August 2008

Downtown Staycations

August is upon us and people are beginning to feel the summertime crunch to squeeze in one last vacation. However, the term vacation is being redefined. With rising fuel prices and other travel related increases, families are being forced to “think outside the box” which for many families means traveling within the state. There are many fantastic Main Street Communities that are in our own backyard. Here are a few tips for making your last minute getaway a great one full of memories.

Just a hop, skip and a jump away is Liberty, Missouri. Travel into historic Downtown Liberty, just follow the signs, and you will be delighted with the boutique shopping and delectable eateries. Take advantage of their guided walking tours and visit their historic sites such as the Jesse James Bank Museum. On the evening of August 21st, ladies- grab your girlfriends for the “Girls Night Out” event and you can also enjoy the Classic Cruise Night on August 30th.

Travel just a little further south and drop into Downtown Lee’s Summit. This is a bustling district that has a little-bit-of-everything. Lee’s Summit produces many great events with their summertime concert series every Friday night and their Third Thursday Art walks. On August 22-24th, you are invited to preview their Fall Open House in many of their unique downtown stores.

Making your way down the Highway 50 corridor, pay a visit to the “Home of Man’s Best Friend” Warrensburg, Missouri. Venture into downtown Warrensburg and visit their assortment of commerce. While there, visit Blind Boone Park for a touch of heartwarming history. If you happen by on Wednesday or Saturday, visit their lively Downtown Warrensburg’s Farmers Market and get an assortment of fresh goodies.

After your visit to Warrensburg, just a few miles more and you will be in Clinton, Missouri. Here you will find unique jewelry, high fashion clothing, an array of gift items, and even an old fashion soda fountain. Also check out the historic nineteenth century architecture that makes up the scenic streetscape. Treat your family to their monthly cruise night on August 9th.

Traveling further south, you will be greeted by wet, wild and wonderful Warsaw, Missouri. A stroll down Warsaw’s downtown harbor district reflects the town’s pride and commitment to its historic preservation. Beginning at the Joe Dice swinging bridge at the entry to Warsaw Main Street, shops offering antiques, unique gifts, stained glass, art pieces, bulk foods, rustic furniture and much more pave the way to restaurants offering delicious fare from barbeque to quiche.

Branson, Missouri is a well-known travel destination but travel off the beaten path to the downtown area and you not be disappointed! A waterfront district located on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, Downtown Branson offers visitors a wealth of family-oriented activities. Your kids will enjoy catching a ride on Downtown Branson’s Discovery Trolleys. If bluegrass is in your blood, take part in the 20th Annual Old Time Fiddle Festival on August 23rd.

Located in the heart of wine country, Washington, Missouri is a fun-loving, river-front town where you are sure to have a great time. It is the place to be for a unique shopping experience and a family friendly atmosphere. Partake in the Sunset on the Riverfront series on August 28th with live music, food & drink and the Town & Country Fair from August 6-10th with music every evening and fireworks on the final night.

If you feel like traveling a little further, Cape Girardeau offers their 130 block downtown district boasting more than 300 businesses for your vacation pleasure. 
You will never run out of stores to visit, restaurants to dine or sights to see in this active downtown district. Share in the Tunes at Twilight series on Friday nights in August for an assortment of music all for your listening enjoyment.

These are just a few of the fabulous downtowns that make Missouri a great place to plan your upcoming “staycation”. So pack your bags, top off your tank, and hit the Missouri highways for a discover downtown vacation with your family!

To learn more about the Main Street Program, both locally and nationally, visit the following sites: www.mainstreetchillicothemo.com and www.mainstreet.org.