Todd G. Higdon: He's a traveling man…
Just call me a traveling man. One of my favorite hobbies is traveling. I have been to nearly all of the United States (missing only the northeastern and northwestern states and Alaska), plus traveling on three cruises. Every place that I have been is very unique. There is Yellowstone National Park with the geysers, there is Florida with the space shuttle launches and of course Disney Amusement Park, and then there is Hawaii.
Hawaii has a lot to offer, besides the beaches. Being a huge history buff, we visited Pearl Harbor and the best battleship to date, U.S.S. Missouri. Back in September 1999, my family traveled to Hawaii. But a couple of days after the family went Pearl Harbor, Dad and I decided to take another drive to the harbor to see it.
Seeing the U.S.S. Arizona under the water and all of those sailors who perished and are still entombed was an eerie feeling. To this day, oil still bubbles up from the ship.
Shortly after visiting the Arizona, we traveled back onto the Missouri. The Missouri is a significant part of history because the Japanese signed the papers to end the war with the United States on that ship.
But one does not have to travel across the United States to see some of America's beauty, national parks or historical significance; we have a lot to offer here.
Silver Dollar City is only an hour and half drive from here, where kids of all ages can enjoy the rides and shows in the park and in Branson. Then there are zoos in Tulsa, Kansas City and St. Louis and even caves locally and in Springfield.
Zoos were another place that I enjoyed growing up. First, they are not very expensive to attend. One can easily take a family of four for under $25 (admission only).
Think of all of the animals that you will get to see, such as tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, reptiles and even fish. And just think not only is it a great place to go, but you get your exercise walking.
Don't forget, the circus is coming to town. I have seen a lot of circuses in my time, but they still offer a good venue for families to spend together. As reported in Monday's edition, this circus will be a little bit different. It will have more magic than the circus animals.
So as the spring months are coming up and the weather is getting nicer, remember to plan those trips and enjoy yourself.
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Remember that St. Patrick's Day is on Monday. So wear your green. Also, it is my birthday. Just for your information, I will be turning 37.
Neosho Daily News