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There are many places you can go for a memorable family vacation. Summer is usually the best time for these getaways because the kids are out of school. However, your child’s spring break, the week of Thanksgiving, and the end of December are other times when your kids can leave school behind for a vacation.

One great place to go on a family vacation is to a state or national park. Don’t waste a vacation sitting in a hotel room watching television. Parks are full of natural beauty. Find a park that offers great places to go camping with the family and has many activities for all ages. A lot of the national parks also have historical sites you can visit.

Another place to spend a memorable family vacation is at a beach. It’s the perfect place to go swimming, surfing, fishing, and has many more enjoyable activities for the family. A beach is also a very relaxing place where you can just lie in the sun and stick your toes in the sand. Search Canada 411 to find some great beaches in your area with family friendly attractions and restaurants.

Amusement parks are a great place for kids as well as adults. If you have a larger budget, you can visit some of the most exciting amusement parks such as Disneyland or Six Flags. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement park within driving distance. These parks typically have entertainment options that extend beyond rides. Some offer concerts and shopping venues.

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As far as summer vacations go, the 24th state in the Union usually doesn’t rank too high on the list of places to go. Despite this, Missouri can be a new and exciting adventure, as well as a relaxing and comfortable destination.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Missouri is the St. Louis Arch, known as the Gateway to the West. This towering arch is 630 feet tall, the highest monument in the United States.

Missouri has many beautiful cities and towns where you can slow down and enjoy a lovely season in the center of America. Audrain County is especially nice, located along the Missouri River, and St. Louis, of course, is a major attraction, as is the capital city of Jackson, Missouri.

The Missouri River itself is a treasure trove of history. Its easy for travellers and tourists to take a step back two centuries and experience 1800s Missouri by taking a trip on one of the traditional riverboats that makes excursions on the river.

The Civil War left several historic battle sites in Missouri, such as Lexington, Wilson’s Creek, and others. In addition, Missouri was the playground of the Jesse James’ gang in the 1860s and 1870s. Taking a tour of James’ Gang sites can be an exciting trip, especially the family farm in Kearney where the infamous outlaw grew up.

Don’t let Missouri fool you: it’s a one-of-a-kind destination waiting to be explored. And unlike far off exotic vacation spots, it’s readily accessible!

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Audrain County is full of hunting attractions. It is a quiet county resplendent with spectacular naturist views. Located in the U.S state of Missouri, Audrain County was formed in 1836. Named after Col. James Hunter Audrain, Audrain County is flanked by counties such as Monroe, Ralls, Pike, Montgomery, Callaway, Boone, and Randolph.

Audrain County Historical Society is a famous name. Located in the Robert S. Green Park, there are some museums located here. They are namely Graceland Museum, and American Saddlebred Horse Museum.

Graceland Museum is considered to be a historical museum nationally. It was formerly a mansion which was then converted to a museum. During the American civil war, Colonel Ulysses stayed here.

Visitors can see the beautifully dressed rooms in this mansion-museum. Victorian architecture is in vivid display, and the architecture still resonates the beauty of the America’s rich history.

The American Saddlebred Horse Museum is dedicated to Graceland. It exhibits rare and unique pieces that will capture your attention and interest.

At Audrain County, and at the Audrain County Historical Society is located the Country School. Placed among lush settings, the school is a cute cozy outfit in the middle of picturesque settings. Constructed in the early part of the nineteenth century, the Country School reflects the olden day school building architecture.

In the same vicinity is the Country Church. It was built in the 1800s. This is a trans-located church. It was brought to the Audrain County Historical Society premises part by part before re-building it here. The church is beautifully set amongst serene settings, and is a must visit for new visitors at the Audrain County.

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Whether your vacation plans entail just a few short days in a lovely place such as Audrain County, Michigan, or some far-off exotic location, there are a few tips that you should follow to make the most of any vacation. If you remember to take along these simple items, you’ll enjoy your days and nights.

• Moist towelettes can be used to not only clean off your hands and face, but they are a great way to also cool down in warm climates. Use them to wipe those hot areas such as your neck and forehead.
• Clear plastic bags are a must have. You can use them to store your postcard printing projects for people back home, or to put your toiletries into when you need to go through airport security.
• A compact umbrella is a small detail many people forget until they are standing in the rain without cover. These are small and easy to pack. Make sure it is in a handy, easy to find spot.
• Chargers are a must for everyone. These chargers can include those for cell phones and media players or those for electric shavers and other electronic devices. If you are traveling overseas or internationally, make sure that you also have currency converters for your electronics as well.
• Make sure your wardrobe includes certain necessities such as at least one dressy or formal outfit, as well as the casual clothes for sightseeing. Include rain gear and comfortable shoes.

With these few simple items that should be included in your vacation packing list, your travels will be sure to be a little less stressful.

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Audrain County, Missouri’s known history dates back as far as 1816 when the first settler, a hermit named Robert Littleby, came to stay in today’s Audrain County and eventually built a cabin in what is now Prairie Township. Very little else is known about the early days in the area other than there were only occasional reports of people passing through the area. Life on the prairie was hard and initially not suitable for settling or farming because of the scarcity of timber and soil that was difficult to cultivate.

The first people to come through the area were emigrants from the eastern states, notably Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. While many of these people continued west, some stayed to form a community. Audrain County was formed in 1831 and founded in December 1837 with Mexico as the county seat. It is interesting to note that Mexico was originally named “New Mexico” when it was a stopping point for travelers headed for the then Republic of Texas. The word “new” was dropped when Texas became a state.

The first community school was built in 1832, before the county was even founded. The county’s school system was formally organized in 1874. Mexico became the focal point for growth in Audrain County. The town was incorporated in 1855 and chartered as a city in 1874. Many of the original town’s buildings are still standing around the historic square.

A local history of Audrain County written in 1884 notes that it was the junction point for three railways that connected Mexico with St. Louis and Chicago and describes Mexico as the “brightest of all town” in the county.

If you go to an unfamiliar resort learn all you can about it first. If you want to ski in Tennessee, find out about the state’s sole ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg, in the Great Smoky Mountains. The hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in the town and the features of the ski resort are all important to know. Finding ski deals 2011 requires research.

Your packing list should include all the clothing and equipment needed for skiing. If you plan to rent skis, find out what is available at the resort and how much you’ll pay. Determine how the extra cost of taking your own skis on an airline flight compares to the cost of renting skis at the resort.

If you’ll be driving, know the route and road conditions and what luggage each person will take. If you plan to fly, arrange for travel from the airport to the resort. Your budget will help you decide where you can go and how to get there.  Ski vacation planning includes learning what accommodations are available, how close they are to the slopes and about other available activities nearby. See if package deals on transportation, lodging, lift tickets, etc. will be cost effective compared to purchasing separately.

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When going on vacation in an RV, there are different preparations that need to be made as opposed to traveling in a different type of vehicle. For example, when you are traveling in a car you are most likely to stop at hotels along the way, but when traveling in an RV, you must stop at campsites along the way. There are other preparations that need to be made when traveling in an RV.

If you have your own RV, make sure that it is in working condition before you leave on your trip and that it is registered. If you are planning on renting an RV, you may want to research different local businesses that rent out RVs so you can find the most reliable one with the best prices. Before you leave, make sure you have motor home insurance in the event that something happened to your vehicle along the way.

As part of your planning, make sure you have a plan on where you are going to stop along the way. You may want to research different campsites so that your drivers can get an adequate amount of sleep. There’s no point in stopping at a hotel when you are traveling with an RV, so you are going to have to research campsites so you know where you’re going to stop.

Budget any other common expenses. Motor homes tend to use more fuel than other vehicles, so make sure you know the gas mileage of your RV so you can factor in the correct amount of fuel needed plus the cost of campsites, activities, and food.

Audrain County’s economy has exceeded that of Missouri on several occasions. It has shown tremendous economic growth in the past decade and has been a forerunner in the Missouri economy with Mexico City as its county seat.

What gives the economy an advantage is its location close to the four-lane highways of U.S. Highway 54 as well as Interstate I-70. This makes it a centralized location for the expansion of many large manufacturing companies. In fact, manufacturing is now the backbone of this economy and is gradually surpassing agriculture in terms of economic relevance for the zone.

The county is also a major railhead when it comes to goods shipping and movement of products via rail. The nearby Mexico county seat has an FAA airport that is unregulated. Its two runways have also given the area the ability to entertain corporate landings. Several manufacturing companies have made inroads in Audrain County. These are largely technology based. This region is famous for production of pharmaceutical products as well as those automobile related. Diverse products such as airplane kits and fittings for vinyl windows are made here too. Five years ago, Audrain County inaugurated its first bio-diesel based plant.

If you can help it, avoid travelling until all the roads have been cleared of snow and treated. Skidding is quite possible and you wouldn’t want to be a road impediment yourself. Make sure you car is inspected before winter comes with extra attention given to the tires, brakes and windshield wipers.

Always check local news and information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol on the conditions of the road to the area you are planning on visiting. Pack some snacks, water and one or two blankets in the car when you head out. Make sure a member of the family is aware of where you are headed so that people know to look for you in case of an emergency. Have your phone fully charged and a car phone charger handy.

Some things that you definitely need in the car during the winter are a flashlight, some basic medicines, cough drops and warm clothing for all in the car. Also, keep a small bag of sand to help give your wheels some traction and a shovel. Keep booster cables handy as well as small tools like pliers, a wrench and a screwdriver. Keep a bright multi-colored cloth handy to use as a flag.

At some point, you will have a moving date. Call all your service providers – phones, newspapers, groceries, electricity, etc and give a cut-off date for a day after you move out. Get in touch with all the service providers at your new home and arrange to have all the utilities working when you arrive. This ensures that you don’t have a powerless home the day you arrive. Go to the post office and fill out a change of address form. Specify from when you would like your mail delivered to your new address.

Start collecting boxes at least a month in advance. You can get boxes from your local grocery store. Place boxes in each room and gradually starting packing things that you will not be using until you get to the new house. Never forget to label the box with the name of the room it goes in, what it contains and if there is anything fragile in it.

If you need to rent a moving truck, talk to a few moving companies and get quotes from each one of them. Sometimes a package deal with a movers company including boxes, packing and transport to the new house will work well for you.

The Mingo Wilderness covers 7730 acres of land and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. Here you can indulge in hiking, backpacking, horse packing and even some stargazing. For those who love the water, there is kayaking, canoeing and rafting. No motorized equipment or transportation is allowed here. The Mingo Wilderness also follows a strict leave no trace policy. Therefore, you will have to plan your trip meticulously, right down to the disposal of waste.

Rockpile Mountain is another attraction; it covers around 4089 acres of land. All of this falls under Missouri’s jurisdiction. The air and water here is clean and provides pristine environs for several species of animals including some endangered species. As with any other location, you must adhere to the wilderness related rules.

The Great River National Wildlife Refuge covers a massive 11,600 acres and stretches along 120 miles of the Mississippi River. It has three separate units that are located on the flood plain on the Illinois as well as Missouri sides of the river. The Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge forms part of the Great River Refuge, which in turn is a part of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This entire corridor is an important one in terms of migratory birds that visit the place.

Golf courses in tourist areas have long been an attraction and in Audrain County it is no different. One of the courses here is the Mexico Country Club. This private course comes with nine interestingly laid out holes. You will need to reserve your tee time. The weekdays are a good bet for those vacationing. Weekends tend to get a little busy as well as expensive with admission fees being $15 a head.

One of the larger golf courses here in Audrain County is the Arthur Hills Golf Course. This comes with 18 holes to play on. It is a semi-private course and you will have to find out the times when the general public are allowed to come and play. Of course, you will have to reserve your tee time in advance. With other courses, weekend admission fee is $15.

Another course that grabs the interest of tourists in Audrain County is the Vandalia Country Club. This is a private course with nine holes. Reservation for tee time is a must especially if you plan to visit on weekends. The amenities in terms of golf requirements as well as other leisure related ones are great here. Weekends invite a $15 admission fee.

Golf courses are a great way to keep the men in the group occupied while the women and children spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing over a long brunch. All these golf courses provide such an opportunity.

If you are with family on a RV trip around the country or even on a small vacation, then the Lakeview Park is for you. It has all the amenities you will need when on such a trip including spots to park your RV, tents if you like to stay outdoors, electricity for your RV, clean toilets and even playgrounds and ADA. It would be a good idea, however, to call in advance and book your slots. Audrain County is a popular spot to visit.

The Country School is another popular touristic attraction here. It was built in the year 1903 in a particular location and then it was moved to the museum here at Audrain in 1989. Its specialties are the period furnishings that have been maintained and are on display. The museum is seasonal and only opens between February and December. It costs $3 for an adult and $1 for a child younger than 12 years to get in. Another building is the Country Church, which was built in 1889 and in 1998 moved from its original location to its current one at the museum. Entrance fees are the same as for the Country School.

The Graceland Museum and & American Saddlebred horse Museum is a massive museum to which the church and country school have been relocated. The antebellum mansion on campus of this museum houses the equestrian collection. The grounds of this museum, in addition to housing all of the above, have trails.

There are places to go that can be interesting and fun, without breaking the bank.  There are places to visit across this great land of ours that are not well advertised, not huge tourist attractions.  Maybe you can take this vacation to learn where our vegetables are grown, learn how to milk a cow, or visit the livestock farms in places such as Audrain County, Missouri.  Little known places like Audrain County are rich in culture, have lots of tourist attractions that don’t cost an arm and a leg.  You can learn how to milk a cow, you can see how livestock are taken care of, and at the end of the day, you can have dinner in a family style restaurant, sampling the foods that are local to the area.

It does not take a lot of money to have a great vacation, but it can take a little planning.  With a little research a family can uncover lots of things that make this country so great.

Your kids would have to attend a new school, your wife would be leaving all of her friends, you would be leaving neighbors and relationships that you have spent a significant amount of time nurturing.  This is home.  What to do?  You and your wife need to make this decision together.  Maybe it is the right time for a move.  Maybe the kids will be in between schools and it is a good time to make the move to a new school.  Even if the kids are not thrilled with the idea, if you and your wife make the decision that this is the best thing for your family, your children will adjust.  They will make new friends and so will you.  The new school may be better than the old one.  A new home, a new environment does not have to be sad, it may just be the adventure of a lifetime.

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The Missouri Military Academy for young men, located in Audrain County, Missouri, was founded in 1889 and is one of the best private schools in the country.  With emphasis on preparing young men for college and life after the Academy, striving for academic excellence, while they continually enhance the technology to meet the every changing educational challenges of the future.  The Academy demands discipline and nurtures self-discipline, stressing the values of honor, integrity, perseverance and duty.

Graduates of the Academy have been recruited by some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, including The Air Force Academy, Virginia Military Institute and the Citadel.  The Military Academy also boasts the privilege of nominating cadets to the US Military Academy at West Point, the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, the US Air Force Academy and the US Coast Guard Academy, the University of Southern California and Penn State University to name a few.

The Missouri Military Academy has a middle school for grades six to eight.  The classes are small, with about ten students to a class, offering a full curriculum of English, Reading, Social Studies, Math and Science.  Elective courses include Art, Drama and Music.  Mandatory athletics throughout the year fulfill the physical education requirement for the seventh and eighth grade students.  The Academy also offers an Academically Elite Day School for students achieving a 3.0 or greater grade point average.  With a rigorous academic curriculum, the 2010 graduating class of 46 cadets garnered more than three million dollars in academic and athletic scholarships.

With the US Department of Education recognizing The Missouri Military Academy for young men as one of the best private schools in the country, this might just be the place you want to take a look at to shape your young man, and prepare him for the future.  If it is a military type school that you are considering, take the time to take a look at The Missouri Military Academy for young men.

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It is time to plan the family vacation for this year.  You cannot be too extravagant in this economy so, at least for this year, the Taj Mahal and kissing the Blarney Stone will have to wait.  The Jersey shore has done its job.  It has been a nice staple for the many a year, but you are looking for at least a little variety.  Mom wants the kids to learn something on this vacation.  Dad wants a week’s worth of really good food.  The kids want to make sure there is something fun to do.  Other than place with the mouse and his girlfriend, where is there to go so that everyone gets their wish.

Why not visit Audrain County, Missouri?  While not exactly on everyone’s list of places to visit, maybe it should be.  Audrain County has a lot to offer.  For mom, who wants to mix a little education with this vacation, there are historical sites like Graceland, a historical manor that is now a museum, where Ulysses S. Grant once stayed.  The Missouri Military Academy, founded in 1889 remains one of the best private schools in the country.  For dad, who wants to sample the cuisine, family style eating abounds.  Audrain County is rich in agriculture and most of the food is grown right on the farms from where it is served.  You can learn to milk a cow and see where the livestock are kept and fed.  After a long day on the farm, visit one of the many family style restaurants and feast on the fresh picked vegetables as well as fresh meat, right from the farm.

For the kids, there is the Pool at the Fairgrounds, if the weather is hot.  For a small fee, the kids can swim and splash all day.  Not to mention, the Miss Missouri pageant is held in Audrain County, and you can plan your vacation around that.

Audrain County has something for everyone, all packed into a great vacation.

The girls have prepared all year for the competition.  The evening gowns swirl down the runway for all to see.  The judges are feverishly scoring each one. How do they choose?  They are all so beautiful.  The swimsuit competition is another 25% of the score.  Two piece bathing suits being allowed in the competition now, they dominate the field.  Heels and bathing suits, these girls should get crowns just for walking around like that.  After this part of the competition, the finalists are announced and the girls move on to the final phase of the competition.

The all important interview portion, the big 50% of the score and the part of the competition that most definitely could push a contestant right to the front of the line.  Questions are asked about relevant events, tragedies or ways in which organizations are handling current day issues.  The contestants need to be knowledgeable in the category of which their question is asked, and try their best to answer sincerely, as they are being judged on that too. No stammering or fidgeting, just bring your spin to it.

The judges have tallied their scores, and a winner is crowned.  Her work has just begun.  Now she must prepare herself for the Miss USA pageant, where she will not only be competing for the title of Miss USA, she will be solely representing the state of Missouri, and they will all be watching.

Why not visit Audrain County, Missouri? Audrain County is a rural town in Missouri, one that you might not think would be interesting enough to spend a vacation there.  There is a lot to do, plenty to keep everyone busy, and you just might learn something.  There are a lot of farms in Audrain County and you can visit them.  If agriculture is your interest, you can visit a farm that is growing crops, learn how they are grown and cultivated.  Maybe you want to learn what it is like to milk a cow.  There are dairy farms in Audrain County.  There are also livestock farms, learn how the cattle are fed and grown.

No fast food here.  Visit one of the many family style restaurants Audrain County has to offer.  Meals are cooked with the freshest of meat and vegetables, grown and raised locally.  The Missouri Military Academy is in Audrain County.  Founded in 1889 this school still remains one of the best private schools in the country.

Rich in history and farmlands for miles, Audrain County is the perfect place to take a family vacation.  There is so much to see and lots to learn for everyone in the family.  What better way to spend time with the family?

For those interested in starting their own fruit or vegetable production enterprise, Audrain County has the warm, humid climate of a southern state that is ideal for many crops, with relatively low real estate prices. The average price of land is well under $10,000 per acre, so it provides a great environment to start a small intensive production-oriented operation. It is also possible to find farms and ranches for rent for those who may not yet have the capital to purchase land. Each Saturday from May-October, growers can sell their produce at the Mexico Area Farmers’ Market. There are also several markets in nearby Boone County. What could be better than a delicious pulled pork sandwich with fresh sweet corn and tomatoes? It is hard to imagine. In addition to having many agricultural associations to turn to for assistance, farmers can also join the Mexico Chamber of Commerce, which provides publicity for all local businesses.

Dr. Harrison was born to a farming family in Benton City, and she attended high school in nearby Mexico. After earning her advanced degrees at the University of Missouri, Columbia, she immediately became a chemistry professor in Louisiana. She served the nation during World War II by doing research for the National Defense Research Council. She worked in a number of industrial positions and later became a professor at Mount Holyoke College, which is where she was based when she headed the American Chemical Society, as well as the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She was also very involved in Sigma Xi, which is also a society for science researchers. Mount Holyoke College still holds a collection of Dr. Harrison’s many articles and photographs, which are available for use by permission. These archives illuminate the many lively years when she worked as a practicing chemist in several fields of study. Her books include co-authorship of a general interest chemistry text, a work on science education, a work about human health and its relation to the environment, and the ascendent role of women in science.

Dr. Anna Harrison was a very active and engaged scholar with a serious breadth of intellectual accomplishment. She passed away in 1998, after a fascinating life that began right in Audrain County.

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The city of Centralia lies along the border of Audrain and Boone Counties, and it was the site of an important battle during the Civil War. In September of 1864, which was during the last year of fighting, more than 20 Union soldiers who were on leave and without arms were snatched from a train by Confederates and killed. A group of Union soldiers that was in pursuit of the Confederates who perpetrated the killing were surprised, and more than 100 were killed. This occurrence is known by historians as the Centralian Massacre. The battle only lasted minutes, but it was representative of the split loyalties that haunted Missouri and the surrounding region during that time. The casualties of the Centralian Massacre were initially buried in Mexico, but were later moved to Jefferson City, where civil war buffs can still visit to remember what happened that day in Missouri.

Those visiting the Centralia area who have more horticultural interests may want to visit the Albert Bishop Chance Guest House. The Chance House is a Queen Anne-style home that has been on the National Register of Historic Places for more than 30 years. Starting in May, the Chance House’s rose garden is blooming with fragrant blossoms, and visitors looking to cool off from the hot Missouri summer can check out the famous rock grotto on the grounds. Inside the Chance House is a history museum that shows many local curiosities, including a room dedicated to the history of the civil war in this region.

Be sure to check local listings for notices about upcoming civil war re-enactments. There are also numerous markers around Centralia that show what happened here during that tumultuous time. In light of modern events that are dividing other nations, it is important to remember that similar discord has divided our own country, and understanding the history of that time will help us learn to heal our own modern differences.

The MMA offers classes from grades 6-12 and most of the school’s almost 300 students are in the higher grades. Classes are small, allowing more personal time between teachers and individual students. The school offers the all the standard courses along with advanced courses in American history, calculus, economics, English comp, English lit, physics, statistics and Spanish. As a military school, dress is, of course, formal.

In addition to academics, the military academy has a variety of sports programs. Sports offered include baseball, basketball, football, riflery, swimming, track and field, wrestling and more. Athletic teams are called The Colonels. The MMA facilities also include a horse stable and the Centennial Gymtorium.

Extracurricular activities are encouraged and include, in part: marching band, military police, drill team, drama club, chess club, weight training, and a World War II reenactment club called the “Railsplitters.”

The MMA has a history of excellence and an impressive record of college admissions. Thousand of students have gone on to assume important positions in a variety of fields ranging from business to art to the military. Notable alumni include Cody Fowler, former president of the American Bar Association; businessman Howard R. Hughes, Sr.; William Berry, former Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and many more.

For over 120 years, the Missouri Military Academy has been accepting and educating young men from around the world. Students are taught the importance of self-discipline and character development and when they leave the academy, they are prepared to face the challenges of the future.

Audrain County was named for James H. Audrain who sat on the state legislature. Many of the county’s early settlers came from Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Much of the early settlers were farmers and built their homes near forests and streams. In 1856, the North Missouri railroad was extended through the county opening it up to trade with the surrounding regions.

Involvement in the Civil War

Audrain was divided during the Civil War with hundreds of residents fighting for both the Confederacy and the Union Army. Little actual combat took place within the county limits. For most of the war, the city of Mexico was made the headquarters for federal troops. Ulysses S. Grant, future General of the Army and President of the United States, was assigned to the area for a time early in the war.

Early Industries

Because of the abundance of easily cultivated prairies, the main occupation was farming. The chief crops of the largely agricultural population were corn and oats. Livestock was mostly mules, sheep, and hogs. Horses became an important industry in the region. Audrain produced the finest Saddle Horses in the United States and was called the “Saddle Horse Capital of the World.”

Audrain was also known as the “Fire Brick Center of the World.” Fire clay deposits and local firebrick companies helped to build a leading firebrick industry. Audrain-produced firebrick was known around the world and used in a wide variety of other industries.

Education

The county was home to the Hardin College for Young Ladies, a conservatory for women, and the Missouri Military Academy, a boys boarding school. The Hardin College opened in 1873 and closed in 1933. Two buildings of the college are currently used by Mexico Public Schools and the Academy, founded in 1889, is still active and educating young men from around the world.

It is believed that the first white man to permanently settle within present day Audrain was Englishman Robert Littleby. In 1816, he built a cabin near where a stream met a river. Described as an eccentric, “misanthropical” man, Littleby lived alone with his dogs. He lived off the land – wild fruits, vegetables, and game – and often sold the furs / pelts of beavers, otters, muskrats, and raccoons in nearby St. Charles. Littleby died in 1822.

In 1821, Benjamin Young and his wife moved to the region from Kentucky. They built a cabin on a stream that has since been named for them. For years, they were the only settlers in the area. The only other people they encountered were travelers and hunters who wandered their way. Like Littleby, they lived off the land. Mrs. Young was described as almost as good of a hunter as Mr. Young. She also kept bees that provided the family with honey.

The Young’s had several sons and daughters. One son, Thomas Benton Young, joined his mother on a bee-hunt, and fell some twenty feet out of a tree. He survived, but never fully recovered. Benjamin Young died in 1833, killed by a bull.

The Willinghams arrived from Boone County in 1825. They were followed in 1830 by Joseph McDonald, a Wainscot, the Levaughs, Barnetts, and another Willingham. Next came the McIntyres, the Pearsons, the Watts, Byrns, Jacksons, Harrisons and more. By 1884, there were still less than 30 families in the entire county. Today, 26,000 people live in Audrain County, Missouri – the area first settles by those early pioneers: Littleby and Young.

The Audrain County Historical Society commemorated the importance of firebrick in the local economy by starting a Firebrick Museum in May of 2008. The museum collection includes an A.P. Green Pugmill, which is a sort of cement mixer for formulating firebrick. Pugmills are important to the pottery industry, and A.P. Green was a prosperous firebrick maker during the early 20th century. Green was responsible for developing the firebrick industry in the Audrain County seat of Mexico by using its large natural deposits of fireclay. The Firebrick Museum also has an exhibit of a Diaspore Boulder. Diaspore is aluminum oxide hydroxide, and is an important raw material in the production of firebrick. There has been no firebrick production in Audrain County in several years because the needs of industry have changed. However, this area is a very important touchstone in the history of American industry and the development of ceramics, so it is of great interest to engineers and others in related fields.

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Audrain County, Missouri has a lot to offer in the way of outdoor activities and natural beauty. There are a number of conservation areas in the county in which one can fish, hunt, camp, hike, boat, bird watch, picnic and trap game. Here is a list of conservation and wildlife areas and what they offer.

• Marshall I. Diggs Conservation Area (Montgomery and Audrain Counties) – activities include camping, fishing (bass, catfish, sunfish and more), hunting (deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey), and trapping. Over 1,014 acres of fields, grasslands, forests, lakes and more.
• Maude Shores Jacks Conservation Area – activities include bird watching and trapping. Over 23 acres of forest and fields.
• William Lowe Conservation Area – activities include bird watching, hiking, hunting (deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey) and trapping. 133 acres of forests, grasslands, a wetland and pond.
• Clarence L. Northcutt Memorial Conservation Area – activities include bird watching, hiking, hunting (deer, squirrel, turkey) and trapping. 80 acres of forests, fields, and a stream.
• F.O. and Leda J. Sears Memorial Wildlife Area – activities include bird watching and hiking. No hunting. Almost 160 acres of grasslands and a prairie.
• Vandalia Community Lake – activities include bird watching, camping, fishing (bass, crappie, carp catfish, and more), and deer hunting. Over 146 acres of forests, fields, lake and pond.
• Robert M. White II Conservation Area (Monroe and Audrain Counties) – activities include camping, fishing (bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish), hiking, hunting (deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey) and trapping. Over 1,162 acres of grasslands, fields, forests, lakes, ponds and streams.

There is a lot to see and do in Audrain County’s conservation and wildlife areas. So bring the family. Bring the picnic basket, camping supplies, boat, fishing pole, rifle, binoculars, and walking shoes too. Come and enjoy Audrain’s beautiful features and outdoor activities. Nature’s waiting.

The village of Vindiver, Missouri has an area of 0.3 square miles and a population of, according to the 2000 census, 83 people.

The village of Benton City, Missouri has an area of 0.1 square miles and a population of 122.

The village of Rush Hill, Missouri covers 0.2 square miles and 130 people call it home.

Martinsburg has a population of 326 people and the village covers 0.3 square miles.

The city of Farber, Missouri has a population of 411 people spread over 0.3 square miles.

The city of Laddonia has a population of 620 people and an area of 0.6 square miles.

Vandalia, Missouri has an area of 2.3 square miles and sports a population of 2,529 people. It is the second largest city in Audrain County, though Audrain has to share the northeastern portion of Vandalia with neighboring Ralls County.

There’s not a lot of busy big city atmosphere in the county of Audrain. Smaller communities abound. Small towns like these are generally more personal communities in which people know more of their neighbors. Communities like these tend not to be hit hard by the occasionally damaging effects of large industries. Crime usually is not a big problem and people take care of each other. Outside of Mexico, the area may not have a lot in the way of tourist attractions, but visitors can still expect to find things to do and experience that small town charm that is quickly becoming rare in the country.

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Audrain County, Missouri is home to many attractions, but perhaps one of its most prominent attributes is its source of football players. Jason Brookins of the city of Mexico played for the Baltimore Ravens, Dedrick Harrington, also of Mexico, has played for the Dallas Cowboys, and Howard Wayne Kindig (from Mexico!) played for the Buffalo Bills. The source of these and other skilled players is related to the abundance of rural open space and a culture that is crazy for both college and high school football. To the many predominantly southern folks who are deeply attached to amateur football, Audrain County is the perfect place to be.

The Missouri Military Academy is a boys’ school located in the Audrain County seat of Mexico. It has an active football team that sends young men off to college on football scholarships each year. Local residents flock to games to enjoy the team spirit of their local kids. The Mexico Ledger covers high school sports with the same attention as the professionals in a larger city. During the fall football season, the Ledger even has a whole section about high school football. Local businessmen and politicans looking to boost their prominence in the community will discuss their football experience in interviews. Football is definitely part of the fabric of Audrain County.

If football is not the main attraction, then new visitors and residents to Audrain County can enjoy the tradition of homecoming. The fanfare of the homecoming parade, the tailgate parties, and the comraderie of local residents who are celbrating their traditions can be a wonderful treat. Prior to the 2009 homecoming game, a Black Hawk airplane flew over the field to begin the celebration. Everyone can be swept up in the fun and excitement of football and all of its commemorating events in Audrain County.

Visitors to the city of Mexico are more than welcome and there are a number of activities and attractions open to them. A few would be:

• The Audrain County Historical Society where visitors can learn about the history of the area – everything from the early settlers to the old timber and firebrick industries and much more.
• The American Saddlebred Horse Museum commemorates Mexico’s historic renown as the Saddle Horse Capital of the World. Visitors can view the extensive collection of saddlehorse memorabilia and learn about the equestrian history of the region.
• The Presser Performing Arts Center serves the area with culture, fine, and performing arts. Many famous performers have acted on the Presser stage.
• The Mexico Area Community Theatre is the area’s community-based association for the study of theatrical drama, music, and art. The theatre encourages and showcases amateur theatrical productions.
• There are 14 public parks totaling over 450 acres where people can picnic, hike, and participate in a variety of other leisure activities. The parks and recreation department also offers summer playground programs and swim instructions.
• The Miss Missouri Organization – The Miss Missouri pageant has been held in Mexico for nearly 40 years. Other annual pageants for age groups ranging from tots to teens are also held.

Visit the city of Mexico, Missouri. See what is listed here and the other attractions that await visitors to this fun Midwestern community.

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Every state in the union sends a representative to the annual Miss America pageant. Since 1970, Miss Missouri has been represented by a candidate who is selected in an unlikely place: Mexico. Mexico, which in this case refers to the seat of Audrain County, Missouri, is a town of about 11,000, and has been the center of the Miss Missouri selection since 1970. In fact, Miss Missouri 1990 Debbye Turner was plucked from the contest in Mexico to become that year’s Miss America. Ms. Turner won by, among other feats, performing “Flight of the Bumblebee” on the marimba.

A talented dancer named Erika Hebron was named the 2010 Miss Missouri in Mexico, and is a contestant in the 2011 Miss America pageant. Ms. Hebron received a $10,000 scholarship for winning the Miss Missouri competition. The Miss America pageant provides more college scholarships for women than any other organization in the U.S., and it all begins in places like Mexico, Missouri. According to a Mexico-based journalist, the town earned its unusual name when the area’s first settlers came upon a sign in their path that pointed towards Mexico, and decided to leave it in place to designate the town’s name.

Pageant hopefuls who spend time in Mexico have much to recommend them during their stay. They can arrive directly to a conveniently-located airport right in town. Equestrians revere Mexico as “the saddle horse capital of the world,” for the fine locally bred riding horses. The Mexico Area Community Theater has an active performance schedule that includes such classics as “On Golden Pond” and “Twelve Angry Men.” Guests can enjoy a gourmet pizza with unusual toppings including duck meat at the Mexico Country Club. Visitors can burn off the extra calories by strolling the Dorcas Trail, or at the YMCA. There are plenty of great attractions in Mexico (Missouri)!

Most of the early settler into Audrain came from Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Most of the settlers built their settlements near woods and small streams. One of the most popular settlers were John Morris, the first postmaster in Audrain county and he also owned the general store. After the first group of settlers, there was little growth until after the Civil War. Despite the slow growth a railroad was built in 1956 through the county.

Audrain county’s Civil War involvement included sending 1100 men to fight in the war. While no battles occurred on Audrain land, the railroad was used by both Confederate and Union Army members to transport weapons, soldiers and other goods across the state. Buildings and homes were damaged during the war, and residents sent to war were killed or injured in battle.

Starting in 1870 agriculture became an important money maker for the Audrain county. More settlers came to the area and settled on the prairie areas. With more railroads being built Audrain county became a well-known agricultural center of Missouri. Popular crops include corn and oats, with popular livestock choices as horses, mules, hogs and sheep.

Today Audrain continues to be a booming agricultural center, with an emphasis on education, museums and tourism. Historians and travelers both visit Audrain County for the Saddle Horse Museum and the Graceland Museum.

Audrain County is Missouri is a small rural farming community that produces firebricks. Firebricks are used at the bottom of fireplaces and kilns. The county was established in 1836. There are two differing stories on the namesake for Audrain County. One story says that the county was named after a settler, Samuel Audrain. Another story says that it was named after a member of the state legislature.
Cities and villages in Audrain County include Farber, Laddonia, Mexico, and Vandalia. Mexico, which has more than 11,000 records, according to the U.S. 2000 Census, is the main city in the county. Every year the city of Mexico hosts the Miss Missouri pageant.

Things to do in Audrain County

Most of the activities in Audrain County, center around the outdoors. Bird watching is a popular activity in the area. In the fall, people also pick apples at places like the Bender Hilltop Apple farm in Mexico. It’s also fun to tour historic areas in Audrain County. Visit Graceland Museum, or the American Saddlebred Horse Museum. The Country School will remind you of scenes from the television show, “Little House on the Prairie.” See the old school books. View historical school records, and take a look at the old-fashioned desks used in the Botts School which was built in 1903. Choose to visit themed festivals during the holidays for family fun.

Accommodations in Audrain County

Accommodations in Audrain County range from small motels to hotels. The greatest variety of accommodations are in Mexico. Best Western, Budget Inn, Days Inn, and Country Hearth Inn are some of the hotels that are located in the county seat of Mexico in Audrain County.

Restaurants

Food options in Audrain include chains like Kentucky Fried Chicken and Red Lobster, to restaurants that cater to Mexican, Italian, Chinese or American food. Try food from different restaurants, both the chains and the hometown restaurants to get a taste of Missouri in Audrain.

Many people know the great state of Missouri, what many people don’t know is that there is a great county that has been standing for well over 150 years. That’s the county of Audrain and it’s a booming county that just keeps growing. In 2000, the population of the rich county was 25, 853. The county, although no one is quite clear, seems to be named after Samuel Audrain. There are others out there who believe the county got it’s name from a state legislator known as either James Audrain or Charles Audrain.

The county is not unique. As a matter of fact it is one of the several counties that was formed along the Missouri River. It’s immigrants were from the Upper South. They had previously populated the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. These state brought slaves and slaveholding traditions with them and they were able to use those slaves to help cultivate crops that would act that would resemble what they were getting in Middle Tennessee. They started to make hemp products as well as tobacco. This turned out to be a great boon to the economy.

The south has always been known for it’s connection to tobacco and so in starting a county it was only appropriate that in the face of no other original ideas for their county that they go back to doing the old tried and true methods of running their county and making it financially viable. This is where tobacco and hemp came in. These crops became the backbone of the county until recently. While tobacco is still a viable crop, recent restraints put on the tobacco industry has made this crop far less profitable than ever before. Audrain county is one of the most stable counties and will continue that way for years to come.

No trip to Audrain County is complete without a trip to the Saddlebred Horse Museum. Located in Mexico and established in 1970, it’s the oldest museum of its type in the United States. Audrain County was once considered the “Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World” and while the area no longer holds that title, it remains proud of its heritage and invites visitors to learn about its storied history by touring the museum.

Children will be entertained and educated as they meander down the hallways and visit the many different equestrian exhibits located throughout this historic and unique museum. Adults will enjoy learning about the many different horsemen featured in the museum, including George Ford Morris and Art Simmons.

Horse enthusiasts are sure to want to tour the museum to get firsthand knowledge of Tom Bass, a famous African American horseman. Born in the 1850′s, Bass was famous around the world for his talent for training horses. He won championships all over the world and was even given the opportunity to ride in several inaugural parades. He has been compared to George Washington Carver for his refusal to allow his race get in the way of his success. The Saddlebred Horse Museum of Mexico features this great American horseman.

Visitors to the museum can also see the resting place of Rex McDonald, a famous Saddlebred horse. While this beautiful horse won the hearts of horse lovers all over America, he was returned to Mexico, Missouri to spend the final years of his life. A gravestone is erected in his honor at the museum.

The Saddlebred Horse Museum is must-see on any trip to Audrain County. Whether visitors are horse enthusiasts or simply curious about the history of the area, it’s sure to provide entertainment and peak the interest of all those who tour its halls.

Audrain County is located in the northern center of Missouri and is primarily known for its firebrick and farms. Organized on December 17, 1836, Audrain County has a population of 25,853, as of the 2000 census. It was named after James H. Audrain, who was a state legislature member.

Audrain is one of the top agricultural counties and its primary crops are corn, soybeans and wheat. The early settlers came primarily from Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. John B. Morris, one of the first settlers, became the first postmaster. He also owned a general store and operated a tavern. While the county saw little development in its first years, in 1856 a railroad was placed through the county that eventually led to the counties development. This meant that trade could prevail because there was now a way to reach other counties surrounding Audrain.

From the 1870s to the 1890s, the county grew agriculturally. More settlers arrived in the area and more railroads were built. Farming became the counties main source of income. Corn and oats were the major crops growing at this time. The main livestock were hogs, sheep, horses and mules.

Up until the 1930s, horses were becoming more popular and Audrain county hosted some of the finest show horses. Showing horses became the main attraction in the county as well as at other county fairs.

The first public school was built in 1873. By the early 1900s over 100 schools were in the area and surrounding counties. Around the 1970s these schools were consolidated into three primary school districts. In 1889 Missouri Military Academy was founded and is still around today. The Department of Education even named the academy one of the nation’s best private schools.

Today, the residents make sure to preserve old buildings as well as stay afloat on the history of the county.

Audrain county offers various facilities for the young mind to flourish and prosper. The rugged lifestyle facilitates supreme physical fitness in youngsters. There is absolutely no question of being spoiled by the ultra luxurious facilities available in urban areas. Agriculture and livestock happens to be the mainstay of the county and the hustle and bustle of city life does not penetrate Audrain county.

Of course, physical distances can be rendered irrelevant with help of high speed wireless internet connections. Hence, this place is the perfect location for a young mind to learn the essential lessons to flourish in the future even as he remains in constant touch with the outer world.

The history of Audrain county does not include a lot of military warfare. This remained true even during the Civil War. The county was evenly divided in its loyalty to both the warring parties. Of course, no battle actually took place in the county but a few skirmishes did take place. This was the maximum extent of military action in this region. However, it was an important part of the Federal military administration due to the railroads in the county. The lack of warfare has not stopped Audrain county from becoming the perfect spot for training of young minds and bodies in America.

For starters, the region is unapologetic about being rural. The economy is based on hogs, pigs and other such animals. Of course, this does not mean you will be living in the county where there is no electricity or running water. Basic amenities and facilities are available. However, Audrain county is one place where you can lead the good old rustic and rough and tough American life without any difficulty.

Any person visiting Audrain county should Focus on Mexico, which is the biggest and the oldest city in the county. This city offers all essential amenities for any visiting tourist and also offers access to various attractions nearby. If you love walking and if it helps you distress and relax, you can opt for the various hiking trails situated in the county.

If you want to spend our time relaxing in Parks, you can check out Fairgrounds, Garfield or Jefferson Street mini park or situated in Mexico itself. Of course, each and every other city in the county has something special to offer as well. With good connectivity and easy access by road and plane, you should not have any difficulty in locating Audrain county for spending your vacation here.

The community also has a very strong religious and spiritual base. This may be your best chance of enjoying religion incorporated as a part of your daily life style without any fuss or formalities attached. The laid back approach towards life is the perfect way to restore balance in your body and mind after leading stressful life in urban areas.

Located in north central Missouri, Audrain County is 692 acres on the divide between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Once all prairie land, it is now known for its farms or agriculture, and firebrick. If visiting Missouri, Audrain County is worth making a stop.

Audrain County is considered one of Missouri’s top agricultural producers. The main crops are soybeans, corn, and wheat. Audrain also has many hog farms and cattle ranches.

Mexico, the County Seat of Audrain, is where many residents and visitors can go to enjoy theater, shopping, and parks. The Mexico Area Community Theater is a non profit association that presents plays, showcases paintings, and hosts musical acts. Past productions have included ” A Christmas Carol”, “The Pied Piper”, and “The Little Shop of Horrors”. The Audrain Historical Society is within the Robert S. Green Park. The Park is 11 acres and is the location of an antebellum mansion now named the Graceland Museum and a Country School and Country Church. Graceland was built by John P. Clark who wanted a home to remind him of his home in Virginia.

Audrain County is also home to many parks, more than ten alone in the county seat of Mexico. Amenities at local parks can include playgrounds, pavilions, pools, and more. Pavilions can be reserved for barbeques, birthday parties, family reunions, or any other event.

If you are visiting at the right time, Mexico, Missouri, is home to the Miss Missouri pageant. The pageant includes the series of competitions leading up to not only Miss Missouri, but teen and children’s pageants as well.

Finally, for those visiting Audrain , shopping is diverse and includes many familiar names as well as quaint shops.Visit Falcon Antiques to look for original and unique finds, or you can more well known items at the North County Shopping center. Whether looking for modern entertainment or wanting to visit a piece of history, Audrain County can make for a great tourist destination.

Audrain County, one of the 114 counties in the state of Missouri, is a popular destination for those seeking a vacation rich in museums, historical sites and agricultural resources. Audrain County is located between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, which makes the land wonderfully fertile for farms and crops. Audrain county is the home of the American Saddlebred Horse Museum, Graceland Museum, and the site of many different agricultural crops and businesses.

The American Saddlebred Horse Museum is in Audrain County, Missouri and was opened in 1970. The museum was established to complement Graceland Museum and to date remains the largest and oldest Saddlebred Horse Museum in the United States. Exhibits in the museum include equestrian memorabilia, from saddles to porcelain dolls. The museum is open most of the year, with a month long closure in January occurring so that museum staff can move current exhibits around and also create new exhibits.

Audrain County is also home to Graceland Museum, a historical site listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. Graceland mansion was built in 1857 by John P. Clark, and served as a host to Colonel Ulysses Grant during the Civil War. Today the mansion allows visitors to enter the home and view it’s nine rooms of displays about both the mansion and the Civil War. Graceland Museum has many books, maps, pictures and other memorabilia that would interest historians, tourists and genealogists.

Adrain County is one of the most fertile parts of Missouri, with the county as one of the main producers of agricultural crops for the state. The popular crops that come from Audrain County are soybeans, corn, sorghum and wheat. The land also produces hog and cattle for meat purposes. The hogs and cattle from Audrain County are also used for human health purposes and the creation of many common home products.

Most Audrain County’s early settlers came from the states of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. They originally settled in the outskirts of the wooded area but quickly grew and settled major cities throughout the land. The major city to become developed was that of Mexico, which still serves as Audrain’s governing city.

It wasn’t until the development of the railroad throughout Audrain that the county began to really grow. The railroad allowed settlers to be able to trade and travel between areas and soon development really grew.

When the Civil War started Audrain County had many people who were ultimately divided onto which side to choose. Over half of the men and women served the Confederate army, while the other half served the Union. A lot of Audrain County was destroyed during the Civil War due to its unique location to the railroad which allowed it to become a Federal troop set up. This meant that there was a lot of riots, fighting, building destruction and even destroying the surrounding land.

After the Civil War Audrain County was able to go back to becoming the agricultural center of Missouri. Many people came from the surrounding states and even as far as Germany in order to set up farms on Audrain County land. The ideal location to the railroad allowed farmers to ship farm goods all over the country in order to maintain a living.

Sometime after the farms were developed Audrain County also saw the development of firebrick factories which became another major part of the culture of Audrain County. Farming and firebrick factories are major stables to the county’s economy even today.

Anyone seeking their fill of history and culture would do well to visit Audrain County, Missouri. The first order of the day for any historical visit to this lovely city would be to drop in on the Audrain County Historical Society and have a look around. The headquarters for the society are located within the Robert S. Green Park, an 11-acre park situated right in the heart of Audrain County in the city of Mexico.

While in the park, take advantage of the breathtaking sights of an era gone by at the old Country Church and the 1903 Country School, complete with its books, desks, and slate blackboards. If you seek both history and culture, you may enjoy spending some time in the Graceland Museum. This museum resides in antebellum home dated from 1857 and is sure to take anyone back to a simpler, quieter time.

Moving along in the park, you’ll find the American Saddlebred Horse Museum, whose construction and operation did much to secure Mexico’s long standing reputation as the Saddle Horse Capital of the World. Here you will experience the entire history of everything that is Audrain county saddle horses from champion show horses to famous and historically significant horsemen.

While a trip to Audrain county’s Robert S. Green Park may not be thrilling for families with very small children, families with older school-aged children can find a great deal of fun in the various museums and exhibits on the grounds. When one lives in a society that emphasizes the here and now of trends and pop culture, it is comforting to know that a little history and culture is never too far away. Now more than ever one must be his or her own advocate for a right to that history. A day trip to Audrain County, Missouri can certainly put you on the right path to claiming the culture that you are entitled to.

While the county of Audrain might not be a tourists first place to go to for activities and events for the family there is plenty to see and do here. Audrain County is located in the northern section of Missouri and is famous for its farm and prairie land that surround the many surrounding structures.

If you are a visitor looking for events in or around the Audrain County area, then you’ve come to the right place. Here is a quick list of some of the great activities and events a visitor can enjoy in Audrain County.

Miss Missouri Competition. Every year the Miss Missouri beauty pageant is held right in Audrain County. The winner of this compitition is crowed Miss Missouri and goes on to compete in the Miss America pageant.

Mexico Area Community Theatre. There can be some very talented invididuals that perform in community theater plays. The Mexico Area Community Theaters hosts a half dozen performances throughout the year.

Pool at the Fairgrounds. On a hot summer day all a person can think of is visiting the pool. The pool at the fairgrounds is open to the public for a small fee and can allow you to cool off on those warm summer days.

Green Estate. The Green Estate is a local park located in Audrain County. It hosts a historical building and beautiful scenic grounds. There are over 1.2 miles of paved walking trails that allows visitors to see the beautiful sights of Audrain County.

Graceland Museum. A historical manor that was once used by Ulysses S Grant during the Civil War, it is now a historical museum that allows visitors to see displays of Victorian times. Over 9 of the rooms are dedicated to allowing visitors to see the preserved nature of the Victorian manor. This museum also hosts displays that show visitors some of the rich history that makes Audrain County unique.

Missouri saw a full swinging harvesting activity in the month of October. Phil Gastler, a farmer by profession invited the local media over to his farm. He wanted the media to witness the corn harvesting in his farm. It allowed the media to understand the status quo of harvesting that was happening in Audrain County.

The farm is spread over an area of over six thousand acres. Wheat was the traditional crop all year, but this year saw a change in strategies. Wheat was replaced by corn. The rides were sponsored by a company specializing in corn seed. The Corn Belt in Audrain County saw more of such combine rides. All these efforts were to promote the farming of corn.

Phil Gastler told the media that corn harvesting is indeed profitable. Corn harvesters have outpaced other harvesters. All that was needed was approaching the harvesting process in the right fashion. If done right, the returns can be phenomenal.

Missouri experienced torrential rains. Some of the fields could not bear the brunt of the brutality of the rains, and failed due to the downpour-stress created by the rain. Unfortunately many farmers had to pull out the old crops, and seed new ones. These efforts created a re-work scenario. But the good thing was that replanting the crops got it to grow taller, and yield more produce.

Heavy rains wash away the nitrogen that is need for corn farming. Nitrogen is the main ingredient of corn farming, and when heavy rains come nitrogen is washed away. Farmers supplement this with an artificial supply of nitrogen in the manure, but this is again expensive. The best thing would be to have light rains and not torrential rains. Light rains ensure that crops have water to grow, and also get the nitrogen to not wash away.

Corn farming is experiencing an upsurge in Audrain County. Farmers are feeling more confident of turning their fields into verdant spans of fledgling corn.

A rural setting provides you with a landscape that is both easy on the eyes and relaxing for your soul. Even though you may not think that there is much to do there, there are actually more things than one can expect. Can you think of a better way to get away from your stressful life than going somewhere, where relaxation is the main part of your vacation?

Local communities are welcoming and with the relaxed pace of life you can enjoy a stress free time and enjoy the nature around you. Spend some time on a farm and you will slowly love the atmosphere. It is not just a place where your produce is grown but it is a culture you will not understand unless you have had the chance to spend some time there. Take your family and enjoy the time you spend together and everyone will have a time to remember.

Morning and evening walks on the grass and trees surrounding you will instantly bring you to a feeling of paradise. You will have the chance to bond with your family in a very different way. If it is not for the relaxation factor, then think about it as an educational trip for your family. Experiencing a new culture and a new way of life will help them increase their awareness of the country they live in.

Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving commemorates a feast held between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in 1621. Today, people celebrate Thanksgiving in a variety of different ways throughout the country. Thanksgiving is an event for family and friends to gather, enjoy good food, and commemorate everything for which they are thankful. Individuals and families choose to celebrate Thanksgiving in different ways based on their own distinct family traditions.

Thanksgiving Day Parades

• The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings in more than three million visitors along with an additional 50 million viewers on television. The parade is a 3-hour long event that features marching bands, giant balloons, and parade floats that walk from 77th street at Central Park West down to 7th Avenue and 34th, covering 2.65 miles.

• Numerous other parades take place on Thanksgiving Day, including the Winternational Thanksgiving Day Parade in Miami, The McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago, the Annual Mother Goose Parade in San Diego, and the Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Parade in Phoenix.

Thanksgiving Classic

Sports traditions are common on Thanksgiving, as well, which is true with the Thanksgiving Classic. The National Football Association hosts this annual event and has been doing so since 1920. The classic pairs three games with tailgate parties, cheerleading routines, and celebrity performers.

World’s Largest Disco

Hosted in Buffalo, New York, the World’s Largest Disco takes place at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center and brings thousands of disco enthusiasts to the dance floor. Guest appearances are common, with visits from beloved 1970s television, movie, and music stars.

Turkey Trots

• Turkey trots are family-oriented walking, running, and jogging events.

• Some turkey trot events raise money for special organizations and special causes, while others are for fun and enjoyment.

• Schools, churches, charities, businesses, and other organizations host turkey trots across the U.S.

• Turkey trots take place in cities large and small, including annual runs in San Diego, California; Southport, Connecticut; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Raleigh, North Carolina; Las Vegas, Nevada; Austin, Texas; and Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

Turkey Hunts

Turkey hunts and turkey shootouts allow families to hunt for their own turkeys. Many of these events collect funds for charitable purposes, with the proceeds going to special causes and organizations. These events bring families and friends together for the age-old tradition of hunting the turkey prior to cooking and eating it.

Turkey Shoots

In small U.S. towns, turkey shoots are a popular way to trade participation in a shooting contest for a turkey. Participants shoot at wooden targets, and those with the highest scores win birds. In Bartlett, Tennessee, participants shot hay-bale targets to win turkeys. In Memphis, Tennessee, three shots win a turkey, and all proceeds from the event benefit food banks in the area.

Although these Thanksgiving Day traditions are unique, some things ring true among all them: They center on family, friends, and loved ones gathering to enjoy good food, share stories, and give thanks. If you’re strapped for funds, you may want to consider using emergency credit to pay for a trip. Participating in one of these Thanksgiving Day traditions can create life-long memories for your entire family. And that’s something to be thankful for.

Visiting a farm is always a fun way to spend a day or even a week. Here in Audrain County, there are several farms you can visit for your pleasure and for educational purpose. Learn how crops are grown and livestock is kept. Enjoy a healthy and hearty meal right from the gardens and have the most relaxing time of your life.
Take a day trip and learn about the history of agriculture in the County. You may not be able to visit all the sites but you will have a chance to learn a little bit of the history.
Have a meal at one of the many family owned restaurants. These restaurants grow their own produce and bring them directly from their farm on a daily basis. It is healthy and you will enjoy the heightened flavors.
Learning the process of milking the dairy cows and how the milk is packaged and transported, can be very exciting. Not only do you get to see how it gets from the farm to your table, but you get to help them with the process. It will be an exciting and educational adventure for you.
Enjoy the nature and love your surroundings. Living in the city you don’t always get to see the beauty of nature so make the most of it when you are visiting.

It does not have a mixed culture. The large part of the population constitutes white Americans, while black Americans hover around ten percent. The percentage of Asians, and Hispanics is negligible. This shows that though Audrain county is not diverse culturally, it has plenty of room to accommodate an influx of culturally variety.

The primary language spoken is English. Though other languages are spoken, this is again negligible. Audrain county boasts of a high percentage of high school graduates. It has more than seventy five percent high school graduates. This easily classifies it as a place with good literacy.

Audrain county is a place that’s good to set up a home. Given the fact that three-fourth of the population own a house, this might not be difficult. A home in Audrain county will be like living in a rural backdrop of an urban setting. And not the other way round, as most people experience it.

The per capita income of Audrain county is close to twenty thousand dollars per year. This is pretty good considering that Audrain county is bang in the middle, and not along the coast. If it were, then there would be more trade and commerce happening because of its geographical disposition.

Even as we talk about the per capita income, it is interesting to note that Audrain county does have people below the poverty line. Around fifteen percent people fall below the poverty line. Now with new developments in Audrain county, that statistic will gradually come down.

Audrain county is sparsely populated at some places, and slightly denser in some parts. So there’s a lot of place, and less people here. Yet it does not wear a desolated look.

With it fertile soil, Audrain County is one of Missouri’s leading agricultural counties. Its main crops are wheat, sorghum, corn, soybeans and grain. At one time Audrain County was a national producer of horses and mules but now produces more cattle and hogs.

Education is important to the residents of Audrain County and most of its students attend one of the three public schools housed there. Also located in Audrain County is Missouri Military Academy, an all male private boarding school. Founded in 1889, Missouri Military Academy is now one of the leading military academies in the United States. This beautiful campus welcomes visitors and tours are scheduled by contacting the school.

Robert S. Green Park, located in the town of Mexico, houses the Audrain County Historical Society. Visitors to the park will find Graceland Museum, a beautiful antebellum mansion that played host to Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. Guests are welcome to tour nine of the museum’s rooms which house displays illustrating the history of Audrain County.

Horse enthusiasts will enjoy touring the American Saddlebred Horse Museum located there. The famous show horse Rex McDonald is buried on the museum’s grounds.

Audrain County is also important to the country’s political life since it is home to current U.S. Senator Christopher Bond. Senator Bond also served as Governor of Missouri.

Audrain County plays an important role in Missouri’s agricultural, educational and political life. Visitors can expect to find a friendly place full of small town activities to entertain them during their stay.

There are plenty of places to visit in this great country of ours, so why Audrain County? Think rich farmlands, family owned restaurants, a military academy, some serious history, and other fascinating sites, and you will see why. Audrain County, in Missouri, is located between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, making it a rich fertile area, known as one of the top agricultural producers, as well as a top livestock producer. Since many of the restaurants are family owned, the dining experience is both delectable and healthy. Fresh picked vegetables with all of the flavor still fresh, as well as prime livestock make for a vacationer’s treat.

A visit to Audrain County would not be complete without a stop at the Missouri Military Academy for young men. Founded in 1889, the U.S. Department of Education lists the Academy as one of the best private schools in the country. Rich in military history, Audrain County is also home to Graceland Museum, built in 1857, which boasts Ulysses S. Grant as one of its boarders during the Civil War. One can tour the mansion which exhibits maps, books and pictures pertaining to the Civil War.

Audrain County is a perfect mix of rest and relaxation, with a sprinkle of history. While here, one can visit a farm and learn how the crops are grown or how the livestock are raised, how to milk a cow, and other rural life. If hiking is on your list, the many beautiful trails and parks of Audrain County will surely please you.

This great country of ours is full of hard working people. With all the stress of deadlines at our jobs, taking care of the family, and keeping up with our homes, it is nice to know there is a place to go where we can take a deep breath and just enjoy all that this great country has to offer.

In 1836 when the county was just being founded those that came here came from elsewhere in the south. They sat down and established this community because of it’s easy access to the water source of the river. This wasn’t an uncommon practice in those days. As a people there is nothing more important to the vitality of the community than having a plentiful water source. Settling down by the river was a natural progression and made the most sense.

They also brought with them something else: slaves. To be completely fair, this was never anything that was considered a problem until the late 1850′s and once the decision came out to end slavery those in power were more than compliant. However, the importance of bringing it up is the history lesson and a reminder of how things were back then. There was a time when you had to look at slaves as part of your own work force. These days having slaves out in the fields to tend to crops wouldn’t be possible or even desirable but back when those who were founding Audrain county they had to do what was best for growing their crop and they needed workers. Slaves weren’t a desirable part of any work force(being that it was inhumane) but they were the way of things back in those days.

The best time to visit Audrain county is the spring and the summer. There is nothing that can beat a southern state in the Summer. It’s one of the reasons why the tourism in the state of Missouri grows as the weather gets warmer.

If you are here for the right time of year then you will learn that Missouri, just like most other states, is football obsessed. They love their high school and college football. So if you are looking for something to do on a friday or Saturday night then you can head over and watch some football.

What Missouri is known for is it’s down home cooking. If you want a meal that will keep you raving for weeks and one that you can enjoy with the whole family, then there are no shortage of restaurants you will find in Missouri. It’s great to sit back and have a burger or some mashed potatoes made with tender loving care and served by people with southern hospitality. Audrain county might not be on everyones list for places to visit, but it’s a great place.

B. Cattle

Pound for pound, Americans eat more beef than any other meat. Beef is an excellent source of:

Complete protein, which builds, maintains and repairs body tissues.
Absorbable iron, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen to body cells and tissues.
Zinc, a necessary mineral for growth and reproduction, and for maintaining the integrity of the body’s immune system.
B-vitamins, which are important for digestion and metabolism, maintaining a healthy nervous system, and promoting healthy skin.

Cattle provide us with many by-products –
Blood factors (for treating hemophilia, killing viruses and making anti-rejection drugs)
Chymotrypsin (promotes healing of burns and wounds)
Collagen (used in plastic surgery and to make non-stick bandages)
Cortisol (anti-inflammatory)
Glucagon (treats hypoglycemia or low blood sugar)
Heparin (anitcoagulant used to treat blood clots)
Insulin (for treating diabetes or high blood sugar)
Pancreatin (aids in digestion of food)
Thrombin (coagulant that helps blood clot)
Vasopressin (controls intestinal and renal functions)
Vitamin B-12 (prevention of B-complex deficiencies)

Additional by-products (made from cattle fats and protein):
Candles, Ceramics, Cosmetics, Crayons, Deodorants, Detergents, Floor Wax, Insecticides, Insulation, Linoleum, Mouthwash, Paints, Paper, Perfume, Plastic, Shaving Cream, Soaps, Synthetic Rubber, Textiles and Toothpaste

Cowhide provides leather, which is used to make clothing, shoes, boots, belts, purses, wallets, gloves, luggage, and automobile and furniture upholstery.

Information sources: History of Audrain County an Update 1936-1986, Sponsor’s Edition, Audrain Centennial History, History of Audrian County Missouri. Note: All of the books mentioned are located at the Mexico-Audrain Library.

Currently there are more than 60 Audrain Agribusiness members. Members pay yearly dues. The organization has a committee that meets monthly to take care of detailed operations and regular business. The committee also plans and coordinates many of the activities for the organization.

The 1998 board members are: Delana Becker, Lori Diemeke, Mike Fuller, Guy Eick, Dan Monte, Tony Robertson, Jean Ann Mechlin and Mary Sobba

Audrain Medical Center

What makes a great health system?

It all starts with a hospital — a hospital like Audrain Medical Center, with nearly 80 years of experience in bringing life into the world, keeping us healthy, treating our emergencies and helping us recover.

Our state-of-the-art Emergency Room saw more than 14,000 patients last year, and our surgery suite is home to many services that you may not have thought possible this close to home, including foldable lens, no-stitch cataract procedures and total joint replacements. In fact, nearly 30 medical specialities are practiced by our physicians and right here in Mexico — from Anesthesiology and Cardiology to Sports Medicine and Urology.

It takes more to be a system of health care. It takes a system of clinics that bring quality health care directly into our rural communities. Our MedChoice clinics and physicians provide family health care in cities like Vandalia, Montgomery City, Wellsville, Paris, Mexico, and Perry.

Our AMCare service takes health care one step further — right into the home. AMCare provides home health, hospice, and homemaker services throughout our region.

AMC’s Arthur Center is the region’s leader in treatment and counseling for these illnesses, as well as substance abuse, marriage/family & and women’s issues. We’re here to help 24 hours a day.

HEALTHworks provides outpatient physical rehabilitation services. This includes physical therapy, sports medicine, occupational medicine, and speech therapy. Simply put, we help our patients recover quickly from their injuries/surgeries so they can return to life and work again.

And now we are extremely excited about Missouri Advantage, our new regional health plan. Missouri Advantage is the only health plan in our area that is locally owned and managed but has the strength of a state-wide network of independent, rural hospitals. Missouri Advantage was the first provider-sponsored health plan in our area, including Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri.HRB

This is an exciting time for health care in our communities and Audrain Medical Center looks forward to providing the physicians, facilities, and services to keep us healthy and well into the next century.