This story was originally published in the July 2026 issue of COMO Magazine.

Not driving distance but still great! We just returned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton and spent the night under the Montana stars in a teepee with my best friend since third grade! 

— Tonya Hickam Schleeter 

Holland, Michigan for the beach and dune buggy rides or Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the Smoky Mountains, scenic drives, hikes, and kids’ activities. 

— Beth Bramstedt 

One summer, my husband and I took our three dogs to Bella Vista/Bentonville area in Arkansas. We stayed in a pet-friendly Airbnb, did a cave tour, and played in a waterfall together as a family. 

— Lindsay Rose James 

I love a summer road trip down to the Johnson’s Shut-ins/Elephant Rock area! It’s a fantastic place to camp with plenty of places to splash and hike around. I’m hoping to bring more friends along this year. 

— Ashley Lasiter 

Explore the quaint villages of Van Buren County, Iowa, just 50 miles north of our border, past the gigantic windmills in northeast Missouri. Don’t miss Misty’s Malt Shop in Keosauqua, Dutchman Store in Cantril, and Milton Creamery in Milton. Three hours from Columbia, yet so far away. 

— Jodie Jackson Jr 

Funky Town KC!!! 

— Ashley Burk Switzer 

“Framily” weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

— Nicole Shelby 

Hermann Inn B&B 

— Suzanne Rothwell  

River District in KC with bestie from college. 

— Beth Leuenberger Orns  

Excelsior Springs. Stay at The Elms, 100-year-old hotel for spa day and lodging. Eat and partake at Casa Di Vita International Wine Cafe and shop at Willow Spring Mercantile. I’m going with my spouse or girl trip. Either way, it’s fabulous. 

 — Trish Hasser Koetting 

Hermann with the girls. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is also great. I’ve been for bachelorette parties and girls weekends! 

— Kerrie Bloss  

Picture of COMO Staff

COMO Staff

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