Four Summer Weekend Escapes Less Than Five Hours Away from Kansas City

For those of us who live right in the middle of the U.S., it's important to have fun escapes during weekends throughout the summer and fall months. Because of increased gas prices and tighter financial budgets, traveling out of state, has taken a bit of a back seat for many. This means many are limiting their travel plans within their own state. This can work out well if you happen to live near some really nice vacation spots.

If you live in, or around, Kansas City, Missouri, you can find lots of really cool places to visit within a five to six hour drive. Many of the places we enjoy are only 3 to 3.5 hours away. That's usually my patience limit for a road trip! Don't get me wrong, there's plenty to see even in Kansas City, so plan a day where you can enjoy your own city lights and historical places right in town.

If you're up to a short road trip, however, let's take a look at some places that you can visit:

Bridal Cave

If you haven't visited the caves of Missouri, I suggest starting at Bridal Cave, in Camdenton, Missouri. These caves will give you a feeling of awe. Many weddings take place here, and visitors touring the cave come back every so often to capture the majesty . Camdenton is about 3 to 3.5 hours away. The tours are guided and occur throughout the day. Bridal Cave is where you can find awesome souvenirs, take amazing pictures and come away with memories you'll cherish a lifetime. You'll also learn a lot about geology, history, the Ozarks and caves in general.

Summer Festivals and Canoe Trips down the Niangua River