A N E X P LO R E R ’ S G U I D E TO T H E M I D W E S T W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 VO L . 2 2 N O. 1
O U R C O V E R S TO RY The Top 25 Coffee Shops in the Midwest DETOURS RETROSPECTIVE
A look back at Detours’ 20 years as a student-run magazine
A NIGHT AT THE BEALL MANSION
Step back in time by staying at this custom-renovated hotel
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGAN GIBBONS
TMN.TRUMAN.EDU
@ T R U M A N M E D I A N E T / @ K T R M _ F M / @ D E TO U R S T R U M A N M E D I A N E T W O R K / K T R M / D E TO U R S M AG A Z I N E
EXECUTIVE EDITOR BETHANY SPITZMILLER ART DIRECTOR SHELBY FRAZIER COPY EDITORS JULIANNA FOSTER, MACKENNA PALAZZA, BETHANY SPITZMILLER
CONTRIBUTORS CHRISTIAN BANEZ, JOHANNA BURNS, ELLEN THIBODEAU, ELIZABETH MCBRIDE, MARY TOMLINSON DESIGNERS EMILY LAMARCHE REBECCA COMAS ADVISOR MARILYN YAQUINTO
IN MEMORIAM ELIZABETH KOCH (1991-2012)
SPONSORED BY THE TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION
ADVERTISING & PUBLICITY
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PUBLICITY MANAGER JULIE STASZKO
ONLINE EDITOR MEGAN GIBBONS
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER RACHEL HANNA
CONTRIBUTORS HALEIGH OETTING, CAROLINA BENETIZ
PUBLICITY MANAGER CARRIE MCKAY
VIDEOGRAPHER STEPHANIE BEST
TA B L E O F CONTENTS
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HISTORY
FOOD & DRINK
EXPLORE
REGULARS
8 FROM THE ARCHIVES
14 TANGLEBERRIES
The community of Centerville, Iowa, reminisce about their retired coffee shop
20 GEODE HUNT, CULTURE, & LIFE
28 TOP 25: COFFEE SHOPS
Learn how to find your own jewels
16 MRS. SPENCER’S SPECIAL-TEAS
S TAY
42 PHOTO CONTEST: DOUBLE TAKE
A look into past issues
10 DETOURS RETROSPECTIVE
A look back at Detours’ 20 years as a student-run magazine
Our writer has some high tea
24 A NIGHT AT THE BEALL MANSION
Our writer explores the history and beauty of this 115 year-old mansion
The Top 25 Coffee Shops in the Midwest Cover photo by Shelby Frazier
This Year’s Winners Tell the Stories Behind Their Photographs
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, As I began my journey as Editor in Chief, I tried to remember the first time I really began to love traveling. Was it going to New Hampshire to visit my family? Was it on a canoeing trip in Missouri? No, it was something further back than those trips. I’ll never forget the day I gathered in a tiny shop in Hannibal, Missouri, laughing and enjoying my friends’ company. We had just finished walking about the town, exploring all the little shops downtown, traveled on the riverboat, and visited the Mark Twain home. It was quite the school field trip. We rested in the little shop and chatted away about our adventures. It was just before we had to leave that two women came up to our table. At first, I was concerned that we had been too noisy, our laughter too loud. Instead, they thanked us for being so joyful and filling the ship with our laughter. I don’t think they remember, but for me, it was the start of my traveling shop days. I learned two things that day — not to
shy away from laughing in public and enjoying company, and that there was something special about relaxing in a candy shop after looking at so many things. In this issue, our talented writers explore a fudge shop that has passed, a tea shop that reminisces and draws inspiration from modern shows, a mansion that has been restored to its former glory, in exact detail, the exploration of a rock that takes time to form and time to discover, and the top 25 tea and coffee places in the tri-state area. These places are full of history, and are waiting for laughter. Readers, I invite you to visit these places and take time to laugh. Take time to rest and recollect, and take time to travel and get a little too loud. Enjoy this issue of Detours!
MEGAN GIBBONS
E D I TO R I A L P O L I C Y detours magazine Truman State University Barnett Media Center 1600 S. Franklin Kirksville, MO 63501 Phone: 660.785.7438 editor@detoursmagazine.com
detours is a copyrighted publication, produced biannually by Truman State University students. No material can be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of the detours advisor and staff. The editor-in-chief is responsible for all decisions. detours is distributed across the country, mainly in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Opinions expressed in detours are not necessarily the views of staff. detours is not responsible for the full cost of an advertisement if an error occurs.
H I S TO RY
FROM THE ARCHIVES A look into some of our favorites from past issues of Detours
WINTER 2010 Haunted Memories BY ANGELA SCHEPERLE
The Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City was built in 1836, and it was the oldest continuously operating prison west of the Mississippi River when it closed in 2004. Some tourists claim the prison houses the ghosts of deceased inmates, this may or may not be true, but the former prison definitely brings back years of memories that tourists can learn about. Tour guides share their memories of working in the penitentiary, and during the writer’s tour, one guide mentions the first murder he ever witnessed. In addition to learning about personal and sometimes gruesome stories, visitors get to see housing units, the dungeon still equipped with shackles and the gas chamber where thirtynine people were executed. The prison has been practically untouched since it closed, so tourists can really get a feeling for what it would have been like for the inmates years ago.
WINTER 2016 The Bakery’s Queen Bee BY HALEIGH OETTING
The French Bee Bakery in Parkville, Missouri is named after the bee on French Emperor Napoleon's coat of arms. The bee symbolizes rebirth, rehabilitation and resilience. After going through a divorce, Tracy Torres decided to start anew and open her boutique-style bakery. Everything is made from scratch and almost all recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. Torres said she believes the key to success is how the staff interacts with every customer, so the workers at the bakery treat every customer like extended family. The goal is to make customers feel at home. It’s working — The French Bee Bakery has won awards for its outstanding food and service.
SUMMER 2014 A Century of Suck-cess BY MIA POHLMAN
Tom Gasko was 6 years old when he took apart his mother’s vacuum, and now he owns 608 vacuums. He shares his collection with the public at the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet in St. James, Missouri. The vacuums are from the early 1900s to present day, and Gasko refurbishes all of them. At the museum, Gasko said his favorite job is giving tours to visitors. The collection of vacuums allows visitors to travel through the twentieth century and consider how vacuums have influenced women’s changing role, pop culture and political concerns. The designs and advertisements that are associated with the vacuums, and put on display, allow tourists to see what was most important to Americans during the time the vacuums were popular. 8 Winter 2017
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H I S TO RY
Detours Magazine: STILL EVOLVING, STILL EXPLORING A look back at Detours’ 20 years as a student-run magazine
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
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ditor-in-Chief: organizer, visionary, cheerleader, and innovator. The top position at Detours Magazine involves running every aspect of the magazine, from the first story pitch to the final design tweaks.
Story by ELIZABETH MCBRIDE and MARY TOMLINSON
ORIGINS
Stephanie Hall, Editor-in-Chief 2010-2011, says she secured her position as a Research Analyst at Meredith Corporation — the home of Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart Living, — by demonstrating that she pushed the magazine to take its first steps into the digital age. She has since been promoted to Senior Digital Content Editor.
The first Detours staff and Detours cover, published in 1996.
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Armed with his experience at publications such as The Washington Post, Radio Free Europe and Midwest Living, Fortney pioneered a new student publication — Detours Magazine, a Midwest travel magazine to showcase student feature writing. Early articles included the revitalized Hermann wine country and a profile on a small town radio host. From the beginning, Detours earned strong positive feedback from readers — early “Letters from the Editor” described compliments from those first readers and subscriptions from 10 states by 1999.
After Fortney stepped down from advising in 2001, the magazine continued its earnest vision of showcasing student work. The magazine also retained the support of Communication Department administrators because of its ability to act as a parallel for professional media.
“That was really helpful to at least say I stepped my foot into the digital magazine waters when, as an industry, no one had 10 years of experience doing that,” Hall says.
“Given what’s happening in the context of magazines outside of the university, Detours is an incubator experience,” Elizabeth Clark, Dean of Social and Cultural Studies, says. “We encourage students to ask, ‘What are professional magazines doing?’”
Prajwal Parajuly writer | Stephanie Hall Senior Digital Content Editor at Meredith Xcelerated Marketing | Jessica Scheetz Talent Development Specialist at Energizer | Melissa Bradford Journal Manager at Graphic World
AWARDS
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he long hours spent on the road, behind the computer screen and in the depths of the Adobe design suite have been paid off by the many times Detours has been recognized for its work.
College Media Advisors — Best General Interest Magazine: 2006, 2007, 2010 Associated Collegiate Press — Pacemaker Award: 2006, 2008, 2016 Associated Collegiate Press — Best Feature Magazine: 2010 Society of Professional Journalists — Best Magazine in region: 2012 College Media Advisors — 4th Place in Best of Show for Feature Magazine: 2015
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ith students crisscrossing the Midwest in pursuit of their next FFICEdistributing POST Obegan article, Detours two issues a year to readers in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa, as well as focusing on readership in Kirksville, the home of Truman. Erin Frost, Editor-in-Chief 2006-2007, recalls walking to the Kirksville Post Office with dozens of magazines in envelopes she had personally addressed to every person in the subscriber database.
L SERV I TA
Parajuly went on to become the youngest Indian author to sign a two-book multi-country deal for The Gurkha’s Daughter: Stories and Land Where I Flee.
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AL SERV ST
IC
“I didn’t write a single piece for Detours,” Parajuly muses. “But what I learned as an editor was invaluable. I learned economy and the importance of making every word count.”
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Working on a publication of Detours’ caliber has carried former staffers to the desks of companies such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and Meredith Corporation. Prajwal Parajuly, Editor-in-Chief 2006-2007, attributes his first post-graduation job offer as an advertising account executive to his careful concealing of Detours’ status as a student publication. The hiring coordinator at The Village Voice read only that her candidate had served as Editor-in-Chief of a travel magazine.
efore the articles of Detours Magazine were printed onto glossy magazine pages, they found humble beginnings on the loose-leaf pages of undergraduate assignments. The late David Fortney, a communication professor at the time and Truman alumnus, saw potential in his students’ feature writing assignments — potential bigger than a simple toss away at the end of the semester. With the student media publications at the time limited to a newspaper, and a television and radio station, Fortney saw the potential for something new.
THE PRINT ERA
While the subject of the print product — Midwest travel — remained the same, the look of the magazine evolved. Major redesigns in 2003 and 2006 gave the magazine a fresh look as designers experimented with more white space, bolder photography and top ten lists to go alongside the long-form feature articles. After the redesign in 2006, Detours earned its first major recognition — Best General Interest Magazine from the College Media Advisors. “Detours felt like an interesting hybrid,” Frost shares. “It is a student medium, but it’s also a well-done, smart, out there, travel magazine in its own right,” Frost says. “There could be a lot of readers who don’t really realize it’s a student publication, and that’s something that we were certainly aware of and working on at the time.” But producing an industry-standard print publication wasn’t enough — Editors-in-Chief throughout the 2000s looked for ways to innovate and keep up with the industry. On Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Hall’s trip to New York City for the 2011 College Media Association National Convention, Hall attended seminars led by media veterans offering their continued on page 50
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INTERACTING WITH THE AUDIENCE
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n a bygone era, a “Letter to the Editor” was the main form of user-generated content, and readership analytics were few and far between. Today’s magazine readers have a place in content production, and can access that content with a click and a swipe. Detours Magazine dipped its toe in the water of user-generated content with the bi-annual photo contest, first introduced in 2006. Each contest promoted a different theme — Pushing the Limit, Hidden Beauty, and The Forgotten, to name a few — leading readers to send in their best photos taken around the world. The staff voted for their favorites among the photos, and the top five to eight photos earned their place in the magazine.
THE PRINT ERA CONTINUED... thoughts on emerging trends in media. Here Hall realized mainstream media was beginning to fully embrace digital platforms to reach contemporary audiences. She returned to the Midwest and immediately began looking for ways she could move Detours beyond its print-only mode. A conversation with some friends and a professor of communication at Drake University led Hall to Issuu, a free digital newsstand, and her staff uploaded the first issue of the magazine in conjunction with its print launch in May 2010. Less than two years later, under the leadership of Jessica
Scheetz, Detours’ staff announced the launch of its first tablet edition, which readers can download on iTunes. The final step into the fully digital age came from Melissa Bradford, 2014-2015 Editorin-Chief. She made the bold decision to completely cut the print part of the magazine and focus the staff’s energy on producing a magazine for online only and supplementing content through the website.
Before the final switch, the staff assembled a final “Best of Detours” print issue bringing back 12 stories from the magazine’s long print history while adding an update on each festival, restaurant and attraction. Editors and staff members of the past also chimed in with retrospectives on the magazine’s past, present and future. The print era had ended, and a digital one had begun.
“I think ultimately, we made the decision to go digital because it was what was best for our readers,” Bradford says.
DETOURS NOW & IN THE FUTURE
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he pages of Detours focus on museums, restaurants, tucked away boutiques. But beneath that surface lies an unwavering commitment to excellence, no matter the subject matter. This excellence manifests itself in many forms. The Winter 2006 issue of Detours Magazine contains a story about the Westport entertainment district in Kansas City. When reporter Katie Gilbert submitted her first draft, Editor-in-Cheif Prajwal Parajuly turned to his Executive Editor and said, “This is good. But she could have written a spectacular story.” The next weekend, Gilbert was back on I-35 South, again making the four-hour trip to Kansas City, this time to become a sponge of her surroundings and hone in on specific qualities other writers had bypassed. When she returned to Kirksville, she had a new angle, and Parajuly says he was pleased in the knowledge
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he could now rest assured in — that no other publication would have the same story to tell. Detours editors didn’t stop pushing their writers when the switch from print to online occurred — the platform may have changed, but the quality did not. As Detours content expanded to new platforms — video, social media, publication newsletters — no editor has wavered in saying, “This is good. But you can do something spectacular.” The mindset of pushing for the spectacular doesn’t stop with the Detours staff. Editorin-Chief after Editor-in-Chief over the twenty years of the magazine have continually pushed the boundaries of what Detours can be — they have never been afraid of change. The past 10 years alone have seen three publication redesigns, a tablet issue, the choice to cut print and a website revamp.
“As someone who used to work at Detours, I’m curious to see where the magazine will be a year from now, five years from now, 10 years from now,” Bradford, the EIC who decided to make the final transition from print to digital, says. “You can’t predict where the future will take the magazine, but I’m excited to see where it goes.”
The growth of new media and social media continued the trend of user interaction. Instead of reaching readers a mere two times a year, Detours readers could now find new content each month via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Detours’ brand has long included sharp, breath-taking photography — Instagram can do that on a daily basis, from snapshots of farmer’s market finds to a peek inside the latest featured brewery. Detours prides itself on providing an insiders’ look at travel in the Midwest, and through Facebook and Twitter, articles from the Detours website — a supplemental location for content to the magazine— can be shared. Where Detours writers had to always create visualizations with words and images, the YouTube page brings life to stories that may have otherwise remained static, from seeing a recipe come to life or exploring the corners of an antique store. These digital platforms aren’t all just play — they mean business, too. For Detours to truly connect with an audience, the audience must know it’s there, and these new digital tools have given the Detours staff a stronger shot at outreach. Within the last two years, the Detours publicity team has utilized targeted social media marketing to reach more of the Detours demographic and increase online readership by nearly 150 percent. Combined with e-mail campaigns showing off the latest stories, contest winners and behind-thescenes happenings, Detours is ensuring its audience follows the transition to digital.
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FOOD & DRINK
Tangleberries
were reduced to sell the remaining gift items and home decor, the shop was busier than usual.
STORY BY ELLEN THIBODEAU, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TANGLEBERRIES
Coffee shops are a must in American cities and towns, and often, the more distinctive the better. But unfortunately the town of Centerville, Iowa, lost one of their beloved coffee shops. After about ten years of business Tangleberries: Eats, Treats and Suites closed its doors in late August. Previous owner Robin Schmidt first opened Tangleberries in 2007 as a stand-alone gift shop, Schmidt quickly expanded the business to include a coffee shop. Rathbun Lake’s addition of Honey Creek Resort in 2008 got Schmidt thinking about the increase of tourism in the area. “And I was thinking, what is it that people like to do on vacation?” Schmidt said. “One of the things we like to do is we usually buy fudge and things like that, and look for unique shops.” The resort, located 20 miles from Centerville, provided the perfect reason for Tangleberries’ expansion. Not too long after the coffee shop addition, Tangleberries decided to renovate the space above the shop, turning it into rental apartments. These apartments are fully-furnished living spaces available for a short stay and long-term rentals. According to Tangleberries’ website, the
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daily rate can change depending on the length of stay. Pricing also varies for special events and holidays. Known for “Eats, Treats, and Suites,” Schmidt successfully tangled three businesses together — a coffee and gift shop on the ground floor and rental suites above. However, patrons must say goodbye to Tangleberries...for now. After serving the community for a decade, Schmidt decided to sell the shop. When her husband got a job offer in Omaha, they made the tough call to sell and move. No one has bought the property yet. However, if they can sell to someone in town willing to keep Tangleberries going, the shop will not have to close for good. “We are really hoping someone will buy it and keep Tangleberries open,” Schmidt said. “It would mean a lot to see it survive.” Tangleberries was certainly a unique coffee shop. The warm, inviting atmosphere of the shop prompted tourists to visit. The friendly nature of
the employees and sense of community kept the regulars coming back. Right inside the door was a group of small tables — some round, some square — with dark wooden chairs. Comfortable leather and cloth patterned armchairs sit just beyond the tables and next to the counter. Paintings, motivational quotes and other decorations hung on bright green walls and a few knick knacks and clothing articles were set out for sale. At the counter was a large display of Tangleberries signature fudge.
“A lot of people stopped in to say goodbye,” Schmidt said.
As a hybrid of three businesses, it offered patrons a place to shop, enjoy a meal or a drink and stay for the night.
“We’ve met so many wonderful people through Tangleberries,” Schmidt said. “I can’t say enough about what they mean to me.”
Known primarily for their fudge, Tangleberries offered a selection of about 20 different flavors. According to staff members, the standard chocolate fudge was one of their most popular flavors. Mint, Turtle and Cookies ‘N Cream were also customer favorites. In addition to their standard selection, patrons could order special seasonal flavors such as Caramel Pecan Cheesecake, Watermelon, Sherbert, Carrot Cake and Caramel Apple Pie. “Fudgelicious” fudge and coffee were not the only items on the menu. Cold drinks, such as their 100 percent fruit smoothies,
Schmidt also said while there were some tears, most customers expressed their gratitude and shared good memories of the shop. Though the shop is currently closed, the patrons are left with positive memories as well as connections they made there. For Schmidt, the best thing about Tangleberries was her customers.
She said she’ll remember the good friends she made, patrons, regulars and those just passing through, and the people who left impressions on her. were good alternatives to hot coffee, especially in the summer. Staff members reported that patrons raved about the smoothies, the signature Tangleberries, a blend or “tangling” of many different fruits, being one of the best.
were added to the menu a few months after opening the coffee shop. Because the menu changed each day of the week, customers could come in multiple times a week and have a different selection each time.
Schmidt said the afternoons can be just as busy as mornings. To give hungry afternoon shoppers a place to relax and grab lunch, soups, salads and sandwiches
Tangleberries’ closing announcement disappointed Centerville citizens. Schmidt said the last few weeks were bittersweet. As prices in the gift shop
Though she’ll miss Tangleberries and the Centerville community, Schmidt said she’s very excited to devote more time to her grandchildren.
detours magazine 15
FOOD & DRINK
Miss Spenser’s
Special-Teas
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHANNA BURNS
Drive up the winding gravel road to the Hardin family farm and guests find themselves gazing at a quaint country farm brimming with the Old World charm of England. Cool, green hills roll out in every direction. Warm, red paint and fresh, white trim adorn the house and bed and breakfast, reminiscent of traditional American barns. Whimsical flowerbeds lining the sidewalks add splashes of bright color to the landscape.
low tea, and cream tea — the Hardin’s serve a variation of high tea. Originally a staple of the working class, this tea was served in the evening at a “high table” and featured a full-course dinner. Today, taking tea has evolved and definitions have become much less strict.
Welcome to Longview Farms in, home to Miss Spenser’s SpecialTeas, a by-reservation tearoom and B&B run by Donna Hardin and her daughter Spenser Hardin. Located deep in the heart of the Iowa countryside and just a short drive from Des Moines, Miss Spenser’s serves a full-course themed tea each month. The tearoom started more than a decade ago with a shared passion and a dream.
The tea house originally evolved out of a tea club the family started after they moved to the country. The farm, which is located a few minutes east of the small town of New Virginia, Iowa, was lonely, and Donna Hardin and her daughter were searching for ways to make more connections. The pair have shared a love of all things English since Donna Hardin gave Spenser Hardin a teacup and took her to an English tea house for her 14th birthday. With that shared passion in mind, they started a tea club in their basement.
In English tearooms, guests can relax and enjoy an adult tea party complete with delicate China cups and miniature sandwiches. Although there are many different types of “tea” — elevensies, afternoon tea or
Not content with merely drinking tea, eating scones and consuming BBC dramas as often as they could, the mother and daughter duo began to dream of visiting England. With that goal in mind, they converted
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the basement into a kitchen and began serving tea as a way to raise money for the trip. The business took off and began to grow. “I never in my wildest dream thought that I would be doing any of this that I’m doing,” Donna Hardin said. But as with most dreams that start small and grow with time, Donna Hardin and Spenser Hardin knew for their tearoom to be successful they needed to expand. So they decided to build a separate room for hosting. With a small loan from her uncle, Donna Hardin and her family transformed their attached three-car garage into the tearoom it is today. Like an old English parlor, the tearoom was designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. The room is small, but open — perfect for conversing with friends over a cup of tea. Lacy curtains over the windows let in the bright afternoon sunlight.
feel—sophisticated and elegant with an old world charm. Delicate china and rare antiques line shelves around the room. The smell of fragrant teas and lavender mingles in the air with the aroma of warm scones. Soothing strains of music set the mood of the room. Elegant tablecloths cover the tables placed at strategic points around the room for convenient service and conversation. You can almost imagine English lords and ladies sipping tea in the waning afternoon light. Donna Hardin and Spenser Hardin designed the tearoom experience with the goal of pampering their guests. When guests first arrive they are welcomed by either Spenser Hardin or her mother before being shown to their tables. Handwritten place cards indicate which table belongs to each party. Individual menus designed to portray that month’s tea party theme grace each place
“We want to make you feel like you’re miles away from your busy life,” Donna Hardin said. “We want you to savor quiet time with your friends that you’ve come with and give you a respite from the busy life we all live in.” They continue to scour antique stores for the perfect pieces to complement the cozy room. In the past, tea themes have included tributes to BBC masterpieces such as Downton Abbey and Jane Austen classics. Themes also revolve around season and holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and even Mother’s Day. Miss Spenser’s menu usually features a savories and scone course, where guests enjoy a selection of tea sandwiches and scones — a traditional English tea biscuit. The next course is the main entree, which usually fits the theme of the tea party and uses in-season ingredients. This is followed by a dessert courses. The Hardins are well known for their delicious treats. Their Victorian Sponge cake, a traditional English cake usually layered with jam and named after Queen Victoria, recently won third place in the Iowa British Bake Off. Every meal is accompanied by hot tea. The blends are chosen to suit the menu and theme of the meal. “If it doesn’t meet the taste buds of the Hardin household, then it won’t be
“Like an old English parlor, the tearoom was designed with comfor t and relaxation in mind.”
“When we did the remodel we wanted the room to feel very cozy and maybe like you had stopped in at Grandma’s house,” Donna Hardin said. “We want people to feel very comfortable, like they came home, and to surround them with beauty.”
To achieve this atmosphere, the two women filled the room with all the things they love, giving the room an old English
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setting. Visitors are encouraged to wander around the room, exploring and conversing both before and after the meal. For those who enjoyed a particular tea or menu item, the Hardins sell their loose-leaf tea blends and cookbooks filled with teatime recipes to recreate at home.
served,” Donna Hardin. She often gains inspiration for her themes from the things she reads and watches. Throughout the tea house, Donna Hardin and Spenser Hardin were able to foster several lasting friendships, including with a couple visiting Iowa from England. The couple complimented Spenser Hardin on her English scones, telling the
two theirs was the best hot tea they had had in the United States. The group stayed in contact, and when Donna Hardin and her daughter were finally able to visit England in 2008, their friends showed them around. “It’s [England] a very charming, very magical place,” Donna Hardin said. “It’s a very beautiful place. There’s very beautiful people who live there. And when
you know your ancestors came from there, that stirs you in a way that I can’t even find words for it.” Since then, Donna Hardin and Spenser Hardin have been able to visit England once more and have formed many lasting friendships, fulfilling the needs they set out to so many years ago.
Reservations for Miss Spenser’s fill up quickly so guests are encouraged to make them well in advance. For a full list of upcoming events or to book a stay in the their Longview B&B, visit the Hardin’s website www.missspensersspecialteas.com.
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EXPLORE
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN BANEZ
KEOKUK AREA Tucked alongside the Mississippi river in a 35-mile radius surrounding Keokuk, Iowa, are the remnants of mineral deposits from millions of years ago when the now fertile farming land used to be an ocean. It’d be hard to believe the banks of the Mississippi were underwater, but the geodes buried in the Keokuk area provide information about the environment’s past. Here one can find an abundance of geodes scattered underneath cornfields, river water and rock quarries, and the heart of the “rockhound” culture — the down-to-earth people who devote their time to geode hunting.
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WHAT IS A GEODE? Geodes are the result of holes formed within sedimentary rock or from the bubbling of molten rock/lava. Trace amounts of different minerals found their way into the holes where they were stuck inside for centuries. The facade of a geode in the wild is unremarkable. The rock shell is slightly porous, noted by veins and cracks that run through its exterior. Its overall shape resembles a head of cauliflower with expert geode hunters calling geodes, “rock nuggets” or “rock turds.” It’s not until the geode is cracked open that the true allure of geode hunting is fully understood. Inside a geode is a mosaic of dazzling crystal formations resulting from the initial mineral deposits being subject to harsh pressure for centuries. The type of crystals found inside a geode can be a singular type or a variety. According to McRocks’ Keokuk Geode Page, the crystal variants found in the Keokuk area range from transparent to white quartz. About 17 other minerals can be found embedded in the quartz crystals, resulting in a wider range of crystalmineral combinations – calcite, the main component of limestone, is the most common. It’s the rarity of certain crystal-mineral combinations that motivate geode hunters to continue hunting and expanding their collection. THE GEODE QUEST BEGINS Geodes are found in a variety of environments that range from thicketheavy grasslands, creek beds, and dried
out valleys. The rocks blend easily into the earth’s bedrock with the average size being three to four inches with some reaching as large as two feet. Several local families have set up businesses or “rock shops” on their private property in the countryside to allow geode hunting. The Keokuk tourism website provides a list of available rock shops and their contact information. Geode hunting at one of the locations requires contacting the rock shop to make an appointment. Most locations require a flat fee to hunt — typically $20-30 with fees varying on the number of people in the hunting group and how many buckets you are bringing, and a few places require hunters to pay for the weight of the geodes they collect — typically 50 cents per pound.
EXPERIENCED GEODE HUNTERS ARE WELL-EQUIPPED AND MENTALLY PREPARED TO TRAVERSE OUT IN THE WILDERNESS FOR QUALITY GEODES. The most basic geode hunting tools include a hammer and a five gallon bucket. For different hunting environments, different tools and equipment are also needed. In locations like Fox River — located outside St. Francisville, Missouri — and Wildcat Springs Park, hunters’ can be seen plunging into the waters
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wearing mudboots and waders to pull geodes onto the shore. In grass plains or dry quarries such as Jacob’s Geode Shop & Mine in Hamilton, Illinois and Fabulous Keokuk Geode Mine in St. Francisville, Missouri, “rockhounds” fervidly swing their pickaxes to break through layers of bedrock. After collecting plenty of geodes, a hammer, chisel and a hard, flat surface are needed to crack them open. For larger geodes, a split pipe cutter is required to apply a tremendous amount of pressure to split them open. GEODE MANIA Organized festivals and gatherings for rock and mineral hunting are located throughout the world, and the Keokuk Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual Geode Fest at the end of September that spans three days. During this event, geode hunters gather in Hamilton, Illinois, and are led by locals to rock shops to geode hunt. Vendors set up booths to sell parts of their rock collections, artists sell their crafted goods such as crystal necklaces and sculptures, and hunters can socialize and trade information. Each day of the festival ends with contests where
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hunters can submit their finds of the day in categories such as “largest geode,” “oddest” and “ugliest.” Rickey Schneider, a full time rock and gem vendor present at Geode fest said, “The Geode fest is friendly and fun and involves people with a common interest going out and digging.” People who devote their time to rock collecting bear the title “rockhounds.” Plenty of them can be found at Geode Fest and other “rock” festivals around the country. Out on the hunts they are enthusiastic to help beginners learn the basics of looking for geodes and good locations. Away from the rock shops, rockhounds can be seen enthusiastically showing each other their finds of the day, catching up on the happenings of their lives, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Bruce Baur, a rock and mineral artist of 12 years and vendor at the Geode fest, said, “My favorite thing about this community is the connections that make it a close community.” Most rockhounds have years of experience that span decades, “No Table” Johnny, a five year veteran of the Keokuk Geode fest, rockhound of 40 years and traveling rock and mineral
vendor — who prefers to display his goods on the ground — said, “It only takes one good find to get hooked into rock hunting.” When asked why geodes in particular are so popular he said, “It’s because this — geode crystals — took over millions of years to form and you’re the first person to see it.”
Geode hunting is a hobby that encompasses a variety of interests. Whether it be an interest in gems, going out and enjoying nature, getting to work with your hands, or even being part of a community of kind-hearted people, geode hunting is enticing as a one-time opportunity that can
evolve into a lifelong hobby. Even though proper preparation such as acquiring proper tools and researching rock shops is necessary to start, the process requires a lot of trial and error. Sometimes the geodes visitors collect can be uncrackable, or the rock shop they chose could have a spare amount
of geodes left, or the crystals the visitors got weren’t the ones they were wanting. The process of learning from each experience and having a physical result — the geodes — from that experience is what makes the hobby worthwhile and enjoyable.
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S TAY
N
estled in a tree-covered neighborhood is the elegant Beall Mansion, a boutique inn and bed and breakfast that allows guests to experience the lavish mansion as it would have appeared in its heyday —1903. It is located in Alton, Illinois, which is just a short trip from St. Louis and right off the Missouri River. Today Alton does not seem out of the ordinary, modestly dressed people travel in their cars through paved streets lined with modern infrastructure.
A NIGHT AT THE
Beall Mansion
However, as I drove up to the Beall Mansion, I noticed a neighborhood full of ornate turn-of- the-century architecture and dirt red brick building peeking through the grass, lining the updated asphalt roads. As I entered the mansion, I was greeted by one of the homeowners, James Belote, who lives on the third floor of the mansion with his wife. He was wearing black dress pants, a white, pressed tuxedo shirt and a matching white bow tie, and instantly, upon seeing a primly dressed man in an adorned early 1900s home, I felt transported to the golden time of American luxury. James Belote greeted me and my tour-mates, a sweet older couple celebrating their 21st anniversary, and he began to tell the story. In a time of no-holds barred business and rapidly developing capital following the Civil War, a wealthy man named Z.B. Job S.r.— an owner of a quarry, railroad, racetrack, motel, mill, mine and, 5000
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MORGAN VANVLECK
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sign there saying this is what it used to look like, this was the walnut room, this was the cherry room . . . And you would be told to imagine what it looked like, which is like saying, ‘Here is a picture of the grand canyon, now you don’t need to go, you know what it looks like.’ You kind of know what it looks like, you mentally know what it looks like, but there’s a deeper emotional level you don’t comprehend it unless you actually get to see it first hand on your own.” Without the determination of the Belotes, the original home’s craftsmanship would be lost to modern eyes. Because of these careful restorative touches, the period pieces and the refurbishment of a century’s old wood, the Beall Mansion could almost be called a museum, displaying the careful and ornate decorative practices of the final years in the Gilded Age of America.
“
The mansion was designed with every detail taken into consideration.
acres of farmland — commissioned a grand gift for his son, Z.B. Job J.r., and his son’s bride, Mary Drummond. A resounding remnant of the time of ample luxury and wealth in America, the mansion was designed with every detail taken into consideration. The mansion has been restored at the expense of the Belote couple, who paid homage to the mansion’s original beauty in every way they could — collecting period pieces like rugs handsewn in Persia, chests hand-painted in China and chairs and beds with ornate, impressive hand-carved floral Victorian detail modern people could only imagine a machine producing. Standing under a glowing Austrian crystal chandelier, James Belote said he and his wife could not stand to “anything but the best way.” James told the tour they had all the wood restored to its original splendor by bringing in contractors to disassemble every piece, meaning every window frame, every crown moulding, every fireplace
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The mansion, while still beautiful and romantic, was only a sojourn for the original owners, Z.B. Job Jr. and his wife Mary Drummond. Unfortunately, in 1908
Z.B Job Sr. passed away. Shortly after, Z.B Job Jr. was committed to an insane asylum, and died later that year. Drummond remarried and sold the mansion to Senator Beall, a successful businessman and powerhouse politician, for $20,000. Senator Beall remains the namesake for the mansion. Despite the tragedy the original inhabitants of the mansion experience, enjoying its lavish trappings is a joy for many. When we reached the former bedroom of Job Jr. and Drummond, we learned it was the room that my tour mates had rented for the evening. The bed frame was dark wood, covered in impressive hand-carved designs, and the frame held a feather bed draped in a crisp white comforter, topped with a couple chocolate truffles. While the room had modern trimmings like central air and a television, the couple had a chance to enjoy the room as it would have been decorated in 1903, when Job Jr. and Drummond spent their wedding night. The mansion houses travelers of all kinds, even those who are considered famous — Despite our pestering, Belote remained
true to his anonymous guests’ and refused to say any names, because, as he noted, celebrities particularly enjoy the private nature of the bed and breakfast inn. The Beall Mansion’s new beginning through the Belote’s gave it a third life, making it a lovely lodging place for people of every age and creed. The restoration gives guests the ability to stay in a two-story period piece, a historically accurate memento of early America — a night at the museum. When I walked away from the Beall Mansion, hopped in my car and closed the door, I felt abruptly transported back to the 21st century. I sat in my car, preparing to battle the fast moving traffic and Google Map detours, all the while, longing for the encounter with the past that I experienced at the Beall Mansion, one that made me feel closer to a time when things were not necessarily easier, but were certainly quieter and perhaps simpler. There is something in the romanticism of the Beall Mansion that transports the guest into a different time, a time that perhaps never really existed, but will certainly never exist outside the mansion.
mantel, every stair and every door frame, and soaked all pieces in a chemical bath to remove the white stain. Job, who commissioned the house used wood from his lumber mill to adorn each room in a different type of wood: the dining room is walnut, the parlor is cherry, the entry is oak and the music room and library are mahogany. James said, “If a foundation or any kind of a normal organization would have owned this, they would have stripped a little square in each room and put a little
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top 25 coffee shops in the midwest
REGULARS
STORY BY MEGAN GIBBONS AND BETHANY SPITZMILLER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COFFEEHOUSES (except where indicated)
2) MUDHOUSE | SPRINGFIELD
Since opening in 1998, Mudhouse has been serving great coffee, and they have been voted Springfield’s Best Coffee Place 15 years in a row as proof. Mudhouse owners Brian King and Rob Weislocher were inspired to open the shop after they traveled to Asia and visited friends in South Korea. While they were there they visited multiple diverse coffeehouses and decided Springfield needed its own. Eventually Mudhouse grew into what it is today. Their full menu offers beverages such as coffee, smoothies and tea and food options including soup, salads and sandwiches. In 2001, they started roasting their own coffee beans, and Mudhouse Coffee Roasters opened. Their freshlyroasted beans are roasted in guest’s homes and at multiple local businesses. Soon after they started roasting, another interesting addition to the Mudhouse family was created — the MudLounge is a full bar only a three-minute walk from the coffeehouse. They serve beer, wine, martinis and coffee cocktails such as Devil’s White Mocha, Naughty Skipper and Twisted Chai. Guests can start their day at Mudhouse and end it at the MudLounge. There are great drinks to enjoy all day, from warm and creamy to cool and spiked.
1) FRETBOARD COFFEE | COLUMBIA Fretboard Coffee combines rock music and specialty coffee to create a harmonious atmosphere. Just as music combines multiple aspects to create an interesting blend, Fretboard combines coffee beans from around the world to create personalized, handcrafted drinks. They focus on custom roasting to accommodate the individual tastes of their customers. The atmosphere inside is reenergizing and relaxing at the same time. Customers can sit at the bar — which has a countertop that looks like the fretboard of a guitar — watch their coffee being made and chat with the barista or other guests sitting nearby. Fretboard is a great place to meet with friends or get to know new people. When customers feel like taking the conversation and their drink outside, the courtyard patio is just a few steps away. If guests are already outside and around Columbia, Fretboard has a trendy food truck named Marilyn that serves coffee and doughnuts. She’s been spotted on Mizzou’s campus and other places around town.
3) PICASSO’S COFFEE HOUSE | ST. CHARLES 28 Winter 2017
The perfect cup of coffee might seem like a work of art, and at Picasso’s they truly are. Picasso’s Coffee House uses fresh, micro-roasted coffee beans to create their masterpieces. Art is everywhere at Picasso’s. Each month local artists display their work, and at least twice a week live bands perform. From painters to photographers, multiple artists have come to Picasso’s to display their work, and each month a new artist is featured. Jazz, acoustic classics, blues and country play while the guests enjoy themselves. There’s a coffee and sound for everyone’s individual taste. Picasso’s focuses on supporting the local economy and nurturing a positive relationship with the community at their two locations on Main Street and Beale Street. detours magazine 29
4) CUP N’ CORK COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ CAPE GIRARDEAU There’s always something to do at Cup N’ Cork Coffeehouse and Café, whether it is the Open Art Studios, Singer-Songwriter Nights, Live Music Fridays or Saturday Movie Nights. In addition to its fun events, Cup N’ Cork has a delicious selection of coffees and a warm, calming vibe. They specialize in gourmet coffees and espresso-based drinks, but they also have a colorful menu filled with plenty of breakfast options along with soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Wine is also an important part of the Cup N’ Cork duo, and they offer an extensive collection customers can enjoy by the glass or by the bottle. There is something for everyone at Cup N’ Cork, whether the guest prefers coffee in a cup or wine from a freshly uncorked bottle.
5) MAUHAUS CAT CAFE & LOUNGE | MAPLEWOOD Imagine sipping a cup of coffee and reading a good book. There isn’t much that sounds better than that, but Mauhaus Cat Cafe & Lounge took it a step further by adding cats. The cats at Mauhaus are adoptable and come from Stray Haven Rescue, so if a customer falls in love with the cat that fell on their lap, they can take the cutie home with them. Reservations are highly encouraged, and there is a $10 reservation fee, which ensures a spot will be available and comes with one free beverage and 20 percent off any food or additional beverages. Walk-ins are welcome, but a wait is likely, and there is a minimum cost of $5. Fees go toward taking care of the cats while they wait for their forever home. The drinks and other menu items available at Mauhaus change seasonally, but they always try to have gluten free and vegan options. Their recipes use high-quality ingredients, and they make a majority of items in house.
6) VB CHOCOLATE BAR COTTLEVILLE Chocolate and coffee is a great combination, but it is even better when the chocolate is handmade by someone who truly cares. Conor Vanbuskirk, owner and chocolatier of VB Chocolate Bar, spent hours practicing recipes from books before he started perfecting his own creations. Vanbuskirk creates distinctive truffles including passionfruit caramel, pear and goat cheese, and coffee blossom honey. These interesting flavors are not limited to truffles. VB Chocolate Bar offers multiple flavored lattes, chocolate cocktails and drinking chocolate options. Drinking chocolate is made with real chocolate, not the packets of powder from the store. Guests can pair their drink with any of the handmade treats at VB’s and start or end their day with something great. 30 Winter 2017
7) THE WOODS | IRONTON The Arcadia Valley is full of fun and adventurous places like Elephant Rocks, Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Missouri’s tallest mountain, Taum Sauk, but for those wanting to relax, The Woods is a great destination. The Woods captures the essence of the forest by creating a calming environment that manages to make all the stress of everyday life simply melt away. Community members with completely different interests find a way to bond over coffee at The Woods. Guests come in to enjoy the regular concerts and lip sync battles, and customers can come in just to grab lunch or a coffee with friends. There’s even the occasional checkers match between strangers on a table with a built-in checkerboard. The coffee at The Woods comes from The Arcadia Valley Roasting Company, and customers can buy their own beans to roast at home.
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8) QUAY COFFEE KANSAS CITY
Quay — pronounced “key” — Coffee emphasizes their simple menu because there is no need for complicated items when their coffee tastes great by itself. They get their coffee beans from Oddly Correct Roasters in Kansas City who focus on roasting small quantities of specialty coffee beans. For those who enjoy something extra in their coffee, Quay offers some house-made syrups, like lemon lavender honey and soy or almond milk. The coffee is simple, but the flavors are bold. Quay Coffee shop features an industrial-chic, exposed brick setting, a large service bar, plenty of tables and a meeting room. There is a lot of space for reading, studying and socializing. The owners want the coffeehouse to feel like a home away from home with great coffee already brewed and ready to drink.
9) JAVA JIVE | HANNIBAL The relaxing atmosphere of historic downtown Hannibal flows at Java Jive. In the morning, customers come in and chat with one another, cozy up on a sofa to read and catch up on their studies. In the afternoon, local musicians play their music out on the sidewalk. Java Jive’s coffee options feature multiple flavors and roasts sure to please any visitor. Java Jive’s coffee beans come from Chavin Coffee of St. Louis, a familyowned business in its fourth generation of roast masters. There is so much to take in at Java Jive — even the plates they serve their food on are a work of art. Java Jive founder, Steve Ayers is also the owner of Ayers Pottery, and all of the cafe’s baked goods and sandwiches are served on this pottery. Ayers has been making pottery for 40 years, and his pieces are well known throughout the community for their beautiful form and intense colors. From the coffee to the plates, everything at Java Jive is made with the customer in mind.
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11) SMOKEY ROW COFFEE CO. | DES MOINES Smokey Row Coffee’s motto reads [sic] “good coffee. good people.” Go to any one of their four locations in Pleasantville, Pella, Oskaloosa or Des Moines, Iowa, to make your day. After tasting a life-changing latte along the Pacific Coast Highway, the Smokey Row owners decided they needed to bring the fantastic taste home. Smokey Row garners its name from buildings on the main street that were recovered from fire after fire in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Their first coffee shop opened on the nicknamed “Smokey Row” of cursed buildings. This coffee house appeals to all ages and provides a space for the community. Photo by Shelby Frazier
12) CAFE DIEM | AMES
10) ZANZIBAR’S COFFEE | DES MOINES A mixing pot of… coffee! Zanzibar in Des Moines, Iowa, features local artists’ work so guests can feast with their eyes as they drink their choice of brew. Zanzibar boasts a variety of international beans, which you can have shipped to your residence. They take care with their craft of roasting and grinding, and each coffee is made in their seven kilo Diedrich coffee roaster. Zanzibar’s friendly staff invites everyone to come and share his or her culture. Zanzibar offers seasonal drinks, including their Merry Minty Mocha —- a mocha with créme de mint, whipped cream, and peppermint sprinkles. Their breakfast is served all day, including their Breakfast Eggspress and Eggs Expresso, the former includes coffee, orange juice, one steamed egg with cheese on an English muffin and the latter is served with two steamed eggs with cheese and a choice of toast or an English muffin. Their menu is available online, so you can plan your adventure ahead of time. Photo by Shelby Frazier
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Rated the #1 coffee house in Story County for 15 consecutive years and granted the “Outstanding Business” award, Cafe Diem knows how to provide for its guests by offering good coffee and good food. They also never miss a chance to root for the community. Cafe Diem hosts Open Mic nights and sponsors the local Main Street Tailgate, job fairs and many other community events. At Cafe Diem, guests don’t just get great refreshments, they also get to support a growing town.
13) THE BOOK CELLAR & COFFEE ATTIC | IOWA FALLS If guests ever feel like curling up with a good book and drinking their favorite coffee, The Book Cellar & Coffee Attic is where they can peruse various bookshelves and have the pleasure of someone crafting their coffee for them. Guests are sure to find a story for them among the used and new books, and they might even get a taste of some local authors’ work. This cultural hub features local art and offers nitro brew coffee, pastries, cookies, muffins, scones, paninis and breakfast sandwiches.
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14) KAFFE GEITA | STORY CITY Kaffe Geita, which means “The Coffee Goat” in Norwegian, is proud to show off its Scandinavian history and culture. It was named The Coffee Goat because goats are believed to have discovered the effects of caffeine, according to an Ethiopian legend that later became part Scandinavian lore. The owners wanted to pay tribute to the origins of coffee and its journey throughout the globe. Kaffee Geita also cares about helping children across the world. The owners’ “foster” child, Bangalie, sends letters about his life in Sierra Leone, Africa. Guests are welcome to read the letters hanging on the wall. This coffee shop aims to share in the culture of the world, and invites guests to learn about pieces of the coffee shop’s history. In addition, they still use a pour-over coffee method and have been since they opened their doors.
16) RITUAL CAFE | DES MOINES 15)AMES VINYL GRIND | AMES The Vinyl Cafe in Ames, Iowa, is a coffee shop and record store in one. As guests walk through the doors, they’re greeted by the smell of coffee and the sight of thousands of vinyl records from all genres. The cafe hosts open mic nights and has hosted community garage sales and photography projects. The cafe provides tea, coffee, smoothies and blends, with names like Columbia Cauca Microlot, Ethiopian Sidama Natual, Cafe luna, El Salvador Los Pireneos, or Gunpowder Pearl Mint tea or Gunpowder Green tea, Italian soda, “Edge,” “Steamer” and many others.
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Ritual Cafe in Des Moines serves an all-vegetarian menu, has vegan options and serves organic, locally roasted coffee. They have quite the selection — “coffee, espresso, tea, hemp nut smoothies, wine, beer, [and] locally baked goods.” As guests sip their brew, they can view local artists’ work. Ritual Cafe also hosts an open mic and spoken word night once a month and offers specials like “Double shot Mondays” where guests can get and extra shot of espresso when they order a specialty drink. Guests can also save if they bring their own to-go mug. It can be easy to make a visit to this shop a daily ritual.
17)THE COFFEE CONNECTION | KNOXVILLE Coffee connection is a family owned and operated business. Mark and Lori Raymies’ five children have all had a hand in the business. The pair love coffee and people, so running a business where people make connections over coffee fulfills one of their life-long goals. This coffee shop is focused on being warm and friendly in addition to providing quality and tasteful flavors. Coffee Connections provides vegetarian and gluten-free options weekly. They also feature a family recipe — Cheeseburger Chowder. The business has recently expanded with an additional location in the front lobby of Knoxville Hospital. Guests can get some daily inspiration with the quotes board as they order their coffee, reading phrases like: “We meet no ordinary people in our lives.” -C.S. Lewis.
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Mattoon Common Grounds caters to guests’ coffee needs. If a customer wants something that’s not on the menu, they can write down the recipe, and the baristas will create a new brand of brew. They’ve got plenty of room, including booths, tables and a reading nook. Mattoon Common Grounds offers catering and delivery, if guests would rather enjoy the smooth taste of their coffee in their own space. Common Grounds also has a variety of tea, just in case guests are in the mood for leaves.
20) COMMON GROUNDS | MATTOON
18) COFFEE HOUND | BLOOMINGTON As members of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, the Roaster Guild of America, and the Barista Guild of America, Coffee Hound takes its business seriously. They guarantee “a wonderful flavor” in each cup. Established in 2002, Coffee Hound has three locations, one in Normal, IL, and two in Bloomington, IL. Coffee Hound creates an atmosphere—one in which guests are free to read, study, work or hang out. Coffee House invites guests to experience love at first taste and locally roasted coffee.
19) REFUGE COFFEE HOUSE & CRAFT BEER | CARLINVILLE This coffee shop has a little extra kick available for guests’ splurge days or nights out. Refuge Coffee House & Craft Beer also serves wine. Guests can enjoy a treat from the in-house bakery and taste Refuge Coffee’s signature blend, “Refuge,” which is “Smokey and woodsy but super smooth with low acid and clean finish.” The shop also offers catering, delivery and special orders.
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21) SNOW MEETS COFFEE | CHAMPAIGN Snow Meets Coffee offers more than standard brew. This shop features it’s exclusive snow shaved ice cream. Among the creams are the seasonal flavors of Apple Cider, Tiramisu, Taro, Black Sesame, Thai Tea, and, of course, coffee. They have a total of twenty-two “snow flavors.” SMC also offers their freshly brewed Brooklyn coffee, Rose Mochas, Macchiatos and so much more. If guests want their two loves of coffee and ice cream to meet, they have Affogato — a mix of espresso and ice cream. If you’re in the mood for tea, why not try some with bubbles? Featuring six flavors including Taro, Mango, Honeydew, and Thai bubble teas, guests are sure to find something to drink. SMC uses natural and fresh ingredients, and they receive their coffee beans from a thriving roaster in Brooklyn, New York. Feeling a tad munchy? This shop has beef, pork and chicken with rice in a cup ready to serve. And waffles. And croissants.
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22) MIDNIGHT ESPRESSO | PEORIA Opened in 2013, this shop is the epitome of a great plan becoming a great adventure. Chris and Heather Monroe began with a desire to drink amazing coffee every day, and they acted on their dream. The shop offers special events, including a Sunday Supper Series. Their menu is constantly changing with their farm- to- table approach, featuring items like “Salt and Pepper”—a cold brew with smoked salt and pepper syrup and chocolate bitters. Their coffee changes monthly as they highlight different regions, providing opportunities for new experiences. Guests are welcome to enjoy their coffee with friends and share in the staff ’s open obsession with coffee.
23) WM. VAN’S COFFEE HOUSE | SPRINGFIELD As guests cross the threshold of this historic brick Italianate house with its large windows and porches, they are greeted by the aroma of pastries and roasted coffee. It is truly a home away from home where guests can sit and relax with a hot cup of joe. The porches are pet friendly, so guests can sit with their beloved companions, only limited by the space available for their pets. Bike racks are available for guests, making this shop an easy stop on their next adventure.
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24) THIRTY-THIRTY COFFEE CO. | PEORIA [sic] thirty-thirty Coffee Co. has a staff that is as obsessed with coffee as you are. Implementing a farm-to-cup mentality, thirty-thirty takes its responsibility to provide great coffee seriously. They make their chocolate sauce for mochas and hot chocolate and shop locally for their other sweet ingredients. If guests order beans from this local wonder, their supplies to brew the beans should include a pour kettle, gram scale, timer, and burr grinder. Their website provides reader-friendly, step-by-step instructions on how to make a perfect pot at home. thirty-thirty follows the practiced example of “Origin Roasting,” matching each coffee to its own specialized brewing system.
25) JACKSON AVENUE COFFEE | CHARLESTON Jackson Avenue Coffee provides a great atmosphere for meetings, study groups or gathering with friends and family. Not just a one-trick-pony, they offer pizza, toasted bagels, sandwiches and sweets in addition to their custom blended teas, chai lattes, smoothies and frappes. Most notable is their hot chocolate—a treat guests keep coming back for. Guests can enjoy Jackson Avenue’s free wireless internet—a calling for those aspiring workers and writers. Sip some coffee and enjoy the environment, and perhaps create something wonderful as the live music plays.
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REGULARS
TAKE THE CONTEST WAS OPEN TO ANY AND ALL KINDS OF PHOTOS THAT THE PHOTOGRAPHER FOUND TO BEST FIT THE CHOSEN THEME.
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Austrian Central Alps By Grant Wilhelm “While hiking on a rainy Austrian day around a lake in the mountains, I noticed some amazing bright red moss growing on the side of the trail. As I looked closer I found these fascinating raindrops suspended in a shiny spider web.�
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Mirror Lake by Sarah Hicks (Thousand Hills State Park)
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By Emily Spear (The Papermoon Diner, Baltimore, Maryland) // “The Papermoon Diner is known for its quirky decor. The yard attached to the diner is filled with some wild mannequins!�
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Reserved Parking By Peter Baechle (Webster Groves, MO) // “A custom classic car on exhibit (by an appropriate sign) at the 2017 Chesterfield Community Church Car Show in Chesterfield, Missouri.”
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Sevilla, España By Grant Wilhelm // “I was fortunate enough to go to one of the top bull fights in all of Spain. While the fighting was extremely gruesome and cruel, I enjoyed seeing a key activity in the historic culture of Spain.”
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hon orable mentions
Austrian Central Alps by Grant Wilhelm // “Look closely at the trees. By rotating the camera 45 degrees, I was able to give this snow capped mountain in the Austrian Central Alps a unique angle that really changed the character of the mountain.�
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Star-nosed cat by Emily Taylor
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By Brody Aubry (Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel) “Traveling through the Middle East, I found myself in many beautiful locations including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Some of these locations brought thousands of people together such as the church, but I always found myself enjoying the parts that did not attract the masses. I think that this photograph stands on its own and that it does not lean on the historical significance of the church for its beauty.”
Wishful Thinking by Peter Baechle (Webster Groves, MO) // “This photo of a robin on an oversized “egg” was taken at the Webster Groves Sculpture Garden.”
Super Best Friends by Mackenna Palazza (Jyväskylä, Finland) // “I took this photo when I was wandering around the city one day. There is a lot of graffiti in Jyväskylä, and I really enjoyed photographing it because of the colors and creative images the artists produced.” 52 Winter 2017
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