What a difference a day (trip) makes: Ideas for outings with friends, family or by yourself

Our family has a patented day trip: the St. Louis Zoo followed by dinner at Fitz's Soda Bar and Grill. We spend the day looking at the animals and then we look at the bottlers while we wait for our burgers to arrive. By 7 p.m., we are headed south again on Interstate 55, full, tired and happy. Many Southeast Missouri families may have a similar formula. If you're looking to break out of your routine, get away with your significant other, enjoy some girl time or take a day just for yourself, here are some trips that are big on rest or recreation with little driving.

With your family ...

Between 1938 and 1968, The Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built dams on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers to prevent flooding, generate hydroelectric power and develop recreational areas from the resulting lakes: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

If you want a quick "beach" getaway, try visiting one of the resorts built along these lakes, just two hours away from Cape Girardeau. I prefer Green Turtle Bay Resort in Grand Rivers, Ky., which has great pools and special activities like feeding the turtles in the marina. My husband's parents favor the slower pace of The Moors Resort and Marina in Gilbertsville, Ky. While both are packed in the summertime with boaters, they are relaxing in the spring, providing lake breezes, pretty scenery and playgrounds for the kids to explore.

With your sweetie ...

Every couple knows the value of quality time together. However, when your version of quality time becomes a quick trip to Lowes without the kids, it might be time for an intervention.

If you are looking for old-fashioned romance, nothing beats a bed and breakfast. And, just one hour away from Cape Girardeau in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., you can find a variety of them. My husband and I fell in love with The Inn St. Gemme Beauvais on Main Street. One of the best feelings in the world is the comfort that comes from walking around historic streets hand-in-hand, snuggling in for the night and waking up to the delicious aroma of bacon being fried by somebody who is not you.

With your friends ...

If a day out with your besties is what you crave, there are some amazing wineries a short drive away. Set in the beautiful countryside, serving up their own vintages and delectable bites and offering live music, these wineries are a perfect setting for girl talk. The Barrens Winery in Perryville, Mo., has a huge front porch where you can enjoy some sangria, guacamole rangoons and laughs. My personal favorite is River Ridge Winery in Commerce, Mo., where owner Jerry Smith always gives customers a warm welcome and is quick to share a joke. A bottle of Lucky Dog, a basket of warm bread with roasted garlic grapeseed oil for dipping, and good conversation is a recipe for a fantastic day trip.

On your own ...

Every once in awhile, a day opens up that is all yours. Maybe the kids are in school, but you're off. Perhaps your partner is out of town on business and your calendar (for once) is clear. What to do with this gift?

If you just have an afternoon to yourself, consider spending it in downtown Cape Girardeau. Take your time to look through the rooms full of treasure at Annie Laurie's Antiques to find the perfect addition to your home decor or wardrobe. Savor a cup of locally roasted coffee at Cup 'N' Cork. Stroll along the river. Pick up a special new accessory at Sloan & Themis or Stash.

If you want to make a day of it, consider making the drive to St. Louis to poke around independently owned bookstores. Located in Tower Grove in the midst of some funky eateries, Dunaway Books provides three floors with shelves of fine, used, rare and out-of-print books to peruse. Take your finds to one of the many parks, scout out a good bench and enjoy.

If you have the whole weekend, you might make a five-hour trip to a place what European visitors once traveled across the ocean for: Hot Springs, Ark. Check into one of the spas within Hot Springs National Park to experience the healing waters. This is an adventure I would like to go on someday, perhaps staying at The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa, where I could have a good soak, get a massage and enjoy the historic grandeur of the grounds. I think that would be the essence of discovering the difference a day trip can truly make!