Traveler

AAA Midwest Traveler readers weigh in on the best regional places to visit, eat, shop and more. By Editorial Staff This story started last spring as editors kicked around an idea for the late summer issue. It can be tough to engage readers during July and August as many of you may be vacationing or already have taken the summer trip. What could we offer you while you sip iced tea in the air conditioning? We decided to throw a “best of” story out there and see how readers would respond. After tabulating well over 2,500 ballots, it’s safe to say you blew us away. Nominees were named and the top three in 20 categories were tabulated in March. The finalists were listed in the May/June issue. Paper and online ballots rolled in; many had comments attached (some of which we have included) and most of them were supportive of this effort. We gained some insight, not only about this wonderfully rich and diverse region but also how to improve the voting system for next year. We thank all who took the time to let us know what makes the Midwest a great part of our country. As you read the story and find out what cities, towns, shops, restaurants and people associated with some of the above have been singled out as the best, you’ll probably applaud some of the picks and be disappointed by others. Be assured that you’ll get your chance to have your say again next year as we devise some new categories and bring back a few favorites. We also encourage you to experience some of these places for yourself, whether it’s for the first time or a return visit to enjoy the best the Midwest has to offer. Best large city for a weekend getaway: St. Louis Visiting comedians to St. Louis occasionally chide the city for its Gateway Arch as being a monument to those people who left town. The landmark commemorates the city’s role in the nation’s westward expansion, and while thousands passed through on the way to achieving the American dream during the frontier era, St. Louis today welcomes more than 21 million visitors to the city each year to achieve their vacation dreams. With so many enticing experiences, it’s no wonder that the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently named the city to its list of the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. While St. Louis is best known for the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, there’s plenty more to see and do, especially for those visitors on a budget. St. Louis offers more free major attractions than anyplace outside of the nation’s capital, including the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Science Center, Missouri History Museum, Anheuser-Busch InBev Brewery, the Old Courthouse, Laumeier Sculpture Park and more. There are also casinos, historic buildings, hundreds of great restaurants, plenty of shopping opportunities, the splendid Missouri Botanical Garden, several children’s museums and the 1,300-acre Forest Park, a gem of a city park filled with gardens, lakes, walking paths and attractions. Beyond downtown, much of the city’s allure comes from its diverse and inviting tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive style. Soulard, the city’s oldest neighborhood, has red brick buildings that house live music clubs and restaurants. The Hill offers up Italian cuisine, while The Loop has a contemporary vibe with boutiques, coffee shops and ethnic restaurants. And the Central West End features upscale shopping and eclectic cafes and nightspots Some of our readers shared opinions about St. Louis as a great place to visit or live. Margaret Gillespie of Creve Coeur is a Missouri native who is sold on St. Louis. “I believe the present economic environment is just one reason why St. Louis is the perfect vacation spot. Many of the things to see and do are either free or charge a modest admission fee,” she said. Cindy Taylor, a St. Louis resident, points to the variety of attractions in the city, including museums, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Six Flags theme park, casinos and, of course, the Gateway Arch, which readers selected as the best heritage attraction in the Midwest. “A visit to St. Louis would be memorable and fun. St. Louis is a wonderful destination for vacations,” she said. Information: St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, (800) 325-7962, www.explorestlouis.com Second place: Kansas City, Mo, (800) 767-7700, www.visitkc.com Third place: Chicago, Ill., (877) 244-2246, www.choosechicago.com	Jul/Aug 2010 Issue

Best small city for a weekend getaway: Branson It would be easier to list the vacation experiences that aren’t available in Branson than to try to enumerate all the ones that you can enjoy. Where else can you explore a museum in the shape of the Titanic, ride a coaster, reel in a trout, see a helicopter appear on a stage like magic, cruise on a paddlewheel boat, catch a train for an excursion through the countryside and soar through the treetops on a zipline all in the same town? When you add up all the entertainment available, it’s easy to understand how this small southwest Missouri town welcomes more than 7 million guests each year. The city’s premier tourist attraction, Silver Dollar City, is marking its 50th anniversary this year with a year-long celebration featuring several festivals at the theme park and the addition of Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast, a $7 million water ride that pits passengers against spectators in a battle of super soaker water guns. Also celebrating its 50th anniversary is the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre, which presents a nightly show with 80 actors, 40 horses, a flock of sheep and an actual burning log cabin .Entertainment abounds in Branson, which features more than 50 theaters that produce more than 100 shows from morning through night in just about every musical style imaginable. In addition, visitors can enjoy 12 golf courses, three pristine lakes, a historical downtown district, plenty of shopping, a variety of dining options and dozens of other museums and attractions. Information: (800) 296-0463, www.explorebranson.com Second place: Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., (800) 386-5253, www.funlake.com Third place: Columbia, Mo., (800) 652-0987, www.visitcolumbiamo.com	Branson Landing is part of this southwest Missouri city’s vacation offerings. Branson CVB photo

Best Places to Stay

Best B&B: Garth Woodside Mansion Hannibal in northeast Missouri is sometimes referred to as “America’s Hometown” because of its charming and historical appeal with a legacy tied closely to native son Mark Twain, and if you had to pick one home in town to be representative of that grand reputation, you couldn’t do better than Garth Woodside Mansion. The Victorian estate located in Hannibal, Mo., is like a time capsule from the late 1800s with its handsome mansard roofline, intricate fretwork and large inviting verandah with comfortable rocking chairs. Approaching the splendid mansion, it’s easy to imagine Twain sitting in the parlor with his friends, John and Helen Garth, talking about his latest works. Today’s owners, John and Julie Rolsen, still welcome guests to the home, which has been restored to its 1870s grandeur. The bed-and-breakfast not only features rooms in the house, but there are three cottages on the grounds, as well. The inn has garnered many awards, in part because of all the amenities available. All of the rooms feature featherbeds and private baths and some have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Antique furnishings can be found throughout. A full hot breakfast is included, and there’s also on-site dining at the Woodside Restaurant. Besides visiting all of the Twain sites in Hannibal, guests also can explore the grounds of the 39-acre estate with its rolling meadows, woodlands and flowered gardens. Or they can just curl up with a good book on the porch and never leave. The inn is located at 11069 New London Road. Information: (888) 427-8409 or www.garthmansion.com Second place: Parsonage Bed and Breakfast, Lexington, Mo., (660) 259-2344 Third place: School House Bed and Breakfast Inn, Rocheport, Mo., (573) 698-2022, www.schoolhousebb.com	Garth Woodside Mansion photo

Best small hotel: The Raphael The underlying appeal of a boutique hotel is its smallness, personalized service, intimacy, warmth and distinctive style, which are all characteristics that The Raphael Hotel in Kansas City possesses in plenitude. Indeed, when The Raphael opened in 1975, it was a pioneer of the boutique hotel trend, which wasn’t popularized until the 1980s. The Italian Renaissance Revival-style structure was built in 1927, serving as a nine-story apartment building adjacent to what is now the Country Club Plaza district. After undergoing extensive renovation, the property reopened 35 years ago as The Raphael, and it has been celebrating its European charm and character ever since. In recent years, the hotel has undergone another renovation, but the hotel’s most distinctive elements, such as the wood-paneled ceiling in the lobby, were carefully preserved. The 126 suites and guest rooms retain the classical style rooted to the building’s 1920s origins, while seamlessly including modern amenities. The hotel also welcomes diners to Chaz on the Plaza, which has a warm and clublike ambience with natural walnut finishes and polished granite. The hotel also welcomes diners to Chaz on the Plaza, which has a warm and clublike ambience with natural walnut finishes and polished granite. The menu features contemporary American cuisine and prime Kansas City beef. The recessed booths have earned the restaurant the honor of being one of the city’s most romantic dining rooms. Information: (800) 821-5343 or visit www.raphaelkc.com Second place: Moonrise Hotel, St. Louis, Mo., (314) 721-1111, www.moonrisehotel.com Third place: The Iron Horse Hotel, Blackwater, Mo., (660) 846-3001, www.ironhorsehotel.com	Raphael Hotel photo

Best large hotel: The Lodge of Four Seasons This full-service resort hotel is synonymous with the Lake of the Ozarks in mid-Missouri. Nestled along the shores of the popular lake, the resort has been welcoming guests for 46 years to its sprawling community that features 357 guestrooms and two-bedroom suites, 54 holes of championship golf, a full-service marina with boat rentals, four swimming pools, a spa and multiple restaurants. After all the golf, swimming, sightseeing and shopping at the area’s outlet mall, consider a relaxing visit to Spa Shiki, a 15,000-square-foot paradise for those who need pampering. Shiki means "four seasons" in Japanese, and the spa follows an Asian theme to provide rejuvenation and wellness with massages, body treatments, facials and salon treatments. There’s a fitness center, sauna and whirlpool in the spa, which is one of the largest resort spas in the Midwest. While the lodge was built in 1964, it has endeavored to update its facilities through the years. One of the most recent accomplishments was becoming “certified green” by the Missouri Hotel and Lodging Association for striving to be more environmentally sustainable. For information or reservations, call (888) 265-5500 or visit www.4seasonsresort.com. Second place: Chateau on the Lake, Branson, Mo., (888) 333-5253 or www.chateauonthelakebranson.com Third place: Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Mo., (800) 826-8272 or www.tan-tar-a.com	The Lodge of Four Seasons photo

People we’ve met

Best shopkeeper: Georgia Brown Georgia Brown just has a knack. Her two Lexington, Mo., shops–The Velvet Pumpkin and Gigi’s–are very different from each other but Brown understands that not only is variety the spice of life, it’s the life’s blood in retail. The Velvet Pumpkin on Main Street offers antiques, home accents and outdoor garden accessories. Brown opened the shop in 1985 after relocating to Lexington when her husband accepted a position at Wentworth Military Academy. Seven years ago, Brown opened a women’s fine clothing boutique, Gigi’s, that offers “something for everyone,” she said, including jewelry crafted by two Missouri artists. Brown got into retail while living in the Washington, D.C., area. Her boss told her she had a knack for the business, and it was then she made up her mind that she’d have a shop of her own. That day came while living in Knob Noster, Mo., near Whiteman Air Force Base. She and a friend opened a shop called Country Classics, and Brown was hooked. Many customers live in other communities and drive to Lexington to shop at her stores. John Willard and his wife drive 70 miles round trip from Warrensburg to see Brown and her shops. “Georgia has a wonderful knack for choosing antiques and décor items,” Willard said. “She is very fastidious about offering quantity and quality. I can’t speak about Gigi’s, but my wife could write a small book. It’s her favorite place to find fashions which are stylish with quality and with affordability.” From the officer’s wife to successful businesswoman, Brown has come a long way, baby, with no plans to stop what she loves doing. “The shops are fun. I’m getting up there in years but not ready to quit,” she said. Information: (660) 259-4545 for The Velvet Pumpkin, (660) 259-4050 for Gigi’s, www.thevelvetpumpkin.com Second place: Olga Pardalos, Arris’ Pizza, Jefferson City, Mo., (573) 635-9225, www.arrispizzaonline.com Third place: Mary Carol Garrity, Nell Hill’s, Atchison, Kan., (913) 367-1086, www.nellhills.com. Another location is in Kansas City, Mo.

Best local musician: Chuck Berry Going up against the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll was a steep hill for jazz vocalist Ida McBeth and Dale Blue to climb. Almost 1,200 readers cast a vote for Chuck Berry, who was born in St. Louis in 1926. From his first public performance at his high school, Berry has had crowds on their feet cheering. His music has inspired generations of rock bands, such as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. John Lennon once said, “If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'." The restaurant and entertainment venue is a great opportunity to get an up-close glimpse of a musical legend, and tickets sell out fast. To find out about his next appearance, visit www.blueberryhill.com and call about tickets about five weeks before the show. Across the street from Blueberry Hill, Chuck Berry Plaza–featuring an eight-foot bronze statue of Berry–will be unveiled early this fall, according to Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill. Get the details at http://chuckberrystatue.com. Information: Blueberry Hill, (314) 727-4444 or www.chuckberry.com Second place: Ida McBeth, Kansas City jazz vocalist Third place: Dale Blue, Lake of the Ozarks classic rock musician

Best chef: Wes Johnson A self-proclaimed food junkie, Wes Johnson is chef de cuisine at the new Eclipse restaurant in the Moonrise Hotel, University City. He came to Eclipse from The Scottish Arms and Shaved Duck, two St. Louis restaurants, but Johnson has traveled and worked throughout the country for the last 15 years. When visiting the restaurant at 6177 Delmar in The Loop area of University City, you can try grilled steaks and lobster, the rack of lamb or roasted chicken. There’s also a late menu that’s great after a concert at the nearby Pageant–a popular music venue–or other art and entertainment activities nearby. Information: (314) 726-2222, www.eclipsestlouis.com Second place: Chef Michael Hollingsworth, The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Mo., (573) 365-3000, www.4seasonsresort.com Third place: Chef Mike Odette, Sycamore restaurant, Columbia, Mo., (573) 874-8090, www.sycamorerestaurant.com

Best places to get a great meal

Best ethnic restaurant: Zia’s on the Hill As Kansas City is noted for steaks and barbecue, St. Louis is recognized for its fine selection of Italian restaurants, most of which are located in a south city neighborhood called The Hill. By a big margin (1,311 votes), readers picked Zia’s, located at 5256 Wilson Ave., as the best ethnic restaurant. Zia is Italian for aunt, and restaurant patrons feel right at home here. With its classic gourmet Italian fare, affordable prices and plentiful portions, we can’t think of anyone leaving this restaurant with an empty stomach. All food is made to order, and the sweet house dressing is so good, it’s bottled and sold online or in local grocery stores. A fire last year caused the restaurant to shut down for a while, but since reopening in early 2010, owner Dennis Chiodini said business has been terrific, proof that St. Louisans are fueled by toasted ravioli. Try Zia’s toasted seafood ravioli stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat– fahgettaboudit! Information: (314) 776-0020, www.zias.com Second place: Jerusalem Café, Kansas City, Mo., (816) 756-2770 Third place: Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant, Lexington, Mo. Although closed due to fire, owners plan to rebuild on same site.	Zia’s recipe for: Linguine Carbonara 8 oz. linguine pasta cooked al dente 8 oz. cooked bacon, crumbled 1/4 c. sliced fresh mushrooms 4 tbls. butter 1 tsp. minced fresh garlic 1/8 tsp. cracked red pepper flakes 1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper 1 medium egg 8 oz. heavy whipping cream freshly grated Parmesan cheese Process: Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Drain and crumble to equal 1 cup. Melt butter in large skillet. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, bacon and mushrooms. Saute over medium heat approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add cream and bring to a full boil. Add linguine and return to a full boil for approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 egg and stir quickly to prevent scrambling. Place in hot pasta bowl and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Best steak restaurant: Hereford House Readers selected this AAA three Diamond restaurant as the place to savor aged, hand-cut steaks. There are three Kansas City area locations–Shawnee, Leawood and Zona Rosa–plus the Prime Rib Grill by Hereford House downtown. The restaurants are a part of the Anderson Restaurant Group. The original Hereford House opened next to the Kansas City stockyards in October 1957. Guests can’t miss ordering the signature items–a bone-in ribeye or a six-ounce filet paired with a lobster tail–or the famous 10- or 14-ounce Kansas City Strip. Most dinners are about $30 per person, but no one leaves the Hereford House hungry. Information: www.herefordhouse.com/index2.php Second place: Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse, Kansas City, Mo., (816) 941-9499, www.jessandjims.com Third place: HKs Steakhouse, The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Mo., (573) 365-3000, www.4seasonsresort.com Best barbecue place: Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue isn’t your typical barbecue joint. The four Kansas City area locations sport stone fireplaces, wine bars, warm and sophisticated environments. But it’s the hickory-smoked meats that bring loyal fans back for the ribs–oh, the ribs–and other favorites, like the Kansas City combo featuring two items from the list of chicken, beef or lamb. Kansas City and barbecue: That’s a combo that’s tough to beat. Information: www.jackstackbbq.com Second place: Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, three Kansas City, Mo., locations, www.arthurbryantsbbq.com Third place: Gates Barbecue, six Kansas City area locations, http://gatesbbq.com Best food festival: American Royal Barbecue Since the first American Royal Barbecue was held in 1980, the festival has meant great family fun and award-winning barbecue. This year’s event will be Sept. 30–Oct. 3 at the Royal’s sprawling complex in Kansas City’s historical Stockyards District. Admission will be $13 for adults, $5 for children 6–12 and children younger than 6 are admitted free. Musical entertainment, vendors and more round out this event that’s dubbed as the biggest barbecue contest in the world (with 500 teams competing, it’s certainly one of the largest), and the event to kick off the American Royal season. Information: (816) 221-9800, www.americanroyal.com Second place: Taste of St. Louis (Oct. 1–3), (314) 534-2100, Ext. 22, www.tastestl.com Third place: Taste of Chicago (June 25–July 4), (312) 744-3316, www.explorechicago.org/city/en/ things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/taste_of_chicago.html

Best summer family destination: Lake of the Ozarks It was a close race between the lake and St. Louis, but in the end, 1,150 miles of shoreline won. More than 75 years ago, the lake was created when Bagnell Dam impounded the Osage River. Today, the lake is one of the Midwest’s most popular summer playgrounds due, in part, to its central location–less than 200 miles from St. Louis, Kansas City or Springfield, and a day’s drive from anywhere in the Midwest. Boating, swimming and fishing are popular here, and there’s something for every member of the family, no matter their ages. Family amusements–mini golf, water parks, go-carts, and arcades are here. Dad can get a round of golf in with grandpa one day while mom and grandma go shopping at Osage Beach Outlets and have high tea in the afternoon. There’s a staggering amount of overnight rooms in the form of resorts, hotels, motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts and condos. Restaurants range from gourmet to fast food. Many have views of the water or are on lakefront property. Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri is a place to build vacation memories, which is why many people in the Midwest make it a summer ritual for their families. Information: Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 386-5253 or www.funlake.com Second place: St. Louis, (800) 916-8938 or www.explorestlouis.com Third place: Branson, Mo., (800) 296-0463 or www.explorebranson.com

Best golf course: The Cove After nearly a year of extensive renovations, Witch’s Cove golf course reopened at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks last spring as simply The Cove, but the course is still wickedly fun to play and devilishly difficult in places. One of the most challenging holes is the signature No. 4, an intimidating hole that requires golfers to carry their tee shots nearly 200 yards over a picturesque cove in the lake, which has swallowed up its fair share of errant shots. Located directly across from the Lodge of Four Seasons and part of the resort, the 18-hole course originally was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1971. With its rolling greens and 65 bunkers, the par-71 championship course challenges guests, but panoramic views of the surrounding scenic hills make this a great experience no matter what your score. Information: (573) 365-8574, www.4seasonsresort.com Second place: The Club at Porto Cima, Sunrise Beach, Mo., (573) 964-3100 or www.portocima.com Third place: Shirkey Golf Club, Richmond, Mo., (816) 470-2582 or www.shirkeygolfcourse.com	The Cove’s hole No. 4 The Lodge of Four Seasons photo

Best state park: Table Rock Lake State Park By almost a 2-to-1 margin, readers selected Table Rock State Park in Branson. The public marina is popular here and rents personal watercraft and boats for skiing, fishing or just sightseeing. Picnic sites are here, as are trails for hiking and biking. Two camping areas wind along the shoreline, and there are numerous swimming spots, although no designated beach. The park is on state Highway 165. Information: (417) 334-4704, www.mostateparks.com/tablerock.htm. Second place: Lake of the Ozarks, Kaiser, Mo., (573) 348-2694, www.mostateparks.com/lakeozark.htm Third place: Ha Ha Tonka, Camdenton, Mo., (573) 346-2986, www.mostateparks.com/hahatonka.htm

Best heritage attraction: Gateway Arch Since 1965, the Gateway Arch has been a part of the St. Louis skyline and a reminder that St. Louis was the gateway to the West. At 630 feet, it is the tallest national monument. Those with a sense of adventure can take a tram ride to the top for a bird’s eye view of St. Louis. Beneath the monument, the Museum of Westward Expansion showcases rare artifacts from the days of Lewis and Clark, and interprets the world of the American Indians and the 19th-century pioneers who helped shape the region. The Gateway Arch and museum are part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which also includes the Old Courthouse, a restored historical gem that shouldn’t be missed. Fourth of July weekend usually is a busy time around the Gateway Arch grounds, as the annual Fair St. Louis fills the park and riverfront with people. Information: (877) 982-1410 or www.gatewayarch.com Second place: National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, (816) 784-1918, www.theworldwar.org Third place: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, Ill., (217) 558-8934, www.alplm.org

Best places to shop

Best place to find quirky souvenirs: Bagnell Dam Strip Lake of the Ozarks was created in 1931 when Bagnell Dam was built as part of Union Electric Company’s (now AmerenUE) Great Osage River Project. The dam flooded the river valley to create the 54,000-acre lake, and the portion of Bagnell Dam Boulevard– known as Bagnell Dam Strip–is flooded with summer tourists seeking a variety of amusements and souvenirs. Shops worth stopping for include Peace Frogs, Artsy Fartsy, Ozark Candle Company, Grandma’s Candy Kitchen and the stores in the Dogpatch area. Second place: Dick’s 5 & 10, Branson, Mo., (417) 334-2410, www.dicksoldtime5and10.com Third place: Ozarkland, Kingdom City, Mo., (573) 642-4742

Best artisan/craft gallery: Craft Alliance By offering exhibitions, classes, workshops, community outreach programs and summer camps for youngsters, Craft Alliance is a big part of St. Louis’ arts community, as well as the favored art and craft gallery among our readers. Established in 1964, Craft Alliance has two locations: 6640 Delmar and 501 N. Grand Blvd. Exhibitions this summer will spotlight artists in residence and emerging artists. Information: (314) 725-1177 or (314) 534-7528, www.craftalliance.org. Second place: Bluestem Missouri Crafts, Columbia, Mo., (573) 442-0211, www.bluestemmissouricrafts.com Third place: Poppy, Columbia, Mo., (866) 927-6779, www.poppyarts.com

Best antique district: St. Charles Historic Main Street in St. Charles, Mo., is a 10-block district close to the Missouri River. Boutiques and restaurants line the pretty cobblestoned street, and just north of Main Street, antique hounds know the treasures can be found in Frenchtown that continues for several blocks along North Second Street. More than 20 stores dot the beautiful neighborhood that was founded by French Settlers in 1769. Whether the period is Americana, Victorian, 1904 World's Fair, the Depression era or mid-20th century, shoppers can find fine, authentic furniture, glassware, linens and more. Frenchtown also boasts one of the country’s largest selections of vintage architectural products, including hardware, plumbing, molding, ceilings, intricate gingerbread, lighting accessories, weather vanes and cupolas. These are the real deal. Spend an afternoon or weekend filling your shopping bags with treasure. Information: (800) 366-2427, www.historicstcharles.com Second place: Cherokee Street in St. Louis, www.cherokeeantiquerow.net Third place: Lexington, Mo., (660) 259-4711, www.visitlexingtonmo.com

Best shopping district: Country Club Plaza Fifteen blocks of “oh my gosh, I have to get that” are paired with romantic fountains, European artwork, stunning Spanish architecture and a can’t-miss location in the heart of Kansas City. What’s not to love? Designed in 1922 as the country’s first suburban shopping district, this open-air plaza blends the best of the Old World with the new. Explore 150 stores and fine restaurants, enjoy some of the special events–including the Plaza Art Fair Sept. 24–26–and you’ll understand how Country Club Plaza is a favorite among our readers, collecting more than 1,000 votes as their favorite place to shop. Information: (816) 753-0100, www.countryclubplaza.com Second place: Osage Beach Premium Outlets at Lake of the Ozarks, (573) 348-2065, www.premiumoutlets.com Third place: Downtown Chicago, (877) 244-2246, www.choosechicago.com
	What our readers are saying about: St. Louis “I picked St. Louis for a family vacation because there are so many things to do that are free (zoo, art museum, Forest Park, Gateway Arch, Laumeier Sculpture Park) that other cities charge for, and there is enough to do to spend a week in St. Louis.” Norma Deen Juracsik, Clayton, Mo. “I’m a Midwest native who is “sold on St. Louis.” I believe the present economic environment is just one reason why St. Louis is the perfect family vacation spot. Many of the things to do are either free or charge a modest admission fee. Excellent examples are the St. Louis Zoo, the Gateway Arch and its Museum of Westward Expansion, the (Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Science Center and St. Louis Art Museum). Plus, there are free seats available for every performance at The Muny in Forest Park. So, a family can stay part of or all of the week in St. Louis very inexpensively.” Margaret Gillespie, Creve Coeur, Mo. What our readers are saying about: Regional Museums “The Lincoln Museum (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum) in Springfield is one of the best museums we’ve ever seen in 47 states and Canada.” Jeanne Legge, Forsyth, Mo. What our readers are saying about: State Parks “We had to close our eyes and choose no. 8 (best state park)! Of those three choices, how can you possibly choose one best state park? They all are so incredible. Each one has its own unique attraction besides the natural draw of the park itself. Fantastic. We love them all!” Steve and Tricia Grandfield, Warrensburg, Mo. What our readers are saying about: Local Musicians “Dale Blue is the best single performer I have ever seen. He makes his audience a part of his show. I would recommend everyone to see him at least once. You will definitely be entertained.” Delores Wilson, New London, Mo. What our readers are saying about: The Midwest Living in the Kansas City area, I believe I have an unbiased opinion. (Kansas City is) the best barbecue town. Best shopping (is in) Chicago. Best Italian food (is in) St. Louis. The best vacation by far (is) Branson. Branson has it all from amusement parks to family-friendly shows, shopping, water sports. Stay at the Chateau on the Lake!” Tony Termini, Overland Park, Kan.

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