Welcome to stop #7 on the CrossRiver Author Hunt!
After you read today’s blog post, feel free to check out my site and get to know me a bit, then enter my giveaway at the bottom of the blog post.
Before you head over to the next stop, collect the clue at the bottom of the post. You’ll need it to enter the drawing for CrossRiver Media’s giveaway.
Grand prize:
One winner will receive a Kindle loaded with CrossRiver books! The winner will be chosen randomly from among those who enter the correct phrase.
Other prizes:
Four winners will receive hard copies of 3 different CrossRiver books, signed by the author!
Now, on to today’s post:

Need a Staycation? Five Favorite Destinations in the Heartland

I’ve been writing about the people, places and food of the Midwest for a couple of years now, and boy, have I experienced some amazing things. If you’re looking for a good day trip or weekend getaway, here are a few of my favorites:

Liberty Memorial. This Kansas City landmark happens to be the only national World War One museum. Not only does it have an excellent permanent collection, the museum also schedules interesting special events. Last summer the public was invited to a series of taps ceremonies held at sunset on the museum grounds. The ceremony we attended was formal, reverent and thought provoking, as is the museum itself. Learn more here.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville AR. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the Crystal Bridges museum blends seamlessly with its woodland setting. Its extensive American art collection dates from the eighteenth century to present day, so be prepared for several hours of viewing pleasure. The city of Bentonville provides excellent hotels (I recommend the 21c, which displays a modern art collection of its own), and a variety of local restaurants. Learn more about the museum here.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, Topeka KS. This former school on a quiet street tells an absorbing story of the American Civil Rights era. I can’t recommend it highly enough, especially for families with school-age children. Learn more about the historic site here.

Historic Saint Joseph, Mo. The Wild West is alive and well and living in St. Jo, Missouri. Not only did the Pony Express originate there, but Jesse James lived and died there. The historic downtown contains museums dedicated to both events, along with my favorite, the Patee House Museum, a hodgepodge of nineteenth-century Americana. If it isn’t represented at Patee House, you probably don’t need to know about it.

The Amana Colonies, Amana IA. If you like history, but you like shopping even more, the Amanas are tailor-made for you. Explore the woolen mill and furniture factory, along with an assortment of gift shops and candy stores. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy a genuine German dinner at one of the excellent restaurants. Learn more here.
I’m putting together my travel wish list for next year. What do you recommend? Leave me a comment with your favorite Midwestern destination.
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Here’s the giveaway I promised:
To celebrate the scavenger hunt, I’m raffling off one free book of the winner’s choice from CrossRiver. Sign up for my newsletter (see instructions at bottom right) to enter.
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Thank you for stopping by during the CrossRiver Author Hunt!
Before you go to the next stop collect your clue below. You’ll need this to enter the giveaway on the CrossRiver website.

Your clue: “an individual’s” 

Next stop on the CrossRiver Author Hunt: Keely Brooke Keith

**Have you stumbled onto the Author Hunt, or forgotten what you’re supposed to do next?

Here’s a quick review:
~Visit every author’s site that is a part of the hunt.
~Collect the clue provided at each author blog.
~Sign up for each author’s email list/newsletter for extra chances at fun giveaways.
~Stop back at the CrossRiver Media’s website after you visit the last blog in the hunt and enter your clues for a chance to win the grand prize.
~Click here for a complete list of the rules.

Happy hunting!