I recently spent a night at The Pennywell Hotel in downtown St. Louis with my mom and daughter. The lobby and bar area at one time housed a bank, so we loved learning about all of the ways that Pennywell honored the theme with its design. Vault doors now lead to a snack shop, and there’s a coin display behind the front desk. The cocktails even stick with the theme, Dark Money and Pure Gold. The real highlight, though, was the staff, who were so welcoming that my mother and I were on a first-name basis with the bar and kitchen crew by the end of the night. It was a nice reminder of the importance of hospitality, wherever you travel. This week, we're exploring 10 lakes across the country, Midwest hotels in historic places, and a guide to Shawnee National Forest. Safe travels!
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Courtesy of Grant Kinast
Travel News You Can Use
Rolling on the River
After a decade of work to make the water of White River recreationally clean, Indianapolis has opened Frank's Paddlesports Livery, the first of its kind in the city. Visitors to downtown can now rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for a 4- to 7-mile trip.
A New Format
FORMAT Festival, a three-day music festival, is coming to Bentonville, Arkansas, September 22–24. The festival will have artist-built venues, interactive art experience, and a diverse lineup of musical acts, including headliners Leon Bridges, Alanis Morissette, and LCD Soundsystem.
Show Time
Two new family-friendly shows are now on stage in Branson. Queen Esther, which is set during the Persian Empire, shares a story of beauty and bravery as Esther's ordinary life was changed when she entered palace doors and began a royal life. And Once Upon a Fairytale is a compilation of storybook songs in a cabaret.
10 lakes to explore on your next vacation
Where you can bird watch, swim in a caldera, and canoe under bald cypress trees
Pagedale and surrounding communities are making significant progress thanks to the work of many organizations. Read the latest on how this revitalization in North St. Louis County provides a template for moving all of St. Louis forward.
Guide to Shawnee National Forest
Experience the scenic Illinois park by bike, kayak, or foot.
These professionals can help you navigate the complicated landscape and find a home where you can be happy. Find an agent.
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