St. Louis’ City Museum
By Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell
Spring, fall, and summer breaks make time for six to eight day trips. With the kids out of school, these are good times for the family to hit the road for longer adventures. Finding things to do that all can agree on is not impossible but does require some thought and planning. Over the years we have settled on several locales that have pleased everyone. Here are a few of the family friendly, fun-filled destinations we have discovered within about an eight-hour drive from Memphis.
The Gulf Coast towns of Pensacola, Perdido Key, and Orange Beach are all in easy reach for the weeklong trip. These destinations are only about seven hours (420 miles) south of Memphis. Beyond the obvious beaches, surf, seafood, and fishing, there is so much more to do and see. Civil War era forts, Pensacola Naval Air Museum, lighthouses, state, and national parks, and even the famous Flora-Bama, with music and afternoon bingo, are just minutes away. All of these offer something special for the whole family. A bit off the beaten path in nearby Elberta, Alabama, is the one-of-a-kind Bamahenge. As its name suggests, Bamahenge features a full scale replica of Stonehenge in a forest clearing that is great for gawking at and taking photos by, plus there are dinosaurs in the woods and even a giant lady in the bay! It truly must be seen to be believed. Golf and tennis facilities abound as well as everything from lazy rivers, putting greens, bocce courts, indoor pools, heated pools, handball courts, and many other amenities at local condos and resorts. State and local parks offer hiking, camping, kayaking, nature trails, wildlife viewing, carnivorous plants, rock climbing, fishing piers, and zip lining.
The Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Smokey Mountains area of East Tennessee is 435 miles and six-and-a-half hours east of Memphis. The area offers a diversity of experiences for the whole family. An overnight stop in Knoxville to tour the 1786 James White Fort, visit the University of Tennessee and the famous Cumberland Avenue strip is a must. While there, seek out a famous steamed sandwich. Next stop, secure a residence in either Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg for easy access to the Great Smokey Mountains. Spend a few days checking out the tourist attractions. There are plenty of shops, amusements, and distractions but make sure to see Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The whole family will be amazed as they walk through corridors where sharks, fish, and sea creatures surround you. From there, visit the Great Smokey National Park for hikes, riverside adventures, fishing, picnics, and a walk to the highest point—the Clingmans Dome overlook. Make sure to take the Cades Cove loop to see the scenery, flora and fauna, preserved buildings and sites that provide insight into the history of the region. In nearby, Townsend you can rent a tube and hit the Little River for several hours of river tubing fun!
The St. Louis/Chicago trip has been another perennial family favorite. The Magic House is great for younger children. The St. Louis Zoo is big, awesome, and located in Forest Park that also contains the Art Museum, Science Center, History Museum, sports complexes, and numerous other entertainments such as an ice skating rink in winter. Also, around New Year’s the Hidden Valley Ski Resorts’ slopes open for skiing and snowboarding. The multi-storied, artistic architectural wonder called the City Museum is a must for kids of all ages! Make time to take the slow ride to the top of the Gateway Arch National Park to view the region.
Moving on to Chicago only a few things anyone needs to know. First, make sure to purchase a version of the city pass that will provide you deep discount packages to attractions, including museums, boat tours, thrill adventures, and so much more your family will enjoy with the time you have available. Our family has found that by allotting four full, busy days you can see and experience much of the wonder Chicago has to offer (and still leave a bit for your next visit). Second, make sure to experience the food. The Taste of Chicago festival in July affords an outstanding opportunity to sample all of what Chicago has food-wise in one place, plus you can enjoy sensational music and see Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain. Millennium Park’s notable “The Bean” (aka Cloud Gate) and Lake Michigan beaches are just a hop, skip and a jump away.
While these trips are recommended, there are a number of other fun, nearby destinations that come to mind such as Atlanta, Dallas, and New Orleans. All offer families a week of adventures within a reasonable driving range. So, when you get the time, get off the couch, out the door, and discover the adventures just around the corner. These explorations will create family bonds and lifelong memories.
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is an educator, freelance writer, and lifelong biggest ball of twine chaser. Please forward questions or comments to: djacksonmaxwell@gmail.com
