May 6, 2020

We understand that everyone has pent up energy from this pandemic that is affecting our lives currently.  We are hopeful by summer that things will be “back to normal”.  With that said – we will ALL be ready for a Staycation and Benton County is available to help you with your summer plans!

What is a “Staycation” you ask?  The beauty of a Staycation is that you visit nearby tourist destinations where you aren’t worn out after a vacation – and you can rest, relax, restore – and not break the bank.  Sign you up you say?

Benton County, MO is centrally located with loads of outdoor recreation for the entire family!  We have miles of hiking/biking trails in and around Warsaw – including the scenic and multi-skill level 22 acre Truman Lake Mountain Bike and Hiking Park and 9 miles of flat riverfront trails for the less adventurous.

Did we mention that we also have Truman Lake or the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks – offering boating, fishing, water sports, and more?  Truman Lake offers you the more relaxed and less-crowded lake to enjoy some quality family time.  The Osage Arm provides you with bars and dining options.

We are also known for our unique shops and have dozens of locally-owned (no chain stores here) boutiques, antique malls, quilt shops, thrift stores and more – where you are sure to find one-of-a-kind treasures.  If this is your thing – be sure and bring comfortable walking shoes because it would take you two full days to get through them all!

After a hard day of playing – we have just what you need to fill your belly and tantalize your taste buds with locally-owned restaurants serving diverse menu items from home-cooked meals, german cuisine, #1 pizza in Missouri and much more.

We want to leave you with this – make your plans now for summer because we will fill up fast once things get back to normal.  We know everyone will be ready to get away.  For now – we want everyone to be safe and abide by the shelter in place orders in your towns – and we will see you when the time is right.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about Benton County  – we are here for YOU.  We can be reached at lstokes@visitbentoncomo.com, 660-438-2090 or visit our website at www.visitbentoncomo.com.

Take care and God bless you and your families.