Step straight into the pages of a romance novel and the golden age of Hollywood cinema in Winterset, Iowa—a town that effortlessly proves classic Americana is alive and thriving.
Just 2 and a half hours from Kansas City, Winterset, Iowa is set against the rolling, wooded hills of Madison County, this picture-perfect destination is world-renowned for its iconic 19th-century covered bridges and as the proud birthplace of cinematic legend John Wayne.
At its heart lies one of the most vibrant historic courthouse squares in the Midwest, where you can sip craft coffee, tour world-class textile exhibits at the Iowa Quilt Museum, and grab an award-winning tenderloin at a cafe immortalized on the silver screen.
Whether you’re climbing a hidden stone castle tower in the woods or embarking on a scenic drive across historic wooden bridges, Winterset delivers an enchanting, nostalgic getaway that feels both comfortably familiar and unforgettable.

Seneca, Kansas, welcomes you with the kind of genuine, small-town warmth that makes you feel like an old friend the moment you arrive.
Just 2 hours northwest of Kansas City, Seneca is tucked into the rolling hills of northeast Kansas.
This historic community proudly preserves its roots as a vital stop along the legendary 1860s Pony Express route, blending fascinating pioneer history with a beautifully preserved downtown.
Here, you can spend your day exploring unique stone monuments, hunting for vintage treasures along a brick-paved Main Street, and winding down with a slice of legendary, scratch-made pie at a cozy local bakery.
It is a peaceful, authentic slice of the Heartland that invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the simple pleasures of Midwestern hospitality.

If you’re craving a road trip that perfectly blends vibrant college-town energy with serene natural beauty, Kirksville, Missouri, is the hidden gem you’ve been waiting to discover.
Just a scenic three-hour drive northeast of Kansas City, Kirksville is home to Truman State University. This welcoming community pairs a bustling, historic courthouse square packed with local boutiques and famous thin-crust pizzerias with world-renowned medical history.
Step just minutes outside of town, and you’ll find yourself canoeing on the glassy waters of Thousand Hills State Park or hiking quiet forested trails.
It is an effortlessly charming, easygoing escape that invites you to slow down, explore, and experience the very best of northeast Missouri.

Tucked away in northwest Iowa lies a hidden, glacial paradise that feels a world away from the everyday grind—and it’s just a scenic six-and-a-half-hour drive north of Kansas City.

Welcome to Lake Okoboji, a stunning destination famous for its spring-fed, exceptionally clear, cobalt-blue waters that make it one of only three blue-water lakes on the entire planet.

Whether you’re looking to carve wake behind a boat, step back in time at a historic lakeside amusement park, or just unwind with a cold drink at a lively dockside restaurant, this vibrant summer hotspot is the ultimate Midwest lake escape you never knew was waiting for you.

Little Rock, Arkansas, surprises people—in the best way.

Arkansas’s capital sits right on the Arkansas River, mixing an easygoing Southern vibe with walkable downtown pockets, standout history, and quick escapes into the outdoors. You can spend a morning at a presidential library or a pivotal civil-rights site, grab lunch in a busy market district, then end the day on a river trail with skyline views.

It’s not a place that tries too hard; it just quietly delivers good food, friendly locals, and plenty to do.

Washington, Missouri, is a scenic Missouri River town where historic charm, local flavor, and small-town hospitality come together in an easy, welcoming getaway. Set in the heart of Missouri wine country, Washington offers a walkable downtown filled with brick storefronts, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, museums, and riverfront views that invite visitors to slow down and explore. Whether you come for a festival, a weekend of shopping and dining, a winery day trip, or a peaceful stroll along the river, Washington delivers a memorable mix of history, culture, and relaxed Midwestern charm.

KCTV5's Sharon Chen shares information about a violent extremist network actively recruiting children in the Kansas City area through online games and apps.

Bentonville, Arkansas is the kind of place that surprises you — in the best possible way.

What was once known mainly as the hometown of Walmart has grown into one of the South’s most exciting small-city destinations, blending world-class art, award-winning trails, a lively downtown square with restaurants, local shopping, and a festival scene that keeps the calendar full.

It is polished without feeling pretentious, creative without losing its friendliness, and full of the kind of experiences that make a weekend trip feel bigger than expected.

You can spend the morning walking the trails around Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, bike through some of the best mountain biking terrain in the country, linger over a memorable meal downtown, shop local galleries and boutiques, then end the evening with live music, cocktails, or a seasonal event on the square.