Include Summer Vacation Plans in Holiday, Winter, WIsh List Planning

Flipping through the pages of your Outdoor Guide can make filling out your holiday wish list an almost simple task. Except for having to limit yourself, according to Santa Claus' budget, the pages of this magazine offer plenty of hints for gear and other goodies. 

Instead of searching for stocking stuffers, bigger thinking might be really what you are looking for. I don't mean a new boat or camper, which you can find in the magazine as well, but rather, new adventures. 

The magazine focuses on the middle of the Midwest. The states in our primary coverage area of Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Kansas provide millions of unexplored areas for young families to retirees, and everyone in between. 

From Branson to Hannibal and St. Joseph to Ste. Genevieve our home state has more interesting areas than anyone could hope to contain on a short must see list. Outdoor adventures, entertainment, history and heritage all come to life in the state that is set to Show You something new. 

The Ozark Mountains are central to many Missouri attractions, but we certainly do not have a monopoly on their majesty. Arkansas boasts beautiful streams and lakes for fishing, mountain trails that wind through old growth forests, and a mix of historic features and modern conveniences. 

The Prairie State of Illinois offers endless opportunities with one of our nation's largest cities, Chicago, along one of our continent's Great Lakes. Other great lakes abound throughout the state from large recreational reservoirs with limitless resorts to small anglers' paradises. Obviously the Land of Lincoln provides some outstanding opportunities for learning about our great nation's history. 

Kentucky Lake and its nearby, near-twin Lake Barkley surround an outdoor enthusiast's varied adventure within the Land Between the Lakes. St. Louis area residents are often surprised to discover that this faraway place really is remarkably close to home. 

From the mecca of Memphis through Music City to the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee truly provides something for all ages and interests. Cades Cove inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park offers a glimpse into the country's past, while across the state, Beale Street puts the modern lifestyle on grand display. 

Family vacation adventures do not have to be limited to bordering states. Wisconsin's Door County is a great summertime escape. On the peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan cool breezes blow even on the hottest days, and the area's dedication to history and heritage make it a unique visitor's spot. 

Few places offer summer fishing opportunities like the Land of 10,000 Lakes. From relatively small ponds to sprawling glacier-gouged basins, Minnesota's variety of waters is matched only by the diversity of species that can be sought and caught. 

You have already started your adventure by checking out the resorts and recreational opportunities featured here in Outdoor Guide . 

You can find your family's next summer vacation through Internet research, but a great way to learn more is to visit the upcoming boat and sports shows and meet resort owners first hand.
Start planning your summer vacation now. 

It will be winter for several more months, but before you know it you and yours will be enjoying the great outdoors on a warm summer evening. 

At Outdoor Guide, our wish list includes best wishes to you for joyous holidays and a happy New Year.