This might not be the official nickname of the state, but by Golly,
it’s pretty true. Just look at our license plates. We’re proud to tell you.
We’re also known as “The Cave State” because there are more than 6000 recorded
caves in Missouri. While I haven’t been in most of them, I’ve been in a few,
and it’s quite the experience.
Missouri sits smack dab in the middle of the country, which is a
decided advantage for travel and trade purposes. Overall, the cost of living is
lower than on either coast. We have a
lot of rivers and lakes, including the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and the
beautiful Lake of the Ozarks, located in the Ozark Mountains. Don’t let the name
fool you. They aren’t really mountains,’ cause they’re not tall enough to
qualify, but they sure are beautiful. Get in a boat and go out on the Lake,
it’s gorgeous.
The largest cities in Missouri are St. Louis, Kansas City, and
Jefferson City. St. Louis was the starting point for the Lewis and Clark
expedition, and if you go to historic Fort Bellefontaine, you can see where the
explorers began their journey.
There are many parks located throughout the state, and they offer a variety of things to do, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. And of course, there are the caves, many of which offer guided tours. You can visit Jesse James’ hideout in Meramec Caverns. I’ve been there more than once myself. You can tour Daniel Boone’s home, or the home of Ulysses S. Grant. If you go to Grant’s Farm, in St. Louis, you can ride the train, see the animals, and receive complimentary beer (if you’re of age!). The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best in the country, and it’s free! Or go to Hermann, and tour some of the wineries! Don’t forget to visit Hannibal, home of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Six Flags is located in Eureka, if you’re looking for an
amusement park.
Recently, I took my daughter and her friend to Laumeier Sculpture Park
here in St. Louis, and she took some pictures of a few of the interesting sculptures
we saw. This is a great place to picnic. And if you’re
visiting St. Louis and want some great Chinese food, go to Old St. Louis Chop
Suey.
Did I mention I have a prize to give away? I
do! A copy of anything from my backlist. What do you have to do? Just comment.
Tell me something interesting about your state.
When Will I Be Loved is the
sequel to When Will I See You Again.
The second book is about Miller Fenwick, best friend of Alexx Jameson. I have
to say if not for one of my readers, this book would never have come to be, so
thank you very much, Shorty!
Blurb:
Fairy tales can come true…
Miller Fenwick wants the kind of happy ending his best friend got, with
the hunky werewolf of his dreams. Trouble is, there doesn’t seem to be a Prince
Charming on the horizon, and casual encounters don’t cut it anymore. Now that
Alexx and Raoul are engaged, Miller is becoming resigned to being the
bridesmaid, never the bride. But a chance encounter with a sexy stranger at
Charisma has his hopes soaring, and his heart is wide open to possibilities.
Holt Wynne is the head of Helios, the largest vampire organization in
the country. He’s a very influential and wealthy man, with a deep-seated hatred
of werewolves. His running into Miller at Charisma isn’t entirely accidental.
He’d meant to wait, but his emotions got the better of him, and he couldn’t
stay away. And now see what he’s done…
Wait until Miller finds out he’s sortof just gotten married to the sexy
vampire who hates the people who are Miller’s best friends. Sparks are gonna
fly—and not just in the bedroom. One thing for sure—life in Crescent Bay is
never dull!
Julie Lynn Hayes first began publishing short
stories and poetry in the 1990’s, when it was a different ballgame altogether,
and Ebooks hadn’t been dreamed of yet. That changed in 2010 with the acceptance
of her first romance novel. She’s come a long way since that first book
appeared, and is finding the journey a very educational one.
She lives in St. Louis with her daughter
Sarah and her cat Ramesses. She often writes of two men finding true love and
happiness in one another’s arms, and is a great believer in the happily ever
after. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to
see what is possible. Her great challenge is to be told something can’t be
done—she feels compelled to do it.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys crafts, such
as crocheting and cross stitch,
needlepoint and knitting, and she loves to cook, spending time watching
the Food Network. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian. Her family thinks
she’s a bit off, but she doesn’t mind. Marching to the beat of one’s own
drummer is a good thing, after all. Her published works can be found at
Dreamspinner Press, eXtasy Books, Wayward Ink Press, and Amber Quill Press.
Links to Julie Hayes work:
(Info Provided by Author and Author's Daughter)
Just wishing you a good morning and good luck with all of your books. I enjoyed reading about Missouri as I had lived there the four years I was in high school at Oran, a small town in Southeast MO. I still have friends there that I keep in touch with.
ReplyDeleteNice post about eastern Missouri (yes, Missour-ee, not -uh.)I'd like to invite the readers to also visit the largest city in the state, Kansas City, the City of Fountains. You can visit the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, our outstanding zoo, various botanical gardens, the fantastic Nelson Art Gallery, sports stadiums, the lovely Country Club Plaza shopping area and on and on.
ReplyDeleteI went to school at Washington U. in St. Louis and find lots there to like, too. Missouri has loads of tourist attractions.
My critique partner just moved back to MO from Boston. I miss her like crazy, but I can sense' the relief in her voice at finally being home.
ReplyDeleteDo you know Mia Marlowe aka Lexie Eddings?