- MEET Magazines
- May 21, 2024
by Rebekah Icenesse
Don your sunglasses and embark on a summer-filled journey throughout Missouri to discover its top destinations blending business and leisure, a concept famously known as “bleisure.” From new casinos and museums to ample opportunities for fun recreational activities, these excellent destinations offer more than just places to meet.
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
For decades, the Lake of the Ozarks has been named the “Midwest’s premier lake resort destination” and it’s no question as to why. The Lake offers the perfect backdrop for any meeting or event with a variety of unique venues to choose from. With great hospitality and a “retreat” feel, the Lake is a centralized, affordable location that effortlessly blends business with leisure. Whether you want to lounge in a floatie on the lake, partake in various water sports, spend a relaxing day hitting golf balls on the many golf courses, or explore the scenic hiking trails and caves, the Lake has everything you could want right at your fingertips.
If you need to take a break from the meeting room and get some fresh summer air, there are also plenty of fine dining options as well as spas and wellness options to help make your visit even more comfortable and memorable.
Contact Info:
Lake of the Ozarks CVB
985 KK Drive
Osage Beach, MO 65065
(573) 348-1599
Springfield, MO
Transition from spring to summer in Springfield, a vibrant city brimming with warm hospitality and innovative local flair. Boasting an exceptional dining scene, top-tier attractions, newly renovated venues, and affordability, Springfield promises an unforgettable experience for your event destination. When you’re outside the meeting room, explore the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, where immersive wildlife galleries bring you face-to-face with an unparalleled collection of animals and a captivating aquarium full of sea life. Journey through one of the 90 parks in the Springfield-Greene County Parks system or, if you’re looking for dazzling entertainment, see a show or play at one of the many local theaters. Springfield has plenty of vibrant and exciting entertainment options available year-round.
Contact Info:
Springfield CVB
815 E. Saint Louis St., Suite 100
Springfield, MO 65806
(417) 881-5300
Columbia, MO
Struggling to choose between a small town and a big city for your next event? Look no further than Columbia, where you get the perfect blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm. Columbia boasts an impressive array of museums, art galleries, and accommodations to cater to every taste. Wander through its thriving downtown that is bustling with a variety of boutique shops and delicious restaurants. If you need to take a break outside the meeting room, explore the outdoor sites and parks around the area, like Rock Bridge State Park, the MKT Nature Trail, or Battlefield Lavender, the largest lavender farm in Missouri.
Contact Info:
Columbia CVB
300 South Providence Road Columbia MO 65203
(573) 874-2489
Cape Girardeau, MO
The ideal place to live, work, and play. Cape Girardeau combines hospitality and entertainment into a can’t-be-missed destination. Perched right on the Mississippi River, visitors from all over the nation travel to Cape Girardeau to experience the delicious food and fun entertainment that only this destination can bring. Offering 23 nature parks, a thriving arts community, and an abundance of delicious restaurants, this destination provides a stunning backdrop that enriches your business travel.
If you’re looking for the latest hotel to stay or even book your next event, The Riverview, located in historic downtown Cape Girardeau on the banks of the Mississippi River, is ready to welcome you. This new hotel adjoins Century Casino Cape Girardeau where guests and attendees can enjoy one property for relaxation, entertainment, and state-of-the-art meeting space. Any gathering at the Century Casino Cape Girardeau promises the perfect combination of work and play. Whether you’re seeking respite, excitement, or a seamless fusion of both, The Riverview awaits and promises an unparalleled escape along the enchanting riverfront.
Contact Info:
Cape Girardeau CVB
220 North Fountain Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 335-1631
St. Charles, MO
If you need the perfect getaway but don’t want the fast-paced city vibes of downtown St. Louis, St. Charles is the ideal destination for you. A river city riddled with fascinating history, St. Charles offers some new and exciting opportunities that will take you directly from the meeting room into court… of pickleball, that is. Chicken ‘N Pickle is the new hot spot for St. Charles that opened in December 2023. Combining great food, drinks, and the love of pickleball, Chicken ‘N Pickle features plenty of indoor and outdoor space, including a rooftop bar, to have a meal or play a friendly (or competitive) pickleball game.
Take a break from the pickleball courts and step back in time by visiting The Soda Museum & Arcade, which newly opened on historic Main Street in a restored building from 1896. Originally a flour mill, it’s now a 17,000-square-foot museum that includes vintage collectibles from the 1880s to 1980s. There is also an arcade on the lower level as well as space to accommodate private parties and events.
Contact Info:
Greater St. Charles CVB
230 S. Main Street
St. Charles MO, 63301
(636) 946-7776
MEET
Rebekah Icenesse is a contributing writer from St. Louis.
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MEET Magazines
The MEET Magazines include regional and national publications that keep corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant industry suppliers, news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their upcoming company function(s).
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
