St. Louis Trip Idea: Visit Mark Twain's Boyhood Home

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, spent his boyhood on the shores of the Mississippi River in Hannibal, Missouri. The town and its people inspired many of the characters in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and other beloved Twain writings. Today, Mark Twain's boyhood home and birthplace (Florida, MO) are preserved as a state historic site. Hannibal lies about 115 miles northwest of St. Louis, Missouri.

Photo credit: Missouri Division of Tourism

Midwest Outdoor Escapes: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Opened to the public on May 31, 1931, the Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri was the largest man-made lake in the world. Stretching 92 miles end to end, the lake's 1,150 miles of shoreline are lined by flowering dogwood, Missouri's state flower. Six of the 17 dogwood species in North America grow naturally in the "Show-Me State."

Photo credit: Missouri:Missouri Division of Tourism

Cheap Family-Friendly Cities

Check out these four great destinations to get the best bang for your family travel buck.

Salt Lake City
Nestled at the base of a stunning mountain range, near miles and miles of shimmering salt flats and the Great Salt Lake, not to mention some of the country's best skiing. Cultural attractions include the Family History Center and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Stay in one of the city’s many hotels, or venture out to a nearby resort or campground.