Okay, real talk—when I told my friends I was spending a week in Missouri, the reactions ranged from “…why?” to “isn’t that just… corn?” And listen, I get it. Missouri isn’t exactly giving main character energy on most people’s travel bucket lists. But after accidentally falling in love with this state (long story involving a canceled flight and pure spite), I’m here to tell you that Missouri is serving looks and you’re sleeping on it.
The Lake of the Ozarks Glow-Up Hit Different
Y’all, I was NOT prepared for Lake of the Ozarks to be this pretty. Like, I was expecting pontoon boats and gas station snacks, not whatever ethereal lake goddess energy I stumbled into.
I stayed at The Lodge of Four Seasons because my credit card was feeling brave, and honestly? Worth every overpriced spa treatment. The infinity pool situation is chef’s kiss ridiculous—I probably took 47 variations of the same sunset shot and I’m not ashamed.
The vibe: Boujee lake house energy without the pretentious Hamptons attitude. People actually smile at you here instead of judging your Target swimsuit.
Reality check: It gets busy on weekends (shocking, I know), and yes, you will hear “Wagon Wheel” played unironically at least three times. But when you’re floating in that pool at golden hour with a frozen margarita, suddenly everything makes sense.
Photo op that actually happened: I was trying to get that perfect “candid” lakeside shot when a pontoon full of college kids drove by blasting “Sweet Caroline” and photobombed me. The chaos is honestly better than whatever staged nonsense I was planning.
Wine Country But Make It Midwest
Okay, so I went to Hermann expecting absolutely nothing and left planning my next three visits. Stone Hill Winery? It’s giving European countryside but with Missouri prices and zero attitude from the staff.
The sommelier, Janet (shoutout to Janet), walked me through their wine selection like I was actually sophisticated instead of someone who usually drinks rosé from a can. The terrace overlooks rolling hills that look suspiciously like every #wanderlust post you’ve ever seen, except this time it’s real and you’re not broke afterward.
Plot twist: I’m lactose intolerant but ate an entire cheese board because the vibes were immaculate and sometimes you make sacrifices for the aesthetic. Worth it? The photos say yes, my stomach said absolutely not.
Montelle Winery in Augusta is literally perched on a cliff like some fairy tale nonsense. I showed up in my best “I’m definitely not a wine newbie” outfit (spoiler: I am), and the sunset views made me understand why people become wine influencers.
The most millennial moment: I definitely asked if they had oat milk for my coffee and they looked at me like I’d requested liquid gold. This is not LA, Rebecca. Adjust accordingly.
Cities That Don’t Suck: A Shocking Development
Kansas City came for my entire soul and I didn’t see it coming. The Crossroads Arts District is giving Brooklyn vibes but with affordable rent and people who actually make eye contact. I spent an entire afternoon at the Nelson-Atkins Museum pretending to be cultured while secretly just hunting for the perfect photo backdrop.
The rooftop scene is surprisingly fire. I hit up The Pennant and felt very fancy sipping craft cocktails while watching the sunset paint the city skyline. Did I pay $16 for a cocktail? Yes. Did I regret it? Absolutely not.
St. Louis was where I had my main character moment. The Four Seasons has this infinity pool situation overlooking the Arch, and I’m not saying I timed my entire day around golden hour, but I definitely timed my entire day around golden hour.
Embarrassing confession: I thought the Gateway Arch was going to be smaller and less impressive in person. I was very wrong and very humbled. It’s massive and gorgeous and I understand why people put it on postcards.
When I Tried to Be Outdoorsy (With Backup Plans)
Ha Ha Tonka State Park has actual castle ruins, which feels like the universe’s way of saying “Missouri is full of surprises and you’re about to eat your words about this being boring.”
I booked a guided hike because I’m the kind of person who gets lost in Target parking lots, and it was honestly perfect. The guide knew all the best photo spots (bless) and the history behind the ruins is actually fascinating. Plus, the views from the top are absolutely unreal.
Big Cedar Lodge was my compromise between “I want to connect with nature” and “I also want room service.” The luxury cabin vibes with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake scratched both itches perfectly. I spent the morning pretending to meditate on the deck while actually just trying to get the perfect “mindful moment” shot.
Reality check: The hiking boots I bought specifically for this trip gave me blisters within the first mile. Thank god for the lodge spa because I definitely needed to recover from my ambitious outdoorsy phase.
Food That Made Me Rethink Everything
Listen, I came here expecting barbecue and leaving with a completely recalibrated understanding of what good food looks like.
Corvino Supper Club in Kansas City is dark and moody in the best way—like if a speakeasy had a baby with a modern art gallery. The food is absolutely gorgeous, the kind of stuff that makes you take 20 photos before you remember you’re supposed to actually eat it.
Cinder House in St. Louis has this Brazilian-inspired menu that I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I did. The rooftop situation with river views didn’t hurt either. I may have lingered over dessert longer than socially acceptable because the lighting was too good to leave.
Plot twist: The best meal I had was at this random local spot in Hermann that wasn’t even on my list. Sometimes the best travel moments happen when you stop trying so hard to curate them.
The Helicopter Thing (Because Why Not?)
Okay, so I’ve never been in a helicopter before, and the St. Louis Arch tour felt like the perfect excuse to check that off my bucket list. Was I terrified? Absolutely. Did I spend the entire time alternating between genuine wonder and trying to get the perfect aerial shot? Also yes.
The pilot was probably judging my photo-taking dedication, but the views were honestly incredible. The city looks completely different from above, and I finally understood why people are obsessed with drone photography.
Hot take: The hot air balloon experience over the Ozarks was actually more magical than I expected. I’m usually skeptical of anything that feels too “experience-y,” but floating over misty hills at sunrise while sipping champagne was genuinely perfect. Even without the gram potential, it would have been worth it.
Why Missouri Works (And Why I’m Surprised I’m Saying This)
Here’s the thing—Missouri doesn’t try too hard. It’s not desperately attempting to be the next big travel destination or cramming itself full of Instagram bait. It just… exists, beautifully and authentically, and that’s actually really refreshing.
The people are genuinely nice without being fake about it. The prices don’t make you question your life choices. The landscapes are quietly stunning without being overwhelming. It’s like the friend who’s effortlessly cool without trying to be.
Most importantly: Nobody’s gatekeeping anything here. The wine country doesn’t make you feel stupid for not knowing varietals. The lake resorts don’t judge your Target sundress. The cities welcome you without making you prove you belong.
The Real Tea
Missouri surprised me in the best way possible. It’s not trying to be Napa or the Hamptons or wherever else we’re told we should be vacationing. It’s just confidently itself, and honestly? That’s kind of inspiring.
Would I go back? Already planning my next trip. Would I recommend it to friends who think they’re too cool for the Midwest? Absolutely, if only to watch them eat their words like I did.
Sometimes the best travel experiences happen when you lower your expectations and let a place surprise you. Missouri definitely earned its spot on my “places that don’t suck” list, and I’m not even mad about it.
Currently planning my next Midwest adventure because apparently, I’m that person now. Got any hidden gems I should know about? Hit me up—I’m clearly terrible at predicting what’s going to be amazing.
