Vacation

 Take a family vacation where "family" is the focus — Eagle Hurst Ranch in Steelville.

Visitors come by the thousands each year to Stockbridge, a picturesque town nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. They come because of the faith of a Polish nun.

Stockbridge is the home of the Norman Rockwell Museum, but 40,000-50,000 faith-filled believers who visit annually have a different destination: Eden Hill and the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy.

“I’m goin’ to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come …” the words Wilbert Harrison’s 1959 hit ring true to many Missourians. A pretty straight shot across the state from St. Louis, about 235 miles on Interstate 70, it’s an easy four-hour drive. In these days of high gas prices and tight money, it’s the perfect spot for an out-of-town vacation that won’t break the bank.

I speak from experience. I love Kansas City. Every time I’ve been there I’ve had a ball, and I always leave with a mental list of things to do on our next visit.

Folks enjoying a vacation at Eagle Hurst Ranch can venture away from the resort for a day to enjoy hiking in nearby sections of the Ozark Trail and the Mark Twain National Forest.

But, as the Boy Scouts caution, be prepared. Even a hike of an hour or two requires a little preparation, even if nothing more than good, sturdy shoes and a bottle of water.

The helpful people at the Ozark Trail Association offer these helpful hints make your outdoor experience go smoothly.

Going on vacation doesn’t mean skipping Mass. With few exceptions and with a little planning, you can find a Catholic church in or near almost any location.

The easiest way to do this is to use one — or both — of the most commonly used, easily available tools we have: the telephone and the computer.

Use the phone