some displays capture life in pioneer days as seen from the perspective of a frontier shop. Whether from the US or elsewhere, the Arabia Steamboat Museum offers a unique glimpse into this segment of Midwestern US history.

Ready for an 1800s store
One exhibit offers a hands-on educational talk on preserving sunken cargo.  There will be more to see in the future. The museum appears full yet there were some 60 of the 200 tons left to explore and restore.
Brief history of the Steamboat
Notes and tips

Check the website for times and more details.
There are clean restrooms near the exit.
There is a museum store on the main floor where you purchase tickets and shop.
The first part of the tour is guided.
Toys and working models make it interesting for young and old.
There are places to sit within the museum.
There's adequate parking neaby.
The area is served by a local city tram.
There are many fine restaurants in the nearby City Market.