Brought To You by Marquitz Motors, Enjoy Your Summer Fun!
Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer and all things leisure. There are the barbeques, sports to play, swimming and planning the vacation. Rather than going far, far away, some of the best places for your vacation are right here in Missouri. What, stay home and vacation?
Right here in our own backyard are some wonderful experiences. The trick is to think like a tourist and enjoy activities that we can look at differently. Working on creative ways to have fun locally not only saves some money, it also gives us more appreciation of what features we have.
Our area is so rich with conservation areas, wildlife refuges, lakes and rivers that visitors from other states come back every summer to enjoy what we have.
Let’s look a bit north of Troy for an easy day trip that combines nature and art. Located on 20 acres and surrounded by a 300-acre natural refuge, the Henry Lay Sculpture Park near Louisiana is a family great adventure.
An easy 40-minute walk wanders through a maple grove, the McElwee Cemetery and many sculptures designed by internationally recognized artists. Children will enjoy Story Woods where they can read, play on and picnic with the sculptures. Emilie, the story keeper, and her garden of books greets visitors.
Part of St. Louis University’s Lay Center for Arts and Education, this is a perfect mix of art, culture and adventure as you hike through meadows, wooded rolling hills, lakes and streams. Only 39 miles and 45 minutes from Troy, this is a great day trip to pack a lunch and explore. If you have time, extend your trip into Louisiana, a delightful river town full of shopping, food and even more art.
The Henry Lay Sculpture Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to dusk and is free.
To help you plan your summer vacations in our state, the Missouri Division of Tourism has many suggestions and offers the 2011 Missouri Travel guide at no charge.
