Outdoor Adventure Awaits

For a true equestrian adventure, trot over to Black, Missouri, and enjoy a western experience with southern hospitality at Brushy Creek Lodge, 420 Country Road 831.

Founded in 1997, Brushy Creek has grown to become one of the best equine campgrounds in the country. Located in the Eastern Ozarks in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest, Brushy Creek is a portal to rustic lodging, swimming and cross-country trail riding.

Finish a relaxing evening with a stay in a rustic, well-furnished cabin tucked back in the trees. For those who prefer camping, Brushy Creek offers an equestrian campground designed to handle tents, pop-ups, horse trailers and RVs, complete with shower facilities, stables, free WiFi and 130 miles of trails.

Do a little bit of everything or relax and do nothing at all at Brushy Creek.

Visit www.brushycreeklodge.com or call 573-269-4600 for more information or to plan your stay.

For a new appreciation of the simpler things in life, visit Arthur, Illinois, in the heart of Illinois Amish Country. The area covers approximately 64 square miles and is located in central Illinois, about two and a half hours from St. Louis.

Founded over 150 years ago, the Amish community in the Arthur area is the oldest and largest Amish settlement in Illinois. Visit the rural countryside to meet and observe the area’s approximately 4,500 Amish residents as they go about their daily lives. Visitors are asked to respect their culture by not taking their photos.

Amish religion and culture are characterized by living without electricity, simple dress and traditional forms of transportation. It is not out of the ordinary to see horse-drawn buggies, wagons, farm equipment and bicycles on the roadways. Remember to be watchful and share the roadways.

For a great first stop, check out the Amish Country Welcome Center at 106 E. Progress Street.

Downtown Arthur is where shoppers can find a variety of crafted woodwork items, custom furniture, quilts, artwork, decorative items, and homemade cheese, jelly, apple butter and baked goods — just remember that Amish businesses are closed on Sundays.

While visiting, check out Aikman’s Wildlife Adventure, a wildlife drivethrough park where you can get up close and personal to animals only seen behind fencing at zoos or on TV.

Start the fall season off right with a visit to The Great Pumpkin Patch, 1749 A County Road 1900, and see over 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the world, plus mazes, mums and other gardens.

For more information or to plan your trip, visit arthuril.us.

Effingham is a regional hub for shopping and recreation. Coined the “Crossroads of Opportunity,” this Illinois city is home to over 17 hotels and 65 restaurants.

Firefly Grill is much more than just a restaurant — it is a culinary experience that brings thousands of people each year to the Effingham community. This modern roadhouse restaurant has been recognized for its unique atmosphere and efforts to go green. Guests are invited to explore the gardens, from which Firefly sources many of its ingredients, and to spend time relaxing on the restaurant’s beautiful grounds. For more information, visit www.ffgrill. com.

Check out John Boos & Co. Factory Outlet & Showroom, the oldest industry in Effingham, Illinois. This institution has been in business continuously since 1887. Purchase cutting boards and butcher blocks from this company just like the pros and celebrity chefs use. Visit www.johnboos.com for more information.

Head to Tuscan Hills Winery for an old-world vibe and great wine. Established in 2011, Tuscan Hills feels a world away, but is just minutes from the city’s center. Enjoy wine tastings daily, along with special events year round. Come for a night of live music, comedy or dueling pianos, or simply to enjoy the exceptional wines. For more information visit www. effinghamwinery.com.

Take a step back in time and enjoy Effingham Cruise Night on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 4 p.m. Enjoy a nostalgic cruise down Jefferson Avenue, as the city’s main street turns into a two-way street for one night only. Stop to grab a bite from the many food vendors on the courthouse lawn or to listen to the evening’s musical acts. Check out more fun events online and plan your trip at www.visiteffinghamil.com.