Hotels are great—don’t get me wrong. My children love returning to the room to discover nicely made beds and fresh towels left behind by “hotel fairies,” as they believe housekeeping to be. Ah, to have such treatment at home! But, sometimes you’re in the mood for adventure. Something unusual. Something unique. Something straight off the pages of your favorite storybooks… and that’s where our favorite family trips come in!
To Dream upon a Treetop
Tucked in the Ozark Mountains on the North Fork of the White River lies a picture-perfect resort that seems to have sprung from the pages of a storybook. The McKee family, owners and operators of River of Life Farm, have created a secluded and scenic getaway where visitors may stay in lodges built among the treetops, enjoying breathtaking views of the 350-acre Ozark Mountain property and the falls of the White River beneath. Each tree house lodge is built into the hills and surrounding trees, creating a picture-perfect escape. The lodges vary in size to accommodate everyone from couples wanting romantic getaways to families to groups. If, however, you prefer to stay firmly planted on the ground, they also offer lodge accommodations and camping.
“The world is full of nice, ordinary little people who live in nice, ordinary little houses on the ground. But didn’t you ever dream of a house up on a tree top?” –Father, in the Disney classic film Swiss Family Robinson
Our family recently enjoyed a weekend getaway at River of Life Farm (417.261.7777 http://www.riveroflifefarm.com/), where we stayed in the Tree House, a beautifully appointed lodge with two bedrooms (each with a queen bed), a loft (with a queen and two twins), a family room and full kitchen. Each lodge includes a deck overlooking beautiful views of the property; ours offered vistas of the river and the falls that melodiously lulled us to sleep. Tip: Read “Tree House Camping” for more details.
Recreation: At the resort, you may enjoy canoeing, trout fishing, hiking, star gazing (a telescope is available to borrow), cooking over a campfire, bird watching and exploring.
Nearby: River of Life Farm is surrounded, within 40 minutes, by several historic grist mills. We went for a sightseeing drive and took photos at Hodgson Mill, the most beautiful mill in Missouri, and then enjoyed lunch at Rockbridge, where you’ll find a restaurant.
On the Way: We stopped in Mansfield, MO, where we toured the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum. The final home and museum of this famous Missouri author displays Pa’s fiddle, family photos and other artifacts and memorabilia. This is a must-see for fans of the “Little House” series.
Caboose Camping
We love to visit Branson—Silver Dollar City is one of our family’s favorite attractions in Missouri. Branson, the vacation capital of the Midwest, brims with great hotels on the strip, but sometimes we all crave a little “off-the-beaten-path” adventure. For just such a craving, we found the perfect place.
On Table Rock Lake, just 30 minutes from Silver Dollar City, tucked in the woods in Lampe, MO, you'll find one of the most unique places to stay in the state. If your children love trains like mine do (Daddy, too), if your family loves unique like we do and if you enjoy an outdoor experience, but don't want all the work of camping (and would like a flushing toilet and shower), Caboose Junction (800.777.4922 or 417.779.4250, www.CabooseJunctionResort.com) is a great place to stay!
Caboose Junction is a quaint little resort with six renovated cabooses, each featuring two sets of bunk beds, a loft with a double bed, a kitchenette, shower, bathroom, loveseat, television and Wi-Fi. Each caboose also features a deck overlooking Table Rock Lake, complete with picnic tables and grills. The cabooses are well-maintained and clean, just perfect for an "almost camping" experience. You can grill hot dogs and hamburgers, roast marshmallows, hike and fish… and enjoy dry lodging complete with running water. The best of both worlds. Tip: Read our blog “Caboose Camping” for more details.
Recreation: If you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming, they offer a two-story dock for boats (you can bring your own boat or rent one of theirs... all types), fishing and swimming/diving in the summer (complete with water slide).
Nearby: While you’re in Branson, we recommend the most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City (www.SilverDollarCity.com), an 1880s-styled amusement park with thrill rides, including the Fire in the Hole a roller coaster through a mineshaft, Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast, where you enjoy “America’s biggest water battle,” and more than 30 other rides, including roller coasters Wild Fire and Thunderation. Kids love Half Dollar Holler, a super-sized children’s play area, and the vintage carousel. Live shows, annual festivals, craft demonstrations and a tour through Marvel Cave are also part of the fun! Tip: Read our blog "Tips for Family Fun at Silver Dollar City" to help plan your trip!
Kids get a thrill out of riding the Ducks (www.Branson.RideTheDucks.com/home.aspx), refurbished military vehicles that travel on land and water. Quack duck calls as you ride through town and conclude with a big splash into Table Rock Lake for a cruise where children "co-pilot" the boat. Also visit the Titanic (www.TitanicBranson.com), a replica of the legendary ship with attractions for the whole family.
Dixie Stampede (www.DixieStampede.com) is a dinner show unlike any other! The event includes horse acts, comedy, music and a menagerie of animals from ostriches to pot-bellied pigs. Everyone is served a full meal with one fun catch: the entire meal is "finger food."
On the Way: We drive through Springfield on our way to Branson. Read our Tips for Springfield for cave tours, parks, the zoo and fun things to see and do!
Bonus Tip: Read 5 Getways 5 Hours (or Less) from Kansas City for more inspiration! And, Enter to Win an Enchanting Overnight at Powell Gardens enjoying their Fairy Forts & Fairy Houses exhibit for your own one-of-a-kind adventure!
Kristina Light believes that the best trips include experiences that cannot be enjoyed at home… if you’re going to pack for an entire family, make it worthwhile and unique!