Finding My Independence

Within the past year and a half since I began blogging, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people and brands. I recently was offered the invitation to explore the town of Independence, Missouri. Thank you to the City of Independence for inviting me and many other midwest bloggers to play tourist in their town! Read about my trip and check out the sights, sounds and tastes that this little gem has to offer.

Photo credit: Kari. R. Frey, FREYtography

Home away from home. That’s how I’d describe Independence, Missouri. Let me explain why.

When my mom and I arrived, we met up with the other bloggers, many of whom were from St. Louis, Kansas City and Arkansas, at 3 Trails Brewing Co on the historic downtown square. Talk about a small-town feel! My mom and I loved this place, thanks to the cozy lighting, friendly atmosphere and great drinks.

There was a fantastic band playing, Big Time Grain Company, and they were phenomenal! Plus, they played some John Denver and Johnny Cash, so they made my extra-special list.

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Day 2

We were so blessed with glorious weather the entire weekend, so thank you Jesus! Our second day was jam-packed with things to do, and thank God I had my mom with me who is a planner in every sense of the word. I truly believe we saw nearly EVERY SINGLE THING this town had for us! haha

The Vaile Victorian Mansion was the epitome of glorious architecture and timeless class. Built in 1881, this 30-room masterpiece is recognized as one of the finest examples of Second Empire Victorian architecture in the U.S., featuring a built-in 6,000-gallon water tank and 48,000-gallon wine cellar. Frontier business tycoon, Harvey Vaile, built this gorgeous space and it’s definitely a must-see.

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Next, we visited the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, which was built in 1852 along the 1846 alignment of the Santa Fe Trail. The home was once owned by George Caleb Bingham, a famed Civil War artist, and later inhabited by the Waggoner family from 1879-1976.

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Since the weather was so glorious, my mom and I decided to ride the Pioneer Trails Adventure in a covered wagon. Let me tell you, we sure got the full experience and I told my mom that those pioneers back then were hardcore!

Did you know that most pioneers had to walk the 2,170-mile Oregon Trail due to storage and wagon weight?

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Day 3

On Sunday, one of the main things we wanted to see was the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum. I did not know that President Truman grew up in Independence and that so much history surrounded this town. This museum was beautifully done and I recommend it so much.

Not only does the museum cover his years in office, but it also continues with his life after presidency. President Truman is buried here, as is his wife and daughter.

Truman was very involved in his town, and would often walk the very town square that is in existence now. No hooplah, nothing. He’d stroll the streets, say hello to passersby, and just pretty much act like a regular old joe!

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If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly staycation idea, find your Independence! This gem of a town combines history, tasty foodie spots, remarkable architecture and so much more.

Thank you for hosting us! We truly found our Independence!

For more information, visit visitindependence.com.