Missouri

Art museums, music shows and Mark Twain’s boyhood home are all available in the Show Me State.

Kansas City District after district along Kansas City’s fabulous Main Street features a distinct range of architecture. From the vintage shops of Westport and the art galleries in Crossroads to the boutiques and bars of the Power and Light District, there is something for everyone. Chic shopping in Country Club Plaza, impressive museums and historic steakhouses are part of KC’s tourism.

Along with the cultural highlights, you should tour the zoo, which features Asian and African animal sections. A re-creation of an authentic Masai village of Africa provides thrills after taking a tram ride over the monkeys and a boat ride to the giraffes.

Visit the acclaimed National World War I Museum and Memorial, which has fascinating exhibits and a vantage point offering a panoramic view of the city’s skyline and gorgeous Union Station.

Brewery and barbecue bus tours and KC Fun Tours on trolleys can transport you around the city along with segways and horse drawn carriage rides on the Plaza. – Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

Hannibal

“Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain’s famous words apply to his Boyhood Home and Museum near the banks of the Mississippi River. Dress up in period costumes to enact the lives and characters of Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher. The mid-1800s antiques and furniture enhance the authenticity. Ride the Mark Twain Riverboat past Jackson’s Island, home to many bird species and river animals. The Mark Twain Cave delights lovers of science, history and literature.