Biking, birding and outdoor fun for girlfriend getaways
 Jefferson City, Mo., – Among the first signs that spring has arrived in Missouri are the amazing creatures flying through the air that put smiles on our face with their color and songs. Of the estimated 9,000 species of birds in the world, approximately 900 occur in North America, and more than 400 have been recorded in Missouri. In addition to the 150-plus species that regularly nest in Missouri, other species migrate between nesting grounds to the north and wintering grounds to the south, and others wander in from the east and west. Because of this, Missouri is a favorite destination of birding enthusiasts.The Missouri Department of Conservation, www.MissouriConservation.com, has put together a list of the top 10 public areas for birding in Missouri, http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/birds/emobirds/birding.htm. These locations are chosen because their rich and diverse areas attract a large variety of birds. Looking for one closer to your hometown, the Missouri Audubon Society offers an extensive list along with birding tips at www.MoBirds.org. Maybe you will be one of the lucky few to spot the rare-to-Missouri Harlequin Duck, Bohemian Waxwing or Swallow-tailed Kite.
Enjoy the sport of birding in Valley Park Enjoy viewing birds, but don’t know much about the sport of birding? Visit the World Bird Sanctuary, www.WorldBirdSanctuary.org, in Valley Park. This 305-acre sanctuary offers a self-guided display of live eagles, owls, hawks, vultures, parrots, falcons, reptiles and mammal. Biking is another popular activity in Missouri and one that allows plenty of time to catch up with your friends. Katy Trail State Park, www.MoStateParks.com/katytrail, is the longest and narrowest state park in the nation. Its 225 miles run through Central Missouri from east to west making it a prime biking destination for people in and from outside of Missouri. The Katy Trail is the perfect destination for a multi-day girlfriend getaway because of the wineries, shopping options and bed and breakfasts along the way.
Make a stop at this 1820 Colonial style Inn If you need a good night sleep before you begin your journey, or after you have finished your journey on the Katy Trail, there are several bed and breakfasts from which to choose. Boone’s Lick Trail Inn Bed and Breakfast, www.BoonesLick.com, is an 1840s Federal style inn on the Missouri River. The inn has six guestrooms, plus a three-room cottage, all furnished with antiques and reproductions. Boone’s Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast, www.BoonesColonialInn.com, is another option. This 1820 Colonial style inn offers three guestrooms with private baths and jetted tubs to help relax those tired legs.
Augusta, home to Mount Pleasant Winery St. Charles is the eastern-most trail head of the Katy Trail. This is a beautiful section of the trail, running parallel to the Missouri River and to historic downtown St. Charles where you can enjoy Little Hills Winery & Restaurant, www.LittleHillsWinery.com. Sample their wines, produced from French hybrid and native grapes. They have been perfecting the recipes for more than 20 years. Biking to the west from St. Charles, you will find the quaint town of Augusta, home to Mount Pleasant Winery, www.MountPleasant.com, which grows 12 grape varieties on its 85 acres. Rest in the tasting room or enjoy the breeze and fresh air on the terrace. Jefferson City and Hartsburg are two communities you don’t want to miss on your journey westward. Cliff Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn, www.CliffManor.com, in Jefferson City offers transportation to and from the Katy Trail with another opportunity to rest those weary legs in inn’s jetted tubs, and to re-energize with a full breakfast the following morning. By the time you reach Hartsburg it will be time for lunch and a little wine refreshment at Summit Lake Winery, www.SummitLakeWinery.com. Offering the ambiance of a lazy river town, and only a block off the Katy Trail, you will be able to relax, continue the girlfriend conversations and enjoy their Bistro menu paired with a great wine. If this sounds enjoyable but you and the girls don’t have time to plan it yourself, look to Katy Trail Cycling Tours to plan it for you. You choose the length of the trip and they plan the rest.
Lake of the Ozarks – A great place to be Outdoors! If you enjoy the outdoors but the group would prefer to explore on foot, more than 55 of Missouri’s State Parks, www.MoStateParks.com, have hiking trails; more than 17 have backpacking trails. Take in a history lesson on your hike at Graham Cave State Park, www.MoStateParks.com/grahamcave.htm, in Montgomery City where Dalton and Archaic period American Indian artifacts were uncovered. Or, visit Ozark Caverns in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, http://www.MoStateParks.com/lakeozark.htm, in Kaiser, and discover what lies beneath the surface. A true test of adventure and friendship occurs when it is just you and your besty battling the rapids with nothing to protect you but a thin sheet of metal. These are more commonly known as float trips and southeast Missouri offers an abundance of choices. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways includes the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, both are spring fed, clear and a beautiful location for a float. Lodging is never hard to find with a wide variety of camp grounds, lodges, hotels and even some bed and breakfasts and resorts scattered throughout.
Take an Adventure – Try one of Missouri’s Zip Line Make a weekend of it and enjoy the state parks and national parks in the area, or get off the ground and take a sky tour via zip line. Eagle Falls Ranch Zipline Adventures, http://FlyEagleFalls.com, in Eminence, features more than 4,000 feet of zip line on their five runs with views of the Jacks Fork River and a 60-foot waterfall. Zip and Dip Line Adventures, http://ZipAndDip.com, in Fredericktown, offers two runs, one over water and one over land. Caveman Zipline, www.CavemanZipline.com, opening in summer 2010 in Sullivan at Meramec Caverns, includes three swinging sky-bridges and four zip-rides offering views of the Meramec River. Whether you prefer an outdoor getaway or an indoor getaway with your girlfriends, Missouri has something you are sure to enjoy. For more information or to order a free copy of the Official 2010 Missouri Travel Guide, log on to www.VisitMO.com, or call 800-519-4800. |
