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OUR COVER STORY
history lives on through the heart of the hills
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Visit our tasting room in downtown Macon. The tasting room offers plenty of indoor seating overlooking the winemaking area. Our mission is to provide a fun, relaxing setting without worries of pressure or intimidation. We believe anyone can learn about wine and wine making.
GRAPE WINES FRUIT WINES 107 VINE SERIES AND MORE FRI & SAT 10 AM - 9 PM • SUN 12 PM - 5 PM 107 VINE STREET • MACON, MO 63552 (660) 395-7181• WWW.WESTWINERY.COM
contents ENTERTAINMENT 08 In Full Bloom
Tulip festival celebrates Dutch heritage
12 The Scenic Route
Great Rivers carve path for exploration
ADVICE 16 On the Road Again
Family road trip tips from AAA
17 Looking for Lodging
Booking tips from a travel agent
18 Planning Your Perfect Getaway
Tips for making your best vacation yet
FOOD
08
20 Edible Art
Columnist explores a little bite of France
DESTINATION 22 Muskets and Missourians
History lives on at Wilson’s Creek
26 Heart of the Hills
Small town’s shops commemorate the past
RESOURCE 32 Age of Aquarius
Spiritual shop offers new-age experience
44
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34 New Beginnings
Photo contest winners
40 Milking the Good Life
Family values help dairy farm succeed
44 Midwest Eateries
30 restaurants to try this summer
50 Calendar
Upcoming events in the tri-state area
>>TABLET EXCLUSIVE Sweet Delights St. Louis bakery wins awards and hearts
Fire and Metalworking Jewelry store embraces the Renaissance
Brewing on the Vineyard Midwestern vineyard attracts national appeal
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Editor-in-Chief JESSICA SCHEETZ Executive Editor ELIZABETH McBRIDE Art Director BURGUNDY RAMSEY Digital Editor CARLY ROBISON Managing Editor SARAH GOO Advice Editor EMILY BRENNAN Destination Editor KATY SPENCE Entertainment Editor JESSICA SCHEETZ Food Editor GENNIE AVELLINO Resource Editor MEGAN WILKE Contributors MELISSA BRADFORD, JENNA HURTY, ELIZABETH McBRIDE, MIA POHLMAN, CALLI PRICE, JESSICA SCHEETZ, SAM SHERMAN, ANUSHRI THAKKAR, ANDI WATKINS DAVIS, EMILY WICHMER, FORREST WILSEY and CHELSIE YOKUM Designers LAUREN MOLL, REBECCA REITZ, SHANNON SPICKLER and THERESA WILDHABER Photo Editor LAUREN MOLL Photographers BURGUNDY RAMSEY and REBECCA REITZ Adviser JAMES CIANCIOLA In Memoriam ELIZABETH KOCH (1991-2012) • WEB • Online Editor ELIZABETH McBRIDE Copy Editors SARA HETTEL, JENNA HURTY, JOHN RITI and ALLISON TRAY Bloggers ERIN SCHWOB, ALLISON TRAY and ANDI WATKINS DAVIS Contributors MELISSA BRADFORD, JENNA HURTY, ELIZABETH McBRIDE, MIA POHLMAN, CALLI PRICE, JOHN RITI, JESSICA SCHEETZ, SAM SHERMAN, ANUSHRI THAKKAR, ANDI WATKINS DAVIS, EMILY WICHMER, FORREST WILSEY and CHELSIE YOKUM • ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY • Publicity Manager JENNIFER LESH TMN Advertising Manager HANNAH RICKMAN TMN Advertising Representatives ADAM ANTOR, COLBY BYCROFT, JOSHUA HOLLANDER, SAM MINNER, ISAAC PEARLSTONE, ALEXANDRA SHETLER, DAVID STODDEN, ISAAC STRAUB and TAYLOR WILSON Publicity Representatives JESSIE POOLE and BETHANY WILLIAMS
detours 04 summer 2013
EDITORIAL POLICY detours Truman State University Barnett Hall 1200 100 E. Normal Kirksville, MO 63501 Phone: 660.785.7438 Fax: 660.785.7601
LETTER FROM THE
editor@detoursmagazine.com tmn.truman.edu/detours
EDITOR DEAR READER, If you’re anything like us here at detours, you’ve been bit by the travel bug. It always starts out simple enough: you’re eager to explore somewhere different than the places you’ve been before. There’s no on or off switch. Sometimes you’re standing in the middle of the grocery store, and you suddenly have the urge to feel the wind in your hair and the sand between your toes. Traveling becomes as much a part of you as the air you breathe, and with each trip, plan or place you visit, you’re eager to do it all over again. That’s what detours is all about. We’ve been exploring those off-the-beaten-path places for 15 years now. Although some things have changed since our inception in 1998, we’ve always kept true to our roots, giving you the very best of the Midwest. It’s our job and we love it, and we hope you do, too. In our Entertainment section, begin by exploring Pella, Iowa’s claim to fame: Tulip Time, a nearly 100-year-old festival that celebrates the town’s Dutch heritage and the prized flower of the Netherlands (pg. 08). We also made a trip down Great River Road, a stretch of scenic highway that runs from Michigan to Louisiana (pg. 12). We’ve also compiled some of the best travel tips to date in our Advice section. If
WINTER
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you’re planning to go on a road trip this summer, make sure to read our Q&A with Steve Right, vice president of public affairs at AAA (pg. 16). But, as you probably already know, getting there is only half of the journey, so be sure to read our tips on finding lodging (pg. 17) and how to make the most of your vacation (pg. 18). For this issue’s cover story, we traveled to Galena, Ill., a town 15 miles east of where Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin meet. Although the town began as a temporary settlement for those who worked in nearby lead mines, it eventually grew to the 3,400 citizens who reside there today. Its antique shops showcase the town’s historical roots to individuals such as Ulysses S. Grant while newer, quirky attractions provide a more modern feel. Our encounters with history don’t stop there. Make sure to read about Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield near Springfield, Mo (pg. 22). While most might associate the present-day city as a quickly growing metropolis, much of its history remains tied to this little-known battle. The museum assists visitors with Civil War research and showcases information pertaining to other battles west of the Mississippi. In our Resource section, explore Aquarius, a new-age spiritual shop in Kansas City, Mo. (pg. 32), and 30 restaurants across the tri-state
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 adviser 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.
area you have to try this summer (pg. 44). Make sure to read our profile about the Voelker family, who own a 150-year-old dairy farm in southwest Missouri (pg. 40). You can also find the winners and honorable mentions for our photo contest, “New Beginnings” (pg. 34). As always, don’t forget to visit the iTunes Store for our latest tablet edition of detours. There, you’ll find stories about Jilly’s, a nationally recognized cupcake bar in St. Louis, and Vulcan’s Forge, located in the other half of the building in which Aquarius is housed. If you haven’t already, be sure to also check out our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours, where you’ll find new content every Friday. The past 15 years have only been the beginning of what’s in store for detours, so here’s to the next generation of travel-lovers. We’re going to keep bringing you the littleknown treasures the Midwest is known for, and in the meantime, we hope you’ll keep exploring with us, too. Enjoy life’s detours,
Jessica Scheetz Editor-in-Chief
The theme for the Winter 2013 photo contest is Making It Work. The contest is open to any and all kinds of photos. Entries must include the photographer’s name, address and telephone number as well as the photo’s location and title. We also encourage contestants to include a short caption about the photo. The deadline for entries is Oct. 4, 2013. The winning photo will be published in the Winter 2013 issue, and the winner will receive a free, two-year subscription to detours. For full rules and regulations, visit tmn.truman.edu/detours. Submissions should be emailed to photo@detoursmagazine.com.
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ARCHIVES
FROM THE
KNOXVILLE RACEWAY Knoxville, Iowa
Winter 2007 On a Saturday night at Iowa’s Knoxville Raceway, the sharp smell of gasoline and a sound like rumbling thunder fill the air. The racetrack can hold up to 24,000 spectators despite Knoxville’s population of less than 10,000. Racing began in the town in 1914, but the track fell silent during World War II until the late 1940s. The track’s largest event is the Super Clean Knoxville Nationals. A few of the events include a pit stop for all-you-can-eat pancakes and the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Bizarre Bazaar, which features crafts, antiques and more. As the race’s profile has increased throughout the years, networks such as TNN have begun broadcasting the race nationwide.
YOUZEUM
Columbia, Mo. Winter 2009
This one-of-a-kind health center educates the young and old alike about the importance of health and wellness. Located in Columbia, Mo., YouZeum opened in May 2008 as the state’s only health science center. Filled with fun and interactive exhibits, YouZeum takes a novel approach to health education. Visitors can interact with exhibits that are both engaging and informative. “Phun Physiology,” a 16-foot sculpture, greets YouZeum guests as they enter the building. The sculpture uses balls, chimes and ramps to simulate food and blood working their way through the human body.
MACOMB BALLOON RALLY
Macomb, Ill. Summer 2010
Every September, Vince Grady Soccer Field in Macomb, Ill., transforms into a vast expanse of spectators and shadows of multiple giants. The multicolored balloons arise from their beginnings as limp sheets of fabric to become firebreathing titans of the skies. Local shops host sidewalk sales throughout the weekend, offering food samples and discounts on merchandise. Other vendors offer homegrown produce, personal pieces of artwork and various wares to browsing shoppers. Of course, patrons can also have the chance to take a ride through the air in one of the festival’s many balloons to gaze at the city below.
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ON THE COVER
Originally founded in 1826, Galena, Ill., is home to a variety of antique and specialty shops. For more than 20 years, Galena Trolly Tours have been running along the same route, operating around six trolleys during the town’s tourism peak during the summer. Read more about Galena and its history in our cover story on pg. 26. (photo by Burgundy Ramsey)
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ENTERTAINMENT
F u l l n I
Including the tulips planted in people’s yards, there are easily more than a million tulips in Pella.
detours 08 summer 2013
m B lo o
TULIP TIME
TULIP FESTIVAL CELEBRATES DUTCH HERITAGE STORY BY MELISSA BRADFORD PHOTOS COURTESY OF PELLA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
E
ach spring in Pella, Iowa, a town about 40 miles east of Des Moines, residents prepare for the annual Tulip Time Festival celebrated the first weekend of May. In 1847, Dutch immigrants settled in Pella but were determined not to lose their roots. In hopes of keeping their culture alive, they brought their love of tulips, one of the prized flowers of the Netherlands, with them. The first Tulip Time occurred in 1935 and looked very different from what visitors see today. The festival was pulled together in less than two weeks, so no tulips had been planted in preparation. However, to ensure their heritage was represented, a local cabinetmaker crafted more than 100 wooden tulips to decorate the town and the celebration was an
immediate success. Now more than 250,000 tulip bulbs are planted each year throughout Pella — no small feat for an Iowan town of just 10,000 people. Each spring, streets are blooming with lanes of tulips, and gardens are overflowing with color. One of those gardens is actually a public park near the center of town known as the Sunken Gardens. The park, built in 1937, is almost as old as Tulip Time itself. During the festival, tourists can ride on a hayrack, or flatbed wagon, and take a guided tour of the city. The picturesque park has its own windmill, a pond shaped like a wooden shoe and 10,000 tulips. Park manager Chandler Nunnikhoven is one of the individuals in charge of planting tulips at the Sunken Gardens. Nunnikhoven
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ENTERTAINMENT Wooden shoes, a symbol of the Dutch, are carved and sold in the Historical Village.
“Every year we try to do it a little better than the year before.” — Bonnie Verburg
has been attending Tulip Time since he was five and said his favorite part of the festival is seeing the flowers bloom. “I’m on a different side of Tulip Time now because I help organize and help come up with designs and plant all the tulips,” Nunnikhoven explained. “I just like seeing all of the tulips come up in springtime because my staff and myself help plant them all.” A staff of seven people, including Nunnikhoven, plant more than 90,000 tulips throughout Pella each year, approximately onethird of the total planted in the town. Pella’s Dutch heritage is not only celebrated with flowers. Each day of the threeday festival, two parades are held — one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Before the parade can start, however, the streets have to be scrubbed with water. Audience members are encouraged to participate in this tradition, and anyone can get involved and help scrub the streets before the parade arrives. Onlookers watch as elaborate floats with moving parts drive by, such as a tipping teapot and miniature windmills. The parade also features performances that can only be seen during Tulip Time. Young children march together in Dutch costumes, and the junior high school band marches in wooden shoes. After sunset, the celebration continues. Local artists sing on stage for the crowd, which is immediately followed by the second parade where decorative lights illuminate the floats. Bonnie Verburg, long-time resident of Pella, has been involved with the Tulip Time Festival all of her life. Verburg said one of the secrets of the festival is the evening parade. “The lights are just beautiful on the floats,” Verburg said. “[Visitors] don’t realize that we have such a beautiful night parade.” Verburg is the director at the Vermeer Windmill, one of the many places visitors can
explore in town. The Vermeer Windmill is open all day and offers guided tours to reveal how a grain mill operates. Next door is the Historical Village, which is the best place to see traditional craftsmanship firsthand. Rug braiding, blacksmithing, quilting, Dutch Letter baking, rope making and many other forms of artistry are demonstrated for the public. In 1848 the founder of Pella, Dominie Hendrik Scholte, built a 22-room home for his wife. Now the building is known as the Scholte House and has been converted into a museum. Although part of the interior has been restored, some of the original carpeting and wallpaper remain as well as artifacts once belonging to Scholte and his wife. Visitors can learn a lot about Pella’s Dutch roots from its museums, but one of the best ways to experience a different culture is through its food. When it comes to choosing a treat to try, visitors have plenty of choices. Take a bite of poffertjes — small, buttered pancakes with either powdered sugar topping or strawberries with whipped cream. The Dutch Letter is another popular pastry, flaky with almond filling and in the shape of the letter “S.” Try a stroopwafel, a thin cookie with molasses in between or a vet ballen, which tastes like an apple fritter. The funnel cakes and chocolate-covered strawberries are worth sampling, too. On the other hand, more substantial edibles such as steak sandwiches, pork chops on a stick and Dutch Tacos are also for sale. Unlike the typical taco, a Dutch Taco is made with Pella bologna and secret sauces, creating a taste that can only be found in this Iowan town. “What I hear most people talking about is the foods because a lot of them are ethnic foods,” Verburg said. “So I think in our culture today, a lot of us like to try different, unusual
The Planting Process
Tulips are some of the easiest flowers to plant, but they certainly don’t grow overnight. The bulbs need to be planted in the fall so the flower will bloom in time for spring. When initially planting the bulbs, keep the soil loose and airy. If the soil is packed too tight, the bulb could suffocate. If the soil is overwatered, the bulb could potentially rot or drown. Plant the bulb six to eight inches deep, and cover with a mixture of dirt, mulch and fertilizer for the best results. Tulips are a perennial flower. In other words, the tulip should grow back each year without having to start from scratch. The flower perennializes best if the soil is mixed with mulch and fertilizer and if the winter weather is cold. Tulips bloom in the spring when the temperature starts to rise and flourish for several weeks. Later, when the petals begin to fall, snap off the top bulb so the plant can direct its energy toward the new daughter bulb in the soil. When summer arrives, dig up the bulb and save it for replanting in the fall so the growing cycle can start again. (according to Tulips.com) detours 10 summer 2013
TULIP TIME things to eat.” Another way to experience the Dutch culture is to eat in the Memorial Building recently added to the west side of the city park. People dressed in traditional Dutch clothing serve plates of freshly made treats that celebrate their heritage. During the meal, volunteers give presentations about topics such as the meaning behind Dutch costumes. Verburg said this new building was an example of how the festival is always growing. “Every year we try and do it a little better than the year before,” Verburg explained. Since she was two years old, Emily VanGelder has watched as 150,000 to 160,000 people travel to her hometown for Tulip Time each year. Now a junior in college, VanGelder said she always tries to make the drive home for Tulip Time so she can celebrate the festival with her family. “We have tons of costumes in my family because they just get passed down,” VanGelder said. “This past year I wore a costume that my grandma made actually.” Those with Dutch roots participating in the festival dress in handmade clothing similar to the traditional style of the village their ancestors are from. VanGelder explained Tulip Time has always been a part of her life, and she hopes to make it to this year’s festival for old time’s sake. “It’s just fun to see the enthusiasm and all the history,” VanGelder said. “It’s fun to be a part of it.”
>>WEB EXCLUSIVE Read more about the Scholte House founder Dominie Hendrik Scholte built on our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours. The Vermeer Mill, built in 2002, is the tallest working windmill in the United States.
The dances performed during the festival are authentic Dutch folk dances that often tell stories.
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ENTERTAINMENT
The
SCENIC ROUTE
The Great River Road follows the curves of the Mississippi River.
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RIVER ROAD Visitors can watch turtles and fish in their aquariums at the Fin Inn in Grafton.
Père Marquette Lodge in Grafton provides a pleasant stay for guests.
GREAT RIVERS CARVE PATH FOR EXPLORATION STORY AND PHOTOS BY EMILY WICHMER
A
s cars zip around the bend in the road, the Mississippi River glistens in the afternoon sun. Sunlight reflects off the waves and bounces along the cliffs that loom above. A sign on the side of the road declares in bold, white letters, “Meeting of the Great Rivers.” This national historic route, called the Great River Road, stretches from the north of the country in Michigan to southern Louisiana. The highway allows travelers plenty of scenic detours where the Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri rivers and their tributaries meet. Visitors can stop at the small but vibrant towns along the way, choosing to follow the entire route or taking day trips between towns.
GRAFTON, ILLINOIS On Illinois Highway 100 through Grafton, Ill., a town located about an hour north of St. Louis, drivers can take a hike in the Père Marquette State Park. The 9,500-acre park offers hiking paths, bike trails, picnic areas and boating for visitors. The park was named after Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary and one of the first Europeans to enter Illinois at the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers in 1673.
A tall, white cross marks the spot where he and his companion, Louis Joliet, landed in the previously uncharted territory. Located at the edge of the park, Père Marquette Lodge & Conference Center offers guests a relaxing stay in cozy guest rooms or stone cabins that line the river. Guests at the lodge can go boating on the river, explore the trails of the park or spend an evening in the lobby. A knee-high chess set stands prominently in the corner of the lobby. The lodge dates back to the 1930s. The land on which it is situated once served as a village to two separate tribes: the Hopewell tribe, a Native American tribe known for its impressive buildings, and the Illini tribe, who made dugout canoes to travel along the river. Leslie Franklin, director of marketing and events at Père Marquette Lodge, said she sees many guests come who are taking advantage of the sights Great River Road has to offer. Franklin said guests find things to enjoy year-round, from eagle watching in the winter to kayaking in the summer. She said the lodge also hosts weddings throughout the year and a wine-tasting club the second Saturday of every month. “Guests tell me that they find so much
The lobby of Père Marquette Lodge features large tapestries of colorful leaves.
“Guests tell me that they find so much beauty in the surrounding area.” — Leslie Franklin
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ENTERTAINMENT | RIVER ROAD
The Great Rivers Museum allows visitors to estimate their water usage.
The Melvin Price Lock and Dam raises and lowers the water level.
beauty in the surrounding area,” Franklin said. “The Great River Road has so many attractions, and it is such a fantastic place to visit.” One of these attractions lies in the heart of Grafton at Fin Inn, a local restaurant that serves seafood in a fun atmosphere. Visitors can munch on fried catfish as the live specimens eye them warily from the aquariums next to the tables. For a wild, wet adventure, head to Raging Rivers WaterPark, which overlooks the nearby Mississippi River. The park is open from the end of May until the beginning of September. Adventurous guests can take a ride on the Cascade Body Flumes, the 500-foot water slide that features steep hills, twists and turns. Guests can also relax in the Endless River, a river that carries visitors on a slow current throughout the park.
ALTON, ILLINOIS The National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, Ill., located 15 miles south of Grafton, teaches visitors about the history of the Great
Rivers. More than 80,000 people visit the museum annually. Janet Mifflin has worked at the museum for 10 years. She said the museum and its grounds are undergoing renovations to accommodate the visitors, but the museum is still open to the public. “The museum is in the process of updating our commodities for our 10-year anniversary,” Mifflin explained. “These include new flooring and some outdoor enhancements as well.” Park ranger Brooke Bryson said the museum is a great way for guests to learn more about the Mississippi River. The museum exhibits show the power of the river, the need for water conservation, the animals that rely on the river and a history of the Native American tribes that used to inhabit the area. A water table shows how currents affect the shape of the land, an interactive exhibit allows visitors to determine how much water they use per day and a simulator lets guests “drive” a barge down the river. Bryson said the museum also hosts programs through local schools, teaching the children about the river — from its wildlife to water currents. The museum gives daily tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the newest lock and dam on the Mississippi River and the only one to have a name. Visitors can watch as the lock operator raises and lowers the levels of the water, acting as a “stairway” that allows boats and tows to travel from one of the other 28 locks to the next. No matter where visitors travel on Great River Road, whether they drive along the entire stretch of highway or take day trips in between towns, there is something for everyone on Great River Road.
>>WEB EXCLUSIVE The city of Alton thrives on the Mississippi River and is well-known for its eagle sightings.
The Piasa Bird Alton is also the home of a historic landmark, the Piasa Bird. The giant, colorful mural on the cliffs depicts a conglomeration of creatures: part monster, part man, part reptile and part bird. The image dates back to a time before the first explorers came to the area in 1673. The Illini tribe painted it on the cliffs as a memory to the legend of the monster they believed to have devoured their people. The legend of the Piasa says Chief Ouatoga offered himself as a victim to the bird, but his warriors attacked the monster with bows and spears. Ouatoga’s men defeated the beast and painted the image on the cliffs as a reminder of the day the Illini defeated it. detours 14 summer 2013
Read more about places to visit in Alton, Ill., and other cities along Great River Road on our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours.
ADVICE | STEVE RIGHT Q&A
FAMILY ROAD TRIP TIPS FROM AAA STORY BY JESSICA SCHEETZ Planning a road trip with your family can be a bit chaotic, especially when considering where to go, what to do and how much you’re going to spend. Steve Right, vice president of public affairs at AAA, recommends these great tips when planning a road trip with your family this summer.
Detours Magazine: What's the first thing a family should do when planning a road trip? Steve Right: Select an appropriate time when everybody is comfortable with it if they’re not going to be rushed, and then start the planning process and ensure that everyone’s concerns and interests are taken into consideration for not only the destination, the activities of the trip but also what you might be doing along the way. DM: What should you bring with you? SR: I would take along some snacks and drinks so you don’t have to stop every 15 minutes to get anything, but I would certainly plan frequent stops along the way. If nothing else, so that the youngsters can get out and exert a little of that pent-up energy. DM: Is there a particular vehicle that’s better to use, depending upon where you’re going and what you’re doing? SR: If you’re normally driving around in a very small, compact car and you have two adults and two teenagers that want to go on vacation together, that’s not the vehicle to take. You might want to think about renting a vehicle if that is your situation so that you have plenty of comfortable legroom as well as storage room. DM: What conventional- and modern-day tools should families utilize, such as apps, GPS, road maps, etc.?
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SR: All of the above. People are becoming more and more comfortable with those kinds of things as are in-vehicle navigation systems that show you along the way. So whatever you’re comfortable with, but I’d certainly make sure that I had the necessary tools for some assistance should I have a breakdown or an incident along the way.
paying less for the noon meal than you would in an evening situation. Take advantage of early bird specials that you might run into as you’re traveling. You might even pack some picnictype food and stuff for rest areas or an overlook and have a nice leisurely lunch. That not only saves money but also adds to the enjoyment of the trip going to the destination.
DM: Do you recommend having roadside assistance before making such trips? SR: The kind of benefits AAA offers are not just for vacation, it’s for everyday use. So the fact that you’re going to be away from home makes that all the more important. If you’re in the middle of Georgia in the mountains and you don’t have an 800-number to call to get assistance, I don’t know what you’re going to do. You’re at the mercy of the people passing by theoretically at that point to get you service and gosh only knows what you’re going to get. So it’s important to be a responsible driver, and make sure your vehicle is in roadworthy condition as well as some unplanned for eventualities are taken care of, such as flat tires, broken belts — things like that.
DM: What are some popular destinations for families on road trips? SR: Certainly Florida is for its beaches and amusement areas such as Disney World and the associated facilities down there. But as the youngsters grow a little older, you’ll start to see the destination changes. For example, when you have teenagers, Washington, D.C., is an interesting destination for them or New York City or some of the historic communities along the East Coast where you can kind of combine a number of things, such as an experience at the beach with some historical tours with some city living with some amusements and things like that.
DM: What are some ways families can save when planning a road trip? SR: You can deduce some of the expenses by planning your trip meals around the time of day that you select to be the big meal. For example, if you have your biggest meal of the day around noon, chances are you’re going to be
DM: What are some common misconceptions when planning road trips? SR: That nobody’s going to enjoy it, it’s just going to be boring and all we’re going to do is fight with one another. If it’s played right and everyone’s concerns and interests are taken into consideration, it could prove to be a very enjoyable experience not only for the parents but also for the youngsters.
LODGING TIPS | ADVICE
STORY BY JENNA HURTY Whether it’s finding a hotel the day of an event or choosing one months in advance for that dream getaway, locating the right lodging can be stressful. Mary Nieman, a travel agent with more than 25 years of experience at Shelton Travel Service in Kansas City, Mo., offers these helpful tips.
consult an agency
use smartphone apps
If you’re planning a vacation to a destination you’re unfamiliar with, booking through a travel agent can be helpful, Nieman said. Travel agents usually have knowledge regarding the area you’re visiting and will have access to several resources to help you plan your vacation. They could also point you in the direction of various activities you might enjoy while you’re there.
Smartphones and other devices can also be useful. Some online travel agencies like Hotwire and Priceline have apps in addition to their websites. Another app that might be useful is the Hotel Tonight app. This app is designed specifically for getting deals on hotels near where you’re traveling. Once you find a deal you like, you can book a room right from the app.
check on arrival
book through the web
try couchsurfing
Although you run the risk of not finding a hotel with a vacancy, walking into a hotel the evening of your stay can be financially beneficial as well. In some cases, the hotel management will often lower its rates in an attempt to attract more customers and fill empty rooms. On the other hand, some hotels might raise the prices if they know you have limited options.
Several companies such as Orbitz and Kayak allow you to search for and book hotels in the area through their websites. Nieman said this option may be preferable for someone traveling on a smaller budget. However, it might require more research. While the prices are cheaper, the hotels can be hit or miss. Word to the wise — be careful! Once you book it, it’s non-refundable.
If you’re traveling alone or in a small group, couchsurfing is another option. However, it requires more planning. Couch surfing hosts are available in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. Keep in mind your host is not required to allow you to stay in their residence, so contacting them well in advance can be helpful. Check couchsurfing.org to find hosts.
find available discounts Many types of discounts are available at most hotels, so be sure to ask in advance, Nieman said. Reduced prices are often offered for AARP and AAA members, military veterans and personnel, and sometimes even teachers. Discounts may not show up when you’re booking through the hotel’s website though, so try calling the hotel directly to make sure.
DON’T FORGET!
At more upscale hotels and resorts, common courtesy dictates you tip the maid and bellhop. Generally tip between $2 and $5 per day to maids depending upon the quality of the service, and bellhops should be given a few dollars. If utilizing the concierge, Nieman recommends tipping them based upon the level of service they provide for you.
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ADVICE
TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR BEST VACATION YET STORY BY ANDI WATKINS DAVIS AND PHOTOS BY REBECCA REITZ
Bags packed,
car loaded and kids corralled — the hustle and bustle of a vacation has arrived, and you’re ready to get out the door. You’ve thought of everything … or so you think. With the chaos of everyday life and the added stress of planning a trip, it’s easy to forget the little things involved in turning a vacation into a “dream come true.” Now that you’ve booked the hotel and taken a few days off work, take just a few more minutes to read these five tips for making the most of your vacation.
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PLAN AHEAD
DO WHAT YOU WANT
When something goes wrong, and something nearly always does, you’ll be glad you took the time to consider the negative situations that could ensue. For example, if you’re flying, make sure to pack an extra outfit — with a few pairs of underwear — in carryon luggage in case your checked bags get lost. For a family trip, take time to look for alternative attractions in case of bad weather or unhappy children. Double-check your wardrobe for outfits to accommodate weather changes, find out which types of alternative transportation you might use and make sure to have some backup cash.
Vacations are occasions to get away from the daily grind and take time for yourself or your family. If museums and historical sites sound like a perfect trip, visit those places! If you’d rather lounge by a pool all day, make sure to pack an extra suit. Don’t get caught up in the expectations you or others have for how to spend a vacation in a certain location. Travel brochures don’t always list all the fun options a city offers, and it might be worth your time to do some research, ask locals or simply explore. Do activities that will make you happy — whatever those might be.
VACATION TIPS
GET OUT OF THE HOTEL
SLEEP
GO WITH THE FLOW
Make sure to get out and about. Getting stuck in a daily rut while on vacation will do more than just relax you, it will bore you! Even if your ideal vacation is at an all-inclusive spa resort, take some time away from the hotel. Catch a movie, grab dinner at a funky restaurant or visit some fancy boutiques — it will give your day a little excitement and make that evening massage even sweeter. Local hot spots can be just as much fun as a major tourist attraction and could possibly be cheaper, too. If all else fails, just hit the pavement and find something amazing on your own.
Late nights and early mornings are for work weeks — not vacations. Use your trip as an excuse to catch up on all the sleep you’ve lost since your last vacation. Not only will you feel better when you have to go back to work, but you’ll feel better during the actual trip, too. Sleep is especially important if you plan to visit many attractions or if you’re traveling with children. A vacation is all about having a good time. Feeling tired will make the events less fun and could make your fellow travelers irritable or impatient. So go ahead and press that snooze button one, or maybe six, more times.
Regardless of what happens during your trip, be open to changes and keep a positive attitude. After all, you won’t be having a good time if you’re stressing about which reservation fell through or how you hated the museum you thought you’d love. It’s especially important to not let bad weather ruin a trip. If a storm or temperature change affects your original plans, let it go and move on to the next attraction. Plans may go awry, and when that happens, just put on a smile and work with what the vacation gives you. Sometimes the unplanned events turn out to be the most memorable.
Don'’t forget to pack these few essentials for any vacation:: Clothes you can get dirty A swimsuit Games and playing cards
Tennis shoes A small extra bag A camera
good reading material A map Charger cords
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FOOD
These domes, infused with raspberry purée and Chambord extract are a guest favorite.
COLUMNIST EXPLORES A LITTLE BITE OF FRANCE STORY AND PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH MCBRIDE
Ghyslain Maurais never dreamed of becoming a chocolatier, but now his business is slowly winning national recognition.
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A
Chocolate is considered a seasonal delicacy.
few months ago, two square miles didn’t count for much in my mind. Located on the Indiana-Ohio border, Union City, Ind., is a town which one could likely tour — in a half-hearted, superficial sense anyway — in less than 15 minutes. An occasional pine tree filtered the bright morning sunlight as I drove past white wooden homes, expansive fields and unidentified warehouses into the town. Eventually, from across a parking lot, I spotted the name I’d been eagerly waiting to see. “Ghyslain” appeared on a pale blue sign above the words “chocolat des beaux arts,” a phrase which translates roughly to “Chocolate of the beautiful arts.” My conception of the word “beautiful” couldn’t have prepared me for what I’d find inside. I walked into the small reception area. To my left, an exuberantly smiling chocolate candlestick, reminiscent of Disney’s Lumiere, sat wrapped in translucent paper beside a gray-beaked white owl and a red stiletto. These sugary sculptures seemed to me more than simply “pretty.” They seemed alive. The man who brought them to life was born in Québec, Canada. Ghyslain Maurais had originally planned to become an architect like his father. Finding himself longing to travel and for “action in the kitchen,” he pursued a culinary education in Europe, learning the art of chocolate making and decorating in Switzerland and France.
GHYSLAIN
Ghyslain Chocolatier offers whimsically decorated pastries.
These chocolate masterpieces attract enthusiasts far beyond Union City.
Vanilla Fan — White chocolate ganache and Tahitian vanilla bean Butterfly — Gianduja milk chocolate ganache, hazelnut puree and hazelnut crunch Ghyslain — Dark chocolate ganache, Grand Marnier extract, dried figs, orange peel and pistachio White Turtle — Milk chocolate, butter caramel and toasted macadamia Dark Maple Caramel — Dark chocolate and a maple syrup caramel center
Moving across the room, I had the idea that perhaps this man was an architect after all. Behind a glass counter, tiny hazelnut butterflies and Victorian vanilla fans shone in shellacked perfection. Each individual chocolate had a distinct character which was as much apparent to me in its appearance as in its taste. Naturally any candy will have a signature flavor, but these took the concept to the next level. As I bit into Maurais’s offering of a “Milk Fleur De Sel Caramel” with peacock feathers engraved onto its surface, I felt obligated to examine every nuance of taste. Letting the flavors play on my tongue, I felt a heightened sense of awareness as if I were studying a Da Vinci painting, driven by the vague sense there was something to discover. Like many artists, Maurais goes through aesthetic phases. When he started his business in 1998, his work reflected an affinity for vivid colors. As “Ghyslain” began to elicit recognition beyond the borders of Union City, however, Maurais worked to perfect his ability to intricately and authentically imitate life through his chocolate. A “hazelnut,” he told me, would be painted in the true tradition of hazelnuts with a brown cap and reddish body. Now Maurais is striving for a hybrid of the flashy and the realistic, with the same modern, geometrical molds but with
earthier, more natural colors. As I prepared to part with Maurais, he handed me a pale blue box replete with his latest creations. The tag taped to the bottom right corner said, “Union City, Indiana. Just Like In France.” I smiled as I read it and thanked him, telling him I couldn’t wait to have lunch at his Bistro later that afternoon. Minutes earlier, he’d led me past a metal table stacked high with fresh onions ready to be shipped 45 minutes south to his French-inspired café in Richmond, Ind. Back in the car, now eager for some French onion soup and fresh bread, I looked again at my box of Ghyslain chocolate art. “Just Like In France,” the tag said. Once again, the Midwest had surprised me. A month prior, I hadn’t even heard of Union City. If someone had mentioned it to me, I likely would have offered it a passing acknowledgment and forgotten it before the day’s end. Now I knew it as the home of an innovative artist and an ever-expanding, networking business 3,584 townspeople are proud to call their own. Not bad for two little square miles.
>>WEB EXCLUSIVE Read more about Ghyslain Maurais and his journey toward becoming a chocolatier on our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours.
Maurais learned to paint chocolate sculptures in France.
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Muskets &
Missourians HISTORY LIVES ON AT WILSON’S CREEK STORY AND PHOTOS BY SAM SHERMAN
O
ne walk around Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in southwest Missouri makes it hard to imagine there was ever bloodshed in the calm and pristine Ozark backwoods. However, on Aug. 10, 1861, Union General Nathaniel Lyon, whose troops had been camping 16 miles southwest of the battlefield in Springfield, Mo., orchestrated a sneak attack on Confederate forces camped near Wilson’s Creek. After a day of battle, Confederate forces emerged victorious as Union troops retreated 110 miles northeast to Rolla, Mo. The result was the first Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River and Confederate control of southwest Missouri.
The History
The Welcome Center, located at the entrance of the park, houses a research library and a museum.
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The Battle of Wilson’s Creek isn’t a widely known battle of the Civil War. While some historians have dubbed it the “Bull Run of the West,” Alan Chilton, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield park museum technician, said the Civil War’s presence in the western theater goes widely unnoticed. “We’re here to try to assist the American public in understanding about the Civil War west of the Mississippi River,” Chilton said. “It’s not uncommon at all for people to walk in the door and go, ‘I did not know the Civil War
WILSON’S CREEK
This was Union Col. Franz Sigel’s final position of the battle before being overtaken by Confederate forces.
happened west of the Mississippi River,’ yet Missouri is the third most fought-over state of the Civil War.” Lyon and his troops left Springfield in the middle of a rainstorm the night of Aug. 9, 1861, trudging south to surprise and slow down the Confederate pursuit of the Union troops retreating to Rolla. At 5 a.m. Aug. 10 the battle began, and almost immediately, Lyon’s forces took control of the high ground in the area, later named “Bloody Hill.” After a series of Union miscues, the Confederates held their ground and successfully staved off the attack. By 11 a.m. more than 2,500 soldiers from both sides had been killed, wounded or captured, none of which more notable than General Lyon. Lyon — who was shot off his horse in battle — became the first Union general to be killed during the Civil War. Near the site of the battle was the Ray House, owned by John and Roxana Ray and their 11 children. The battle raged on as John watched from his front porch, well within musket range. The house was transformed into a field hospital once wounded Confederate
“We’re here to try to assist the American public in understanding about the Civil War west of the Mississippi River.” — Alan Chilton soldiers started coming to it for medical attention, and it remained as such for the next six weeks. The Ray House still stands and serves as the last remaining original structure left at the park.
The Research While the Battle of Wilson’s Creek has been chronicled time and again, new discoveries are being made every day in the Wilson’s Creek
National Battlefield’s research library. Park librarian Jeff Patrick said the library has helped people from all around the world in their Civil War research. While the park’s research mostly consists of families tracing their genealogy, Patrick said they’ve helped a number of historians, students, documentary makers and Civil War buffs. The battlefield’s library offers one of the largest collections of bound and printed Civil War material of any national park as well as a museum and an extensive artifact collection. Patrick said the collection grows with every new visitor to the park. “The great thing is since we deal with visitors on a daily basis, they bring their stories and their artifacts into the park,” Patrick said. “So we’re learning from them. We are learning their ancestors’ stories while looking at their photographs and other artifacts that they happen to bring in.” The park’s research extends beyond Wilson’s Creek. The library has items and information from all around the western theater of the war. Patrick said the information grows as research continues, with new leads coming
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DESTINATION The battlefield’s museum breaks down various parts of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.
“[I]t’s nice to be able to look at something that’s not just buildings or trees.” — Jeff Peck
from anywhere. “There’s always another fascinating fact to be uncovered,” Patrick said. “There’s a rich treasure trove of material culture from this period, and there are always details that can be gleaned from those artifacts.”
The Park The battlefield and surrounding national park serve as a well-preserved monument of the battle itself. A five-mile paved loop takes visitors on a journey to see the historically significant sites — such as Bloody Hill, a piece of high ground that was particularly violent
Civil War Battles in Missouri
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during the battle, and the Ray House — while offering explanations of various aspects of the battle along the way. History isn’t the only draw of the battlefield. Museum technician Alan Chilton said the wildlife and trails around the park are just as much of an attraction as the battle itself. “A lot of recreationists come out here,” Chilton said. “Those people know this is a historic site. They respect the historic side of it, and yet they’ll come out here to try and drop five pounds.” The road offers runners, walkers and cyclists the chance to exercise outdoors without having to worry as much about cars or people
Battle of Carthage Fought in Jasper County, Mo., July 5, 1961, the Battle of Carthage introduced new tactics to the Civil War that gave Confederate troops a decisive victory. The battle is the only time a sitting US governor has led troops into battle after Missouri governor Claiborne F. Jackson commanded Confederate troops to victory. Today the battleground, named Battle of Carthage State Historic site, is open to the public.
WILSON’S CREEK
getting into the way. The park also offers hiking and horseback riding trails. Joe Peck, amateur cyclist and Springfield resident, said the battlefield is a nice exercising alternative to the streets of Springfield. “Cars do drive on [the five-mile loop], but you have to pay to actually drive the battlefield,” Peck said. “It’s nice. You can kind of take up all the road you want, and you don’t have to worry about traffic.” Peck is one of many Springfield-area residents who take advantage of the roads and scenery at Wilson’s Creek as a way to get outdoors and stay in shape. He said the historic side of the battlefield adds an informative and educational aspect to his rides. “It’s definitely something that’s prettier to look at than riding around the city,” Peck said. “If you want, you can stop and read the historical signs they have posted, but it’s nice to be able to look at something that’s not just buildings or trees.” The battlefield serves as a reminder of a war that pitted brother against brother, family against family. While Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield provides a recreational trip to tourists and local residents, if visitors look closely enough, they’ll be gazing into the lens of history.
>>WEB EXCLUSIVE Read more about the history of Wilson’s Creek and the surrounding Springfield area on our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours.
The Ray Springhouse offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of the Ray family.
Battle of Lone Jack
Battle of Fredericktown
The Battle of Lone Jack in Jackson County, Mo., was fought from Aug. 15 until Aug. 16 after Independence, Mo., fell to William Quantrill’s raiders and Confederate forces. The Confederates won the battle but lost the ground the next day to Union troops. Cole Younger of the infamous JamesYounger gang participated in the battle as did future U.S. Secretary of War Stephen B. Elkins.
The battle began after M. Jeff Thompson, a brigadier general in the Missouri State Guard, attacked Union troops in Madison County, Mo., Oct. 21, 1861. The battle was won for the Union after reinforcements from the 17th Illinois Regiment arrived and staved off the Confederate attack. The battle was a crucial victory for the Union as it gave the Federal troops control of southeastern Missouri.
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Heart Hills
DESTINATION
of the
Main Street winds around a bend in the road, but the shops extend up into the hilly portions of the town.
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GALENA
SMALL TOWN’S SHOPS COMMEMORATE THE PAST STORY BY FORREST WILSEY AND PHOTOS BY BURGUNDY RAMSEY
S
ituated 15 miles east of the IowaWisconsin boarder alongside a Mississippi River tributary in the foothills of the Midwest rests Galena, Ill. Galena began as a small settlement for lead prospectors in the area. As Galena grew from prospector camp to township, regular shops began to open across Main Street, and by 1826 Galena was founded as a town in the heart of the hills.
History
Initially meant to accommodate prospectors, the town was expected to last only as long as the lead deposits did. However, as the area expanded, Galena became more permanent, and people and politics became more important as the town became a more significant landmark. Near the onset of the Civil War, just more than 30 years after Galena’s official founding, famous individuals such as Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas delivered speeches to residents. Among the crowd was Ulysses S. Grant, then still a relatively unknown name. Having moved to Galena to work at his father’s leather goods shop in 1860, Grant became acquainted with influential politicians during his stay in town. These encounters would eventually lead Grant and other men from Galena to be named generals in the Union army during the Civil War. After the war ended and Grant returned to the area, the people of Galena welcomed him back with a well-furnished house on Bouthillier Street. The house still stands for the public to enter and view the old-fashioned splendor associated with the Grant home. The house was maintained throughout Grant’s presidency, from 1869 until 1877. When Grant passed away, the house was handed down to his children. In 1904 they turned the house over to the City of Galena to be cared for and held as a monument to their father. However, as costs of maintenance were high, the house was eventually deeded to the
State of Illinois in 1931. As Galena continued to grow, the focus of the town’s economy shifted to trade as the lead mines became less profitable. Shops had been around the area since Galena’s founding, but the town began catering to visitors and residents, especially those who wanted to see Grant’s home. Tourism kept the town going, but history became one of the major aspects of Galena’s appeal as the years wore on. Known as “the town time forgot,” Galena has always kept its past at the heart of its story. At its peak, Galena was home to 34 antique shops. Although that number has decreased to 10 since then, themedcontemporary shops have begun showcasing some of Galena’s other attributes, including its scenery and local artistry.
Antique Shops
Galena’s antique shops have been one of the town’s most prominent features. Books line the walls of Peace of the Past, packed from ceiling to floor on old wooden bookshelves. Cabinets, desks and various containers in the center of the room are stocked with organized troves of old-time items. William Karberge has owned the shop since 1991. He began collecting after discovering antiquing was something he felt passionate about. “I have always had an eclectic mix of books and antiques,” Karberge explained. “I’ve never tried to limit myself as far as what I’m looking for.” The old wooden floors offer enough space to see the hundreds of items in stock. While some of the wooden cabinets in the store hold old tools, others are proudly laden with aged musical instruments, like violins and clarinets. Classic books in bound leather jackets with paper sleeves and well-worn pages are featured along the walls. Hanging from the wooden beams are model airplanes, and seated behind glass cases are old pieces of pottery. Buzz Sprengelmeyer, owner of La Belle
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DESTINATION
“It seemed like the perfect location for that with all of the history and the fact that we deal in history.” — Bill Butts
Epoque, has a very similar outlook on a vastly different collection. With an assortment of items, such as cameras, paintings and metalwork, the antiques represent many different time periods. The items at La Belle Epoque are separated and sorted by their relevance to each other. Finding one camera yields the opportunity to find several more of similar varieties but from different time periods. “This is one of the last surviving, what would be considered traditional, antique stores,” Sprengelmeyer explained. La Belle Epoque, literally translating to “The Beautiful Epoch,” is a reference to a period in French history largely characterized by masterpieces in art, literature and music, a theme alluded to by the stock of the shop. Paintings line some of the walls, leaning against desks in a neat, outward facing sprawl. Several types of cameras from decades past lie next to each other, showing the development of photography throughout the years. Within another case, highly decorated sabers and other pieces of decorum are strung up and on display. Sprengelmeyer explained the antiques sold each have a certain history to them.
With history at its heart, Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts focuses on selling lightly used to mint condition books that are key in telling stories of the past. The collection includes culture and politically significant events as well as more traditional genres such as poetry, mystery and travel. However, the true claim to fame for this shop goes much deeper, as the other main focus is on autographed documents from the past. Between the wooden shelves of the shop lie some rather significant original pieces from historical figures. A glass display case on a central table contains some of the more significant items to the area, including photographs and documents pertaining to Grant and other U.S. political figures. Some of the rare items include old World War II propaganda leaflets, a pamphlet that features the news of Grant’s death and Central Railroad Company construction bonds. One of the most prized items in the collection is a first edition Book of Mormon from 1830. Five hundred and eighty eight pages and bound in dark calfskin, the book is one of the few of its kind for sale around the world. Only around 500 are expected to be
The DeSoto House Hotel has been in operation since 1855 and is the oldest operational hotel in Illinois.
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GALENA
surviving first editions. Owner Bill Butts explained he decided to start his shop in Galena because there were no other shops like it in the town. “I liked Galena because no one tried to do a serious antiquarian or auto print bookshop here,” Butts said. “It seemed like the perfect location for that with all of the history and the fact that we deal in history. No one has ever done mainly historical documents. We’re one of the larger autograph dealers in the Midwest and historic documents in any field whatsoever.”
Specialized Shops
Some shops, such as Hello Galena!, focus on the more artistic aspects of the town. With full canvas works and photographs lining the walls up to the ceiling, Hello Galena! has no lack of décor. It features local artists’ works, from sketches and paintings to photographs and ceramics. Operating under the Galena Cultural Arts Alliance, a non-profit group, Hello Galena! celebrates local artistry. Some events include receptions to celebrate the artists and showcase their talents. Manager Toni Klingler said one of the shop’s biggest draws is its focus on the community. “It’s the only store in town with exclusively local products,” Klingler explained. “Every artist is so unique and has such vision. It’s such a pleasure to work here because you can mingle with the tourists, but I also get to work with 65 amazingly talented artists.” Other shops, such as Fever River Outfitters, focus on the natural beauty of the area. The wooden floors and stone hearth emphasize the shop’s rustic atmosphere, and the rooms are categorized by the shop’s different merchandise. Fever River Outfitters sells plenty of outdoor gear, such as hiking and rock climbing tools as well as kayaking gear. Owner Deb Malone explained outdoor exploration isn’t as common in Galena as other towns, but the job definitely has its perks. “In 2010 water came up to the front porch, so we just canoed to work,” she said. “We really are one with the waterfront here. I’d have it no other way though. I love the history, I love the downtown and I love the landscape around here.” Fever River Outfitters also runs canoeing trips down the local river. With trips that last up to 10 miles and go just to the edge of where the local river meets the Mississippi, the shop truly accentuates outdoor living. However, trips are not just for experienced rowers. Fever River Outfitters offers bundled packages with various distances. For day trips, visitors can take a five-mile kayak trip or a seven-mile trip, the latter of which is followed by a three-mile hike and nine-mile bike for
William Karberge, owner of Peace of the Past, stands in front of his trove of antiques.
Many antique shops have an assortment of artwork, including these older works from La Belle Epoque.
Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts displays its books, historical memorabilia and documents in the center of the shop.
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DESTINATION
more adventurous sorts. Similar to Fever River Outfitters, Poopsie’s focuses on a niche clientele. The shop is renowned for its quirky items, and gag gifts of all varieties line the shelves alongside silly costumes and artwork. Customers immediately feel at home with the snarky sayings, bubbly words of wisdom and loving expressions on the shop’s walls. Employee Traci Lyden explained the store offers more than what a typical customer might find on Main Street. As a result, the shop draws people of all sorts with a soft spot for fun and pranks. “We try to fill a niche,” Lyden explained. “Something that’s different on Main Street beyond the ordinary — quirky things like that. You know, things that you don’t need but have to have.” Toques and mittens designed to look like sock monkeys line a row of shelves showcasing apparel. Gifts are organized into jokes, novelties and oddities. Toys like magnets, construction kits and lasers rest on tables next to older gag gifts, such as fake snakes. Wooden automobiles give an antiquated feel to contemporary designs, while light-up wands give colorful light to the shop.
Present Day
Today the town is home to about 3,400 people, but during the busy times of the year, hundreds of people visit the various stores
Galena Canning Company
Puidak poses proudly in front of some of his top selling homemade jams.
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Puidak’s many award-winning sauces represent a diverse market for spice.
along Main Street daily. Upon first entering the town, one of the first sights visitors notice is a small brick building with a dark awning that reads “Galena Trolley Tours.” Cherry red trolley cars are situated in front of it, shining in the daylight. Walking up to the front entrance, alongside one of the few concrete paths in town, reveals a glass front that allows a glimpse of the shop’s interior. Small bits of Galena memorabilia line shelves, with golf balls and decks of cards bearing the town’s name. T-shirts line the upper parts of the walls, pinned above pamphlets that describe the multitude of activities to do and places to see. Galena Trolley Tours offers a guided view of Galena in its entirety –– from historical buildings and candy shops to toy stores and bookshops. The tours have run for more than 20 years along the same route. During Galena’s tourism peak in the summer, six trolleys run for one to two hours, depending upon the tour. These trolley tours offer one of the easiest ways to see the town. A series of buildings lining Main Street reflect the history of former residents, both living and deceased. Tours such as these can start at many of the haunted spots in town. One of the more notable tours includes an open top trolley ride with the driver narrating some of the haunted history of the town. During Columbus Day weekend, Galena hosts the annual Galena Country Fair, which
Puidak’s strawberry salsa is a sweeter salsa with a spicy kick.
GALENA Poopsie’s walls are decorated with art and apparel.
“There’s more history per square foot here than anywhere in the the U.S.” — Buzz Sprengelmeyer features more than 150 vendors. The festival includes live bands and traditional Irish dancing. Farmers markets, homemade crafts and artwork line the streets in the Grant Park area, adding a celebratory atmosphere every fall for this small town. While history is held close to the heart of the town, the shops have turned Galena into a popular tourist destination. On warm summer days, it is easy to find hundreds of people perusing the window displays and enjoying the scenery of the old architecture near the river. “Galena … is like an oasis,” said Buzz Sprengelmeyer, owner of La Belle Epoque. “There’s more history per square foot here than anywhere in the U.S.”
The candies at Galena Kandy Kitchen range from homemade to big name products.
>>WEB EXCLUSIVE Read more about the dessert and specialty shops found throughout Galena, Ill., on our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours.
Since 1993 Galena Canning Company has been the place to go for fresh, homemade condiments. With two shops located across the street from each other, the Canning Company displays a wide variety of items. Mason jars and fresh ingredients line the aluminum shelves at the jelly and jam store, adding a sense of homemade sweets to the contemporary design. Across the street rests the other half of the Canning Company, a hot sauce shop that features flavorful and spicy sauces. Award-winning Chef Ivo Puidak owns and manages the store. Widely known simply as Chef Ivo, he pays a great amount of attention to quality. Puidak spends much of his time making an arrangement of homemade sauces and jams while placing great importance on fresh ingredients to create fresh products. Puidak explained he began selling homemade jams and jellies at the bed-and-breakfast he owned. Although business for the bed-and-breakfast was not ideal, the jam and jellies took off, winning numerous awards around the state. “We’re really well known for, more than anything, our quality,” Puidak explained. “I have no desire to do things big like big companies. I like customer service. I don’t have to compromise the integrity of my products just to meet demands. Our diversity of products and product array really is driven by the customers.” A lot of the products offered are based seasonally, depending upon the available fruits and vegetables. Recently Puidak opened up his new restaurant in town. Known as Chef Ivo’s Place, the restaurant features barbecue items made with many of the ingredients found on the shelves of his shops. summer 2013
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RESOURCE
SPIRITUAL SHOP OFFERS NEW-AGE EXPERIENCE
B A book display features astrology books and witches’ and magical almanacs.
In many magical traditions, incense is used to create an atmosphere of “sacred space.”
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHELSIE YOKUM
rightly colored candles and statuettes of faeries, gods and goddesses line the shelves. Displays of stones and crystals, with descriptions of their purposes, fill the room. While spell books and tarot cards might bring to mind a dark, dusty magic shop, the atmosphere given off by Aquarius, located in the downtown entertainment district of Kansas City, Mo., is more modern. Owner Barbara Criswell opened Aquarius in April 1989 when the life insurance company she worked for was relocated. Criswell said she doesn’t know if there ever was a “start” to her interest in spiritual growth. However, the Unity School of Christianity where she taught for 10 years encouraged looking for a spiritual outlet. The store offers alternative options for spiritual growth in addition to the items on the shelves. Aquarius employs part-time psychic readers to help its customers make better choices about their life, Criswell explained. When customers are in a crisis of some sort and need guidance, a psychic reader can assist them in making more informed decisions. With “spiritual guidance” listed on her business card, tarot consultant Julie Bowen has been a psychic reader for 20 years and was a customer at Aquarius before she began doing readings for the shop. Bowen said customers come to her for a variety of problems, such as issues involving finances, career options or relationships. When customers come to her with their questions and concerns, Bowen said she gives them information about how their situation looks like it will turn out. If her customers find the outcome unfavorable, Bowen helps them find ways to alter it through affirmations, a perspective change,
book recommendations, meditation or yoga. “I have an energy connection with my customers,” Bowen said. “I’m able to help them make a choice that fits their agenda, fits their vision of who they want to be and what they want to do.” Aquarius also offers aura interpretations for its customers. Owner Criswell has performed these for 10 years and has seen thousands of them. Criswell said in order to photograph customers’ auras, they must place their hands on a pair of plates with sensors embedded in them that line up with acupuncture points on the hands. Through biofeedback, the sensors read the energy of those acupuncture points, then send it to a computer where it is translated and put on film. Interpreting one’s aura is done based on the colors, shapes and combinations of the colors seen in the photograph, according to Aura Imaging’s website. “I’m just amazed at how accurate the photograph is and the depth of the information that’s given,” Criswell said. “It could tell how you respond to things, how you feel about things, the kind of things that you’re doing and what’s the type of thing that’s likely to be coming to you in the near future.” Criswell said aura interpretation is not an art one can necessarily be trained in, though it does come naturally to some. She said it takes some discernment in seeing color, similar to the way a painter might be more aware of subtleties in hue. “It’s not a ‘woo-woo psychic’ thing,” Criswell said. “It’s a way of giving a soft focus. So you look about 18 inches behind the person, and then you can see the energy pattern when you relax your eyes.” Customers also come to Aquarius for spiritual practice, magic, aromatherapy and
AQUARIUS
to purchase supplies for their home altars. Vicky Queen first wandered into the shop in 1989 and has been a customer ever since. She said there is not a lot she doesn’t shop for at Aquarius, including its books, calendars, incense, statuettes and artwork. Aside from the assortment of items Aquarius offers, Queen said she continues to shop at the store because of the people who work there. Criswell said the goal for Aquarius’ employees is to help people find what they need. Rather than being a mentor for customers, Aquarius seeks to serve as a support system to help them find the appropriate tools and their own spiritual path. Criswell said all the employees she hires are experts in their own area of spiritual growth, including stones, magic and naturopathy, which deals with natural medicine and the healing power of nature.
“I like how there’s so many spiritual tools and focusing devices that we can use to help us on our own paths,” tarot consultant Bowen said. “And I like the openness and kindness of everybody here. This is definitely the place I like to be. They feel like family here.” Criswell said having good employee relationships and providing a place for employees to grow are essential to Aquarius. “[Employees] come here, and once they come here, they don’t go away,” Criswell said. “People have been here eight, nine years. That’s unheard of in retail.”
Statues representing Egyptian gods Osiris, Apis, Hathor and Horus are on display.
Tarot consultant Julie Bowen speaks with a customer, her tarot deck posed and ready.
>>WEB EXCLUSIVE Read more about what this new-age spiritual shop offers to its customers on our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours.
Ozark Avalon, Church of Nature Booneville, Mo. Ozark Avalon follows the Wiccan Rede, the key moral system in the Neopagan religion of Wicca and other related witchcraft-based faiths. The church offers a free, open worship circle each month and a schedule of Wheel of the Year and other workshop-style events focusing on different spiritual themes.
Gaea Retreat Center St. McLouth, Kan. This retreat center encourages open discussion while also aiming to encourage greater understanding between diverse groups. Many who have been affected by oppression utilize the Center as a temporary safe haven. The Center also supports sustainability and land and wildlife conservation.
White Light Bookstore & Crystals Kansas City, Mo. White Light Bookstore & Crystals is for anyone searching for inner knowledge, angelic wisdom and spiritual growth. In addition to books, the store offers tools such as crystals, stones and minerals, meditation supplies and psychic fairs to enhance one’s inner path journey or to raise one’s vibration.
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New
beginnings
photo contest winners
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PHOTO CONTEST
winner “Beauty Grows Everywhere” by Jessie Poole Québec, Canada
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honorable mentions “Pollenate” by Andie Davis Kirksville, Mo.
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“The Coming Storm at Sunrise”
PHOTO CONTEST
by Arthur Beets Kirksville, Mo.
“Abandoned House at Sunrise” by Taylor Probst Kirksville, Mo.
“Stems and Peaks” by Brendan O’Brien Grand Tetons National Park Alta, Wyo.
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O
accreditation Pain Center
*According to th Northwest Regio
facebook fan favorite “Superstition” by Caroline Mikaloff Phoenix
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Your heart. Our life’s work. Our life’s work. Your heart. Our life’s work. Our life’s work.
The 30-Minutesor-Less E.R. Service Pledge.
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eliot eliot nissenbaum, d.o.nissenbaum, d.o. eliot nissenbaum, d.o.
dana valencia, m.d.
Northeast Regional Medical Center proudly welcomes two new cardiologists, Dr. Dana Valencia and Dr. Eliot Nissenbaum. Both physicians are skilled cardiologists who believe in providing a personal and attentive healthcare experience. Northeast
Regional Medical Center proudly new cardiologists, Dr. Dana Valencia and Dr. Eliot Nissenbaum. Northeast RegionalNortheast Medical Center proudly welcomes twoproudly newwelcomes cardiologists, Dana Valencia and Dr. Nissenbaum. Northeast Regional Medical Center welcomes twotwo new Dr. cardiologists, Dr. Dana Valencia and Eliot Dr. Eliot Nissenbaum. is the area’s first and only hospital to be accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, the national Chest Pain Center Both physicians are skilled cardiologists who believe in providing a personal and attentive healthcare experience. Northeast
physicians are skilled cardiologists whocare believe providing a personal and about attentive healthcare Northeast Both physicians areBoth skilled cardiologists who believe afor personal and attentive healthcare experience. Northeast accreditation agency.* Together we look forwardintoproviding helping thein hearts in our town. To learn more our cardiac care andexperience. Chest is the area’s first and only hospital to be accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, the national Chest Pain Center
isaccreditation the area’s first to and only hospital tothe be Society accredited by thePain Society of Chest Pain Centers, Painand Center accreditation, visit NERMC.com today. is the area’s first only hospital be accredited by of Chest Centers, the national Chestthe Painnational Center Chest Pain Center agency.* Together we look forward to helping care for the hearts in our town. To learn more about our cardiac care and Chest
Center accreditation, visit NERMC.com accreditation Together look forward to care the hearts in more our town. Toour learn morecare about our cardiac care and Chest n agency.* Togetheragency.* wePain look forward to we helping care for today. thehelping hearts in ourfor town. To learn about cardiac and Chest
Pain Center accreditation,today. visit NERMC.com today. accreditation, visit NERMC.com
Members of the Medical Staff at Northeast Regional Medical Center
*According to the Society of Chest Pain Centers, scpcp.org. Members of the Medical Staff at Northeast Regional Medical Center Northwest Regional Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff. *According to the Society of Chest Pain Centers, scpcp.org. Northwest Regional Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
the Medical StaffCenter at Northeast Regional Medical Center Members of the Medical Staff atMembers NortheastofRegional Medical
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6/26/12 11:56 AM
*According to the Society of Chest Pain Centers, scpcp.org. he Society of Chest Pain Centers, scpcp.org. 62679_NRMC_Heart_10x10c.indd 1 6/26/12 11:56 AM Northwest Center is directly indirectly that owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician including certain members the hospital’s medical staff. onal Medical CenterRegional is directlyMedical or indirectly owned by a or partnership proudly includes physician owners, including certainowners, members of the hospital’s medical of staff.
The 30-Minutesor-Less E.R. Service Pledge.
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Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Northeast Regional Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire
6/26/12 11:56 AM
team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a physician within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. For more information, visit NERMC.com.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
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Milking the Good Life FAMILY VALUES HELP DAIRY FARM SUCCEED
C
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIA POHLMAN
homper, Candid, Fergilee, Ruthie, Phillie, LouAnn, Lilly, Lonnie, Lani,” said Charlie Voelker, dairy farmer and former Brown Swiss Association president, as he pointed to each cow and called her by name. Each of Charlie’s cows are named using a specific system. The cow’s first name is Voelker, the middle name is the bull’s name and the last name is the distinguished name of the cow. The last name starts with the same letter as the cow’s mother’s name to help keep the cows organized into families. Charlie used to get each name from a baby name book until his children started naming the cows. Charlie and his family run a registered Brown Swiss dairy farm in Perryville, Mo., approximately an hour and a half south of St. Louis. The farm has been in the Voelker family for around 150 years. After Charlie’s father came home from World War II in 1946, he and his wife decided to begin milking in order to make some additional income. Charlie purchased the farm from his father in 1983 and has since begun breeding cows and selling their genetics in addition to cropping and milking. Farming has always been a family effort for Charlie. His wife, Nancy, goes to cattle shows with Charlie while working full-time at the hospital. She is on the school board and took their children to afterschool activities when they were younger. Their five children are now mostly grown — their youngest son graduated from high school this year — but all have helped or currently help on the farm.
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THE FARM The Voelkers own 258 acres and rent 100 acres from another farmer, totaling around half a square mile, and the family milks 120 Brown Swiss and 30 Holstein cows. They sow 90 acres of wheat or rye in the fall and put compost on those fields in the spring, a process known as double-cropping. They also rotate soybeans in their fields and harvest 100 acres of alfalfa and 50 acres of grass. Everything grown on their farm is used to feed their cows. “It’s just kind of a circle,” Charlie said. “We take the crop and feed the cows, and the manure from that we [use on the fields] so we don’t use a lot of commercial fertilizer, and we try to be good stewards of the land.” As the farm has grown, Charlie has hired three non-family members to work on the farm, one full-time and two part-time. The days on the dairy farm start early. Milking begins by 5 a.m. and lasts until 8 or 8:15 a.m. Eight cows can be milked in the Voelkers’ milk parlor at one time. Two people work at once, so after milking one of them stays in the milk parlor to clean up while the other feeds the cows and the bucket calves in the other barn. Next Charlie artificially breeds several cows and attends to any other farm work. The Prairie Farms milkman comes once a day, usually around noon, to pick up the milk from the large metal tank it’s kept in. At 3 p.m. the evening shift workers begin sanitizing the milk parlor, feeding the other group of cows and calves, and bringing the cows
DAIRY FARM
KEY TERMINOLOGY Brown Swiss — A breed of dairy cow that is light brown.
Holstein — A breed of dairy cow that is black and white.
Heifer — A young cow that has not yet given birth.
Pasteurized — The process in which
milk is heated to a certain temperature to sterilize it.
Bucket calves peek their heads out while waiting to be fed their milk.
in to be milked. The evening milking begins around 3:30 and lasts until 7. “It’s 24/7,” said Charlie about the milking schedule. “We milk twice a day — holidays, blizzards, droughts. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I mean if you like what you do, I think it’s worth it.” Sanitation is a priority at the dairy farm. Twice a day workers wash and sanitize the milk parlor. All cow manure has to be cleaned out of the milking area, and once a month workers scrub down the milk parlor with heavy-duty cleaner. An inspector comes unannounced two or three times a year to ensure the milk parlor meets the cleanliness standards and regulations.
THE COWS The Voelkers breed and milk Brown Swiss cows, one of the six colored breeds of cows. Brown Swiss cows have more butterfat protein, which makes their milk ideal for producing cheese, yogurt and sour cream. Charlie explained he likes the Brown Swiss breed best because they are friendly cows. Most of the Voelkers’ Brown Swiss cows’ milk is combined with two other area dairy farms’ milk and taken to Carbondale, Ill., where it is used to make cottage cheese. Their Holstein cows’ milk is used for drinking and is taken to Tennessee and Kentucky to be sold. Milk is sold
in pounds, and the farm averages around 6,300 pounds, or 733 gallons, of milk per day. The milk from Charlie’s cows is not considered organic because he occasionally uses fertilizers on the fields and gives his cows medications. However, the milk produced on the Voelker dairy farm is completely hormone- and antibiotic-free. The milk is tested daily to ensure it remains this way. If a cow is given medication, her milk is collected separately and used to feed the cats and calves on the farm until the antibiotics are out of her system. “These cows are all producing,” part-time employee Tonya Congdon said. “What they’re giving, they’re doing it on their own. We can’t give them anything.” In 2006 Charlie built a compost barn to maximize the cows’ comfort. Instead of having a stall for each cow like freestall dairy barns — the type of barns most dairy farms use — this type of dairy barn provides a large open space for the cows to relax in. The large ceiling fans move up to 7 mph and one side of the barn is a curtain that can be rolled up in the summer and lowered in the winter. The ground is covered in a sawdust and straw mixture that workers mix twice a day with the cows’ urine and manure. This keeps the ground dry for the cows. The barn includes a fence the cows can stick their heads through
Grade A — A farm is Grade A if it has
pipeline equipment for the milk to run through so it can be sold for fluid milk. This term designates better milking facilities. Today most farms are Grade A, as opposed to Grade C.
Silage — Food for livestock that has been fermented, usually made from hay or all the parts of a plant, such as a corn stalk.
Bucket Calf — A calf that is fed milk with a bucket, instead of getting the milk straight from its mother.
To find out more information about the Brown Swiss breed, visit the Brown Swiss Association’s website, brownswissusa.com
A bucket calf peeks through the fence.
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Some of Charlie's Brown Swiss Charlie’s compost barn was the eat in the compost barn Charlie first built like it in Missouri. built, the first like it in Missouri.
Charlie milks some of his Holstein cows in the milk parlor. Charlie Voelker milks some of his Holstein cows in the milk parlor.
“We take the crop and feed the cows, and the manure from that we [use on the fields] so we don’t use a lot of commercial fertilizer, and we try to be good stewards of the land.” — Charlie Voelker to eat the hay, corn and silage food mixture poured on the concrete in front of the fence.
GENETICS In addition to cropping and milking, the Voelkers breed their own registered Brown Swiss cows and market their genetics. To do this, each cow and bull is classified and given a score on certain traits. Cows weak in certain traits are bred with bulls that are strong in those traits. They then sell their bulls’ semen and cows’ embryos. A new technology called Genomic Testing allows cows and bulls to be ranked based on their genetics. To do this, approximately 20 hairs are taken from the switch at the end of the cow’s tail and sent to a laboratory owned by the Brown Swiss Association, an association dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the purebred Brown Swiss breed. The laboratory analyzes the cow’s DNA to determine the amount of milk it will produce. The laboratory can also test bulls to find out if they will produce better offspring. The Voelkers currently have the topranked genetic heifer of the Brown Swiss breed in the United States. Two of their bulls are the first bulls to be tested using Genomic Testing and are two of the highest ranked Brown Swiss bulls in the nation.
SHOWS
The Voelkers show their cows at the
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Missouri State Fair in Sedalia and at national shows in Oklahoma and Louisville, Ky. Charlie usually attends the largest dairy show in the U.S. called the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., to reconnect with people he’s met through the years as well as to sell his cows’ genetics. Sixty-five thousand people attend this four-day event each day, and 2,500 cattle are present. Before a cow is ready to be shown, she has to be broken into lead, or become comfortable with wearing a halter. First rope halters are used and then a show halter, which has a chain underneath and provides more control. The cow’s hair is also clipped off to about six inches across the top of her back and combed to look level. The cow is judged on the distance from her back to the bottom of her belly — or how deep her body appears to be — so she is fed long-stemmed hay to fill her and help her appear deeper. Milk cows are also judged on their size — bigger is better — as well as the capacity of their udder to hold milk and how well they can move on concrete. The Voelkers have won “Grand Champion” at the Missouri State Fair approximately 10 times since they began showing in 1990. They have also won “Premier Breeder” every year since 1997. In 2009 their cow Candid won at the World Dairy Expo. In 2004 they won “Grand Champion” in Louisville, the same year Charlie’s daughter
Katie won “Grand Champion” for her cow at Madison in the Junior Show, for youth ages nine to 20. Charlie’s daughter Suzanne won “Reserve” — an award equivalent to second place — at this show in 2006. Katie also won the Junior Show in Louisville twice.
FUTURE OF THE FARM Charlie hopes to keep his farm in the family. His oldest son, Chad, plans to take over the farm and currently works full-time doing maintenance work, taking care of the cows, making the feed, cutting hay and learning how to run the farm. “We never had to work if we didn’t want to,” said Chad about growing up on a dairy farm. “But most of us wanted to be out there helping out.” The Voelker dairy farm has survived and is thriving while many other farmers have been forced to find other means of income because of large commercial farms. Charlie said the key is efficiency and passion. “I like what I do, or I wouldn’t do it,” he explained. “I like being on the farm, I like being my own boss and I like the animals. You just gotta like milking. I think it was a good way to raise a family ‘cause they was all here and all helped.” Every aspect of the Voelker farm showcases Charlie and his family’s passion for it — the employees, land and cows are all part of the family.
DAIRY FARM
THE VOELKER CHILDREN’S ROLES ON THE FARM A sign welcomes visitors to the farm that’s been in the A Voelker sign welcomes visitors to the Voelker farm that’s family for 150 years. been in their family for 150 years.
Katie — Katie is Charlie and Nancy’s
oldest daughter. She helped with the cows while in high school and currently runs a dairy farm with her husband in western New York.
Suzanne — Suzanne is the second
oldest Voelker child. During her high school days Suzanne showed cows, broke heifers into lead and washed cows to prepare them for shows. She currently lives in Perryville Mo., and works as an occupational therapist.
Chad — Chad is the third of the
Voelkers’ children. He helped on the farm in high school, and after briefly attending college in St. Louis, he came back to work on the farm full-time. He plans to take over the farm in the future.
Dayne — Dayne is the fourth Voelker
child. He helped during the showing season while in high school and is currently studying to become a doctor.
Grant — A recent graduate from high school, Grant helps on the farm and has learned how to artificially inseminate the cows. He plans to pursue a degree in agricultural education.
Employee Tonya Congdon feeds grain to the cows in the barn the Voelkers have named “The Palace.”
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Midwest Eateries STORY BY CALLI PRICE
Iowa Des Moines
Kansas City
Kansas
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Missouri
St. Louis
MIDWEST EATERIES
Looking for a new restaurant to try this summer? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Check out these 30 great restaurants throughout the tri-state area with a variety of tastes for a variety of budgets. You won’t be disappointed.
Mexican Restaurants Frontera Grill
Chicago
Chicago
This restaurant serves cuisine inspired by the many regions and traditions of Mexico. With a menu that changes monthly, patrons of this restaurant will be in for a surprise with every visit. Frontera Grill has won multiple awards, including the James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Restaurant” award in 2007. $$
This restaurant is known for its “I Love Sushi Sundays.” The vast selection of menu items keeps guests coming back for more. Be sure to try the Godzilla, a signature dish with crab and tempura unagi, or eel meat fried in batter. $$
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
This restaurant has been a prominent dining location in the St. Louis area for 35 years. The offbeat menu items, such as the HotHoney Drummies and Barbacoa, continuously attract patrons. $$
La Reyna Restaurant
Iowa City, Iowa
Offering authentic Mexican cuisine, La Reyna was awarded “Best Ethnic Food” and “Best Unsung Restaurant in Iowa” during 2010. Make sure to try the Chiles Rellenos, a house specialty. $
Prima’s Mexican Grill
Missouri
With locations in Ozark, Springfield and West Plains, Prima’s Mexican Grill boasts family recipes on its menu with inspiration from central Mexico. The fish tacos are a local favorite. $
Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen
Illinois
Dragonfly Mandarin Restaurant
Chicago
St. Louis
Springfield
Chinese Restaurants
Kansas City, Mo.
For a fun night out with loud music and good food, Ponak’s is the place to go. This restaurant is consistently recognized for serving the best tamales, tacos and margaritas in Kansas City. $
Price Key: $ - 0-14
House of Wong
St. Louis
With locations in Creve Coeur and Clayton, House of Wong offers the southern St. Louis area a taste of contemporary Asian cuisine. It is known for its flavored noodles, and St. Louis Magazine readers voted it the “Best Asian Restaurant” five years in a row. $
Peking Chinese Restaurant
Kansas City, Mo.
For 26 years, Peking has been a landmark in the Kansas City area for its genuine Chinese food. The Kansas City Star, Zagat and other publications recognize it as Kansas City’s favorite Chinese restaurant. $
Peking Garden Restaurant
Champaign, Ill.
Specializing in Mandarin-Szechuan cuisine, Peking Garden is situated in downtown Champaign. Try the Double Seasoned Lamb, a spicy dish sautéed with mushrooms, broccoli, baby corn and scallions. $
Red Bistro
Des Moines, Iowa Owned by the same family that operates the nationally recognized Café Su, Red Bistro opened its doors in 2010. The menu includes a wide variety of sushi rolls that will satisfy all of your five senses. $$
$$ - 15-29
$$$ - 30+ summer 2013
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Leo’s Italian Restaurant and Generations Lounge Oelwein, Iowa (photo courtesy of Leo’s)
Italian Restaurants Cupini’s Italian Restaurant
Kansas City, Mo.
Both Zagat and the Food Network praise this family-owned Italian restaurant. The pasta is made daily, and the restaurant offers cooking classes for diners. $
Leo’s Italian Restaurant and Generations Lounge Oelwein, Iowa
Cupini’s Italian Restaurant Kansas City, Mo. (photo courtesy of Cupini’s)
Since 1922, Leo’s has been a family-owned and -operated landmark in Oelwein. The restaurant is most known for its family recipes and Nick’s Pizza, a recipe named after the first owners’ oldest son. $
Minneci’s Ristorante
Champaign, Ill.
With a family-friendly atmosphere, Minneci’s Ristorante offers a wide range of Italian staples, from pasta to deli sandwiches. It has been a premier dining choice in Champaign for more than 27 years. Try the Pasta Arrabiata, a spicy house favorite. $
Piccolo Sogno
Chicago
New to Chicago in 2008, Piccolo Sogno did not take long to be recognized. It received Critic’s Picks’ “Best of Chicago” in 2012. The menu includes seasonal, regional Italian dishes. $
Trattoria Marcella
St. Louis
Piccolo Sogno Chicago (photo courtesy of Piccolo Sogno)
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Not only is Trattoria Marcella one of St. Louis’ most popular restaurants, but Citysearch.com named it as one of the “Top 10 Best Italian Restaurants in the Country.” Trattoria Marcella boasts a world-renowned wine list and is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. $
MIDWEST EATERIES
Barbecue Restaurants Arthur Bryant’s
Kansas City area
With locations in Missouri and Kansas, Arthur Bryant’s has been a favorite in the area since the 1930s. Try the pulled pork sandwich with the “Original Sauce,” a vinegar-based sauce Arthur Bryant invented himself. $
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ
Kansas City, Kan.
The first Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ started inside a gas station. With additional locations now in Olathe and Leawood, the world-renowned barbecue is available to guests from all around the metropolitan area. The barbecue has been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show “A Cook’s Tour.” $
Pappy’s Smokehouse
Arthur Bryant’s Kansas City area (photo by Andrea Hewitt)
St. Louis
Voted “Best BBQ” in St. Louis for three consecutive years by the Riverfront Times, Pappy’s Smokehouse boasts Memphis-style barbecue slow-cooked in a pit. Try the Frito Pie, which includes Fritos topped with meat, baked beans, cheese and onions. $
Smokey D’s BBQ
Des Moines, Iowa
This restaurant is a locally owned and operated favorite of central Iowa. It has won 34 state barbecue championships, and with three locations open in the Des Moines area, it’s hard to miss. $
Smoque BBQ
Chicago
Smoque is located just outside the heart of downtown Chicago and is famous for its St. Louis-style ribs. It was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and is a local neighborhood favorite. $
SPECIALTY Restaurants Bombay Indian Grill
Champaign, Ill.
Bombay’s menu offers authentic Indian recipes, and spices are blended and prepared daily. Try any of the Tandoori specialties, which include a variety of meats prepared in a clay oven. $$
King and I
St. Louis
King and I serves Thai food, ranging in
Smoque BBQ Chicago (photo courtesy of Smoque) spiciness for all to enjoy. For those who enjoy spicy foods, try the Seafood Hotpot, including mussels, crab meat, shrimp, squid and scallops in its signature spicy soup. $$
New Tradition International Restaurant Sioux City, Iowa
Although the owner is originally from Ethiopia, her restaurant offers a variety of ethnic foods, ranging from Ethiopian and Mexican to Chinese and American. Patrons can mix and match dishes from ethnic cuisines, and eating with one’s hands is encouraged. $
Smoque BBQ Chicago (photo courtesy of Smoque)
The Parthenon
Chicago
Open since 1968, The Parthenon offers Greek food to those in the Chicago area. For an appetizer, try the Parthenon Flaming Saganaki, a house specialty consisting consists of mild kaseri cheese flamed in brandy. $
Swagat
Kansas City, Mo. This restaurant is located in the northern part of Kansas City and includes Indian cuisine on its menu. Its specialties include chicken and lamb dishes cooked with Indian spices. $$
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Sweet treats Andrè’s Confiserie Suisse
Kansas City, Mo.
This Kansas City landmark offers highquality Swiss chocolates and cakes as well as a breakfast and brunch menu. It is renowned by many Kansas City publications as a city favorite, and there are two locations throughout the area. $$
Crème Cupcake and Dessert
Des Moines, Iowa
Already a local favorite, this restaurant
offers cupcakes and donuts during the day and plated desserts at night. Customers can pair cocktails with their delicacies during the evenings or purchase gourmet doughnuts from Topped Doughnuts of Ankeny. $
Cyrano’s Café
St. Louis
Offering a range of cakes, pies and pastries, Cyrano’s is a Webster Groves favorite. It puts a twist on traditional desserts and even includes chocolate-covered bacon. $$
Andrè’s Confiserie Suisse Kansas City, Mo. (photo courtesy of Andrè’s)
Cyrano’s Café St. Louis (photo courtesy of Cyrano’s)
TRUMAN ARMY ROTC CONTACT
• Serve Something Bigger Than Yourself • World Class Leadership Development • College Scholarships
Doug Reinsch
Scholarship and Enrollment Officer dreinsch@truman.edu 660-785-4453
Truman State University ROTC @TrumanROTC
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MIDWEST EATERIES Cyrano’s Café St. Louis (photo courtesy of Cyrano’s)
Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard
Kansas City, Mo.
Foo’s has been a landmark in the Kansas City area for 25 years. It is famous for its Berry Banana and Mint Oreo concretes. Foo’s has won multiple awards for its customer satisfaction, including KC Magazine’s “Best of KC” award in 2010, Parent’s Pick awards, and recognition from Missouri Traveler and AAA magazines. $
Molly’s Cupcakes
Chicago
One of two locations in the U.S., Molly’s Cupcakes offers a wide variety of cupcake flavors to fit any guest’s needs. Best Of City Search voted it “Best Bakery in Chicago.” A portion of the bakery’s profits are donated to local schools. $
>>WEB EXCLUSIVE For more about Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard and Arthur Bryant’s, check out our website, tmn.truman.edu/detours.
1805 N. Bend Rd. Union, MO 63084
(636) 583-3485 lfollis@hughes.net
Bee C’n Ewe Farm To get the best meat, grow it yourself! cut and wrapped lamb at market price *Custom Katahdin, St. Croix and Tunis meat sheep *stress and antibiotic free in a very low environment *Hormone
Eyad M. Aljundi INSURANCE AGENT
1306 S. Baltimore Kirksville, MO 63501 (660) 665-2525 ealjundi@farmersagent.com
*all meat is USDA inspected and we are participants in the SCRAPIE program
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MAY events
COLOR KEY Illinois Iowa Missouri Apple Blossom Barbecue Until May 4 St. Joseph
Mucha Jan. 26 - Aug. 25 Wauconda
Tulip Time Until May 4 Pella
Enjoy the elegance of the art movement Alphonse Mucha brought through his designs. (847-968-3400)
Celebrate the city’s dutch heritage during this three-day festival with food and parades. (641-628-4311)
A grand parade and barbecue contest make up this fun event. (816-233-6688)
Seussical Until May 19 Des Moines
Hot Dog Days Cherokee
Illini Safari May 10 - 12 Pittsfield
Horton the Elephant must find his friend, Jojo, while guarding the abandoned egg. (515-277-6261)
Enjoy more than 6,000 free hot dogs during this customer appreciation event. (712-225-6414)
First-time and seasoned drivers can take a wild adventure through Pike County’s terrain. (630-717-5337)
CoffeeCON Warrenville
01 02 03 04 Magic Dragon Street May 3 - 5 Lake Ozark
Consumers, bloggers, roasters and more meet faceto-face at this live caffeinated event. (630-393-9010)
Loafers Club Car Show Hannibal
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 Enjoy the largest car show of its kind in central Missouri. (573-964-1008)
The Last Romance Apr 25 - May 26 Amana
Forever Plaid Until May 19 St. Charles
Heyworth HeyDays Until May 19 Heyworth
The Basics of Camping Until May 18 Knob Noster
This funny play is about second chance romances and enjoying life. (319-622-6034)
This boy band returns to the stage after dying on their way to their first gig. (630-584-6342)
Carnival goers can enjoy great food and entertainment all weekend. (309-473-2811)
Make camping a night to remember during this weekend. (660-563-2463)
Bodies Revealed Until July 14 Davenport
Red, White & BBQ Until May 26 Westmont
Visitors can peer inside carefully preserved anatomical specimens. (563-324-1933)
This weekend event features delicious barbecue and carnival rides. (630-768-1619)
More than 300 historic and specialty vehicles show up to this annual event. (573-248-1262)
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 JustPlay! May 18 -19 Carol Stream
Hitch Hike Honey Creek
MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup Until May 25 Columbia
Tivoli Fest Until May 26 Elk Horn
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Life got you down? Just forget about it! This event’s all about playtime in the suburbs. (630-784-6100)
Herb Days May 25 - 26 Osceola
Hike along Loess Hills ridge to the scenic prairie to reach the McIntosh Pioneer Cemetery. (712-328-5638)
Shooters from all around come to shoot at these targets. (573-696-3738)
Backwater Gamblers Until Sept. 1 Rock Island
Farmington Country Days May 30 - Jun 2 Famington
26 27 28 29 30 31 Located at the Evening Shade Farm, enjoy heirloom plants and handmade body products. (417-282-6985)
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Watch this professional water ski team every Sunday and Wednesday. (309-786-8987)
Music, food, family and fun is what this festival is all about. (573-756-3615)
Celebrate Danish heritage with this festival, including a beer garden, fireworks and folk dancing. (712-764-7472)
CALENDAR
JUNE events
Strawberry Festival Elmwood
01 Come enjoy strawberry pie, shortcake, pizza and more with this scrumptious event. (309-742-8272)
My Waterloo Days May 30 - Jun 2 Waterloo
Explore the Moon! June 4 - 7 Waterloo
Bushwhacker Days
June 5 - 8 Nevada
Rhubarb Festival Until June 8 Aledo
This family-fun festival includes a parade, fireworks and a 5K Fun Run. (319-291-2038)
This event explains why the Moon looks the way it does and its major events. (319-234-6357)
Families can enjoy food, music and more at the 49th annual week-long event. (417-667-4139)
More than 2,000 rhubarb pies and other delicacies make up this epic bake sale. (309-277-0937)
A family festival that centers around patriotism and fun for people of all ages. (712-262-5680)
Boeing, Boeing Until Aug. 4 Oakbrook Terrace
Lantern Tours Stanton
Balloon Race June 14 - 16 Galena
Flagfest June 7 - 9 Spencer
02 03 04 05 06 07 08 German Valley Days June 7 - 9 German Valley
Katy Trail Bike Tour June 9 - 14 Clinton
Cookin’ with Gus May 30 - Jun 30 Amana
Enjoy a car show, 5K Fun Run, pig scramble, tractor pull, barbecue and more. (815-362-3671)
Bike from Clinton to St. Charles while stopping from inn to inn. (800-272-4141)
This comedy details Gussie Richardon’s chance at a her own TV show. (319-622-6034)
Solar Splash June 12 - 16 Waterloo
Youth Golf Tournament Until June 26 Bloomington
09 10 11 12 13 14 15 This hilarious comedy will have you soaring in no time. (630-530-8300)
Come enjoy the sixth annual Nighttime Lantern Tours of Meramec Caverns. (573-468-3166)
More than 20 hot air balloons are featured at this spectacular three-day event. (800-892-2269)
Hitch Hike Honey Creek
The Kiss St. Louis
Field Day Douds
A hike series that saunters south through the woodlands, wildflowers and brush to Badger Ridge. (712-328-5638)
Joyful music, comedy and romance make up this delightful show presented at the LorettoHilton Center. (314-961-0644)
A parade, kids’ games, church service, banquet, food and entertainment make up this all-day event. (319-293-7111)
The Great Race June 24 - 25 Hannibal
Party in the Park Algona
Raptor Awareness Robertsville
Food vendors and games make this free concert an enjoyable event for people of all ages. (515-295-7201)
This hourlong program features different birds of prey, including falcons, hawks and owls. (636-257-3788)
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 This is the World Championship of Intercollegiate Solar Boating at Wyth Lake. (319-268-4266)
Robller Vineyard New Haven
The Country Youth Classic is one of the largest U.S. golf tournaments. (309-665-0033)
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Enjoy an afternoon filled with soulful blues music and barbecue sandwiches. (573-237-3986)
This car endurance road rally spans 10 states and more than 2,000 miles. (800-989-7223)
Blossoms at Butterworth Moline
30 Visitors can enjoy the massive gardens at the Butterworth Center. (309-765-7935)
For more events in the tri-state area, check out our website, tmn.truman.edu/ detours. To see your events here, email editor@detoursmagazine.com.
summer 2013
51 detours
Kirksville MISSOURI’S NORTH STAR Remember Kirksville? Remember the home of the Palonza and the home of the secondbest hamburger? Remember the lake? Remember all the good times here? Come back to Kirksville and see what is new!
K
KIRKSVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.visitkirksville.com • (660) 665-3766