Summer Fun in Mid-MO

Most of us have had periods in our lives when we were alone and wondering if someone special would show up. Most of us have also had some well-intentioned, but annoying friend who told us "love will appear when you least expect it." Part of the fun of living "on the road" is being surprised. Well, The Ample Traveler^© has found love in mid-Missouri.

Columbia Missouri is called the "City of Columns"

Broadway Street Downtown Columbia MO Our stop in Columbia, Missouri began as a visit to a friend. Having been in both Saint Louis and Kansas City, The Ample Traveler^© came to what the locals call "Mid-Mo" with few expectations. This is a place that most people pass through on their way to somewhere else. The tree-lined, rocky, rolling foothills of the Ozarks have won us over. Of course, being here for the mildest summer anyone remembers may be part of the charm, but for six-weeks Mid-Mo kept our attention for what has became a great summer fling and a perfect destination to inaugurate The Ample Traveler^©'s web site.

There are plenty of places to park an RV. Most of the six weeks, we stayed where the Osage and Maries rivers meet just south of Jefferson City in a nice private park with a deck overlooking the Maries river. The cool weather kept the mosquitoes at bay and we had lots of fresh air to breath and plenty of beautiful trees, jack-rabbits, cardinals and robins to keep us company.

Jefferson City is the capital of Missouri and lies at the crossroads of several highways, railways and waterways. But it remains a small town in many ways. High Street in the downtown district is lined with small businesses, coffee shops, antique stores and accessible sidewalks that invite one to spend a little time under the shadow of the domed capital building. Glimpses of the Missouri River and the 19^th century architecture made the experience even more inviting. But most nights, the sidewalks roll up around 6pm; though, there is some live music venues available on the weekend.

The Ample Traveler^© made the 45-mile trek to Columbia fairly regularly because the college town has more to offer in nightlife and cultural outlets. We had the distinct impression that we are not alone in this commute as we have met a bunch of people working in Jefferson City who live in Columbia and a bunch of people working in Columbia who live in Jefferson City and all points in between. If you are imagining a megalopolis, twin city commute, think again. The trip along Highway 63 is quick and stunningly beautiful.

The coffee shops and bookstores lining Ninth Street give Columbia its college-town feeling. The coffee shops and entertainment along Ninth Street (with free Internet access in several places) and the excellent public library drew The Ample Traveler^© to the "city of columns." But come on, it's summer!!! Hot dogs, peanuts, lemonade and the mid-inning give-aways romanced us. Columbia is home to the Mid-Missouri Mavericks, a minor league team with a full schedule of summer fun. The fact that they play at one of the most accessible stadiums The Ample Traveler^© has ever visited added to the enjoyment.

Zoom-zoom!!! The outlying Mid-Mo area is worth the day trip as well. If you like driving, well, zoom-zoom. If you like curvy, hilly two-lane open roads, The Ample Traveler^© drove on country roads that will make your heart sing. Our noses tingled with the smell of freshly mowed lawns on a sunny Sunday drive. The word pastoral doesn't do it justice.

A sunny Sunday drive in Mid-Mo. We have been doing some snooping around and have several The Ample Traveler^© recommendations for accommodating places in the Mid-Mo area. Take the time to check them out.

You'll see that there's room for everyone in Mid-Missouri.

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