Escape the winter chill in historic Independence, home of President Harry Truman and his beloved wife Bess. Begin at the Truman Home Visitors Center, 223 N. Main, to see a free movie telling about the early life of Harry and Bess, how they met, their courtship, marriage and life in the modest two story white home at 219 N. Delaware. (The home is closed for repairs until summer, 2010.) Their love story continues at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24 Highway, where you’ll see an award winning film about Harry, find out what was behind major decisions such as the recognition of Israel, the desegregation of the Armed Forces, the dropping of the Atom Bomb and the Korean War in one of the “decision theaters” and walk into the life-size re-creation of the Oval Office. Don’t miss, Bess’s white satin wedding shoes on the lower level and the graves of Harry and Bess in the courtyard.

           Shoppers love the fine antique stores, home décor, gift and specialty shops that surround the historic Square. One of a kind eateries offer lunch selections that range from Italian to upscale eclectic menus and German cuisine. Save room for a hand dipped sundae or phosphate at Clinton’s Soda Fountain, where Truman held his first job in high school, sweeping floors and dusting counters for the princely sum of $3 a week. Don’t miss The Angel Lady, just off the Square, at 216 S. Spring. The store, born out of the owner’s personal collection of angels, has an inventory of approximately 20,000 angels including wooden, ceramic, wire, stained glass and resin angels.

           For contemporary shopping, drive to the Independence Center and Little Blue Parkway area, where major chains thrive, nestled among a wide array of dining choices and national hotel chains. The new Independence Events Center offers evening concerts, sports events and a community ice rink.

For the truly unusual, Leila’s Hair Museum, 1333 S. Noland Road, has a collection of hair work art that was popular in the 1800s and includes 360 framed hair wreaths and over 2,000 pieces of jewelry made of hair. The museum has been featured in “People” magazine and is a must-see for those who look for unique attractions.

           The strains of a world famous 102 rank organ in a sanctuary with a spiral ceiling soaring almost 300 feet upward are free for the asking at a weekly organ concert at the Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River. You can also take a self-guided audio tour featuring a worshipper’s path, which includes pieces of sculpture, Japanese flower arrangements, and a soothing fountain.

           Check into one of the extraordinary bed and breakfasts in Independence, which include prize winning B&Bs for best suites, best B&Bs and best breakfast. Several are in historic homes, and are decorated with period furnishings and antiques

           If your girlfriend getaway is planned for April 1 or after, don’t miss the elegance of the restored Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific and Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty.

           For hours, directions, admission costs and coupons, or to view the new 2010 interactive brochure, go to www.visitindependence.com or call (800) 748-7323.