A N E X P LO R E R ’ S G U I D E TO T H E M I D W E S T W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 VO L . 2 1 N O. 1
A Stay at the Forget-me-not Bed and Breakfast PAGE 30
from billiards to blues A look inside The National Blues Museum
the bakery’s queen bee The buzz around the French Bee Bakery
TMN.TRUMAN.EDU
@TRUMANMEDIANET / @KTRM_FM / @DETOURS T R U M A N M E D I A N E T W O R K / K T R M / D E T O U R S M AG A Z I N E
Spring 2017 theme coming soon - check our facebook for updates 2 detours magazine winter 2016
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARY TOMLINSON EXECUTIVE EDITOR ALYSSA JOHNSON ART DIRECTOR ROSE LINHARES COPY EDITORS RACHEL EBRECHT, MEGAN GIBBONS, ALYSSA JOHNSON, ALYSSA LAFEVER, JULIANNA FOSTER, BETHANY SPITZMILLER
CONTRIBUTORS JASMINE ADAMS, CAROLINA BENETIZ, SARAH HICKS, ALYSSA JOHNSON, GIANG LANH, HALEIGH OETTING, MATTHEW RAGSDALE DESIGNERS RACHEL GAROZZO, SHELBY FRAZIER, EMILY LAMARCHE ADVISOR MARILYN YAQUINTO
IN MEMORIAM ELIZABETH KOCH (1991-2012)
ADVERTISING & PUBLICITY PUBLICITY MANAGER JULIE STASZKO SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER RACHEL HANNA TMN AD MANAGER JIMMY HIGGINS TMN BUSINESS MANAGER TAYLOR LANG
WEB ONLINE EDITOR ALYSSA JOHNSON BLOGGERS MACKENNA PALAZZA, NATALIE PETERSON, MOLLY TURNER CONTRIBUTORS JASMINE ADAMS, CAROLINA BENITEZ, HALEIGH OETTING, VIDEOGRAPHER STEPHANIE BEST
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S WINTER 2016
30
44
20
EXPLORE
FOOD & DRINK
10 BIG FUN IN A SMALL TOWN
20 COFFEE WITH A SHOT OF CREATIVITY
Explore all that Sikeston, Missouri has to offer, from rolls to rodeos.
14 FROM BILLIARDS TO BLUES
The National Blues Museum’s grand opening hits the right notes.
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The worldly flavors of Sump Coffee tucked away off of Cherokee Street.
24 THE BAKERY’S QUEEN BEE Pastries, sweets and soups at the French Bee Bakery.
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10
24
S TAY
REGULARS
30 AN UNFORGETTABLE GETAWAY
36 PHOTO CONTEST: MAKING CONNECTIONS
A step inside the historic home of the Forget-me-not Bed and Breakfast.
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This year’s winners tell the stories behind their photographs.
44 TOP 25
25 destinations for holiday season.
58 CALENDAR
Upcoming events in the tristate area.
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L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I TO R
After exploring around Nashville’s West End neighborhood, we stumbled upon this Crayloabright mural — nothing like a little aimless meandering and a photo shoot to end the day.
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DEAR READER,
I
never thought I’d be sipping on a Moscow Mule in a treehouse, but alas, here I was. A weekend getaway to Tennessee led me to The Treehouse Restaurant in East Nashville, and the decor — colorful, painted and mismatched pieces of wood, string lights, neon signs — exuded the artsy summer camp vibe, just add the mixologists bar. After hearing about the back way to access the top of the tree house, my boyfriend and I jumped at the chance to explore the new space. We settled into a booth and admired the antique radios, license plates and paint-splattered signs strewn about the walls. Two other curious individuals soon joined us in the treehouse. We watched as they humorously pretended to work the antique radio, and soon they joined our table and we all started chatting. As lifelong Nashville natives, they had plenty of suggestions for must-see Nashville spots — neighborhoods to explore, restaurants to try. They even recommended their favorite location for the signature Nashville hot chicken. At dinner the next evening, we were far from disappointed. In the era of Yelp ratings as far as the screen can scroll, genuine connections while out traveling are few and far between. If we were stuck scrolling through pages upon pages of Nashville hot chicken recommendations while sitting in that magical treehouse, our local guides might may have walked right by. At detours, we cherish those connections, whether they lead us to a piping hot plate of fried chicken, a boutique filled to the brim with local wares, or the underrated museum tucked away out of the tourist’s eye.
their B&B guests with the past by generously sharing the history of their home , which dates back to 1894 , when a local tailor occupied it with his wife and seven children. Add in cheerful connections with their pet dogs Haley and Spike and guests just keep coming back. The French Bee Bakery owner turned her passion into a profession after reconnecting with her passion for cooking while preparing gourmet lunches for her children. With a childhood-friend-turnedpastry-chef by her side, old and new connections are bookended by delightful confectionaries. With the history of blues music scattered throughout the country, the National Blues Museum connects narratives from all corners of the genre. Visitors can’t help but be carried away while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the origins of blues music.
detours readers make connections on their own travels as
well, and shared with us their most awe-inspiring moments in the “Making Connections” Photo Contest. Whether photographers connected with the past, music, friends or nature, the results turned out exquisitely. I hope this issue of detours inspires you to forge new connections and strengthen old ones on your next adventure. Who knows, you may end up sipping a drink in a treehouse with new friends, too.
Embrace life’s detours ,
Connections run rampant through the Winter 2016 issue of
Mary Tomlinson
detours. Chuck and Margretta Yokota of St. Louis connect
E D I TO R I A L P O L I C Y detours magazine
Truman State University Barnett Media Center 1600 S. Franklin Kirksville, MO 63501 Phone: 660.785.7438 Fax: 660.785.7601 editor@detoursmagazine.com
detours is a copyrighted publication, produced biannually by Truman State University students. No material can be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of the detours advisor and staff. The editor-in chief is responsible for all decisions. detours is distributed across the country, mainly in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Opinions expressed in detours are not necessarily the views of staff. detours is not responsible for the full cost of an advertisement if an error occours. winter 2016 detours magazine 7
FROM THE ARCHIVES A L O O K I N TO SOME OF OUR FAVORITES F R O M PA S T ISSUES OF D E TO U R S
ON THE COVER Inkeepers Chuck & Margretta Yokota cherish the past of their Queen-Anne Victorian home -- they encourage all guests of their downtown St. Louis bed-and-breakfast to peruse their collection of photo albums chronicling the building’s history. Read more about the charming hosts on PAGE 30
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TIGER S A N C T UA RY SUMMER 2012
After working at tiger sanctuaries for years and seeing potential flaws in their operations, Judy McGee and Keith Kinkade founded the National Tiger Sanctuary in Saddlebrooke, Missouri, in 2000 and haven’t looked back since. The sanctuary — filled with tigers, lions, and leopards — acts as an educational center to inform the public on the power and beauty of big cats. Visitors can go on an Awareness Tour, a Feeding Tour and a Behind the Scenes Tour and see the majestic animals up close and in person.
M I S S O U R I C AV E S SUMMER 2007
Detours went underground for this story — literally. Missouri, also known as “the cave state,” has quite a few subterranean sites worth exploring. Onondaga and Cathedral Cave boasts pillars as tall and grandiose as any Gothic structure, and Mark Twain Cave’s history includes daring escapades from the likes of Jessie James and slaves on the Underground Railroad. If all the spelunking has worked up an appetite, stay below the surface and enjoy a meal at The Caveman Bar-BQ, an underground restaurant built by Missouri cattle farmers David and Connie Hughes.
GALENA, ILLINOIS SUMMER 2013
Galena — dubbed as “The Town Time Forgot?” — boasts a colorful history that enriches its charm today. Antique stores like La Belle Epoch and Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts tell the stories of the past through carefully curated vintage items, while the Galena Trolley Tours whiz visitors through the downtown. The food even has a traditional twist — Galena Canning Company offers canned condiments for every meal and every flavor.
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EXPLORE
A mural downtown shows the high school pep club, cotton picking season, and more.
S
ikeston, Missouri is home to just over 16,000 residents, and this small town offers visitors good food, good fun and the opportunity to make a few good friends. It is just off I-55 where Ole-Norm from the Lambert’s Café welcomes visitors on billboards with a smile. Visitors can spend a day eating at Lambert’s, exploring downtown and watching cowboys at the rodeo. Sikeston is a small town with attractions for people of all ages.
HOME OF THE THROWED ROLLS One of the town’s most well-known places is Lambert’s Cafe. The original Lambert’s opened in the early 1940s and its homey atmosphere has continued to the present day. The restaurant has since moved locations, but the original decor of license plates from all over the country and Norman Rockwell paintings remains the same. Workers dress in an old-style attire of
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blue jeans, button- down shirts, red suspenders and a smile. The restaurant has wooden booths that can sit more than eight people, and the menu offers home-style cooked meals for customers of all ages. The Burnett family of Jackson, Missouri, makes the 30-minute drive to Sikeston to come to the restaurant on special occasions. Lexi Burnett said her family eats at Lambert’s for her childrens’ birthdays and when the rest of her family visits from out of town. She said her family appreciates the good service and familyfriendly environment. “We celebrate birthdays there because my kids love it so much, so we go quite often,” Burnett said. “And we go because we’ve never been disappointed. Friendly people work there and we’re always taken care of.” Lambert’s provides generous portions, and it is most famous for the large rolls of bread thrown
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VISITORS WILL HEAR A BOOMING VOICE YELL “HOT ROLLS” OVER THE CROWD AND WILL SEE THE STEAMING BREAD WHIZZ FROM ONE SIDE OF THE RESTAURANT TO THE OTHER, ONLY TO LAND IN THE HANDS OF A HUNGRY CUSTOMER. to any customer willing to catch them. Visitors will hear a booming voice yell “hot rolls” over the crowd and will see the steaming bread whizz from one side of the restaurant to the other, only to land in the hands of a hungry customer. Workers also offer pass-around items like fried okra, fried potatoes and macaroni with tomatoes. Burnett said the chicken fried steak, dumplings and meatloaf are some of her favorite dishes. She said she has advice for first-time rollcatchers who come to Lambert’s. “I would definitely tell them to wait until [the throwers] are closer to you, because my children like for them to be all the way in the front or all the way in the back—you know the farthest distance they can get—and that always scares me,” Burnett said.
FESTIVAL CENTRAL Downtown Sikeston is a great place to shop and enjoy local festivals. It also has historic city buildings and a
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small museum inside the old train depot. Visitors can stop in for clothes at Falkoff’s and Joy’s or browse the antiques at Tradewinds Antiques and Collectibles. Sikeston’s Historical Director Lynn Lancaster said visitors are welcome to come to the festivals, farmer’s market and music in the park at various times of the year. He said Sikeston’s downtown area always has events going on for visitors to enjoy. “We have two spring events, one is the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, which is a craft beer contest,” Lancaster said. “Then we have Sikeston in Bloom, which is just a kind of [a] shake out the cobwebs from winter celebration with flowers and vendors. And then in October we have the Cotton Ramble Bike Ride that starts here at the Depot, and in conjunction with that, we have a big festival in the park beside the bike ride.” The St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place at Malone Park near downtown. Families gather
A Lambert’s worker shows off his uniform next to one of the largest license plate collections in Missouri.
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EXPLORE
Willingham. Barrel Racing contestants remain on horses while not hitting the barrels on the ground. A bull rider attempts to remain on a bull for eight seconds.
events are always a fun experience, he considers fall the best season to visit the downtown area.
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SIKESTON’S BRANCH PUTS ON ONE OF THE BIGGEST RODEOS IN THE STATE, ATTRACTING NEARLY 40,000 VISITORS.
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around the park bandstand to hear live music and watch as people participate in a live Irish Jig contest. Those over 21-years-old are welcome to partake in beer tasting and rating the beers presented for the craft beer contest. Sikeston in Bloom begins in May and is set in the American Legion Park next to the downtown Depot Museum. The park is lined with fresh flowers, concessions and crafts made by local vendors. In the fall, when cotton covers the fields, the Cotton Ramble Bike Ride begins. The ride offers visitors a choice of 15-, 26-, 65- and 100-mile bike routes, which allow riders to stop along the way for a tour of a working cotton gin. Back at the American Legion Park, visitors can find more live music, food, and homemade crafts. Lancaster said though the spring
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“I would say probably fall would be our prime time because the leaves are changing, cotton’s still in the fields and to people that aren’t from the south, that’s like going to Florida and picking oranges,” Lancaster said. “Cotton is something everybody likes to look at.” Lancaster said Sikeston is an All-American town which adds to its charm. He said he suggests visitors take a historic homes tour and visit the depot any time of year to immerse themselves in the history of the area. He also said to visit downtown because it is the heart of the city.
A ROUSING RODEO When the shops close downtown, the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo workers are just getting started, readying the stadium for events like bull riding, cattle roping and bronco riding. The Jaycee’s are a national organization for people under 40 who want to give back to their communities through service and event planning. Sikeston’s branch puts on one of the biggest rodeos in the state, attracting nearly 40,000 visitors.
The stands are filled with rodeo fans before the night’s events begin.
The Jaycees celebrate a successful rodeo after fans head home.
Fayette said the rodeo has a positive economic impact on the local community. A study conducted by Southeast Missouri State University showed an 8.5 million dollar impact on the surrounding area. Fayette said this large contribution might be due to the number of people the event attracts and its widespread reach to people from all over the country. He said some visitors come back to the Sikeston rodeo every year. “A lot of people make this their family vacation right before they go back to school,” Fayette said. “It’s affordable and it’s entertaining and it’s something to do that your children can enjoy as well as adults.” Rodeo Chairman Zach Fayette said the entertainment is chosen to appeal to a variety of guests with differing interests. He said trick riders, dirt bikes and joke-telling rodeo clowns are all chosen with the specific purpose of creating a full entertainment package beyond the rodeo atmosphere. When the animals are returned safely to their pens, the stage is set up for musical guests, which Fayette said are
selected to interest all ages. “We want to have a night for the younger crowd and we want to have a night for possibly a little bit of an older crowd like a throwback act,” Fayette said. “Sometimes we’ll have a little bit of a rock act, like southern rock or classic rock, to be wellrounded in our entertainment features.”
With a variety of things to do and see, Sikeston is more than just the home of throwed rolls. Its festivals, rodeo events and shops make for an eventful day trip or even a short vacation. If taking the day to eat, shop, and then light up the night at the rodeo sounds exciting, Sikeston is the place to be. This town may be small, but Sikeston has a lot to offer.
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EXPLORE
From
to
The Making of the National Blues Museum STORY BY CAROLINA BENITEZ AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL BLUES MUESEUM
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The National Blues Museum is located in downtown St. Louis on Washington Avenue. The museum officially opened in April of 2016.
J
azz musician Wynton Marsalis once said, “Everything comes out in blues music, joy, pain, struggle. Blues is affirmation with absolute elegance.” This quote is largely displayed on the walls on the National Blues Museum for all to see. The modern one-story museum, with dim lighting and soft blues music playing in the background, walks visitors through the history of blues music starting from the 1900s until the present day. From the moment one steps into the museum, visitors see artifacts dating back to the mid-1900s, such as authentic instruments and clothing from famous musicians displayed on the walls. Among the famous musicians featured are Albert King, Robert Nighthawk, Lonnie Johnson and
Peetie Wheatstraw. If one stops and admires the museum interior they will notice that the building used to be an old billiards room. “If you look down you will notice the same marble floors from the billiards room are still intact,” said Michael Thompson, Communications Coordinator for the National Blues Museum. “The light fixtures were also preserved from the billiards room.” In addition to informational exhibits about the history of blues music, the National Blues Museum also features various interactive exhibits. Visitors have the chance to create their own blues song with computerized touch monitors and listen to it later by sending it
to themselves via email. They write their own song and get a chance to practice real instruments to create their own melody. Museum staff also encourage visitors to feel the sculptures of famous blues musicians’ faces created by Sharon McConnellDickerson, a blind artist. James Danese and his family came from Chesterfield, Missouri to visit the new museum. “I enjoyed playing music with instruments that were used back when the blues movement had just started,” Danese said. “The fact that musicians made music out of spoons and washboards is truly remarkable. It was also a fun way to bond with my daughters while teaching them about a genre that I love.”
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The National Blues Museum entrance lobby where guests are first welcomed. Museums administrators greet visitors at the door to answer any questions they might have. statement is to be “a premier establishment for history, entertainment, and learning.” Dion Brown, the National Blues Museum executive director, said he envisioned something greater than a one-stop museum. Brown said he wanted to integrate the museum into the community for everyone to feel the presence of blues in the city. The National Blues Museum theater, located inside the museum, holds several live performances a month. This theater, donated by the Lumiere Hotel and Casino in St. Louis, features a transparent window with outdoor speakers so bystanders can enjoy the concert from outside. Various programming is planned for the 2016-2017 calendar year, including a free Blues at the Arch concert series hosted by the museum and the CityArchRiver foundation where all community members and visitors to St. Louis are welcome. According to Tom Nagel, communications manager for the CityArchRiver Foundation, the concerts will continue into 2017, though the dates have not been set yet. These concerts have featured many artists such as Vasti Jackson, famous for his guitar playing skills, and Marsha Evans and the Coalition, known as the
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“River City Showstopper.” With constant programming to attract audiences, visitors can check the museum’s Facebook page for frequent updates.
THE ROOTS OF BLUES St. Louis was chosen as the home for the National Blues Museum because of the rich history embedded in the city. Blues music migrated north from the Mississippi Delta, making its way through St. Louis. Many musicians settled here, bringing about the birth of the St. Louis blues, which comes from a mixture of southern blues with the long standing traditions of jazz in St. Louis. The St. Louis blues differs from other variations of blues music in that it mostly employs a pianobased sound. What truly makes blues music special to St. Louis is the musicians who left their mark on the city. W.C. Handy has strong ties to the city of St. Louis, spending his musical career in the city. Many people speculate that W.C. Handy wrote the most popular blues song —St. Louis Blues — while sitting on the St. Louis Riverfront in 1914, according to the National Blues Museum.
“ PRIOR TO THE MUSEUM’S
OPENING, ST. LOUIS DID NOT HAVE A CENTRAL VENUE WHERE PEOPLE COULD LEARN ABOUT AND ENJOY BLUES MUSIC.
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Interactive screens are installed around the museum to engage visitors. Become a blues legend by composing your own blues lyrics and sending it to yourself. Old-fashioned suitcases line the walls of a museum exhibit. The suitcases can be seen as a representation of the constant movement of the blues genre, beginning in Mississippi and traveling through St. Louis.
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EXPLORE
The National Blues Museum is a spacious, one-story building.Visitors have the chance to stop and admire various exhibits posted on the walls of the museum.
A GRAND OPENING The National Blues Museum officially opened its doors during April 2016, and Thompson said the days since have been an exceptional success. “We had about 1,000 visitors come out on opening day,” Thompson said. “We had musical performances all day starting with the Normandy band in the morning and later performances from blues musicians.” Speaking to the success of the museum, external affairs director Sherri Nash said, “We believe people are pleasantly surprised after they visit and realize that they learned a lot more than they expected.”
The National Blues Museum is adored with memorabilia from famous blues musicians. Standing at the Crossroads is an exhibit honoring blues musician Robert Johnson.
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The addition of this museum has further expanded St. Louis’s tourism market. With the inclusion of the St. Louis Aquarium next to the Union Station in 2018, in addition to the $380 million expansion in 2018 that will connect the riverfront with downtown,
“ Featured artists pave the walls of The National Blues Museums. Visitors have the chance to stand in front of the microphone and snap a picture with the artists in the spotlight.
visitors to St. Louis will have an even greater range attractions to visit. Director of Communications for Explore St. Louis Anthony Paraino works closely with the city to attract visitors to St. Louis. “We see about 23.5 million visitors from out of town,” Paraino said. “St. Louis is a great destination, it is the second city in the country with the most free attractions next to Washington DC.” Prior to the museums opening, St. Louis did not have a central venue where people could learn about and enjoy blues music. With the exception of restaurants and cafes such as BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups or Blues City Deli, there was no place to explore the blues genre further through educational displays. Nash said they wanted to take a step further to educate people about blues music. This museum brings back the historical side of St. Louis’s connection with blues music. As Paraino stated, there is something for everyone in St. Louis, from arts to food, and
this museum further expands entertainment attractions offered to visitors. “St. Louis is a great destination for live music,” Paraino said. “Many people would think of Nashville as a live music hub, but St. Louis is great too, not only for blues music but also indie and country.” In a city with deep roots to blues music, the National Blues Museum is now a place for people to learn more about the genre and how it has influenced all other music genres today. Nash said that St. Louis is a blues mecca — a city people are proud of. Home to the Gateway Arch and the Fabulous Fox Theatre, the National Blues Museum has now joined the list of St. Louis attractions to enjoy. For those who enjoy music and the captivating tales behind each genre’s rich history, the National Blues Museum hits all the right notes.
WE BELIEVE PEOPLE ARE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AFTER THEY VISIT AND REALIZE THAT THEY LEARNED A LOT MORE THAN THEY EXPECTED.
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FOOD & DRINK
C ffee with a Shot of Creativity STORY AND PHOTOS BY MATT RAGSDALE
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Sleek and quaint, quirky yet welcoming, and with mystifying coffee processes going on behind the counter...
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U
pon walking into Sump Coffee, you’re immediately greeted by some friendly smiles and the smell of fresh coffee. The St. Louis coffee shop is rustic, new, homey, inviting, and, above all, has delicious coffee. Much of Sump is adorned by wood accents. The wooden accouterments, which include wood floors, wooden counters, and a long wooden bench, combined with the warm feeling from the coffee take you back home. In addition to all of the wood accents, there are also plenty of modern design elements. The chromed coffee makers, chalk paint walls, and the tables and chairs assure you that you are in the twenty-first century. Sleek and quaint, quirky yet welcoming, and with mystifying coffee processes going on behind the counter — I had stumbled upon coffee’s Land of Oz.
The environment of Sump is calm and fun. There were a few people just hanging out during my visit — a couple sipping on a couple cups of coffee, a few people near the back of the room doing homework. Others were strewn about reading, conversing, and content with just sitting around drinking their beverages. In the background, the music was a mix of chilled-out electronic beats and modern hip-hop. I planned on ordering an americano, or an espresso, but after I glanced at the menu I knew I had to be more bold. The menu includes not only some drink offerings, but where the beans come from as well. So if you have always wanted a globe-trotting beverage, you can try out some coffee beans from across the globe. While looking at the menu the word “nitro” caught my eye — I had found
because of the beans’ ‘Scandinavian roast profile.’ The light roast of the coffee beans brought out the natural sweetness and acidity of the drink. Essentially, the beans are roasted very lightly to preserve those bright and acidic characteristics that are often lost in many coffees. The knowledge of the barista on the beans is characteristic of a Sump employee. While I was at Sump I had the pleasure of speaking to Dylan Connell and Sara Endejan, two employees of Sump. They are baristas, but they do a lot more work behind the scenes. “Technically, we are baristas, but we have a very high standard of work,” Connell said. “We’re always keeping up the quality.” From the people I talked to at Sump, you get the feeling that they are very
Technically, we are baristas, but we have a very high standard of work.
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my bold ordering choice, and went with the nitro coffee made with beans native to Costa Rica. Instead of using carbonation to add fizziness to the drink, they use nitrogenation. This process infuses the drink with a lot of very tiny bubbles — so small that I had a hard time noticing them at first, but the more I drank, the more I could feel them tickling the back of my pallet. The nitrogenation process produces a heady drink with complex flavors, according to craftbeer.com. Nitrogenated drinks are generally not as fizzy as carbonated drinks, which yields the creamy smooth finish of the nitro coffee from Sump. The drink is poured from a special tap meant just this drink. The flavors were clean and effervescent. The coffee had a very bright flavor, and when I asked a Sump employee about this, he said it was
Sump sits quietly on the corner of Jefferson Street in Saint Louis. The entrance shows customers the attitude and style Sump takes with its coffee.
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FOOD & DRINK
Relax with a cup of artisan coffee in Sump Coffee’s sitting area.
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Customers have many options when placing orders at Sump. With a revolving door of coffees it can be adventure when making your decision.
share. Any of the people I spoke to from Sump have more knowledge about their craft than an entire Starbucks worth of employees. The roasts done at Sump are methodical, scientific. Scott Carey, the beard behind the curtain, and creator of Sump Coffee, spends a lot of time perfecting the right roast for the beans. The roast method is one part Carrey’s hard work, one part finding the most flavorful bean, and one part chemistry knowledge — he has a degree in chemistry. All of these put together provide for a winning, flavor-packed combination. Because of
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the Scandinavian roast profile, as much as 25 percent of the beans can be used to find the right tasting roast. On top of roasting the beans, Carey sources the beans on sight. Once a year, Carey takes an origin trip to look at beans and purchase them wholesale to bring them back to St. Louis to make them into delicious beverages or sell bags of whole beans. Carey recently came back from a trip to Bogota, Colombia and will soon be brewing up a regional blend comprised of a few different beans from several areas around Colombia. In between international bean
I glanced around at the mystical Land of Oz that is Sump Coffee. Taps pouring, music humming, beans blending — I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore.
exploration, Carey still finds time to update the Sump Youtube channel. In talking to two regular customers, Ray Hunter and J. R. Johnson, they feel right at home sitting in Sump. Hunter started going to Sump approximately six months after they opened, and Johnson has been there since the beginning. They both visit at least twice a week not only to drink coffee, but also to drink in the experience that is Sump. I asked Hunter and Johnson what keeps them coming so frequently. “The attitude,” Hunter said, “It’s a constant first-rate coffee, easy-going place, with an approachable staff.” I settled down for the afternoon with my nitro coffee in hand. They only make one batch a day, so be sure to get there early if you want a cup. I glanced around at the mystical Land of Oz that is Sump Coffee. Taps pouring, music humming, beans blending —I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore.
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FOOD & DRINK
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FOOD & DRINK
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You leave with a new experience that is the perfect blend of friendship and good food.
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FOOD & DRINK
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ROASTED RED PEPPER SOUP Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss red peppers in olive Serves 4-6 4 MEDIUM RED BELL PEPPERS, oil. Spread cut-side down on baking sheet and lightly sprinkle with salt and fresh ground SEEDED AND CUT IN HALF black pepper. Salt and fresh ground black pepper Roast in oven for about 25 minutes; 2 tablespoons of olive oil or until the skins are charred and completely wrinkled. Rotate baking sheet 4 green onions, chopped if necessary. 1 medium carrot, sliced Remove from oven and cover tightly with foil. Once 1 medium yellow onion, chopped cool enough to handle, discard skins. 3 tablespoons butter and 2 SautĂŠ onions and carrots in butter and olive oil until tablespoons of olive oil tender. Add, roasted red peppers, stock and cream. Lower heat and simmer 30 minutes. 2 cups chicken stock (or veggie stock) 2 cups whipping cream
Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, or in a standard blender.
Salt and white pepper to taste
Season with salt and white pepper.
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S TAY
AN UNFORGETTABLE
getaway
The Forget- Me-Not Bed and Breakfast STORY AND PHOTOS BY SARAH HICKS
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hen guests pull up to Forget-me-not Bed and Breakfast in the heart of St. Louis, the Queen-Anne Victorian home is filled with history and love. The red brickwork sparkles in the sun and the flowers appear out from every corner of the exterior. When entering the home, a beautiful gas fireplace, an old Deacon’s bench and the smell of polished wood fills the air. Guests may also find two fluffy dogs, Spike and Haley, greeting them at the door. Innkeepers Chuck and Magretta Yokota have run Forget-me-not Bed and Breakfast for six years, and said they have enjoyed meeting people from around the country and world. Both Innkeepers never saw themselves running a bed-and-breakfast until they bought the home in 2006 and friends said their home would make a great B&B. Magretta Yokota said she had the hardest time deciding to turn her home into a bed-andbreakfast as she was afraid strangers might be difficult to deal with and was not a fan of getting up early to fix breakfast. However, her friends calmed her worries about opening up her home to guests, and Chuck Yokota
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offered to start breakfast each morning. With her insecurities resolved, the couple decided to open Forget-me-not Bed-and-Breakfast in 2009.
A HOUSE WITH HISTORY While the Victorian furniture, the bright library and the gas chandeliers are enough to make the bed-and-breakfast a rare find, the history of the house captures anyone interested in a different place to stay. These features were built by local tailor Severin Prag, who built the house in 1894 and lived in it with his wife and seven children. The house was originally built with both gas and electric lighting. The gas pipes still run beneath the floor to the chandeliers. Decorative woodwork and ceiling art tie the home together because Prag added decorative elements to his home. Three of Prag’s seven children never married, and one child lived in the home up until the 1980s. Since then, the home has been taken care of by many different owners. The first bed-and-breakfast to take place in the building was Two Boys Inn in the early 2000s.
Guests will be greeted every morning in the dining room for a three-course breakfast.
winter 2016 detours magazine 31
S TAY
The Queen Anne Victorian Home was built in 1894 and was converted into Forget-me-not Bed and Breakfast in 2009.
32 detours magazine winter 2016
Innkeepers Magretta and Chuck Yokota pose in the foyer of the home.
“
While other B&Bs may focus more on the host’s culture or the food, Forget-Me-Not puts the house front and center.
”
When the home was put up for sale in 2005, Magretta Yokota immediately jumped on the opportunity to check out the house because it caught her eye everyday on her way to work. They bought the house a year later in 2006. Since owning the home, they updated the heating, repainted the whole house and remodeled a bathroom. However, they wanted to make sure the home kept its Victorian touch and decided to leave most of the house how it was.
HOMEY TOUCHES Chuck and Margretta Yokota both said their dogs, their beautiful beds and their threecourse breakfast make their bed-and-breakfast stand out from other B&Bs in the area. Magretta Yokota said their dogs — Haley the Australian Sheppard and Spike the Yorkshire Terrier — are part of the Forget-me-not experience. She said they love to greet people and enjoy belly rubs from the guests. She also said their dogs have converted over some guests who did not like dogs into dog lovers.
Magretta Yokota said guests come back to Forget-me-not because of Haley and Spike, and guests will even take them on walks during their stay. While many bed-and-breakfasts decorate with elegant bedding, Chuck and Magretta Yokota take their linens to the next level and they said many guests boast about how they have never slept better after staying at Forget-me-not. Magretta Yokota said she takes her bedding seriously and irons the soft sheets before fitting them to the bed to give them a crisp look. Each bedroom has Magretta Yokota’s personal decorative touch with colors ranging from cottage blue, vibrant red and cloud white colors on the beds and the walls. Each room has different sized windows and is named after a different historical water tower in St. Louis — The Grand Tower, Bissel Tower and the Compton Hill Tower. Both Chuck and Magretta Yokota said the Grand Tower Room is a guest favorite, with the sunny yellow walls and blue floral sheets and drapes. The hosts offer different dishes for breakfast
each morning. Everyday they serve a threecourse breakfast, from gingerbread scones to Finnish pancakes and lemon stuffed French toast. Magretta Yokota likes to focus on serving “a fruit, a savory and a sweet” during each breakfast. Magretta Yokota said most guests each so much at breakfast, they do not eat again until dinner. She also makes sure each guest is served grits at least once to give them a little taste of southern cooking. Breakfast is always served on one of the nine sets of china Magretta Yokota owns.
THE GUEST EXPERIENCE Aaron Bolner and his wife Andrea Bolner have visited Forget-me-not three times between 2013 and 2016. Aaron Bolner said after visiting the first time in 2013, they continued to visit often because of the historical home, the innkeepers’ charm and the welcoming dogs. He said they always enjoys visiting with Haley and Spike during their visits. Aaron Bolner said the dogs never fail to welcome him and his wife with their friendly nature. An important feature to the bed-and-breakfast is the house’s architecture, which draws him and his wife to Forget-Me-Not, said Aaron Bolner. “While other B&B’s may focus more on the host’s culture or the food, Forget-MeNot puts the house front and center,” Aaron Bolder said. “Several copies of a photo book documenting the house’s history and remodeling are available for viewing, and
winter 2016 detours magazine 33
S TAY
The Grand Tower Room sits in the curve of the cupola of the home and is the largest guest room offered at Forget-me-not Bed and Breakfast. Magretta is happy to tell guests as much as they’d like to know about the design and construction of the house.”
the Botanical Garden, the Arch and the multicultural experiences on South Grand Boulevard.
Aaron Bolner’s favorite part of the house is the library on the second floor. He said the library is a great place to wind down and relax after a busy day. Chuck and Magretta Yokota keep it stocked with snacks, books and DVDs. Bolner said he enjoys learning about St. Louis through the many local interest books and movies they keep in their library.
“It’s quite easy to while away the hours with a good book in the library, or sitting with an affectionate dog at your side,” Aaron Bolner said. “Each room is comfortable, and as private as you want it to be.”
“Staying in Forget-me-not has never failed to be relaxing,” Aaron Bolner said. “The house and the neighborhood are very quiet and peaceful, and the company is lovely. Breakfast is always delicious and very generous, so much so that one usually only needs to eat two meals per day.” Aaron Bolner said the bed-and-breakfast is great for quiet getaways and grand adventures. He said the house is in a great location and is a walk or a short drive away from many attractions, including
34 detours magazine winter 2016
Comfort and experience is what Chuck and Magretta Yokota strive to bring to each guest. However, while they are there to take care of guests, Chuck and Magretta Yokota get something out of the experience of running a B&B. Owning a bed-and-breakfast has impacted Chuck and Magretta Yokota differently. From meeting different guests like Aaron and Andrea Bolner to decorating their home, they enjoy running Forget-Me-Not. “It has helped us to meet so many people from almost every state and many countries,” Chuck Yokota said. “It has helped us to learn so much more about different places.”
The library is on the second floor of the house where many guests enjoy watching movies and reading up on St. Louis history.
“
Staying in
Forget-me-not has never failed
Owning a bed-and-breakfast has especially impacted Magretta Yokota because she enjoys working with people, but wanted a change of pace from her life working in social services. Magretta Yokota said her passion for helping others gives her excitement when helping guests at Forget-Me-Not. Both Chuck and Magretta Yokota wants their B&B to be the comfortable, fun or romantic getaway their guests are looking for. They are always excited for new and returning guests to stay and experience the heart of St. Louis. The vintage elegance of the Queen-Anne Victorian is enough to draw any traveler to the home. Both Chuck and Magretta Yokota strive to give each guest a comfortable and unforgettable getaway.
to be relaxing. The house and the neighborhood are very quiet and peaceful, and the The Compton Hill Tower Room uses a splash of red and yellow decorations to make guest feel welcome on the third floor of the home.
company is lovely.
�
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36 detours magazine winter 2016
MAKING CONNECTIONS W I N T E R P H OTO C O N T E S T
winter 2016 detours magazine 37
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J O S H W I L L I A M S - “ S N O W FA L L ”
Thousand Hills State Park - Kirksville, Misso 38 detours magazine winter 2016
CONTEST WINNER
ouri winter 2016 detours magazine 39
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HONORABLE MENTIONS
PETER BAECHLE “ C O N N E C T I N G W I T H T H E PA S T ” Creve Cour Airport - St. Louis, Missouri 40 detours magazine winter 2016
DA M I A N S OA N E “ L O V E A T H I S F I N G E RT I P S ” Q u e b e c C i t y, C a n a d a
M O RG A N J O N E S “SLACK SPIDER WEB” We s t P l a i n s , M i s s o u r i winter 2016 detours magazine 41
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HONORABLE MENTIONS
O a k s treet bea ch i s a pl a c e where C hi c a goa ns g o ever y s um m er to g et aw ay a nd rel a x w i th fr i ends a nd fa m i l y. I t’s a pl a c e where hum a n c o nnec t i o ns ha ppen c o ns ta ntl y under the ho t s un o f s um m er a nd c o o l w aves o f L a k e M i chi g a n. I n thi s photo yo u c a n s ee the tr a nquil c o nnec t i o n between a l i ttl e g i rl a nd the r i ppl i ng po o l o f w ater beneath her to es.
DA M I A N S OA N E “FLUID INNOCENCE” Oak Streek Beach - Chicago, Illinois
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FA C E B O O K FA N FAV O R I T E
KYRA COOPER “ S M A L L C AT I N A B LU E C I T Y � Chefchaouen, Morocco
Ea rly m o r n i n gs i n Ch ef ch a o uen i nvo l ve res i dents pa i nti ng thei r streets blu e. If yo u m an ag e to w a nder thro ug h the s treets befo re too m any to u ri sts w ake u p, yo u c a n s ee m a ny c ats ro a m i ng a bo ut. T hey o f ten let yo u get ver y c l o s e. T hi s pa r ti c ul a r k i tten ha d c a l m ly p erch ed h er self at th e to p o f thes e s ta i r s a nd g a zed at pa s s er s by.
winter 2016 detours magazine 43
detours TOP 25
At Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, children visit with Santa in between strolling through the exhibits.
25 DESTINATIONS
for the 25
th
STORY AND PHOTOS BY: GIANG LANH, ALYSSA JOHNSON & MARY TOMLINSON
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T
he holiday season brings families together from around the countr y, and when family is in town, the agenda has to be booked. Whether you’re hosting or visiting this holiday season, Detours has the best light displays, gift boutiques and sweet treat stops for wherever the holidays take you this season.
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS
1
Brewery Lights ST. LOUIS, MO
The classic industrial brick of downtown St. Louis turns aglow with the Brewery Lights. On the complimentary walking tours, visitors can admire the home of Anheuser-Busch beer, and take a break at the s’mores station by the warmth of an open fire. Guests over 21 will receive a wristband for free beer samplings, such as Budweiser, Stella Artois Cidre and Lime-A-Ritas. Pair your drink with a classic platter of toasted ravioli in the biergarten.
At Brewery Lights, the decorations are festive and the beer is cold.
winter 2016 detours magazine 45
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HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS Bright lights illuminate the pond at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens.
2
Garden Glow ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
The sprawling grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden twinkle with millions of lights at Garden Glow. Guests start their tour in an otherworldly flashing tunnel of lights, then come across a glassy pond with glowing orbs that seem to float atop the surface. For a break from the biting cold, step inside the Tower Grove House and see artifacts and furniture from Christmases past, and add a personal note to the house Christmas tree. At the end of your walk, step inside a giant snow globe with blowing “snow” for an unforgettable holiday picture.
3
Magic Tree COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
Beauty can come in the simplest forms — one lone cherry tree covered in colorful lights may not sound like much, but the spectacle amazes as much as any big-city light display. For over 20 years, “Will Treelighter” — a local to Columbia — has taken the task of a covering a tree in the Village of Cherry Hill within hundreds of strands of rainbow lights. He wraps not just the trunk and limbs, but even the tiniest branches in lights, and his patience pays off. “The delight I see in people’s faces when they come to see the tree motivates me to continue doing it every year.”
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One local Columbian spend hours meticulously wrapping every branch of the Magic Tree.
4
Fireworks light up the night sky above Kansas City’s Plaza Lights
KC Plaza Lights KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
In 1925, a single strand of 16 colored lights, hung over the entrance to the Millcreek Building, marked the humble beginnings of the light display at the Country Club Plaza. Today, the 15 blocks of the shopping district are adorned in shimmering holiday lights starting on Thanksgiving Day. The Spanish-inspired architecture can transport visitors outside of the Midwest. At the lighting ceremony, a local celebrity flips the switch to turn on the lights — this year Jack Sock, a gold medal Olympian in doubles tennis and Kansas City native, will flip the lights on.
The floats, illuminated with 200,000 lights, were designed exclusively for Silver Dollar City.
5
Silver Dollar City BRANSON, MISSOURI
Christmas charm meets amusement park extravagance at Silver Dollar City in Branson. Old West-style buildings twinkling with colorful lights and a five-story tree — complete with over 400 ornaments and lights that change with the music — set the holiday scene. But the spectacle doesn’t stop there — Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas parade featuring nine musical floats will delight young children, and the musical performances of “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” share classic holiday tales with music lovers. Other spectacular shows include the Western music celebration in the Silver Dollar Saloon. The amusement rides are still open in the winter months, allowing for a thrilling ride through the winter air. winter 2016 detours magazine 47
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HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS
6
Navy Pier CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Take a break from the biting winds of Lake Michigan and peek inside Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest. Glide on the indoor ice skating rink, tackle the climbing wall, bounce around the inflatable slides and obstacles courses, and, if you’re brave enough, soar across the 40-foot Cliff Hanger. For families traveling with children, Santa and his elves make an appearance, and little ones with a sweet tooth can decorate freshly baked sugar cookies. At the end of the day, warm up with hot chocolate and admiring the ice blue beauty of Lake Michigan.
7
Zoo Lights CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Sparkling lights, freshly fallen snow, and wild animals from around the world — holiday lights get a little wild at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Between animal displays, admire ice carving demonstrations and giant snow globes featuring holiday characters. For a speedy view of the displays, hop aboard the Holiday Express Train, or journey to the Serengeti on the African Safari simulation ride. Santa’s Safari features Old Saint Nick sitting alongside life-like exotic animals, making for a memorable Christmas card.
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Live demonstrations turn blocks of ice into life-like animals.
8
City of Christmas
A festive gazebo rests in the heart of the City of Christmas.
KEOKUK, IOWA
If Christmas were to have a hometown, it would be in Keokuk, the self-dubbed “City of Christmas.” The drive-through display, which started 27 years ago, starts with the candy cane lane entrance, takes visitors past the a life-size gingerbread house, and giant toy displays in Toyland. Continuing down the road, guests see Santa’s elves are hard at work in the workshop, and white-robed angels seem to float on a glistening cloud. International Christmas displays showcase Christmas traditions from around the world. All displays are built locally and funded by donations, without which the City of Christmas wouldn’t be possible.
9
East Peoria Festival of Lights EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS
Volunteers throughout East Peoria work year round to construct the larger-than-life floats and displays at the Festival of Lights. In the Winter Wonderland drive-through park, displays depict prehistoric jungles, space stations and everywhere in between. The motorcycle display appears ready to drive right onto the road, the army tank is as intimidating as it is beautiful, and the Anheuser-Busch clydesdales are so detailed and realistic you can nearly hear the stomp of their hooves.
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HOLIDAY GIFT BOUTIQUES
10
MōMere VALLEY JUNCTION, IOWA
Shoppers will find two original lines of products at MōMere: Queen of Ipswich and draggamuffin designs. Behind those products, shoppers will find a mother-daughter team, Kay and Meredith, who put their heads together to make creative and original products for their customers. MōMere features home décor, clothing and even children’s products. They also offer the option to personalize items such as umbrellas, tote bags and scarves. Meredith’s daughter Edie personally tests products from the children’s area, making sure they are top-notch products for other tots.
11
Seasons Remembered GALENA, ILLINOIS
Shop year-round for holiday-themed décor and gifts at Seasons Remembered. Gear up for the holidays by exploring their nutcracker, Santa or snowmen and gingerbread departments. Shoppers who are looking for more nostalgic holiday decor may enjoy their assortment of Old World Christmas glass ornaments, which are renowned for their antique style. Seasons Remembered also sells Christopher Radko Gems, which are another variety of classic-style ornaments with bright pops of color.
12
Red Barn Crafts & Antiques HERMANN, MISSOURI
Set in the small town of Hermann, Red Barn Crafts & Antiques incorporates country and creative themes into its store’s atmosphere. The shop is a holiday shopping destination with several options for those who are searching for creative or decorative products. Red Barn’s selection includes arts and crafts supplies, country antiques and historic and scenic photographs. People who are looking for a more personalized gift might consider ordering a custom picture frame.
13
Slightly Vintage WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
Slightly Vintage is not your typical holiday shop, but it is sure to offer a variety of one-of-a-kind gifts. As the name suggests, Slightly Vintage sells an assortment of vintage décor, vintage hardware, refurbished furniture and even spa products and candles. It is located in downtown West Liberty and is an integral part of the neighborhood. The storefront showcases to shoppers and passersby alike the potential in refurbished items, from a chicken coop dressed in flowers to a well-loved French cupboard.
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Whimsical decorations and colorful children’s books line the walls of Play.
14
Play CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Set in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Play is a store for the young whether in age or at heart. Play sells a variety of children’s books and toys and offers free gift-wrapping year round. Step in to choose a gift for your favorite little one or better yet, bring them with you – as the name suggests, Play offers a fun environment for children. It hosts story time twice a week except during the month of December, when it participates in Holidays on the Square, an event featuring small businesses in Logan Square.
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HOLIDAY GIFT BOUTIQUES
15
Mid Coast Modern promotes Midwestern pride in all its products.
16
Reclaimed DES MOINES, IOWA
Carol Wyckoff, self-proclaimed “junklady” and owner of Reclaimed loves to find junk and transform it into a special product. Wyckoff travels from Des Moines in search of the perfect pieces of junk to sell in her store, following in her father’s footsteps of salvaging rather than throwing things away. Its products fall into the categories of antique, primitive, architectural salvage, vintage and even industrial objects. Most importantly, Reclaimed aims to find out the history of each objects it finds, so that every product has a backstory.
Ragstock CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Founded in 1954, Ragstock offers a variety of new and used clothing, complete with a line of “vintage one-of-a-kinds,” featuring items from coveralls to letterman jackets. Shoppers in search of vintage may find some gems at Ragstock in their “recycled” clothing section, which includes women’s 80s sweaters, Baja hoodies, flannel shirts and more. When it labels an item as “vintage,” that means that there is no duplicate of that item in the store, and Ragstock reminds shoppers to be mindful that sizing may vary greatly across brands and eras.
18
Mississippi Marketplace HANNIBAL, MISSOURI
The location of Mississippi Marketplace, a building constructed in the 1800s, reflects the traditions of specialty foods and fresh produce. Shoppers who are looking for a gift for the homebody in the family this holiday season may find that handmade soap, loose leaf tea or locally-produced honey may be the item they’re looking for. Many of the foods sold in Mississippi Marketplace are produced in Amish country or in Missouri. Though the Marketplace has only been in operation since 2013, it brings shoppers a rich experience through the history it represents in its products and location.
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For the quirky and trendy family members on your shopping list, Mid Coast Modern offers home goods with funk and personality.
17
Mid Coast Modern KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
As one might guess from its name, Mid Coast Modern features products with artistically modern flare, many of which are made by artists in Kansas City. The interior of Mid Coast reflects the modern designs they offer in their products, with exposed brick, clean lines, neutral wall colors and light wood shelving that makes the colors of the items stand out. Shoppers will find a variety of products, including home dĂŠcor, gift cards, bath and body products and even planters and plants. Not only is Mid Coast committed to bringing its customers fresh designs and creative styles, but the products it sells are also handmade. Mid Coast celebrated its one-year anniversary September 21 and continues to feature new products such as funky glassware, rustic soap pallets and modular prints. winter 2016 detours magazine 53
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19
La Farine CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
La Farine, a Palestinian bakery in Chicago, has shelves full of pastries with sweetened cheeses and various nuts — a refreshing break from traditional American flavors. Owner Rida Shahin brings the Palestinian influence with his baking skills. The flavors and textures come from old-age artisan bread making techniques and the stone-hearth oven brought from Europe. For holidays, the bakery offers special treats such as chocolate macarons, orange cornmeal cookies and pumpkin chocolate chip cake. During Christmas, panettone and stollen combining sweet yeast dough, dried fruits, candies fruit are customers favorites. The vintage building decorated by wooden sets of tables and chair, dark brown couches, and old industrial light bulbs makes for a pleasant environment to enjoy a Palestinian treat.
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French specialties mix with Palestinian flavors at La Farine.
HOLIDAY BAKERIES
20
Strudl Haus chef Michael Leo shows off his original recipes.
21
Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffeehouse KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
Mud Pie Vegan Bakery and Coffeehouse is the option for sweet lovers who want to stay healthy. Without worries about dietary restrictions and allergies, customers still have many sweet treat choices because of the owners’ work with glutenfree ingredients in the kitchen. Popular treats include Mostess cupcakes— chocolate cake filled with vanilla frosting and topped with chocolate ganache and a vanilla frosting swirl— pumpkin sheet cake, gluten-free blueberry crumble, cheddar vegan sausage scones, pesto pretzels, and kolaches. The interior decoration is cozy for customers with large tables and sofas that create an area for socializing with family and friends. Single chairs and small tables with tiny house plants on the top can be a personal area for studying. For those dining with little ones, a room filled colorful sets of chairs, tables and toys makes for a fun meeting experience for kids.
Strudl Haus DES MOINES, IOWA
In 1989, owner Michael Leo began his passion in cooking as a sommelier— a professional trained to pair wine and food in fine restaurants—with an idea about a restaurant in America relating to his hometown in Austria. Then in 1994, Leo opened Strudl Haus, bringing in original flavors from Switzerland, Germany and Austria. An Austrian-style bakery, Strudl Haus attracts customers by the Europeanstyle menu and decoration. It creates a feeling of nostalgia. The food has the firmer and denser textures and creamier tastes compared to American flavors. The decor features classical art paintings, wooden drink cabinets, house plants, flower vases, and an old-fashioned chandelier. Moreover, the menu changes every month with resources imported from Chicago, New York and local companies. Menu favorites include mixed berries pastries, Ricotta Cheese Strudel pastry, Dutch letter, and the Napoleon pastry.
Even while cooking with vegan ingredients, Mud Pie cooks up decadent treats. winter 2016 detours magazine 55
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HOLIDAY BAKERIES
22
Doughnut Lounge KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
Pairing drinks with sweet treats is an ingenious idea created within Doughnuts Lounge. The combination of wine, beer, or cocktails and doughnuts brings a different taste than other common drinks such as coffee, milk, or smoothies. The signature cocktails include Suffer on Acid 10—coconut infused rum, herbal liqueur, and pineapple puree—and Violet Femme 8—vodka, creme de violette, rose simple, and lime. On the donut side, signature donuts include the S’Mores— chocolate ganache, graham cracker crumbs, and toasted marshmallow fluff—and the Dolly, with sheep milk cheese custard, root beer glaze, and fresh basil. Those craving a more savory flavor can enjoy the Glazed & Gravy 8—a doughnut smothered in sage and sausage gravy topped with a fried egg, or Eggy Sammy 8 consisting of spinach, tomato, bacon, fried egg and cheddar cheese on a doughnut with garlic dijonnaise. Happy hours are from Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m with many deals—$1 off craft beers, $2 yard beers with donuts purchase, $6 daily breakfast, 15 percent off a dozen or more doughnuts, and a free classic doughnut with cocktail purchase.
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Day or night, Donut Lounge offers delicious drinks and decadent donuts.
23
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
At Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, customers enjoy daily fresh bakery goods, roasted coffee and a welcoming environment. Established in 2012, Bang Bang provides different menu items depending on the day of the week, creating a variety of choices for customers. The restaurant is famous for its bacon biscuit and fruit pies, especially the Butterscotch Meringue. The signature dish is the combination of butterscotch custard, toasted meringue and shortbread crust. A group of family or friends can order a whole pie for take-out without waiting. Moreover, the store has a vintage decoration with the wooden tables and floor, the brick walls, the dark red chairs, and candle chandelier. For family celebrations, customers can take advantage of the side yard.
24
Macarons from DeLuxe in holiday colors make for a lovely treat display.
25
No holiday meal is complete without a holiday pie from Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits.
DeLuxe IOWA CITY, IOWA
DeLuxe instills the idea of making fresh French pastries and cakes from the finest ingredients with the simplicity of the Midwest culture. DeLuxe has built its brand within the Iowa City community by providing specialty cakes, which have not one, not two, but three layers of filling. The cakes at DeLuxe can be decorated according to the customer’s ideas or themes, and filling options include chocolate mocha raspberry, red velvet, vanilla strawberry, carrot, lemon raspberry, apricot almond, german chocolate, and flourless chocolate. During holidays, DeLuxe has specialties such as pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving and spooky cakes for Halloween, but year round signatures include croissants, viennoiserie, and French macarons. The chefs at DeLuxe are generous with the butter ensuring their pastries have a creamy texture and savory smell.
Donut Hut DES MOINES, IOWA
For a simple donut shop experience, Donut Hut is your go-to stop. Owner Alok Oberoi from New Delhi, India went to school for information technology, but his unemployment and a little inspiration turned into a classic donut shop with neighborhood warmth infused throughout. The customers lined up in the shop on early weekend mornings, eager for fresh apple fritters and donut holes, speaks to the quality of the donuts. Customers favorites also include the champagne cake and cinnamon crumb donuts—all made from scratch. If you’re in a pinch for family holiday breakfast, good news: Donut Hut even delivers. winter 2016 detours magazine 57
EXTRAS
December 2016 SUNDAY
MONDAY
4
5
TUESDAY
Christkindlmarket DES MOINES, IA
11
12
Le Reveillon French Christmas
Winter Farmer’s Market
ST. GENEVIEVE, MO
GRAYSLAKE, IL
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Holiday Shopping at the Premium Outlets
Blues Hockey Game
AURORA, IL
6
7
History of Chocolate
WOW Wednesday Children’s Discovery
DES MOINES, IA
CLINTON, IA
13
14
Star Trekking and Hiking
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
OKOBOJI, IA
20
AURORA, IL
21 Winter Solstice at the Museum of Danish America ELK HORN, IA
ST. LOUIS, MO
25
26
27
Boulevard Brewery Tapped Tour
Discovery Days: Star Wars Science
Baptise Yoga
KANSAS CITY, MO
WATERLOO, IA
58 detours magazine winter 2016
WEDNESDAY
KANSAS CITY, MO
28
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
Christmas Tour of Homes
North Iowa Bulls Hockey
Renegade Craft Fair
PELLA, IA
MASON CITY, IA
CHICAGO, IL
8
9
10
Christkindlmarket
Second Friday on the Chicago Cultural Mile
Pressed Flower Holiday Card Making
CHICAGO, IL
DES MOINES, IA
15
16
17
Christmas at Ewing Manor
Free Family Night at the Magic House
Nutcracker Ballet
BLOOMINGTON, IL
ST. LOUIS, MO
22
23
CHICAGO, IL
I OWA
24 Gallery Conversations Tour
CHICAGO, IL
KANSAS CITY, MO
29
30
31
Wine and Paint Party at Jowler Creek Winery
Snowshow Geocaching
La Guignolee Watch Party
INDIANOLA, IL
MISSOURI
ST. LOUIS, MO
Chicago Wolves Hockey Game
PLATTE CITY, MO
ILLINOIS
ST. GENEVIEVE, MO
winter 2016 detours magazine 59
EXTRAS
January 2017 SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
2
4
TImeless Toys at Christmas
2017 NHL Winter Classic
Cut and Paste at the Kemper Museum of Art
ST. LOUIS, MO
WEST BRANCH, IA
8 Eagle Meet and Greet ALTON, IL
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
KANSAS CITY, MO
10 9
10
11
Dialogue Series:Yoga
Chicago Bulls Basketball Game CHICAGO, IL
Wild Wednesdays at Garfield Park Conservatory CHICAGO, IL
DES MOINES, IA
15
16
17
18
KC Plaza Lights
Winter Festival at the Museum or Danish America ELK HORN, IA
An American in Paris at the Fox Theater
US Figure Skating Championships
ST. LOUIS, MO
KANSAS CITY, MO
KANSAS CITY, MO
22
24
Bald Eagle Tours at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge MARION, IL
The Lumineers
60 detours magazine winter 2016
KANSAS CITY, MO
30
31
Branson’s 23rd Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
BRANSON, MO
KANSAS CITY, MO
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
5
6
7
Brick By Brick at the Museum of Science and History CHICAGO, IL
First Fridays
The Great Train Expo
KANSAS CITY, MO
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA
13
14
12 Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
ILLINOIS MISSOURI I OWA
Royal Tea Party WATERLOO, IA
CHICAGO, IL
19
20
21
Adler Planetarium After Dark
Cherokee Jazz and Blues Festival
33rd Annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Days
CHICAGO, IL
CHEROKEE, IA
KEOKUK, IA
26
27
28
Rock Climbing Intro
Stomp
KANSAS CITY, MO
ROLLA, MO
Improvisational Fabric Design WEBSTER CITY, IA
winter 2016 detours magazine 61
We’re a summer vacation’s best friend. An easier trip to just about anywhere starts with a fast flight to St. Louis for convenient connections. It’s affordable and parking is free at most airports, too.
Kirksville Kirksville
Quincy Quincy
St. Louis
St. Louis
Ft. Leonard Wood
Marion Marion Owensboro Cape Girardeau Owensboro Cape Girardeau
Ft. Leonard Wood
Enjoy the ride.
capeair.com
62 detours magazine winter 2016
800-CAPE-AIR