For when you’re feeling old-fashioned…
**Moberly**
_Point of interest: B&B Moberly Drive-in_
_Distance from MU Student Center: 39.0 miles_
_How much it will cost you: $7.50_
Nothing screams “1950s” like a drive-in movie. Attached to an indoor, five-screen movie theater, the B&B Moberly Drive-in shows one movie every weeknight, and a back-to-back double feature every weekend. Rather than hitting up a regular theater for your summer blockbuster viewing, why not give the drive-in a shot? The twist on movie night would shake up a Saturday night date, or a weeknight hangout sesh with your friends. We’re betting “The Fault in Our Stars” or “Godzilla” would be great snuggled up in your car with a bag of popcorn, and the 42-minute trek is totally worth it for the old-timey feel.
For when you’re looking to staycation…
**Rocheport**
_Point of interest: Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest_
_Distance from MU Student Center: 14.0 miles_
_How much it will cost you: $80-145_
The closest to CoMo of all of our mid-Missouri travel picks, Rocheport is about as cute and quaint as a small town can get. Plus, it’s got easy access to the Katy Trail, making it the perfect place for all sorts of outdoorsy activities. We recommend making the (almost) staycation and grabbing a reservation at the adorable Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest, where you can stay in one of many suites — or even the boxcar guest cottage! (And hey, as long as you’re in the area, stop by Les Bourgeois Vineyards for a fancy-shmancy dinner and some grape juice tasting. Wink.)
For when you want to learn more about Missouri…
**Jefferson City**
_Point of interest: Missouri State Capitol Building_
_Distance from MU Student Center: 31.6 miles_
_How much it will cost you: nothing — it’s free!_
To some, visiting the Missouri Capitol might sound like a total snoozefest. But au contraire. Not only is a visit to the capitol building in Jefferson City free of charge, but it provides a look into the workings of the state legislature and a look at some gorgeous architecture. Walk in and grab a spot in a guided tour or take the self-guided route and meander around the building at your own pace. Either way, be sure to check out the Missouri State Museum, which can also be found in the Capitol building. Plus, the Central Dairy ice cream shop is just a 10-minute walk away. Yum.
For when you’re craving food, fun and Florida Georgia Line…
**Sedalia**
_Point of interest: Missouri State Fair_
_Distance from MU Student Center: 68.9 miles_
_How much it will cost you: $8_
The 2014 Missouri State Fair, complete with concerts, contests and concessions, will be held in Sedalia from Aug. 7-17. And, as you might guess, those 10 days of fair end in a little bit of something for everyone: carnival rides for the kiddos (or the kids at heart), farmers markets for the fresh food fanatics, cooking and farm animal contests for the competitive spirits and even a Florida Georgia Line concert for the country music fans. Pack a group of friends into your truck or convince your family to tag along. The state fair = _totally_ worth the day trip.
For when you want to try something new…
**Fulton**
_Point of interest: Auto World Museum_
_Distance from MU Student Center: 29.9 miles_
_How much it will cost you: $10_
Who knew Fulton had a museum dedicated solely to the history of the automobile? According to the museum’s [website](http://autoworldmuseum.com/), the museum holds around 80 vehicles, all of which are set up in exhibits depicting historical scenes that put the automobiles in context. If you’re in search of a completely new, fun way to spend your day off, try out the Auto World Museum. It could be hokey, but it could also be really darn cool.
For when you need a little retail therapy…
**Osage Beach**
_Point of interest: Osage Beach Premium Outlets_
_Distance from MU Student Center: 76.4 miles_
_How much it will cost you: Nothing … until you spend all your money at J. Crew_
By the time its mid-July, you might find yourself itching for a place to drop all of that hard-earned cash from your summer job. Have no fear, the outlets at Osage Beach have got your back (and your wallet). From PacSun to Polo, this outlet mall has just about every store your happy little heart could desire, which makes the 1.25-hour drive feel worth the trouble. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can search for a stretch of public beach along the Lake of the Ozarks, or try your hand at spelunking in one of the many nearby caves. Why not, right?
