John’s travel and tourism book, 100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die, lists “cool places in Missouri that you need to go visit!” He’ll help you plan your trip and (almost) go along for the ride.
As you page through his easy-to-read 100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die, you’ll be reminded of, or see for the first time, great places to discover in Missouri. John identifies the places, unique experiences, and travel that match you and your family’s interests.
Are you a foodie? There are 19 unique ways to eat and drink your way around the state, including insider tips and chef specials.
Craving live music and entertainment this summer? John lists the best venues and festivals the state has to offer.
From sports, recreation, culture, and history to shopping on main streets and in little neighborhoods – John not only lists places you don’t want to miss but also suggests the best times to go and the little things you didn’t know.
Fill up your summer days with John’s favorite itineraries for outdoor escapes, animal encounters, kid-friendly adventures, history retrospectives, and, of course, sports-centered events.
John details how to get the most out of your adventures and “do it right!”
“There are so many amazing places throughout the state to explore,” John says. “These aren’t only trips to see something - you’ll learn a lot along the way. And, you’ll have a great time!”
And what is John’s personal #1 place in Missouri?
“Branson. Visitors to Branson in the ‘80s described more of a backwoods setting. That’s not today’s Branson. If you are planning one vacation this summer, I suggest you go to Branson. Upscale resorts, golf and dining. When Michael Jordan jets to Branson to golf and stays, you know you’re in a special place.”
“I think we’ve lost a lot of our excitement about who we are. Many of us are familiar with names in our history - Harry Truman, General John J. Pershing, General Omar Bradley, J.C. Penney, Dale Carnegie, Sam Walton, J.C. Hall, who founded Hallmark in Kansas City. That’s history.
But we should also be excited that lots of today’s movers and shakers call Missouri home. Actors Brad Pitt and Don Johnson come from small towns in Missouri. The founder of Twitter is from St. Louis and the developer of the microchip calls mid-Missouri home. The Chairman and Founder of World Wide Technologies, David Steward, grew up facing poverty and discrimination in Clinton, MO, and now leads one of the largest African-America owned businesses in the United States. Johnny Morris, founder, and CEO of Bass Pro Shops and creator of Big Cedar Lodge, is a Missourian.
“It’s important for our young people to know about the state they live in, and realize they can be anything, do anything, no matter where they live in Missouri. Anything is possible!”
When he’s not traveling around Missouri, John serves as an anchor for Fox 2, speaks to various groups throughout the state, and recently received the Ella Dickey Literacy Award, which is presented annually to national authors who have contributed to the preservation of history.
In addition to 100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die, John authored four other books in his Missouri Bicentennial series: Missouri An Illustrated Timeline, Missouri Legends Famous People from the Show-Me State, and soon to be released, Missouri 360.
You’ll find more about John W. Brown, his books, and his recommendations by visiting missourilegends.com.
100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die is co-authored by Amanda E. Doyle.