Day Trips
Open Nov 23 - Dec 30, 2007 (Closed Dec 23-25)
Stop 1 - Vaile Mansion
1500 N. Liberty
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 45 minutes
816-325-7430 www.vailemansion.org
Adorned for "A Victorian Crystal Fantasy", decorations are enhanced by the beauty of marble fireplace mantels, crystal chandeliers, and magnificent gilded mirrors. Ribbons, lace, crystals, garlands and bells make each room a portrait of Victorian splendor.
The 31-room Second Empire Victorian Mansion boasts hand-painted and stenciled ceilings and elaborate hand graining on woodwork.
Stop 2 - 1859 Marshal's Home & Museum
217 N. Main
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 45 minutes
816-461-1897 www.jchs.org
Experience "A Homespun Frontier Christmas" at the 1859 Marshal's Home and Museum decorated with homemade wreaths, ribbons and ornaments from the 1850s.
Stop 3 - Lunch & Shopping on the Historic Square, Main & Lexington
Allow 1 1/2 hours
Choose one of seven unique restaurants on beautiful lighted Independence Square. Take in charming holiday windows, sleigh rides, antique stores and numerous one-of-a-kind shops with seasonal food and merchandise.
Stop 4 - Bingham Waggoner Estate
313 W. Pacific
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 45 minutes
816-461-3491 www.bwestate.org
Holiday sparkle throughout the home carries out the theme "All that Glitters-A Victorian Christmas" with the use of glittering ornaments, shimmering crystals, twinkling lights, and boughs of greenery.
Enjoy tea and home-baked holiday treats in the third floor Victorian Tea Room.
Stop 5 - National Frontier Museum
318 W. Pacific
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 1 hour
816-325-7575 www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org
During America's expansion in the 1800s, three great routes led the pioneers west - the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. Watch a 17-minute film called "West", view covered wagons and pioneer exhibits, shop in the gift store and go next door to tour the Chicago & Alton Depot.
Stop 6 - Angel Lady
216 South Spring Street
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 30 minutes
816-252-5300
This unique gift shop has five rooms filled with more than 35,000 angels from all over the world and an expanded selection of Christmas wreaths during the holiday season.
Truman Presidential Museum & Library
500 W. 24 Hwy
816-268-8200 www.trumanlibrary.org
Step into a replica of President Truman's Oval Office, visit the Museum Store, and take in the special exhibit: "Treasures of the Presidents" running through January 4, 2008. Santa will be returning to the museum this year.
View the museum's two permanent exhibitions, Harry S Truman: The Presidental Years and Harry S Truman: His Life and Times. Enjoy a film by producer Charles Guggenheim.
Truman Home Visitor/Information Center Slide Show
223 N. Main
816-254-9929 www.nps.gov/hstr
President Harry Truman called Christmas the "Great Home Festival" and he called Independence home. Visit the Truman Home to see the simple lifestyle and holiday celebrations of this plain-talking president. A special holiday exhibit at the Visitors Center includes Truman's 40s & 50s Christmas decorations and greeting cards.