The holidays can be super stressful, with all the shopping, prepping, overnight guests, and parties.  For your sanity, it might just be a good idea to take a little time for yourself to relax.  Here are some ideas of ways to chill out in Missouri.

1. Take a walk or bike ride (weather permitting).

You may just be near enough to hop on the Katy Trail, the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project that stretches across the state from the Machens to Clinton. If you aren’t, there’s a good chance that there’s a great place to do so right outside your front door.

2. Getaway in a cozy lakeside cabin.

One option is Big Cedar Lodge, located just 10 miles south of Branson. Since 1921, guests at Big Cedar have enjoyed scenic vistas, refreshing mountain air, and Ozark hospitality at this mountain resort. For more information, visit bigcedar.com.

3. Visit a relaxing winery or vineyard and taste some Missouri wine.

Les Bourgeois Vineyard in Rocheport is a great choice. At the vineyard’s Blufftop Bistro, you can get your wine tasting on while enjoying a panoramic view of the Missouri River Valley. Find out more at missouriwine.com.

4. Visit the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Even in the winter, the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis can be magical. Pictured is the Japanese Garden. For more information, visit missouribotanicalgarden.org.

5. Treat yourself to a nice, relaxing spa getaway.

Spoil yourself at Spa Chateau at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa in Branson. The spa features ten secluded treatment rooms, a tranquil infinity tub and an outdoor Roman Bath overlooking Table Rock Lake. The huge 14,000-square-foot spa is a retreat experience to remember. For more information, visit chateauonthelake.com.

6. Visit an art museum.

In Kansas City, try the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, located at 4525 Oak Street. Visit their website at nelson-atkins.org or listen to what some visitors have had to say.

7. Take a scenic drive along a country road

Near Clarksville.

8. Visit one of Missouri’s many historic towns.

Arrow Rock, with a population of only 56, still manages to attract over 100,000 visitors each year to visit this historic place. The entire village was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service in 1963, and many of the structures within the village are also individually designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides the historic buildings, Arrow Rock also has museums, antique and gift shops, restaurants and the renowned Lyceum Theatre.

9. Have dinner in a scenic rooftop restaurant.

Three-Sixty is a rooftop restaurant and bar located in the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. It offers sweeping views in all directions from nearly 400 feet above downtown St. Louis, including a birds’ eye view right into Busch Stadium. Relax with a cocktail and a tasty bite to eat, and enjoy the view. Visit 360-stl.com for more information.

10. Visit a planetarium.

The James S. McDonnell Planetarium on the Saint Louis Science Center campus was built in 1963 and features unique architectural design by Gyo Obata. It’s distinctive thin-shell and hyperboloid elements not only has great shows inside but also lights up at night with various themes. Visit slsc.org/planetarium for more information.

11. Get a massage

In Springfield, try the Grove Spa, with two locations for your convenience. They not only have various massage options, they also provide skincare, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. For information on treatment, prices and hours of operation, visit grovespa.com.

12. Catch a beautiful sunset.

The Missouri River makes a perfect backdrop.

13. Take a nap.

Go on! You earned it!

What are some other things you can do to relax?  Do any of these sound good to you?  I think napping is awesome, myself.  Share in the comments below.