Missouri Life June/July 2010 by Missouri Life Magazine

108 Events & Festivals

★

A Cave Home

T H E S P I R I T O F D I S C O V E RY

AMERICAN R RICAN INDIAN

rock opera

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6 farm vacations ■ 7 ballparks 10 lake picks ■ 12 baseball teams 14 water parks ■ 40 wild edible plants 1 flat nasty

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Been to

BRANSON

lately? New Flying Prospector Canopy Tour Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve has added the Flying Prospector Canopy Tour to its line-up of authentic eco-adventures. Designed for all ages, this one-and-a-half hour canopy tour has visitors soaring through the trees over multiple ziplines and skywalks on a breathtaking tour of the Ozark Mountains.

www.BransonZipline.com

Silver Dollar City Presents KidsFest, June 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 8 800-831-4FUN(386) or www.silverdollarcity.com Celebrating its 50th Birthday all year, Silver Dollar City presents KidsFest, showcasing the new $7 million ride adventure Tom & Huckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RiverBlast.

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Dixie Stampede Welcome to the Dixie Stampede! A fun-filled, action-packed dinner and show extravaganza for everyone!

www.dixiestampede.com

36th Annual Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival Downtown Branson

Sept. 17 - Sept. 20, 2009 Up to 150 vendors show their wares at this popular downtown event.

A Fishing Vacation Branson is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the country. Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo offer fishermen not only great angling but also some magnificent scenery and an extraordinary variety of accommodations. From a basic cabin or regular motel room to luxury lodging, Branson has it all, with more than 100 resorts adjacent to its pristine lakes.

www.explorebranson.com/lakes

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Hollywood Wax Museum Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson has been the is most photographed Branson one of the top famlandmark in the area since it opened in ily vacation destinations in the 1996 with its own Hollywood version of country and for good reason. Mt. Rushmore. Its recent multi-million With three area lakes that offer dollar renovation has added another an abundance of recreational historic dimension to Branson's top opportunities from wakeboardattraction: a New York City skyline.

ing to scuba diving to fly fishwww.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com/ ing, and a vast array of lodging branson accommodations from which to choose, families of all ages

The Haygoods Miles of Hiking Trails

Hollywood Wax Museum

100+ Live Shows • Shopping • Lakes • Resorts • Attractions BransonAd_0610.indd 4

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BRANSON NAMED ONE OF THE TOP FAMILY REUNION DESTINATIONS In April, 2008, Midwest Living magazine told many folks what they already know—that there’s no place for a family reunion quite as good as Branson, Missouri. Named one of the Best Family Reunion Spots in the nation, Branson was lauded for its appeal, location, lodging choices and planning help. It’s obvious lots of people agree.

Branson has hosted more than 10,000 family reunions!

Calendar of Events June 3 - June 7 ........ Applique-tion Vacation June 4 - June 6 ........ Branson Z Fest June 5 - Aug 8 .......... National KidsFest June 5 - June 6 ........ Hydroplane Races June 10 - June 13 .... Stage One National Dance Finals June 11 - June 14 .... Green Eggs & Jam June 11 ...................... Travis Tritt and Tanya Tucker June 11 ...................... THE KHOZ - 2010 Colgate Country Showdown June 12 - June 13 .... Free Fishing Weekend & Summer Water Safety Event June 12 - Sep 6 ........ Splash's Family Luau June 12 ...................... EXILE - Live in Concert June 15 ...................... 50 Plus Shopper Perks Open House June 18 - June 20 .... Glide through the Ozarks June 18 - June 20 .... Gold Wing Weekend June 18 - June 20 .... 38th Annual Rods and Relics Rod Run June 19 - June 20 .... Father's Day Bass Pro Boat Show June 19 ...................... Branson Landing's 3rd Annual Downtown Clown A'Round June 19 ...................... Dr. John, Marcia Ball, with special guest Leon Russell June 20 ...................... Father's Day Brunch June 24 - June 27 .... VW Beetle Mania June 25 ...................... The Nashvegas All Stars - Live in Concert June 25 - June 27 .... Cast Your Cares Away! June 26 ...................... Shepherd of the Hills Knife Show June 26 ...................... David Letterman Stupid Human & Pet Trick Auditions June 27 ...................... Creedence Clearwater Revisited with Lukas Nelson June 28 - July 2 ....... Branson Gospel Music Convention July 2 - July 10 ......... Night Water July 2 - July 5 ........... July 4th Summer Sale July 3 ......................... Foreigner, Styx, and Kansas July 3 ......................... Branson Landing's 3rd Annual Liberty Light Up Concert & Fireworks Starring Chain Reaction - A Tribute to Journey July 4 ......................... Fourth of July Celebration July 4 ......................... 57th Annual Hollister 4th of July Celebration July 4 ......................... Shepherd of the Hills Fireworks Celebration July 8 ......................... REO Speedwagon with Pat Benatar July 9 - July 11 ......... Hiking & Gliding in the Ozarks July 10 ....................... Jake Simpson & The 4 JAX - Live in Concert July 11 ....................... National All Star Show Starring American Kids July 16 - July 18 ....... Quilters Mid-Summer Sew In July 16 ....................... Nonstop Classic Rock Band - Live in Concert July 24 - August 8 .... Moonlight Madness at Silver Dollar City July 24 ....................... Top Tier Band - Live in Concert July 29 - August 2 .... The Back-To-School & Fall Preview Sale

ExploreBranson.com • 1-877-BRANSON BransonAd_0610.indd 5

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Even a quick weekend jaunt will be a big experience at Big Cedar Lodge. You will be miles away from ordinary. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery while you take a boat out for the day, fish, hike, horseback ride, or relax at the spa. No visit to Big Cedar Lodge is complete without taking some time to explore Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a glorious untouched nature preserve. View towering natural bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and explore a protected home for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wildlife. Escape to Big Cedar Lodge - you deserve it!

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BRANSON'S MOST FUN PLACE TO EAT!

Carriage Room Show With Great Entertainment Main Arena Show • 32 Magnificent Horses Stampeding Longhorns • Singing, Dancing & Family Friendly Comedy • Patriotic Grand Finale All While You Enjoy A Fabulous Four-Course Feast

Call Early For Reservations!

1-800-520-5544

Visit us online at www.dixiestampede.com Just 1 mile west of Highway 65 on the famous 76 Strip [9] April 2009

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CONTENTS Features

June 2010

30 ❊ American Indian Rock Opera

Brulé, an American Indian rock opera in Branson, has an enthralling back story to go with its thrilling show.

41 ❊ 10 Things We Love at the Lake

96 PAGE

Our favorite things to see and do at the Lake, from indulgences like frozen custard and spa treatments to fun on the water, fabulous food, great views, and more.

e Hom rmed Cave transfo is s tu s e F for a near abode A cave usual n u n . into a of five family

46 ❊ Flatnasty

Trick your truck and head to Jadwin for an off-roading experience at Flatnasty Park. An adrenaline rush is in store for everyone from beginners to old pros.

50 ❊ Towers and Tales Along the Trails

The King of the Road explores deep south communities in Douglas, Ozark, and Wright counties.

56 ❊ 6 Vacations Down on the Farm

Missourians are escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to explore a different kind of retreat, country style. Gather eggs, feed hay, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

62 ❊ 14 Water Parks

From racing water slides for thrill seeking to lazy rivers for relaxation, find a delicious splash at a Missouri water park. Explore our complete listing of parks around the state.

68 ❊ Out at the Ballpark

You can root, root, root for your home team or find a new ballpark to visit as baseball heats up all over Missouri, from St. Louis to St. Jo and beyond.

74 ❊ 40 Wild Edible Plants

Meet a hillbilly botonist who uses Missouri’s native plants as food and medicine. She can show you how.

In Every Issue

34 ❊ Editors’ Picks

See our picks for summer fun: The Main Street Party in East Prairie, the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, cowboy poetry in Lexington, Bushwhacker Days in Nevada, and Let Them Eat Art in Maplewood.

94 ❊ Musings

Wit versus venom: Ron Marr spars with snakes. COURTESY OF CURT SLEEPER

101 ❊ All Around Missouri

Our listing of more than 103 events, including art crawls, antiques, and summer concerts. Visit MissouriLife.com for the most complete listing of events around the state.

114 ❊ Missouriana

Record-holding parades, rainfall, lakes, and dams. Plus, words of wisdom from Harry S. Truman.

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A Great Gift Idea!

CONTENTS June 2010

18 ❊ Missouri Memo

Memories of Missouri baseball from the publisher, and memories of Silver Dollar City from the editor.

22 ❊ Letters

We let the dogs out with last issue’s column about legislation regarding Missouri’s puppy mills, and you barked back!

Zest of Life 25 ❊ People, Places, & Pleasures

Discover dumpster art, celebrate the birthday of a historic theater, and one of five special food banks.

26 ❊ Missouri Artist

In Every Issue

84 ❊ Restaurant Reccomendations

Southern-meets-French cuisine at St. Louis, food with a view at Jefferson City, a well-rounded meal at Caruthersville, Mexican comes with a California twist at Springfield, and inventive, farm-fresh fare at Kansas City.

88 ❊ Wine: Our Cup Runneth Over

Why the number of Missouri wineries now tops ninety.

Missouri Lifestyle 93 ❊ Inspired Ideas & Savvy Solutions

Highway 36, Pets Need People, plus eco-friendly footwear. Cover photo: Brulé at Branson by Marshall Meadows.

Springfield artist Marilyn Peterie brings a touch of Southwest style to gourd art, with lamps, vessels, masks, and more.

28 ❊ Missouri Books

Historic Ozark Mills by Mike McArthy, Baseball’s First Lady by Joan M. Thomas, plus a memoir and a guide to I-70.

Written for novices and Civil War buffs alike, The Civil War’s First Blood: Missouri, 1854-1861 takes you by the hand and walks you down back roads, with thorough reports on ALL the action in Missouri during the war, with 143 photos and illustrations of every major player. This 144-page, softcover, illustrated publication will be a great addition to any bookshelf.

$24.99

(plus tax, shipping and handling)

36 ❊ Made in Missouri

Vacuum cleaners made in St. James, plus custom steak brands and a baseball pitching machine from Kansas City.

Show-Me Flavor 79 ❊ Missouri Recipes

The hillbilly botanist shows you what to do with wild edible plants. Make sumac lemonade and serve wild herb dip as an appetizer, then enjoy persimmon cookies for dessert.

86 62 Kansas City 25 68 70 34

25 84

70 St. Louis 96

41 62

36 46

26, 86, 70 Springfield

62 50 30

73 84 62

Page numbers are story locations.

. This Issue on MissouriLife com Tales and Trails Douglas, Wright, and Ozark counties offer some of the best vistas in the Ozark Mountains. Find a photo essay by Mike McArthy online that complements the Road Trip on page 50.

Do you Like Missouri Life? Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/ Missouri-Life-Magazine/58152796284

MIKE MCARTHY

800-492-2593, ext. 102

MissouriLife.com

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Fall Concer ts Strings in the Ozarks Labor Day Weekend: Seldom Scene - Sept. 3 Sierra Hull - Sept. 4 The Grascals - Sept. 5 Dave Mason - Sept. 10-11 Atlanta Rhythm Aces Sept. 17-18 Firefall - Sept. 24-25 Poco - Oct. 1-2 Brewer and Shipley with Jesse Winchester - Oct. 8-9 The Marshall Tucker Band Oct. 15-16 The Little River Band Oct. 22-23 Leon Russell - Oct. 29-30 The Ozark Moutain Daredevils - Nov. 5-6 (573) 775-2400 â&#x20AC;˘ wildwoodspringslodge.com Steelville, MO [15] June 2010

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35th Annual

David Halen Artistic Director

August 25--28, 2010

Presented by the Friends of Historic Boonville Historic Thespian Hall, Boonville, MO

All performances begin at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets online: www.friendsofhistoricboonville.org Or call 660-882-7977

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O I MEM MISSOe TaUleR s Behind the Stories Telling th

I was about four years old when my Dad took me to see the St.

50 TREASURES I HAVE HAD a special relationship

was two stadiums ago. Even then, I knew who future Hall of Famers

with Silver Dollar City ever since I was in the seventh grade at Shawnee R-3. My first visit was a school trip, and I fell in love with Silver Dollar City that day, in spite of it raining part of the day. I remember this because a couple of my classmates, Jim and Jerri, went running into the candy store, hit the wet cement, fell, and skidded up to the candy counter. The lady behind the counter chided us for not being careDanita Allen Wood, Editor in Chief ful, probably fearing serious injuries. But that didn’t diminish our day. We were delighted to be out of school, excited by the rides, awed by the cave, and almost giddy with discovering adventures around every corner. Later, when I was editor of another magazine, I developed an appreciation for the crafts demonstrations and the role the theme park played in preserving some of the heritage of the Ozarks, such as the Wilderness Church and McHaffie’s Homestead. I also got to meet many of the people at Silver Dollar City, including the owners, the Herschends, and a woman who became a friend, Lisa Rau, Director of Publicity. When Greg and I revived Missouri Life in 1999, Silver Dollar City was one of our first supporting sponsors, a bright memory of those first few lean years. So it was a real pleasure when Missouri Life was selected to produce and carry the pull-out guide, Discover 50 Treasures of Silver Dollar City, in honor of their fiftieth anniversary. You can use it to guide your own visit during this summer’s special celebration of the event. My own personal favorites—the steam tractor, the basket weavers, the blacksmith, the glass blowers, the furniture shop, the water mill, some tricky tables, and the candy store, of course—made the list. There’s only one thing I haven’t done in the fifty treasures. I’ve always wanted that tintype picture in Number 18. (Greg, you’re forewarned; I’m dragging you in next time we go! You can be a mountain man.) It was a tough, tough job to settle on just fifty treasures. I hope you enjoy them, and I’d be pleased to hear your own favorite treasure at Silver Dollar City. E-mail me at Danita@MissouriLife.com.

Stan Musial and Ken Boyer were. And I am proud to say I got to see them on the field, even it if makes me sound really old. Baseball in Missouri goes back a long way. More than 577 major league baseball players were born in Missouri, and we have produced seven Hall of Famers, from Pud Galvin to Yogi Berra. That’s right! Yogi was born in the Italian district of St. Louis on May 12, 1925. He had so many famous sayings that they became known as Yogi-isms: “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.” “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.” “How can you hit and think at the same time?” And probably the most famous: “It’s like déjà vu all over again.” But the fact that Missouri has produced great players is only half the story. Or as Yogi would say, that’s only 90 percent of the story— the other half is that many greats made their careers in Missouri and many of those stayed here for good, players like the great Kansas City Royals’ George Brett. The famous Roger Maris played for the Kansas City Athletics before he was traded to the New York Yankees. I have great baseball memories like the incredible I-70 World

Take Me Out …

Series. Bringing that up in mixed company of Cardinals and Royals fans is usually dangerous. Missourians

take

base-

ball seriously. We preserve some of the most important aspects at Kansas City’s Negro League Baseball Museum. I have an autographed baseball from the museum’s founder and Hall of Famer, the late Buck O’Neil. It is one of my prized possessions. Find out where you can enjoy our national pastime on page 68. And in the spirit of Yogi, sit back and watch as “some jelly with a pole corks a meatball out of hard cheese”—which Greg Wood, Publisher

basically means, “Let’s play ball!”

Award-Winning

Misisfoeu.r..i L

2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2008 2008 2008

Finalist, Magazine of the Year, International Regional Magazine Association Silver Award, Overall Art Direction, International Regional Magazine Association Silver Award, Single Photograph, International Regional Magazine Association Bronze Award, Department, International Regional Magazine Association Best Issue, August/September 2008, Missouri Association of Publications Best Single Article Presentation, Missouri Association of Publications Magazine of the Year, International Regional Magazine Association Gold Award, Overall Art Direction, International Regional Magazine Association Best Magazine Design, Missouri Association of Publications

EVAN WOOD, TINA WHEELER

Louis Cardinals. It was 1958 at the old Sportman’s Park stadium—that

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The Spirit of Discovery 515 East Morgan Street, Boonville, MO 65233

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info@missourilife.com

Publisher Greg Wood Editor in Chief and Vice President Danita Allen Wood

Editorial Executive Editor Rebecca French Smith Associate Editor Callina Wood Editorial Assistants Hannah Kiddoo, Sarah Reed Contributing Writers BJ Alderman, Katlin Chadwick, George Denniston, Ligaya Figueras, John Fisher, Krisy Flick, Sylvia Forbes, Doug Frost, Lisa Waterman Gray, Paul Hagey, Beth Hussey, Susan Manlin Katzman, Ron W. Marr, John Robinson, Mary Syrett, Jim Winnerman

Art & Production Creative Director Andrew Barton Art Director Tina Wheeler Graphic Designer Edward Lang Contributing Photographers and Illustrators George Denniston, Paul Hagey, Sara Jelercic, Mike McArthy

Marketing Senior Account Managers Sherry Broyles, 800-492-2593, ext. 107 Josh Snoddy, 800-492-2593, ext. 112 Advertising Coordinator & Calendar Editor Amy Stapleton, 800-492-2593, ext. 101 Marketing Coordinator Marcey Mertens, 800-492-2593, ext. 104

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Custom Publishing Get Missouri Life-quality writing, design, and photography for your special publications. Call 800-492-2593, ext. 106 or e-mail Publisher Greg Wood at greg@missourilife.com.

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Missouri

riverrunner

Amtrak is a registered trademark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

MISSOURI LIFE, Vol. 37, No. 3, June 2010 (USPS#020181; ISSN#1525-0814) Published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October, and December by Missouri Life, Inc., for $21.99. Periodicals Postage paid at Boonville, Missouri, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Missouri Life, 515 E. Morgan St., Boonville, MO 65233-1252. ÂŠ 2010 Missouri Life. All rights reserved. Printed by The Ovid Bell Press, Inc., at Fulton, Missouri.

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R onLsE&TYoTurEStoRrieSs YOU g Opini

Sharin

WE GET BARKED AT I’m writing in response to Ron Marr’s article in your latest magazine (April 2010). As a hog and cattle farmer, the petition being circulated against dog breeders is very concerning. I believe that limiting someone to ten producing females is directly counter to capitalism and our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as declared in our Declaration of Independence. A law like this could be precedence setting. If dog owners are limited to ten, am I, the owner of cows and sows, next? Who am I to declare that everyone involved in a business is only capable of managing a certain amount? I do have an off-the-farm job but aspire to farm full-time in the future. If the government swings in and limits my ability to build my business, my dream will be crushed just like they are trying to do to good, law-abiding, dog breeders. I can’t make myself believe that everyone producing puppies is a poor manager of their animals’ welfare. John Kleiboeker, California, Missouri

In your April edition I found something that I really had to take issue with. It was in the Musings section by Ron Marr. The fact that he misrepresented the whole puppy mill issue really angered me. The fact of the matter is that the people who are pushing this petition are really just a front group for the Humane Society of the United States. They are just a radical fringe group who would like to free all animals from captivity. Now onto the issue at hand with his article, what it did not tell you was that the state of Missouri already has laws on the books dealing with dog breeders or puppy mills. There just is not enforcement people

to do the job. I agree that some breeders should be shut down. However, by making the blanket statement that Mr. Marr did, he paints all breeders with the same brush. Also, what they are asking for in this petition is nonsense. The people of the state of Missouri better wake up. Because if they let this get to a vote and it passes, then this group will move on to wanting to control animal agriculture, which I might add is a multi-million dollar industry in the state of Missouri. Bruce Noble, Columbia

I’ve never written a letter to the editor before, but I needed to clear up something I’ve read in your magazine. My concern is about Ron Marr’s article on puppy mills. My wife and I have always had dogs, plenty of them. And, yes, they are our best friends. And I would do just about anything for them. Dodge, our latest addition, came from the Osage Beach Dogwood animal shelter, and he is a hoot! My concern is not about what good the article will do for dogs, it’s more about what it will do to hurt farms and ranches across the state. You post a web site, www.missourifordogs.com, which makes it sound like a grass roots effort to fix a problem. The reality is it’s not. It is another organization with a catchy label to push a hidden agenda. Maybe you can help us small ranchers stay in business before this group wreaks havoc on Missouri cattlemen, which is next on their agenda. Joe Rasmussen, Plato

I read Ron Marr’s “Musings” in the April issue. I do not take issue with his passion

for animals, but I don’t agree with several of his statements. First, Mr. Marr uses the term “puppy mills,” which has no legal definition, is a malicious term used to intentionally bias the public, and is a major reason the initiative petition is facing a legal challenge. Dog breeders or kennels is a more appropriate term. Second, the article implies Missouri has no laws regulating dog breeders. Not true. Missouri was one of the first states to adopt such a law in 1992, and the law is one of the strongest in the nation. Dog breeders are also subject to federal licensing requirements. Third, the article tries to make the reader believe all dogs raised by dog kennels live in their own waste, have parasites, receive no medical care, etc. These problems are not true with reputable dog breeders, regardless of their size. Here is where Mr. Marr and I can probably agree. No law is effective unless it is successfully enforced. Missouri must have adequate resources to put the bad dog breeders out of business, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to do just that. However, the initiative petition does absolutely nothing to increase state resources to enforce either the current law or the proposed changes. Headquartered in Washington D.C., the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the primary organization pursuing the initiative petition. HSUS is not your local Humane Society chapter, rather it is a factory-fundraising organization. As they have in other states, HSUS will make huge sums of money (millions in Louisiana)

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airing their “only $19 per month” television commercials that play on the public’s emotional affection for pets. The money is used for salaries, lobbying, and fundraising, with less than a half percent for hands-on care of animals. Before you sign the initiative petition, learn more at www.mofb.org and www. humanewatch.org. Estil Fretwell, Director of Public Affairs Missouri Farm Bureau

My daughter shares her Missouri Life with me, and I pass it to a friend who also passes it along. “Puppy Mill Petition” (April 2010) was of special interest as my daughter has long been an animal health tech. A very special thanks to Ron Marr and others like him who stand against the cruelties and strive to better things. It won’t happen overnight, but if we sit still and silent, nothing will happen. I would like to see Missouri known for kindness to animals rather than for all the puppy mills. Thanks for a great magazine. and I always learn things I didn’t know about our state and even our cities.

Missouri Life’s books make great gifts!

Marilyn Heller, St. Louis

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Follow Lewis and Clark’s journey across Missouri in a 114-page book.

Children’s workbook with lessons in math, language arts, and science.

$18 plus tax, shipping, and handling

$12 plus tax, shipping, and handling

Call

1-800-492-2593, ext. 101 and order today!

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ZEST OF LIFE People, Places, & Pleasures

WORLD PAPER AS SOON AS SHE UNROLLS the wallpaper and sizes it against a waste

LYCEUM’S BIG BIRTHDAY > Since its inception in a vacant Baptist church, the Lyceum has entertained audiences from across the nation. Overcoming a sparse population in 1961 and a fire six years ago, the company has thrived on the unyielding support of theater aficionados, and the Arrow Rock-based company is delighted to celebrate its fiftieth season this year. The Lyceum became the first theater to receive an award from the Missouri Arts Council in 1983 and is now attracting attention from national touring companies. This season it boasts laughter, mystery, and music from late April through November as it laces favorite classics with current hits. Productions this year include My Fair Lady, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, and The Producers. Visit www.lyceumtheatre.org for more information. –Sarah Reed The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri in Columbia is one of only five of 206 food banks in the United States that provides free food to county pantries and has been doing so since 1993. It is affiliated with Feeding America, a

One of Only Five

national hunger relief charity. Reflective of the economic

bin, a crowd forms in the city street, first watching, then from curious chatter grows such anticipation that onlookers want to get their hands pasty, too. C. Finley, an artist originally from Sedalia, has been gaining momentum with her current project of wallpapering dumpsters. With an Eszter Cohen grant she will be papering across ten European cities in 2010. Referring to her work as “polite graffiti,” Finley wraps these common receptacles with feminine, symmetrically patterned prints in urban surroundings that more often feature layers of spray paint and litter. “I hope to synthesize and amplify all these questions regarding the environment. To inspire people to think differently about their relationship to their city, waste, sustainability, and recycling,” Finley says. Her work has already appeared in Los Angeles, New York, and Rome where she was artist-inresidence at the fashion house Gai Mattiolo. Finley’s dumpsters are upfront and tangible, allowing the public to use the waste bins and begin their own neighborhood revitalization projects. “I think artists, activists, and garbage truck drivers all love it,” Finley says. Finley returned to New York in March and is showing a forty-eight-by twelve-foot painting in Judson Memorial Church, expanding her work to other canvases. Growing up in Missouri boosted Finley’s imagination. She says the “small-town life provided freedom,” but she does remember an influential art professor who told her that her coloring was terrible. “He also told me to send him a postcard when I had proven him wrong. Now that I’ve been in Rome working with an important fashion designer who selected me for my color sensibility, I need to send that postcard.” He made her angry but helped her become a better artist, she adds. Though no papered dumpsters are in the Show-Me State, Finley hopes to eventually have a show here. Visit www.cfinley.com for more information. —Sarah Reed

downturn, the Food Bank saw an increased need of 15 percent

From top: C. Finley’s artistic vision for city dumpsters has been adopted in cities worldwide.

in 2009. Formerly called Central Missouri Food Bank, it reaches

COURTESY OF LYCEUM THEATRE AND C. FINLEY

thirty-two counties, helping more than ninety-five thousand people each month who are struggling to make ends meet. The Food Bank values efficiency, has decreased the cost per pound of food, and boasts that 98.6 cents of every dollar goes towards purchasing it. “We wanted to make our food more readily available,” says Director of Donor Relations Rick Huffstutter. “It helped us do what we do best—feed hungry people.” Visit www.centralmofoodbank.org for more information. —Sarah Reed

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ZEST OF LIFE > MISSOURI ARTIST

From top: Marilyn Peterie’s Southwest art is created from gourds brought in from as far away as California.

LUCKY VEGETABLES MARILYN PETERIE’S ARTWORK brings the Southwest style to Missouri. Motivated by work she discovered at a Colorado gallery in 2000, Marilyn read and researched the process of carving gourds before beginning to create her own design concepts in her home state. Today, the Springfield resident travels the nation, collecting her supplies from numerous sources. She selects her gourds from farms in California and Arkansas, on a quest for the right variety; only large canteen types with thick skin to ensure sufficient design space make the cut and ride back to Missouri in a van crammed full of other winning models. Those lucky vegetables then enter into her workshop where they are transformed from ordinary to colorful and meticulously crafted pieces of art that capture the Southwestern spirit. For Marilyn, the hardest part of her work is coming up with a design and continuing to go with it. Still, she says that “sometimes the gourd suggests what it ought to be.” So Marilyn listens, designing everything from

By Hannah Kiddoo

wall hangings and masks to vessels and lamps inspired by American Indian traditions. Her distinctive products are detailed with deeply carved lines and embedded with turquoise, feathers, stones, and antlers gathered from as far away as New Mexico and as close as Missouri backyards. Leaves, turtles, dragonflies, and other natural creations take shape on her handiwork, which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. There’s no doubt that Marilyn loves what she does as she puts much effort into her creations. The process to perfection for each piece can take months to fully conclude, but the results are worth every hour spent hovering over the gourd to Marilyn. Marilyn’s work can be purchased from the Rusty Moose in Springfield, but she also takes custom orders and displays at numerous shows around the country including The Downtown Kansas City Art Fair June 25-27, The Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis October 2-3, and Artsfest in Springfield next May. Call 417-887-1724 for more information.

COURTESY OF MARILYN PETERIE

A SPRINGFIELD ARTIST BRINGS OUT THE INNER ART OF GOURDS |

[26] MissouriLife

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The

th Annual

Christmas in July

Bent Tree Gallery

HISTORIC CLARKSVILLE MISSOURI

Rustic Furniture and Accents

July 24 & 25

One-of-a-Kind Leather Handbags

10 AM to 5 PM daily

Baskets & Fiber Art

Featuring guest artisans from the Midwest and Patti Zieche-Davisson, wire-wrap jeweler.

Tues. –Sat. 10–5 • Sun. 12–5 • Mon. by Appt. • Call for our class schedule. 573-242-3200 • www.thebenttree.com • www.stacyleigh.etsy.com

SEND A “NOTE” TO SOMEONE SPECIAL

ASL Pewter 123 S. Third St., Louisiana, MO 573-754-3435 • www.aslpewter.com

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Bookmark features original, hand-etched scrimshaw on a recycled, antique, ivory piano key with genuine leather and handmade paper accents. $21, plus $2 shipping/handling Check/Money Order/Visa/MasterCard 31 High Trail, Eureka, MO 63025 • www.stonehollowstudio.com

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[27] June 2010

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ZEST OF LIFE > MISSOURI BOOK S

Driving Across Missouri: A Guide to I-70 By Ted T. Cable and LuAnn M. Cadden, University Press of Kansas, 192 pages, $15.95 softcover, nonfiction

My Times in Black and White: Race and Power at the New York Times By the late St. Louis native and former New York Times managing editor Gerald M. Boyd, Lawrence Hill Books, 416 pages, $26.96 hardcover, nonfiction Books reviewed or on the Book List can be found at bookstores or at Amazon.com unless otherwise noted.

Book List

Historic Ozark Mills By Mike McArthy, 94 pages, $40 softcover, nonfiction

Nestled beneath lush forest canopies or fading out like the ghost towns they’ve inherited sit historic Ozark mills that sometimes go unnoticed. In his book Historic Ozarks Mills, Mike McArthy spends time with more than twenty-five gristmills within the region. His photography illuminates their beauty from season to season and brings back the ones which may otherwise have been lost, like Falling Springs Mill, the first in the book, located in a remote section of the Mark Twain National Forest in the eastern Ozarks. The image of this mill is almost personified; it seems to speak of old secrets while water gently falls behind its wheel. The combination of McArthy’s photography and historical facts connects readers to courageous pioneers, the Civil War, and figures of Missouri’s past, like Daniel Boone. McArthy is a nationally published, award-winning photographer who has been capturing shots of Missouri’s landscape for more than twenty years. Historic Ozark Mills will enlighten and inspire its readers to tour some of these captivating pieces of our past. —Sarah Reed

Baseball’s First Lady: Helene Hathaway Robison Britton and the St. Louis Cardinals By Joan M. Thomas, Reedy Press, 168 pages, $18 softcover, nonfiction

STATE FLAG >  It took Missouri ninety-two years of statehood before she adopted a state flag.  In 1908 the Missouri Daughters of the American Revolution appointed a committee to determine if Missouri had a state flag and, if not, to design one. Marie Elizabeth Oliver of Cape Girardeau, a member of the DAR committee, found that Missouri did not have a flag. Cape Girardeau artist Mary Kochtitzky prepared a painting of Oliver’s design, horizontal bands of red, white, and blue with the state seal in the center surrounded by a blue band containing twenty-four

stars, as Missouri was the twenty-fourth state to enter into the Union.  Oliver’s nephew, Arthur L. Oliver, state senator from Pemiscot County, introduced the flag bill in 1909. It won approval in the senate but failed in the house. A competing design, introduced by G.H. Holcomb of Jackson County, was also rejected.  The Oliver design won approval in the senate a second time in 1911. However, the state capitol burned in February 1911 destroying the original painting before it could be introduced in the house.  Oliver made a second image of her design, this one of silk. It won approval of both houses in 1913. —John Fisher, author of Catfish, Fiddles, Mules, and More: Missouri’s State Symbols

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

One of America’s favorite pastimes is showcased from a new perspective: a woman’s influence. Joan M. Thomas’s Baseball’s First Lady: Helene Hathaway Robison Britton and the St. Louis Cardinals is a story of the first female club owner in baseball history. The story follows her personal experiences from childhood to her challenges in a male-dominated business world. From women’s suffrage to personal suffering, Helene’s domestic life is seamlessly coupled to her success with the Cardinals. Baseball’s First Lady is not only a biography of the first female club owner, it’s also biographic of the St. Louis Cardinals as Thomas weaves in anecdotes of the club’s beginnings. She sifts through the building and re-building of the stadium as it changes hands, the emergence of the American League, and factoids of the sport itself. The book is a well-documented, thoroughly researched history that Thomas has clearly put her heart into. —Sarah Reed

[28] MissouriLife

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[29] June 2010

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Zest of Life > Show-Me Sound

Courtesy of brulĂŠ/marshall meadows

Garan Coons (Navajo and Lakota) performs Dancing Feathers.

[30] MissouriLife

Nicole, Paul, and Shane LaRoche are Lower Brule Sioux.

Brulé

courtesy of Brulé/Tom Wallace

An American indian Rock Opera comes to Branson |

The heart and soul of Brulé springs from the life story of the band’s leader, Paul LaRoche, who discovered he was full-blooded Lakota when he was thirty-eight. He knew he had been adopted, but he didn’t discover his Lakota heritage until after the death of both adoptive parents. He learned he had been adopted at birth off the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation, and it remains a mystery why he was given up for adoption by his mother, who had died by the time he learned the truth and who had kept and raised his younger brother and sister. He was united with them and aunts, uncles, neices, and nephews on Thanksgiving Day 1993. “When my brother called me on that November day in 1993 and told me who I really was, he said to me, ‘Come home, bro. Come home.’ And so we sold everything, packed up the car, and headed to the reservation in South Dakota,” Paul says, after the Thanksgiving day reunion visit. Overwhelmed by the experience of growing up in mainstream white culture and then discovering his Native American heritage, Paul turned his powerful feelings to the humanitarian cause of reconciling both cultures through music.

By Greg Wood

You could compare Brulé to, or at least find elements of, everything from Cirque de Soleil to Pink Floyd’s The Wall to Tommy by The Who. Brulé delivers American Indian culture with a powerful drum-driven drone by drummers Vlasis Pergakis and Lowery Begay on authentic drums of buffalo hide-covered hollowed-out sycamore trunks that are almost four feet in diameter. Then add to this the contemporary drumming by Kurt Olson, and you have a chest-penetrating thumping that creates a suspense-filled expectation of something very special about to happen. The pounding rhythm is the foundation from which Brulé unleashes an ever-building dynamic opera of sound and motion. Band leader Paul LaRoche adds the synthesized massive walls and waves of crashing thunder and wailing wind from the keyboards. Then Paul’s son, Shane, wails in on electric guitar with gutty, gritty undertones as his sister, Nicole, floats above it all with a flute, like an eagle swooping and soaring—all somehow evoking endless prairies and open skies. As it continues to build, authentic American Indian dancers take the stage in regalia that delivers a captivating visual force. Brulé uses both traditional Native American dancers and what Paul

[31] June 2010

Zest of Life > Show-Me Sound

calls “fancy dancers,” dressed in neon regalia that seems to glow and come to life as the dancers whirl and twirl at break-neck speeds. Each professional dancer is an expert in the dance he or she performs, and all have won numerous awards in the Pow Wow Competition circuit. The authenticity and expressive quality is so real that at times you sense the dancers are transformed into some ancient ancestor. In between performances, Paul gives a heart-felt and warm narrative that describes and explains the heritage of what you are seeing. From Paul’s long-flowing black hair to Nicole’s swaying movements as she plays her flute, to drummer Vlasis, who shakes a prayer gourd with one hand while keeping beat with the other, each performer seems to express a deep love of heritage with each song. Brulé performed at Branson’s RFD-TV The Theater last fall and was met with such enthusiastic audiences that the theater owners invited them to stay through 2010. Paul tells many stories about the strange and wonderful trip that led him, his family, and the band to Missouri. But nothing is more illustrative of his beliefs than the story of his transformation from “just a regular guy” to an American Indian. Just as Paul listened when his past came calling, he also listened when his music became his calling. “I really didn’t know what I was doing. I just started going out and playing what I felt was inside me, all this music coming out. And it was just me going out, and my daughter Nicole had just left the symphony and decided she wasn’t interested in classical flute. She decided to go with me. I think she felt sorry for me, but that’s okay. I was just glad she wanted to be a part of it.” Then it was only a matter of time before son Shane followed. Paul’s wife, Kathy, is Brulé’s business manager. She is also a highly accomplished violinist in her own right but prefers the behind-the-scenes details.

From left: Doug Scholfield (Wintu) performs Still Standing. Nicole LaRoche (Lower Brule Sioux) plays flute for Brulé. Josette Wahwasuck (Potawatomi) uses a fancy shawl in the performance of One Spirit, Spirit of the Dance. Josette and Doug perform a courtship dance.

In 1999, Paul was selected as a musical ambassador and speaker for the United Nations Peace Conference held in the Hague Center for Peace, Netherlands. Brulé’s annual coast-to-coast tour with his band American Indian Rock Opera (AIRO) has included performances at such venues as the Hollywood premier of Kevin Costner’s movie Open Range; Indian Art Markets in Denver, Arlington, and Overland Park; Harbor Fest in Virginia Beach; Indian Summer in Milwaukee; and the world-renowned Ordway Theater in St. Paul. They perform a special holiday concert called Red Nativity. With national appearances on Regis and Kathie Lee, CNN Worldbeat, QVC, and others, Brulé and AIRO have come of age. The 2007 Native American Music Academy awarded Brulé and AIRO with the prestigious Group of the Year award as well as the award for Best New Age Record, and in 2008, Nicole received the highly acclaimed award for Best Female Artist. The DVD Live at Mt. Rushmore won the award for Best Long Form Video. The 2009 award for Group of the Year was presented to Brulé & AIRO for the CD Lakota Piano. Brule and AIRO made history on July 13-14, 2007, with their spectacular full-stage production that was filmed for a PBS special, Live at Mt. Rushmore: Concert for Reconciliation of the Cultures, with eleven thousand people attending. You can also see Paul on RFD-TV every Monday at 8:30 pm, Tuesdays at 10:30 am, and Wednesdays at 7:30 am as he presents Hidden Heritage. Visit www.rfdtv.com or www.brulerecords.com for more information.

courtesy of brulé/marshall meadows

[32] MissouriLife

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'% (

!" #

Great selection of ď&#x192;&#x17E;ne hand-built acoustics by Bourgeois, Breedlove, Goodall, Martin, Santa Cruz, Taylor & more! CALL US TOLL FREE 888-MUSIC-00 www.FaziosMusic.com 15440 Manchester Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ Ellisville, MO 63011 [33] June 2010

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EDITORS’ picks

ZEST OF LIFE > ALL AROUND MISSOURI

MAIN STREET ET PARTY

FOR 103 MORE EVENTS, SEE THE COMPLETE LISTING ON PAGE 101

JUNE 25, EAST PRAIRIE HUNDREDS OF RUNNERS, cyclists, and neighbors will flood the streets of East Prairie for the Eighth Annual Main Street Party, sponsored by the East Prairie Downtown Revitalization Committee. This Bootheel city was named an Enterprise Community in 1994

and continues to attract visitors from neighboring communities and around the state. The crawdad boil, catfish, and barbecue, plus live music and games will energize you for the 5K Run and Walk. Also, a petting zoo and pony rides will delight kids at this

family-friendly event that runs from 6 to 9 PM. Stick around for the weekend for the Sweet Corn Festival and the Tour de Corn charity bicycle ride. Call 573-649-3057 or visit www.tourdecorn. com for more information. —Sarah Reed

JUNE 2-6, SEDALIA 150 years of history, music lovers will

area. Visitors can see multiple performances and will find themselves tapping their feet in rhythm to historic and con-

Ragtime Festival

ues around the downtown

temporary tunes. This season will mark thirty years for the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival. The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation is committed to keeping alive its link with a culture of

music that began before the turn of

the

century. Scott Joplin attended high school in Sedalia and is said to have begun his musical career by the late 1880s, traveling to St. Louis, where ragtime flourished. Although the musician struggled through many obstacles, he pioneered this genre of mixed tempos and spontaneous repetition with pieces such as “The Entertainer.” Visit www.scottjoplin.org for more information. —Sarah Reed

COURTESY OF SILVEY BARKER AND NANCY NORRIS

As Sedalia marks

commemorate the life and legacy of Scott Joplin in music ven-

[34] MissouriLife

Editor's Picks-JUNE 2010.indd 35

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ZEST OF LIFE > MADE IN MISSOURI

A CLEAN SWEEP TACONY MANUFACTURING

in St. James is the home of

Simplicity and Riccar vacuums. Although these vacuums are found in specialty shops alone, they are made for convenience. The Freedom model weighs only eight pounds and the OmniClean converts into a handheld device. The vacuums feature a large amount of metal detailing for durability along with top-of-theline technology including upright

Perfect Pitching

vacuums that boast two motors and filtration systems that clean not only your carpet, but the surrounding air, as well. After outsourcing to Taiwan for

Since 1952, Master Pitching Machine of Kansas City has been

ten years, the company opened

producing commercial pitching machines and batting cage equipment for a wide range of teams and sports fanatics around the world. Each machine features the Iron Mike Pitching Arm, an exclusive design that allows hitters to see the wind up and release of each ball, just like they would on the field. The company manufactures machines for both baseball and softball, and the products are useful for commercial or personal use. Products from the company can serve everywhere from a professional field to a backyard, which is ideal for practicing and perfecting that swing. Prices start at just over $1,000. For more information, visit www.masterpitch.com. —Hannah Kiddoo

the St. James plant in 1997 and continues operations there today. The site is also home to a vacuum museum and factory outlet with more than five hundred vacuums on display. Prices start at about $250. Visit

www.riccar.com

www.simplicityvac.com

or for

more information.

BEEF BRANDS > Steakbrands of Kansas City designs and manufactures steak brands that allow cooks to embellish their food with the image of their choice. Designs can be as simple as a monogram or as complex as a custom-made company logo. In between the two is a variety of pre-made images, including wild game tracks, racing numbers, and Greek letters. Steakbrands is a family-owned business that offers a combination of more than thirty years of steel working, welding, and graphic design experience. Custom brands can be designed within thirty days. Prices start at about $7.50. Visit www.steakbrands.com for more information. —Hannah Kiddoo

COURTESY OF MASTER PITCHING MACHINE, TACONY MANUFACTURING, AND STEAKBRANDS

—Hannah Kiddoo

[36] MissouriLife

MADE-JUNE 2010.indd 36

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RECONSTRUCTING REALITY Oct. 15 - 17, 2010

F I L M F E S T I VA L

Columbia, MO

citizenjanefilm.org For visitor and lodging information, call 800-652-0987, or visit visitcolumbiamo.com.

[37] June 2010

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PROMOTION PROMOTION

The National Churchill Museum features interactive displays that engage and educate visitors of all ages. Tanglewood Golf Course features 6,883 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.

In the heart of Missouri is Fulton, voted one of the top ten places to visit in the Midwest and Callaway County’s gem. Named after steamboat inventor Robert Fulton, Fulton has a rich history with exciting sites and sounds all wrapped up in small town charm. Fulton’s downtown, made famous in the Ronald Reagan movie Kings Row, has kept its historic charm with brick streets, elegant architecture, 67 buildings on the historic register, great restaurants, romantic B&Bs, antiques, and oneof-a-kind boutiques. Whether you are looking for a handcrafted gift, local art, great food, or outstanding museums, you will find that and more in Fulton. The newly renovated Churchill Museum at Westminster College features interactive displays that engage and educate visitors of all ages. In addition, you can walk through actual pieces of the Berlin Wall as you explore Edwina Sandys’ magnificent Breakthrough sculpture for another look back at living history. For those interested in the local art and music scene, Kemper Center for the Arts at William Woods University is a must-see, and The Lighthouse Theater in nearby Millersburg offers live gospel and bluegrass concerts. For outdoor lovers, there are Tanglewood and Railwood golf courses. Or rent a bike and tour the Stinson trail crossing a covered bridge and meandering below the lover’s leap bluffs. Or hike the historic Katy Trail. While you’re exploring the outdoors, enjoy the view and taste some distinctive Missouri wines and a creative bistro menu at Summit Lake Winery. Enjoy the view and unwind on the outdoor terrace or relax indoors by the snug fireplace. Museums offering everything from whimsical to wheels are a draw for visitors to Fulton. The new Backer Auto World Museum displays an impressive collection of 84 historic automobiles in Hollywood-style sets for their era. Capture a sense of local history at the Historical Society Museum, or pay your respects at the Missouri Firefighters Memorial. A museum of sorts, the whimsical collections at Nostalgiaville will also entertain all family members as will the Treasure Hill Doll House Miniatures museum and shop. Crane’s Museum in Williamsburg has been voted 3rd best in off beat attractions with over 4,000 square feet of regional history. Before you head out, stop by Marlene’s restaurant. A pulled-pork sandwich

Watercolor Missouri National Exhibition was selected by national magazine Watercolor Artist as one of the top 20 water media society exhibitions in the USA.

Backer Auto World Museum displays an impressive collection of 84 historic automobiles in Hollywood-style sets. [38] MissouriLife

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PROMOTION PROMOTION

and slice of seasonal fruit pie will put a smile on your face. Whether you prefer down-home country or uptown gourmet, you’ll savor scrumptious dining. Try Bek’s restaurant for a unique blend of old and new, where Internet and espresso meet 1902 architecture. In addition to fabulous food, including amazing Parmesan Artichoke Dip and decadent homemade desserts, Bek’s has a welcoming atmosphere, and on Saturday nights, there is live jazz. You can even revisit the 1930s by sharing a shake made with locally made premium ice cream at Sault’s authentic soda fountain. For overnight stays, great getaways, unique weddings, and fabulous pampering breakfasts, Fulton has two of Missouri’s top ten inns: the historic Loganberry Inn where Margaret Thatcher stayed or Romancing the Past Bed and Breakfast in the historic Jameson home where you can create a romantic memory. For your next getaway or family vacation, visit Fulton and Callaway County, Missouri. For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.visitfulton.com.

Wonderful breakfasts and romantic accommodations await you at Loganberry Inn B&B.

Calendar of Events Girlfriend Get-A-Way June 1 to July 30, 2010 Loganberry Inn B&B, Fulton Two nights stay, 2 breakfasts, and spa services $199/person 573-642-9229 loganberyinn.com Bill Baker Car Show June 5, 2010 Sutherlands parking lot Variety of Cars 10 am to 3 pm Free Admission 573-220-7589 or 573-642-5479 Churchill Art and Jazz and Taste Festival June 12, 2010 Westminster Avenue, Fulton 10 am to 6 pm Listen to fine jazz music and enjoy great food as you browse this juried art exhibit featuring the work of painters, sketch artists, photographers, jewelry makers, and mixed media artists. 573-642-4222 Fulton Street Fair June 18 & 19, 2010 Historic streets of downtown Fulton Carnival, craft vendors, great entertainment 573-592-9697 fultonstreetfair.missouri.org

Fulton Street Fair thrills with a carnival, craft venders, food and entertainment in the setting of Historic Downtown Fulton.

Apple Wagon Antique Mall & Home Decor Outlet has 20,000+ square feet full of antiques and outlet-priced home décor.

Children’s Musical Production June 25 and 26, 2010 Historic Theater, Downtown 573-642-4222 www.callawayarts.org Kansas City

128 miles

I-70

St. Louis

100 miles

FULTON

Crane’s 4,000-square-foot museum is a one-of-akind viewing experience featuring rural Missouri history dating back to the 1800s.

AD-JUNE 2010.indd 39

[39] April 2009

For your next getaway or family vacation, visit Fulton and Callaway County. For more information and calendar of events, visit www.visitfulton.com or call 573-642-3055.

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[40] MissouriLife

AD-JUNE 2010.indd 40

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GET GOING Adven

tures, Getaways, & Road Trips

10 THINGS: THE LAK E Compiled by Callina Wood

WE SEE THE BEST in the state, so you can trust us when we share ten things we love about the Lake of the Ozarks and advise you to include these experiences, treats, and sights from Ha Ha Tonka, the Premium Outlets, and beyond on your next trip. Share your favorite thing about the Lake with other readers at MissouriLife.com.

The Ozark Turtle sundae from Andy’s

for the arcade games, whimsical souvenirs,

Frozen Custard is famous at the Lake—

and treats like taffy and fudge. Business 54,

The architecture and design of historic Willmore Lodge is worth a trip, but it’s

think rich, creamy vanilla frozen custard driz-

Osage Beach

also conveniently home to the Lake Chamber

zled in gooey hot fudge and caramel, then

of Commerce and the Bagnell Dam History

topped with roasted pecans and cherries. Osage Beach | 573-302-0020

The soothing signature Japanese

Museum, where you can find information

Cleansing Ritual at Spa Shiki includes

about the area. Lake Ozark | 800-451-4117

you explore beautiful scenery, a natu-

optic color light therapy enhances the expe-

ral stone bridge, sinkholes, springs, caves,

rience to cleanse and relax the body. Lake

and a castle all in one place? Camdenton |

Ozark | 800-843-5253

110 stores of popular brands like Coach,

a full-body scrub followed by a soak in a

Ha Ha Tonka—where else on earth can

hydrotherapy tub with essential oils. Fiber-

573-346-2986

Osage Beach Premium Outlets is Missouri’s largest outlet center and

a shopaholic's nirvana. The outlets include J. Crew, Coldwater Creek, and more. Osage

Beach | 573-348-2065

party spots near Osage Beach. Be sure to

tower for striking views of the Lake

You’ll enjoy smoother waters on the Big Niangua arm of The Lake, which

is known as a quiet alternative to the busier COURTESY OF LAKE OF THE OZARKS CVB AND ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD

Hike the ninety steps to the top of the historic Camdenton fire

explore Bridal Cave, located at mile marker

and its environs. You'll find it on the

ten by water.

grounds of the Missouri Department

of Conservation office in Camdenton

Dine with a view of the main channel

on Thunder Mountain Road off Route 5.

of the Lake at JB Hooks. The grouper

573-346-2210

tacos are just one of the specialties of this menu, which offers a variety of surf-and-turf favorites. Lake Ozark | 573-365-3255

Sure, the Bagnell Dam Strip is touristy, but you can’t help but feel nostalgic

If boating on the Lake is too

From left: An Andy’s Frozen Custard specialty, the Ozark Turtle sundae, is a sticky sweet treat on hot summer days. The castle at Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the shell of a home built in the early 1900s. It burned down in 1942.

much for you, all you need is an

inner tube and a pair of shades to enjoy the lazy river at Big Surf Waterpark. Read the story on page 60. Linn Creek | 573-346-6111

[41] June 2010

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Lake of the Ozarks

Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Candy Kitchen 20 Flavors of Fudge, 40 Flavors of Taffy, Chocolates, Candies 1470 Bagnell Dam Strip | Lake Ozark, Missouri 573-365-2624

Stocktonspubandgrill.com

Located at the Entrance of

Osage Beach Premium Outlets Full Menu 4540 Highway 54, Suite F1 Open 11 am - 9 pm Mon. - Sat. and 11 am - 6 pm Sun.

For more information, please call

573-348-1500

[42] MissouriLife

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Get Going

[46] MissouriLife

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at t h i s J a d w i n pa r k , O f f - r o a d v e h i c l e s a r e m a n d at o r y |

By Katlin Chadwick

Flat Nasty

Courtesy of flatnasty

Ron Maximoff is an adrenaline junkie.

His fix comes from the driver’s seat of big-tire four-runners, pick-ups, and jeeps refurbished with roll cages and shoulder harnesses. The sport is off-roading, and not only is it Ron’s passion, it is also his business. Flatnasty Off-road Park in Jadwin offers trails ranging from easy to extreme. Ron created his trails from 850 acres of wilderness. This is different from other off-road courses in the state, most of which are extensions of old logging or strip mining trails. Instead of using truck routes, which were created as the easiest ways to get from point A to point B, Ron laid out the trails specifically with off-road vehicles in mind. For Ron, it all began in Michigan with a stock Toyota and a Land Cruiser club. This was where he got his taste for the sport and began building his driving skills as well as his extreme vehicles. This Michigan man and his wife, Sheila, landed in Missouri after retirement led to an expansive search for property that would lend itself to an extreme off-road course. The couple shopped land in five different states before finding the perfect property. It needed to be large. It needed to be accessible. It needed to be near a town to service its clientele. Most of all, it needed to be “gnarly.” On trips through Missouri, Ron and Sheila would often pass through the Ozarks. Its scenery and climate had always had a certain attraction for Ron. After placing an ad in a weekly trader there for property, they received a call from a developer who told them he had what they were looking for. They visited the next day. “It didn’t take long to figure out that this hit the sweet spot,” Ron says. The couple moved to Missouri and opened the Jadwin park about five years ago.

Get Going > Flat Nasty

Ron gets his rush from the “challenge of plotting the individual against Mother Nature,” he says. But not all of his trails are impossibly extreme. In fact, it is the diversity of trails that makes it accommodating to his range of guests. When laying out the course, Ron worked from a topographical map, walking the property’s hilltops and ravines to plot the optimal system of trails so that trails do not crisscross each other. He also wanted to make sure the off-roaders always feel like they are deep into the wild on each and every trail and that the easy trails give just as much enjoyment as the extreme trails. The easy trails were the most difficult to design, Ron says. “When guys are sitting around the camp site in the evening and talking, I wanted those coming back from the easy trails to have had just as much of an adrenaline rush as those coming back from the extreme ones.” Therefore, Ron makes sure the easy trails have just as many obsta-

cles as the others, just scaled down a bit. Flatnasty, which opened with just ten trails, is now approaching a total of thirty. The White Knuckle trail holds the title of a “BF Goodrich Outstanding Trail.” Each year, BF Goodrich highlights five of the best off-road trails in the country. In 2008, White Knuckle received the honor. “There’s a little bit of everything—ledges, woods, scenery, climbs—on this trail,” Ron says. The park has a rental cabin that is booked just about every weekend, Ron says. “One weekend, a group of guys come with their wives and kids, and a few families will go in on the cabin,” Ron says. “Then, later in the year, the same group of guys will come back with just buddies and do the more extreme stuff.” In addition to its extreme factor, off-roading is also for those who love the outdoors and wildlife. At Flatnasty, riders can see everything from herds of deer to armadillos to bald eagles. No hunting is allowed on the property.

From top: Drivers at Flatnasty find themselves sideways, on their backs, and sometimes upside-down. Vehicles are lined up at the National Toyota Land Cruiser Association event, while attendees get in on the event raffle.

Then, there is the exploration element. “With an off-road vehicle, you can go places you may not have been able to get to otherwise,” Ron says. A strong camaraderie is also apparent in the culture. Almost every weekend, new riders are at Flatnasty, checking it out. Every time, Ron says, experienced off-roaders will go up and offer to bring the newbies out on the trails. “Seeing other groups of people, the trucks they’ve built, and the skills they have, gives you a goal and something to shoot for,” Ron says. First timers to Flatnasty should come with a four-wheel drive vehicle, at least. The next step would be to have that vehicle lifted and with slightly larger tires in order to clear larger rocks. Once you start, Ron says, the additions never end. Visit www.flatnasty.net for more information.

Courtesy of flatnasty

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Get Going

Towers and Tales Along the Trails

t h e o l d a n d t h e n e w i n W r i g h t, d o u g l a s , a n d O z a r k C o u n t i e s |

By John Robinson

The Caney Mountain Conservation Area in Ozark County allows camping, hiking, and horseback riding.

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Road Trip

MIKE MCARTHY

PAINTED OLIVE GREEN, Hartville’s water tower earns style points as it poses like an olive on a swizzle stick. Maybe that image isn’t the town’s intent. But, hey, I’ve seen every water tower in this state, and each offers a first impression. This one’s a garnish atop a tasty little town. Residents of Hartville probably feel insulated from the world, hiding at the headwaters of the Gasconade River, tucked amid layers of hills that unfold in every direction. But this cozy capital of Wright County couldn’t always hide from conflict. Seven generations ago, when Union and Confederate forces clashed on the downtown hilltop, a battle raged all day, the Union rebuffing several Confederate charges. Both sides limped away claiming victory, although the battle was a draw. The conflict was minor in the grand scheme of the Civil War. But don’t tell that to the nineteen killed and more than 150 wounded. In a reaffirmation of life, I soon found green shoots. Just down the road from Hartville, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company ships seeds all over the world from a place called Bakersville, a replica pioneer town with a real live Sultan. That’s a breed of chicken, with a crown of feathers worthy of a king. In these parts, the Sultan stays safe from Sunday dinner, since the proprietor is a vegetarian. It makes sense that Jeremiah Gettle eats only vegetables. That’s what he sells—the seeds anyway. He scours the world for rare varieties of vegetables, in places like Belize and Siam, and he sells them through a catalog that has sprouted into big business. His seeds propagate in gardens from Monticello to Sonoma, Williamsburg to Disney World. Jere and Emilee Gettle are young, but this twelve-year-old heirloom seed empire is blossoming, thanks to a burgeoning market that wants better taste and nutrition. Bakersville is booming, too, with a new barn built with the help of Amish neighbors and regular festivals. Presentations get dusted with a fair amount of agro-political chatter about subjects including promoting ecology and eschewing genetically altered foods. Among Jeremiah’s hundreds of pure varieties of open-pollinated vegetable seeds, I have my eye on a few. How can a garden do without a tomato called the Tartar of Mongolistan? For sure, every red sauce lover should grow a meaty tomato called Amish Paste. The Amish are prevalent in this area—hard working people who make great neighbors and produce top-notch products, most notably

With its headwaters near Hartville in Wright County, the Gasconade River is nearly three hundred miles long and is a popular floating stream.

furniture and food. And buildings. And honesty. They’re a fine fit for Bakersville and the Little House on the Prairie. It set the mood to launch me into my next discovery, down the road in Mansfield, the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was late afternoon when I stopped downtown at the Mansfield Area History Society and Museum, and the staff had gone home for the day. So I drove to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s house. In her late twenties, Laura’s family purchased forty acres on the outskirts of Mansfield and named the land Rocky Ridge. They built a modest log cabin, planted apple trees, and eventually started a dairy and poultry farm. After years writing columns for the Missouri Ruralist, Laura began her Little House memoirs, collaborating with her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. By that time, the log cabin had grown to an impressive ten-room farmhouse, which today is a museum and National Historic Landmark. I dipped down into Douglas County. Along Route U, I passed Dyer Cemetery and muttered a pun. Ava is a palindrome. It looks the same coming from any direction. The water tower sits atop a hill off the center of town, shouting “Ava Bears” from its steel sides. I mused about this garden spot in the middle of the Mark Twain National Forest; the school team could’ve been named the Ava Gardeners. Three designated scenic highways meet just outside town, so it’s easy to bypass Ava’s heart, where several things are refreshingly off-center. The courthouse is on the edge of the town square. And French’s Highway House Cafe isn’t on the major highway anymore. The cafe didn’t move. It’s been there nearly five decades. When the

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Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company Offers 1,400 Seed Varieties

GET GOING > ROAD TRIP

highway bypass rerouted traffic, Doris French stayed put. I met Doris when I walked into the restaurant before the dinner hour, carrying my notebook and my map. She eyed me warily, thinking I might be a salesman. “May I help you?” “You bet! I’m here to eat.” Her face showed relief. “Well, come on in and sit anywhere you like.” I looked around at the tables, cozy in their tall wooden booths that offered intimate family dining. I picked a corner booth near the counter in front of the kitchen service window. The booth spoke history from its dark wood panels and comfortable cushions only slightly firmer than Grandma’s feather bed. Doris brought me a menu. I ordered the special. In the quiet before the supper rush, she took time to tell me about the place. “I raised four kids in this restaurant,” she said. “I know one of them,” I volunteered. “Your daughter is my editor.” “Becky!” she beamed at discovering our common bond. “Well, Becky and Cynthia and Cody and Rodney came here every day after school and sat right there in that back booth.” She pointed. “I had one rule: We met for supper every day at five, right here.” Her cook brought me the biggest blue plate special I’ve ever had in my life: a

slab of country ham surrounded with mashed potatoes and gravy and hominy and homemade apple salad and hot homemade sliced bread. I ate. She talked. Her husband had worked for years with the U.S. Forest Service at its headquarters compound on old Route 5 on the south edge of town. Those old rock buildings were built when space wasn’t at a premium and trees were royalty. “He helped build all the trails around here,” she said. “The Glade Top ...” “Been there,” I offered. The Glade Top Trail is tattooed in my memory. On an earlier visit, I left any hint of civilization, somewhere near the Bucks & Spurs Dude Ranch, and hit the trail. The first sign I saw warned: “Bear Country.” For twenty-three miles I drove along a living slide show of wild mountain scenery, dotted by an occasional country homestead on a patch of private land. I never saw a bear.

MIKE MCARTHY

From left: Built in 1946, the Highway House Cafe is one of the oldest businesses in Ava. Doris French has owned it for forty-seven years.

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Mike McArthy; andrew johnmeyer

She continued. “He helped build the motorcycle trail at Chadwick. And the horse trail at Hercules. And the parks around Wolf Junction.” Doris has a cabin on Bull Shoals, down around Protem, where they had planned to retire. But he died a few years ago, and Doris keeps serving up blue plate specials to hungry customers and hosts the weekly gathering of the Kiwanis Club. After forty-seven years in the restaurant, Doris hasn’t lost the twinkle in her eye, or her love of watching the eyes of satisfied customers. “Dessert?” she asked. The big meal left me no room. She gave me an old restaurant place mat that showed the area trails and a program from the recent Foxtrotter Heritage Days, with its seed-spittin’ contest, a husband-calling contest, and a rolling pin toss. Oh, and fox trotting horses everywhere. They were first bred right here, and their comfortable ride, gentle manner, and sure-footedness make them a favorite among park rangers, trail riders, and Hollywood directors. The fox trot, by the way, is a broken diagonal gait performed by walking in front and trotting behind. Try that in a two-man horse suit. I left the cowboys behind, crossed the picturesque persistence of Bryant Creek, and descended into some vigorous hydrology along the east edge of Douglas County. Next to an old general store, Topaz Mill perches on the upper North Fork of the White River, restored to its 115-year-old glory. As area bats know, it’s not far from Topaz to Hell. Hell Roaring Spring feeds Noblett Lake along the creeks that eventu-

Established in 1895, Topaz Mill is the only historic water mill still standing in Douglas County. Once the center of a thriving community, it was a gristmill until the 1930s, when it ceased operations.

ally join to flow beneath the eastern span of Twin Bridges. That’s the launching spot for a million great floats on the pristine North Fork, which flows under the western span. Twisting my car’s knobs, I found KKOZ radio, which calls itself the best radio in the Ozarks, and I couldn’t disagree. It certainly is the most dependable, as I drove into the deep cracks around Tater Cave Mountain, Caney Mountain, and Long Bald. At the end of one trail, I found Romance. With no intention of making time, I retreated from this village with Nobody knows the amorous appellaMissouri like John Robinson. tion and angled up John, a former Director Route 95. Like every of Tourism for Missouri, is dedicated to driving other road in the area, every mile of statea vista awaits around maintained highways. This makes him King the next bend. Soon, of the Road. To date, I’d spy the next water he has covered 3,531 state roads, with 370 to tower, spilling chargo. As he drives each acter about its town road, he marks it on his King of the map, which truly has and watching over the become his treasure. Road folks it waters.

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Promotion

exico is the type of community idealized in books and movies. Founded in the early 1830s, it’s home to 12,000 people who are proud of its history, vitality, and progressive outlook. Mexico is a hometown with a heart—for folks who live here and those who visit. Historical roots, family values, a strong work ethic, civic pride, as well as a ton of fun things to do, make Mexico the Mainstreet of the Midwest.

Shopping

Mexico has more than 250 retail stores, most locally owned. Visitors will find five shopping areas: Village Square, West Plaza, Teal Lake/South Trails, Highway 54 East corridor, and Highway 54 South. Mexico’s downtown business district is built around the Village Square, with the Audrain County courthouse in its center. This central business area has many specialty shops within easy walking distance. With its brick sidewalks, park benches, trees, and flowers, the Village Square is a perfect place to enjoy the Mainstreet of the Midwest.

Antiques, Collectibles, Quilting, & Scrapbooking

You can spend days looking for treasures in the Village Square. Tap into Mexico’s wealth of quilting resources. Shop the handful of stores that sell quilting supplies or sign up for a class. You’ll be amazed at the broad selection and the network of fellow quilters who come to Mexico from surrounding communities. If you like scrapbooking, you’ll want to check out the supplies sold in Mexico. Be sure to ask about special scrapbooking classes! Don’t leave town without browsing through Mexico’s gift and decor stores. The shops offer many affordable, unique

gifts for yourself or someone on your list. Visit Mexico’s antique stores and don’t be surprised if you find a piece of furniture or nostalgia that you need to take home with you. The shops showcase a wide range of extaordinary antiques from all over the country.

Restaurants and Lodging

Mexico has restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes. With Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, steaks, and home cooking to choose from, you’re sure to please your palate. Mexico has five hotels and one bed and breakfast.

Movies and Art

Mexico has a three-screen theater offering digital 3D that shows the latest releases. Call 573-581-8383 for show times. The Chamber of Commerce is home to the Vault Gallery with exhibits by local artists.

Audrain County Historical Society

The Audrain County Historical Society complex features the Graceland Museum, American Saddlebred Horse Museum, Country Schoolhouse, Country Church, and Fire Brick Museum. Graceland is an 1857 antebellum Greek revival home with many historical items. The American Saddlebred Horse Museum houses equestrian exhibits, and the Fire Brick Museum houses photographs, products, and a miniature production line from Audrain County’s rich fire brick history. The schoolhouse and church are actual restored structures from the 1800s. Call 573-581-3910 or visit www.audrain.org.

1.800.581.2765 [54] MissouriLife www.mexico-chamber.org • www.mexicomissouri.net • info@mexico-chamber.org ad-JUNE 2010.indd 54

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Promotion

Outdoor Activities

Mexico’s 14 parks total over 475 acres and offer activities for everyone, including picnicking, fishing, hiking, and camping. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 573-581-2100 or visit the City’s web site at www.mexicomissouri.net.

Golf

Mexico is home to two golf courses. Arthur Hills Golf Club has an 18-hole course and Mexico Country Club has a nine-hole course. Contact: Arthur Hills at 573-581-1330 and Mexico Country Club at 573-581-5374.

Twin Lakes Sporting Club

Twin Lakes Sporting Club was established in 1991 and is located on a 1,400acre family grain-crop farm about 30 miles Northeast of Columbia and 120 miles west of St. Louis. Twin Lakes has a 1,280-acre hunting preserve that provides all the needs for a successful hunt without the hassles associated with locating a place to hunt, poor cover, local limits, and few birds. Call 573-581-1877 or visit www.twinlakessportingclub.com.

Scattering Fork Outdoor Center

Located just southeast of Mexico, Scattering Fork features 40 acres of woodlands and wetlands. The outdoor center offers team-building exercises in a natural setting for people of all ages. Call 573-581-3003 or visit scatteringfork.org.

Binder’s Hilltop Apple & Berry Farm and Mid-Missouri Alpacas

Binder’s grows apples and produce and is home to more than 70 alpacas. During peak season, you can pick your own apples. Store hours are seasonal. Call 573-721-1415 or visit www.applesandalpacas.com.

Presser Performing Arts Center

Presser Performing Arts Center was built in 1926 as a Conservatory of Music for Hardin College. Local, regional, and national performances are held throughout the year. For a schedule of events, contact Presser Performing Arts Center at 573-581-5592 or visit www.presserpac.com.

Missouri Military Academy

MMA is one of the premier all-boy private military boarding schools in the country. MMA has an impressive record of college admission and thousands of accomplished alumni who have assumed positions of authority in business, finance, education, the arts, and the military. Missouri Military Academy’s structured program creates a learning environment that promotes academic excellence and character development. Call 573-581-1776 or visit www.missourimilitaryacademy.org.

Mexico Activities Prairie Pine Quilt Guild Quilt Show June 14-19 St. John’s Lutheran Church 1000 Dorcas Street 573-581-2047 Little Dixie Shrine Club Brick City BBQ & Blues June 18-19 Little Dixie Shrine Park 23847 Highway J 573-581-9001 or brickcitybbq@gmail.com World’s Largest Croquet Course June 19, Registration at 11 a.m. Green Estate Park 573-581-2100 or www.mexicomissouri.net Soybean Festival July 10 Downtown Mexico 573-473-4258 or jason9460@sbc.global.net POPS Concert and Ice Cream Social July 11, 2 p.m. Presser Performing Arts Center 900 S. Jefferson 573-581-5592 or www.presserpac.com Seussical the Musical July 17-18 Presser Performing Arts Center 900 S. Jefferson 573-581-5592 or www.presserpac.com MoACT Festival August 27-29 Presser Performing Arts Center 900 S. Jefferson web.mac.com/mexicoact/Site/Welcome. html Air Fest Salute to Veterans with Special Guest U.S. Senator Kit Bond August 28 Mexico Memorial Airport Highway 54 East www.mexicoairfestsalute.org

1.800.581.2765 [55] June 2010 www.mexico-chamber.org • www.mexicomissouri.net • info@mexico-chamber.org ad-JUNE 2010.indd 55

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By Ligaya Figueras

Doownnthe

FARM THE SWEET SMELL OF HAY, the steady drone of tractors, the taste of oven-fresh bread slathered with sweet butter, and the vastness of the sky on star-studded nights. Ah, the country. In an age of Blackberrys and iPhones, many Americans yearn to escape from 24/7 connectedness and frenzied multitasking to return to the simple charms of country living. Working farms across Missouri are meeting the demand for a rural getaway by opening their homes as bed-and-breakfasts, offering farm stays where visitors can get a glimpse of farm life, pitch in with chores as much or as little as they please, explore the area, and simply sit back and relax in idyllic bliss. Since 1994, Matt and Tina Reichert, owners of Sycamore Valley Farm located in Brunswick in north-central Missouri, have welcomed visitors to their year-round, on-farm bed-andbreakfast. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities on the 440-acre farm, from fishing to hayrides, crafts, and more.

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Down on the Farm

Matt is a fourth-generation farmer, and guests can help him and his twelve-yearold son, Gabriel, with their intensive grazing operation when they move ninety head of cattle from one pasture to another. The Reicherts also raise row crops on one hundred acres, which means folks can climb aboard the tractor for some real-life John Deere action. Crisp winter days are perfect for splitting and stacking wood, then warming up around an outdoor fire, made picture-perfect with roasted marshmallows and hot cocoa. In the kitchen, Tina teaches old-fashioned homemaking skills like churning butter and making soap, and she takes all the help she can get tending the vegetable garden and putting up salsas, jams, and other canned goods. These activities, in combination with comfy private guest lodgings and a hot, gourmet breakfast, add up to an exceptional rural experience.

Children, especially, create life-long memories from a visit to Sycamore Valley Farm. They scramble to play with the Reicherts’ youngest son, Gabriel, who joins his new playmates in some quintessential farm-fun like building hay forts, going on hayrides, and roasting wieners. He gladly leads them to the pond that the Reicherts refer to as “Ye olde swimming hole,” whereupon eyes widen at the sight of a real-life rope swing. “Our son was enthralled with the farm,” says Bill Barrett of St. Louis, who stayed with his wife and son, Gavin, at Sycamore Valley Farm. Nine-year-old Gavin calls it “better than a hotel.” Matt and Jocelyn Barnes of University City plan holidays that are “different, exciting, and educational” for their sons, ages nine and five. The family has rented an RV to trek to the Grand Canyon, vacationed at beaches, and

stayed on a dude ranch. They chose to stay at Sycamore Valley Farm because Matt Barnes has fond memories of visiting a family farm in Tennessee as a boy. When the Barnes family visited Sycamore Valley, they noticed marked differences from their daily life. “We live in the inner suburbs of St. Louis, which by its very nature, is different. The entire landscape there is rural,” Matt says. “The boys could go outdoors without being monitored by us. And they got to see where food began as opposed to saying, ‘all eggs come from the grocery store.’ ” Guests at Sycamore Valley can gather eggs from the hens on the farm. In the summer, cow chores are pretty easy since the cows just eat grass, but in the winter, visitors can accompany the Reicherts to feed the cattle hay. Agritourism, the practice of touring agricultural areas to see farms and often to

COURTESY OF SYCAMORE VALLEY FARM

“Ye olde swimming hole,”

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From left: Curious chickens peer into Tina and Matt Reichert’s home at Sycamore Valley Farm in Brunswick. During the summer, guests at Sycamore Valley Farm can cool off at “Ye olde swimming hole.” Matt teaches visitors Benjamin and Jonathan Loke how to harvest potatoes.

participate in farm activities, is a growing trend throughout the United States. According to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service census data, in 2002, the income from farm-related sources that offered agritourism and recreational services was $174 million. In 2007, it more than tripled to a whopping $546 million. The unconventional aspect of this type of tourism—gathering eggs, feeding barnyard animals, baking bread—is what makes a farm stay so appealing to adults who want to get back to their roots and share the experience with their children. Not that long ago, Sycamore Valley Farm was one of the only farms in Missouri that offered overnight accommodations as well as an interpretative agricultural experience. The state has seen an increase in such venues in the last few years and in agritourism as a whole. “Four years ago, we only had two

places listed. Now there are six,” says Sarah Gehring, member services coordinator for AgriMissouri, a program that works to promote Missouri food manufacturers, farmers, producers, agritourism businesses and farmers’ markets within the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Tina says that her family has experienced some economic gain by supplementing their farm business with the bed-and-breakfast enterprise. “It does meet the needs of maintaining the house. There are some things we were able to do for our farm and our home that we would not have been able to do otherwise.” The Reicherts didn’t set out to be a rural alternative to commercial lodging. They remodeled their two-story centennial home to accommodate Matt’s ailing mother, adding a two-bedroom handicapped accessible suite in the basement, complete with full kitchen,

living room, and a laundry room. Then came the Flood of ‘93, and Tina and Matt, along with their five children, opened their home to two families who fell victim to the Missouri River flood. Afterward, they decided to continue hosting overnight guests by going into business as working farm innkeepers. The Reicherts have hosted hundreds of visitors from throughout the United States and abroad—Egypt, France, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Thailand— and have yet to be disappointed. “We just love everybody we’ve had. We’ve had no bad experiences,” Tina says. Neither have their guests. Boon Ping, Vernon Loke, and their two sons Jonathan and Benjamin, ages nine and six, from St. Louis relished their getaway from urbanity to partake in some old-fashioned fun on the farm. Highlights ranged “from digging for potatoes

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Down on the Farm Mainly, though, people come to Sycamore Valley to get away. The Reicherts’ guest book is filled with handwritten comments thanking them for their hospitality and country charm. “We appreciate your opening your home and your lives to us so that we could experience a little of what it’s like to live away from the crowded city. Your gourmet breakfasts will be long-remembered too,” wrote Liz and Brady Myers from Linena, Kansas, reminiscent for Tina’s asparagus quiche, fresh homemade sweet bread, and local pork sausage. Matt thinks that guests opt to stay with them because people want to make relationships. “People are looking for social connections,” he says. “We get to meet a lot of different people, and everyone has a story,” adds the Reichert’s nineteen-year-old daughter, Kaitlynn. Among the more memorable guests have been those who just showed up at the door. “A couple drove down from Iowa. They came

n Experience

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The Reicherts (from left): Nikolaus, Zachary, Kaitlynn, Tina, Gabriel, and Matt. Not pictured is the Reicherts’ eldest daughter, Samantha.

unannounced; they wanted an agricultural experience,” Tina says. They were gladly housed for the night. Visit www.sycamorevalleyfarm.com or call 660-548-3283 for more information. Visit www.agrimissouri.com for more information on agritourism.

available t included but are dairy. Meals are no the m fro les of the mi n rs eleve Free guided tou d at the Lodge. ate loc se ou kh ea at The St r-hours’ notice. le with twenty-fou dairy are availab c.com sharpeholdingsin 660-284-6212 | overnight Hermann offers ESTHOUSE near GU S RM FA m. E LABOUB se of a cattle far ntennial farmhou ce the in s on accommodati m laboubefarms.co 573-486-5100 | t twelve al Missouri abou , located in centr RM FA F UF BL DY ROCK ED offers cottages, log Gasconade River, the on n xo Di of miles outside Activities include accommodations. st kfa ea -br nd eing. cabins, and bed-a tching, and cano ming, nature wa im sw , ing hik g, fishin rockeddy.com 573-759-6081 | rience but agritourism expe Missouri offer an in s or nd ve r ting, visit he Ot r a complete lis night lodging. Fo er ov ide ov pr t do no ri.com. www.agrimissou

COURTESY OF SYCAMORE VALLEY FARM

and a worm or two to going on a hayride and getting ‘chased’ by cows—they were hot on our heels, being moved to greener pastures to graze—to a walk-through of the peach preserving process and participating in the ‘butter-shaking’ dance,” to get the cream to separate from raw milk, Boon Ping says. Sycamore Valley Farm is tucked away among rolling hills, a few miles outside of downtown Brunswick and the confluence of the Grand and Missouri rivers. Brunswick has a population of less than one thousand and not a single stoplight. Despite its remote location, the Reichert farm sees a steady stream of guests. Brunswick is known as “The Pecan Capital of Missouri,” hosting the annual Pecan Festival in October, and history buffs stop at the local Lewis and Clark campsite and the General Sterling Price Museum in nearby Keytesville, where military artifacts and period furnishings are on display.

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The State’s Largest Expo

Included with your admission to the Missouri State Fair! In addition to all the great Fair entertainment, concerts and carnival, come listen, see and experience 396 acres of new exhibits and demonstrations that will help you maximize your enjoyment of country living. • Farmers Market • Green Initiatives • Cooking Demos • Gardening Tips

• Wine Classes • Quilting Demos • Sensible Living • Much more!

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–a delicious–

TWELVE-YEAR-OLD Sarah Pitchford and her friends call it the “dream stream;” it’s the lazy river at Castle Rock Resort and Water Park in Branson. They fancy floating without the inner tube and letting the jets push them along instead. The lazy river comes highly recommended as a water park escape on hot Missouri afternoons. Water parks have grown enormously in popularity since their introduction in the late 1940s. The United States has the largest water park market in the world, with more than one thousand parks now operating and dozens of new ones opening each year. Missouri is home to fourteen water parks, the oldest of which is White Water at Silver Dollar City in Branson, which opened in 1980. Oceans of Fun in Kansas City boasts the title of biggest water park in the Midwest, with sixty acres. Features vary, but there are a few standards that can be found at most water parks: the lazy river, water slides of varying types

and lengths, hot tubs, and splash pads. Wave pools are another water park hot spot. The Surf City Wave Pool at Oceans of Fun in Kansas City features a more than one-million-gallon wave pool that greets up to five thousand ocean-lovers daily during the summer. Among the many attractions at Missouri water parks, Water Wars at Super Splash USA at Raytown is an interactive experience in which participants launch water balloons at one another from opposing battle stations. Participants must stand their ground. At Super Splash USA, the Water Wars battle zone is a chaotic place. The balloons soar high through the air and come splashing down on opponents. Suffice it to say getting sprinkled, sprayed, doused, or thoroughly saturated are all possibilities. As intense as Water Wars is, the water slides at many parks are a source of pride, given the unique parameters by which they are built. Water slides typically run into a

By Mary Syrett and Callina Wood

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MISSOURI WATER PARKS COOL OFF HOT SUMMER AFTERNOONS

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Big Surf Waterpark Linn Creek

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a delicious

of Fun Oceannssas City a K

Aquaport Maryland Hei gh

pool at the end. Some, however, have long, straight sections at the bottom with frictional material or rollers attached to the slide designed to slow sliders down and allow them to safely exit. Nicholas Myers of Columbia, an eightyear-old and thus, naturally an expert on water slides, loves The Rapids at Big Surf, a slide that lets you choose your own adventure: fast and furious from the top, or start closer to the ground for a gentler ride into the catch pool. At Aquaport in Maryland Heights, the water slide is similar to being flushed down a giant toilet bowl. You get shot out of a tube fast enough to do at least four revolutions before being expelled out the bottom of an enclosed tube. Adults and kids alike take the trip more than once in a day’s visit, prompting the staff

at the top of the slide to ask, “Again?” Yes, flush please. For the truly fearless, the Storm Blaster at Schlitterbahn in Kansas City fits the bill. It’s literally a wet roller coaster with all the ups and downs, including an anxious ascension before taking a three-story plunge followed by more twists and turns until it spits you out into a pool of water. For a slightly more mild adventure, take your group for a spin on a raft ride. At the Ohana Falls ride at White Water in Branson, everyone hangs on together as you maneuver through the rapids. Aquanauts who seek a soothing experience can grab an inner tube and relax while they gently float down the current in the lazy river. Sherri Vaughan of Ozark, a mother of four, says the lazy river also helps her small children

learn to swim with the aid of the current. Dawn Longino of Ava, who is a regular at White Water along with her family, prefers the competitive edge of the racing slides at Kalani Towers. It features four lanes and 312 feet of drops that will send you soaring more than twenty-five miles per hour to the finish line. “We ride all day long,” Dawn says. Oceans of Fun in Kansas City features excellent activities for children and adults alike, including a kids’ area with a pirate ship and water cannons. Adults over the age of twenty-one can take it easy at the adult pool that includes a swim-up bar. When visions of drinks with little umbrellas, beaches, and sunshine start dancing in your head, catch a wave, drift on a current, or soar down a slide at one of Missouri's water parks.

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where to get

wet

Most parks are open from late May to early September. Many are open daily, but hours may vary.

Aquaport

Aquaport in Maryland Heights features a huge bowl ride, a rapids ride, a lazy river, and a kiddie pool. 2344 McKelvey Road. 314-738-2599

Big Surf Water Park

Features of Big Surf include Zambezi Falls, a three-story tube ride; Challenger Body Flumes, twin tubeless water rides; the Space Bowl, water basketball, floating lily pads, a wave pool, a 980-foot-long lazy river, and Splash Island for toddlers. The park is located at Route 54 and State Road Y in Linn Creek. 573-346-6111

Bluff Falls Water Park

Bluff Falls Water Park features include a wave pool that shoots waves four feet into the air, three water slides, a lazy river, and a kiddie pool with slides and dumping buckets. It is located at 2801 Cheshire Boulevard in Poplar Bluff. 573-776-7622

Castle Rock Resort and Water Park

CoCo Key Indoor Water Park

CoCo Key Indoor Water Park at the Clarion Hotel Kansas City Sports Complex is open most days of the year to registered hotel guests. Day passes are available to the general public, depending on available space. Resort features, which reflect a Key West ambience, include body slides, a lazy river, wave pool, raft slides, kiddie slides, a whirlpool spa, and an interactive play structure with a large tipping bucket. 9103 E. 39th Street. 866-754-6962

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags in Eureka is part of the Six Flags St. Louis amusement park complex. Located on steep bluffs above the Meramec River, Hurricane Harbor features a wave pool, lazy river, family raft rides, and water slides. Take Interstate 44 from St. Louis to Exit 261. 636-938-5300

At Castle Rock, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always eighty-four degrees and sunny at its climate-controlled indoor water park, which features water slides, dump buckets, a lazy river, and several activity pools for children. 3001 Green Mountain Drive in Branson. 417-336-6000

CoCo Key Indoor Water Park Kansas City

ater White oW n Brans [65] June 2010

Mark Twain Landing

Mark Twain Landing is actually a campground and RV park with condos and cabins, but the water park is an amenity worth mentioning. It includes a lazy river, space bowl, water slides, a wave pool, and a kids’ pool. 42819 Landing Lane in Monroe City. 877-700-9422.

Big Surf Water Park Linn Creek

The North Pointe Family Aquatic Center

The North Pointe Family Aquatic Center is and indoor-outdoor complex at The North Pointe at Ballwin Commons. It features twostory water slides, a lazy river, whirlpools, and a children’s pool. It is located at 335 Holloway Road in Ballwin, a western suburb of St. Louis. 636-227-2981

Oceans of Fun

Oceans of Fun is one of the biggest water parks in America. It features multiple swimming pools, tube slides, water slides, a one thousandgallon tipping bucket that empties every five minutes, the Typhoon water speed slide, Surf City wave pool, raft rides, the Caribbean Cooler lazy river, and special activity areas, such as Crocodile Isle for toddlers. The park is located at 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue, just off the East Loop of Interstate 435 at Exit 54, in Kansas City. 816-454-4545

Super RaytowSplash USA n

Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Waterpark

Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Waterpark is located on the Kansas side of Kansas City and features an aquatic roller coaster, the world’s longest tidal wave river, three huge slides, a white water tube chute, thirteen mini slides for kids, three beach areas, and a giant hot tub with a swim-up bar. The park is developing a river walk attraction and lodging options that will open in the future. 9400 State Avenue. 913-312-3110

Bluﬀ Fallsk Water Par ﬀ Poplar Blu

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a delicious

terpark age Wansas City l il V n io Ka n Vacat

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Schlitte

Splash Country Indoor/ Outdoor Water Park

The Nor Family Aquaticth Pointe Center Ballwin

Splash Country Indoor/Outdoor Water Park at the Grand Country Resort in Branson is open to the public. Features include a lazy river, an activity pool, tube slides, a toddler pool, whirlpool spas, an interactive tree house play structure with a tipping bucket, a wave pool, and a basketball play pool. 1945 West Highway 76. 816-356-5300

Super Splash USA

Super Splash USA in Raytown includes three pools, Water Wars, a play area for toddlers containing crayon fountains, belly-down slides, and rope ladders; the Rocky Mountain Avalanche three-person water slide, the Jackson Hole enclosed tube slide, and Okefenokee Romp, where guests test their skills navigating across moving lily pads and floating logs. 53rd Place and Raytown Road. 816-356-5300.

Timber Falls at Tan-Tar-A

This indoor water park features a three-story tree house with a massive wooden bucket that tips every minute, spilling 600 gallons of water and drenching anyone standing beneath it. It also includes water slides, a lazy river, an activity pool, and a giant hot tub. Timber Falls is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays yearround and on select weekdays. State Road KK in Osage Beach. 800-826-8272.

White Water

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags St. Louis

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White Water features speed water slides, the Surfquake wave pool, a lazy river, and Kalani Towers, which is a 7.5 story, six-lane water slide; and Little Squirts Waterworks for kids. 3505 West Highway 76 in Branson. 417-336-7750

t u O a

k r a p l l

e h t at

Fans fill Missouri’s diamonds fill to the brim Story and photo essay by George Denniston, Jr.

Boys of Summer Shine on Missouri’s Diamonds

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As summer begins,

baseball heats up in the Show-Me State. A new season is underway from t-ball to little league, city club ball to minor league teams. The stars of high school and college ball become “Boys of Summer” in towns throughout Missouri. Is there another Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle, or Ryan Howard in the making as summer league baseball begins? In our major league parks, it looks to be a memorable summer as the St. Louis Cardinals chase another pennant and the Kansas City Royals thrill (and sometimes upset) their fans in the new Kauffman Stadium. While rivals, both Cardinals and Royals fans will stand and cheer as their former manager, Whitey Herzog, is inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, in late July. But there is much more to Missouri baseball beyond the borders of Kansas City and St. Louis. A road map to Missouri’s baseball past, present, and future, can be started almost anywhere in the state.

4/27/10 11:24:37 AM

S t o r y a n d p h o t o e ss a y b y G e o r g e D e n n i s t o n , J r .

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k r t a Ou allp at the

s Kansas City Royal s in Kansas City, when they play the Royal but e,

her Cardinals fans travel everyw e annual series at the e (sorry, couldn’t resist). Th gam l bal nt it’s a whole differe ived Kansas City Royals a dium, gives the success-depr “New K,” or Kauffman Sta l. hers of their long-time riva chance to ruffle some feat most beautiful in ium known as one of the stad 3 197 the of tion A renova dium. It became Kauffman originally called Royals Sta baseball, the New K was founding owner Ewing M. ed in honor of the Royals’ Stadium when it was renam enities with areas like the K has amped up its fan am w Ne e Th 3. 199 in an Kauffm hing challenges, a K diamond, batting and pitc le Litt its h wit , nce erie t Outfield Exp ll of Fame, a new stop tha rts Bar, and the Royals Ha s ud’ Stro mini golf course, Rivals Spo of ce , pick up a pie ory. For a fresh concession A r: tou captures K.C. baseball hist ahead for a stadium at the “K” this year. Check famous fried chicken, new every level of interest, rs have been designed for tou of es typ five g glin mind-bog to the luxury suite tour, the ss box tour, the party deck from the dugout to the pre ctice, and more. watch pre-game batting pra “Early Bird” that lets you baseball, have showcase tch meani ngful September wa to g gin lon s, fan s yal Ro n Moore can retain yals General Manager Dayto Ro t tha e hop just y the y facilities— ing doubles machi ne Bill Zack Greinke, free-swing the services of star pitcher ser Joachim Soria. Butler, and the talented clo oyals.mlb.com

kansascity.r

m tinually playing amateur tea e 1894, are the oldest con er nag The Capahas, around sinc Ma . theast Missourian ntry, according to the Sou cou the y sibl pos , uri sso 8; in Mi ll of Fame in 200 it ional Baseball Congress Ha Nat the to ed uct ind s wa Jess Bolen 1309 wins and 341 losses. as Capahas manager, with was his forty-second year .com/capahas

www.eteamz

Hannibal Cavemensecond season of Prospect League baseball, offer-

in a The Hannibal Cavemen beg Samuel Clemens Field, National Historic Landmark at l bal ate and ing summer collegi a face lift, with a baseball WPA project. It is getting a as 7 193 in d cte stru con field. ewhere along or behind left sports museum planned som ibalcavemen.com

www.hann

, , ty Rascals O Fallon s River Ci stadium, things never lpark is serene, but inside the

s Bal On the outside, T.R. Hughe er-ending between-inning es blend baseball and nev gam cals Ras stop. River City g,” who takes baseballs to it Bailey, “The Wonder Do promotions seamlessly. Vis nday games with a lawn your dog to Sunday and Mo ng bri can You . pire um the seats. Or visit with a t awaits along the left field sea list sty A t? rcu hai a ed ticket. Ne mer-league teams. his creations used by sum Missouri bat-maker, and view the 2009 West Division The River City Rascals are sts And the baseball is good. r League. The team boa ional Independent Frontie fess pro the of der hol Josh title the first bei ng pitcher have reached the majors, three former players who r was a hit for a St. Louis Cardinals relieve a as h pitc t firs His 6. Kinney in 200 he wears a championship the last laugh that year as home run, but Kinney got rld Series title. tenth and most recent Wo ring from the Cardinals’ w.rivercityrascals.com

s Springfield Cardinal Springfield Cardinals, professional baseball. The

tory of Springfield has a long his of the finest mi nor Louis Cardinals, have one St. the of te ilia aff A e a Doubl

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ll aseba gue B a e L h .T e Negro s City e a h s t n o a K tai nsit t i ne i n enter e a vi V d n u d a l n c s a er om t in 18th d off ers fr i mus ar an ict of l lplay e r a ssour t y i b s i s i o M gr th n zD bal l i of Ne rsary ic Jaz t ski l ls t base nnive histor a a e e o ks a k h h h t o t t . lo gh lo 947 ased entie u d in c 1 o e w e Any t r w t n h a o i h t c s t rs en rier g it at sh um lo playe y wh r bar ue th t brati n o i l g d e C l a Muse o n e e c a s l c s a he Kansa team um is o k at g of t muse ague i ke i n nal lo e l ea ki n r io L s t b a a o c e w h gr du at it ugh t at Ne i ng, e of wh s gre s thro r s 0 o e 1 s n tion. 9 p o forma gl i m the 1 n um h i e d s e n r u a o m for m room The cker ue. -1920 o l g 1 a l 2 e a l 2 ic 16 the a typ call 8 uled m or rchs r o c a . n m o M nlb www. Visit

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league facilities in the cou ntry, thanks in large par t to the generosity of Fai native and hotel developer rview John Q. Hammons. Built in 2005, Hammons Field third largest baseball venue is the in Missouri, with 7,986 sea ts. At Springfield Cardinals games, Cardinals players greet fans com ing into the dium. Great viewing seats staare everywhere, but it’s har d to beat the lawn seatin BYOB (bring your own bla g. So, nket) and watch this year’ s team battle for a Texas Lea pennant. The Cardinals, gue who have seen many pla yers move up to St. Louis, hard-playing, dreams-of-th boa st e-majors-i n-their-eyes you ng men.

St. Joseph Mustangs

springfield.cardinals.milb

.com

The Mustangs took St. Jose ph by storm in 2009, the team’s inaugural year in pendent Missouri Iowa Ne indebraska Kansas (MINK) Lea gue , a sum mer collegiate baseba league. The Mustangs pla ll y in the historic Phil Welch Stadium, which looks the baseball used to, with the wa y old wood roof over a bric k grandstand. The MINK has teams scattered throug Lea gue hout western Missouri, inc luding a new Excelsior Spr team. Other Missouri tea ings ms include the Sedalia Bom bers, Ozark Generals, Ne Griffons, Joplin Outlaws, vad a and St. Joseph’s chief riva l, the Chillicothe Mudcats. In 1939, City Stadium, late r named Phil Welch Stadiu m after the former mayor congressman who spearh and eaded its creation, was com plet ed in less than half a yea another WPA project. Severa r as l baseball players, not necessa rily from the St. Joseph tea drew large crowds. Famed m, Cardinals pitcher Dizzy De an pitched in St. Joseph in Stan Musial had ten hits 1930. in a four-game series in 194 1 for the Springfield Cardin In 1943, Yogi Berra, then als. a high school slugging cat cher for a St. Louis team, home run over the 420-foo hit a t center field fence during an American Legion gam Mickey Mantle, who played e. for the Joplin Mi ners, cam e to St. Joseph in 1950 as wild-throwing, hard-hitti a ng shortstop. Tomorrow’s greats might be found at St. Jo today for a five-dollar adm ission tick et.

St. Louis Cardinals

www.stjoemustangs.com

Our look at baseball in Mi ssouri wouldn’t be comple te without ending with bas crazy St. Louis, home to eballthe ten-time World Champ ion St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis has hosted five All -Star games, the first in 194 0 at Sportsman’s Park, then 1948 (hosted by the St. Lou in is Browns) and 1957, in 196 6 at the then New Busch, of course, last year’s return and to Busch, which has becom e a New Busch once again. The Cardinals’ new home, capped by a World Series title in its inaugural year, forty-six-thousand-seat, retr is a o-style ballpark. Packed nig htly , the park takes on its most fevered pitch at playoff tim e and whenever the Chicag o Cubs come calling. The statues of great Car dinals and other St. Lou is professional ballplayers com mon photo- op before are a entering Busch. The you ngsters head for Ozzie Sm while the old timers gravita ith, te to early Cardinals great Rogers Hornsby. Everyone to gaze at Stan “The Man” sto ps Musial’s larger than life pos e. Tours take you to field leve l, where you have a chance to sit in the Cardinals dug out. The press box gives you a unique view, with a loo k at photographs of the great announcers like Harry Car ay, Jack Buck, and Mike Sha nnon.

stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com

As the

summer season tantalizes like a roundhouse curve, take in a ball game at a nearby park or one of the stadium jewels in Kan sas City, St. Louis, or Spring Have a cold beverage of cho field. ice and down a doggie or two while teachi ng your about this game called bas kids eball; lessons are available almost nightly. [73] June 2010

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R re E FCulLinAarVy O -M SHurOanW Cultu ts, Recipes, &

Resta

HILLBILLY BOTANIST

A N I R I S H W I L D E R N E S S N AT I V E S H A R E S K N O W L E D G E O F N AT I V E P L A N T S | By Paul Hagey

Early young leaves are dried and ground to make powder, which is used as a thickener in soups and stews.

PAUL HAGEY

Pat French, Sassafras Leaves (FilĂŠ)

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IN THE MISSOURI OZARKS, hills and hol-

plant communities pushed out of surrounding areas. Consequently, its flora is the most diverse, endemic, and species-rich of Missouri. This flora flowered in Ozarks culture in various forms. Chicory coffee, prickly pear fruit syrup, Indian lemonade (from sumac berries), poke artichoke dip, and spice bush-flavored carrot cake were some of the Ozark wild-edibleplant dishes Pat French brought for tasting at an Ozark wild edibles lecture she gave last summer. The chicory coffee grounds, light brown and made from dried and ground chicory root, were sweet with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The electricpurple prickly pear

PAUL HAGEY; COURTESY OF PHYLLIS WEYLAND/LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER; ÂŠISTOCKPHOTO.COM

lows grow into each other. And for a moment one evening, at the intersection of two small ridge-top highways, they merge as time pauses. That quiet and those hills spread over the fifty thousand square miles known as the Ozark Highland, the only extended highland found between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. The regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dense topography and remoteness allowed the Ozarks, over half of which lie in Missouri, to develop a rich ecology as well as a distinctive culture. Twice in geologic history, the Ozarks were uplifted into a plateau, which prevented encroaching seas from submerging the region for its last 245 million years. Glaciers did not proceed far enough south to smooth over its topography, denude its land, or layer it with till. The Ozarks thus became a refuge island of

The flowers and hips, or seeds, of all true wild roses (Rosa genus) are edible and commonly used for cake decoration, salads, rose water, and tea.

Wild edible nuts include acorns, hickory nuts, and black walnuts.

Pokeweed Tender shoots, stalks, and leaves are parboiled and used fresh or frozen as a vegetable.

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Show-Me Flavor > Hillbilly Botanist

fruit syrup, tasted unexpectedly like honey, though less sweet. Pat lives in northern Arkansas just south of the Missouri border and has spent a lifetime in the Ozarks. At fifty-four and retired from the Missouri Department of Conservation, she lectures on Ozarks wild edible flora: how to prepare and identify certain plants and when and where to harvest them. She calls herself a “hillbilly botanist,” having grown up using Ozark plants for food and medicine. “There are botanists and those that know a lot about plants, and I very much respect them,” she says. “They study them, they know all about their characteristics and taxonomy, but sometimes if you get them out in the woods, they’re not necessarily going to know which plants you can eat or what you can use them for.” Pat grew up in the Irish Wilderness, a

The flowers and leaves of wild violets (Viola genus) are edible.

16,500-acre area deep in the Missouri Ozarks in which Bishop John Hogan founded a settlement for Irish immigrants in the mid-1800s. He wrote then of the area: “Nowhere could the human soul so profoundly worship, as in the depths of that leafy forest, beneath the swaying branches of the lofty oaks and pines, where solitude and the heart of man united in praise and wonder of the Great Creator.” “We rarely bought food,” Pat says, recalling her time as a child in that wilderness in the early ’60s. Her second grade class was the last in its one-room stone schoolhouse. When the school, which still stands today, closed, she and her classmates were bussed to a small town thirty miles away where they were known as “the wilderness kids,” Pat says. Her mother’s squirrel-hunting, fishing, wildplant-harvesting, and traipsing-through-the-

woods lifestyle was not always understood by Pat as a child. But in her thirties, a deep respect for it emerged and has grown into a passion. She honors her mother and grandmother, who passed on to her, along with some Cherokee blood, an intimate relationship with the land. At Pat’s thirty-six-acre bluff-top Ozarks home, plants native and exotic spread out from her doorway. Blackberry, elderberry, bittersweet, beauty berry, blue false indigo, black and blue sage, hollyhocks, horseradish, stevia, Solomon’s seal, and wild petunias are a few that inhabit the gardens layering up a path leading to an enclosed vegetable garden. Along the path, Pat points out a type of Desmodium plant. “When I was growing up my mom would make tea out of that for stomach cramps,” she says. Below the back porch of a guest log cabin her husband built spreads a glade, which Pat

courtesy of sally and andy wasowski

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Dandelion leaf, lamb’s quarter, wild violet leaf and flowers, wild onions, henbit, dock, and watercress salad goes well with an olive oil, raspberry vinegar, garlic, herbs, and honey dressing.

Pawpaw

Paul hagey; courtesy of Scott Bauer/USDA

Pat French’s Spring Flower Cake is flavored with flower water derived from various edible flowers, like roses and violets, and covered with wild violets.

restored by prescribed burning. Exposed to sunlight, the glade is now dense with native glade plants sprouting and growing on their own from dormant seeds and roots in the soil. From the elevated porch, the land gently slopes down to a one-hundred-foot-high bluff that drops into a branch of the Spring River. Across the river in the distance, a long ridge marks the background of the river’s valley below us. Pat lists the species of plants she spots in the glade. “There’s bee balm, there’s echinacea, sunflower, New Jersey tea, wild quinine,” she says, pointing them out as she names them. “See all the butterflies on the plants, lots of birds, lizards, and frogs? You know you’re doing the right things when you have all those critters.”

As we lean on the porch railing and look into the glade and the river valley, Pat says that eating wild plants is not only about physical nourishment but also about connecting you to the land and its culture in ways that might teach you more than you might be aware of. “Once you learn about plants and how they grow and what affects them, you learn the whole process,” Pat says. “It is a holistic experience.” Pat reflects on this Ozarks legacy. “I’m worried about our kids,” she says. “I don’t want to think that I’m going to be gone someday, and people like me are going to be gone someday, and nobody else is going to know any of these things.” After a lecture she gave this summer on wild edible plants, a group of kids approached her. “It just made my heart sing.” E-mail frenchp@centurytel.net for information on upcoming lectures.

An abundance of wild berries and fruits includes blackberries, elderberries, wild grapes, sumac, pawpaw, persimmon, and wild plums.

Words of Caution Get to know your plants. Never eat or use any plant or plant parts unless you are 100 percent sure you have correctly identified the species. If you have health problems or allergies, consult with a physician before using wild plants. To learn more about plant identification, Pat recommends using Peterson’s A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and Central North America, joining a native plant society, or studying with an expert. Obey state and federal laws on gathering of plant materials on state and federal lands, including road right-of-ways.

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SHOW-ME FLAVOR > HILLBILLY BOTANIST

Common Ozarksts W il d E d ib l e P l a n buds or crowns, and flowers are

after a killing frost. They can be

Pigeonberry. Its small shoots

used. The early tender leaves,

used fresh in a salad or cooked

in spring and tender stalks and

roots, and flowers can be eaten

as a vegetable. Tubers can also

leaves in spring and summer

as a fresh vegetable either raw

be combined with fruit as a

are used. It is always cooked

or cooked. The young leaves

dessert or can be pickled.

and used fresh or frozen as a

are good in salad. Roots can

vegetable. It requires parboiling to

BEE BALM (various species of

be dried, roasted, and ground to

remove phytolacic acid.

the Monarda genus) Other com-

make a coffee-like drink.

mon names are Oswego Tea, Wild Bergamot, and Horsemint. ered in the summer or early fall,

(Chenopodium album) Other

are used fresh or dried for tea.

common names are Goosefoot,

PURSLANE (Portulaca olera-

DOCK (various species of

Pigweed, and Wild Spinach. Its

cea) Other common names are

the Rumex genus) Other com-

leaves in spring and summer

Pussley, Pursley, and Pigweed.

mon names are Curly Dock,

are used. Its seed is used in

Its stems and leaves are used

Common Dock, Sour Dock, and

the fall. Use the greens fresh,

from early spring through

Yellow Dock. Its very young

frozen, or canned; seeds are

fall. It can be used fresh as a

CHICKWEED (Stellaria media)

leaves are used and are gath-

usually dried, roasted, and

vegetable or in a salad, and

Its leaves and stems are used

ered in the spring. It is normally

ground up for seasoning.

the leaves can be pickled as a

fresh, cooked as a vegetable,

cooked as a green.

condiment.

or raw in salads.

PEPPER GRASS (various speHENBIT (Lamium amplexicaule)

cies of the Lepidium genus)

CHICORY (Cichorium intybus)

Other common names are

Other common names are Field

of the Claytonia genus) Other

Other common names are

Dead Nettle, Dumb Nettle, and

Pepper Grass, Field Cress,

common names are Claytonia

Succory, Blue Sailors, Ragged

Archangel. The plant parts that

Cow Cress, Pepper Grass, and

and Fairy Spuds. Its corms

Sailors, and Witloof. Its roots

are above ground are used and

Poor Man’s Pepper. Its leaves

or tubers are used in spring

are used in summer and fall.

are harvested in early spring.

are used as salad or as a pot

and early summer. It is usually

In spring, its leaves are used

It can be used fresh in salads,

green in spring. Its seedpods

cooked as a vegetable.

fresh, frozen, or canned as a

cooked as a vegetable alone,

can be used either fresh or

vegetable; the roots are dried,

or mixed with other greens.

dried for a seasoning.

SPRING BEAUTY (species

roasted, and ground as a coffee substitute. WATERCRESS (Nasturtium offi-

cinale) Its leaves and stems are JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

POKEWEED (Phytolacca ameri-

used all year long. It is used

(Helianthus tuberosus) Another

cana) Other common names

raw in salads or on sandwiches

DANDELION (Taraxacum offi-

common name is Sun Choke.

are Poke Salad, Poke Salat,

and can be used cooked as a

cinale) Its root, young leaves,

Its tubers are dug in the late fall

Pokeberry, Garget, Scoke, and

vegetable component in soups.

COURTESY OF MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN, DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, GEORGE H. BRUSO/LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER, AND PAT FRENCH; ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

LAMB’S QUARTERS

The flowers and leaves, gath-

[78] MissouriLife

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SHOW-ME FLAVOR > MISSOURI RECIPES

– MissouriLife –

Sumac Lemonade Courtesy of Pat French

Persimmon Cookies

Ingredients: 2 quarts water 1 cup ripe sumac berries 1 tablespoon whole cloves 3 sticks of cinnamon, broken up 1 ½ cups sugar or honey (more or less depending upon your taste) Directions: Bring water to a boil. Add sumac berries, cloves, and cinnamon. Return to a boil, cover, lower the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain mixture through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filters. Add the sugar or honey to taste and chill. Serve very cold. Garnish with lemon if desired. Makes 2 quarts.

Wild Herb Dip

Note: Ripe berries will be deep red. You should not use berries that have dried on the vine and turned brown. When the berries are ready for picking, the stems begin to wilt, and they should snap off easily. Put the seed heads in a paper or cloth bag, and hang them in a dry place for a couple of weeks. Once they have dried, you can remove the berries by rubbing the clusters. Be sure to wear garden gloves to protect your hands from staining. The dried berries can be stored in a cool, dry, airtight container until ready to use.

– MissouriLife –

Wild Herb Dip Courtesy of Pat French

– MissouriLife – Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter ¼ cup fresh wild herb leaves: dittany, sorrel, dandelion, watercress,* or any mixture of wild greens 2 tablespoons wild onions, chopped (or chives or domestic onion tops) ½ cup sour cream ½ cup cottage cheese, low-fat or regular Salt (optional) Crackers, toast squares, or potato chips

Persimmon Cookies Courtesy of Pat French

Ingredients: 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 cup shortening 1 egg, well-beaten 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup persimmon pulp 1 cup raisins or wild currants (optional) 1 cup nuts (black walnuts, pecans, or hickory nuts) 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon each of salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg

Directions: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add wild herb leaves and onions or chives, stirring for about 3 to 5 minutes or until well wilted. Cool the mixture. Place sour cream and cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Stir herbs into cream mixture. Taste and add salt if needed. Makes about 1 cup.

ANDREW BARTON

Serve this as a snack or appetizer with crackers, toast squares, or potato chips for dipping. *Note: If you use watercress for this recipe, do not sauté it with the onions. Just chop it finely, and add it raw.

Sumac Lemonade

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat sugar, shortening, and egg together. Mix baking soda into the persimmon pulp and add to the sugar, shortening, and egg mixture. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Drop from a spoon onto greased cookie sheets. Bake 10-15 minutes. Yields 12-14 cookies.

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M I SSOU R I B E E F

Jason and Jim McCann

A LONG HAUL TO THE GREEN GRASS

n his deep Texas hill country accent, Jim

loved ranch life and working with cattle, but

the median?’ ” Jason liked Missouri and took a

McCann tells a story about western ranch-

his mom warned him early, “There’s no place

job with Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics in

ing. His wife’s family had homesteaded a

for you here,” because the ranch was already

Columbia in 2000.

ranch in Arizona in the 1880s. Every fall they

supporting his grandfather, his parents, and his

Then when Jason’s parents, Jim and Linda,

would have a big round up and bring the cattle

uncle, and ranching in Arizona had been grow-

came to visit Jason and Monica, they all

down from the high mountain ranges. “It was

ing more difficult by the year due to a variety

noticed land prices here. The $1,000-an-acre

so rough that the only way you could bring

of factors. In fact, the family had sold their

price tag here seemed like a bargain compared

cattle down was with horses. I was following

cattle and begun growing alfalfa and making

to the $10,000 per acre that good ranchland in

17 steers and up ahead was a stand of scrub

horse feed. So Jason went to the University of

Arizona was commanding at the time.

oak. Well, those 17 head went into that scrub

Arizona and worked in orthotics for 10 years.

oak, and I never saw them again.” After a

When he visited his sister and her husband,

pause, Jim shakes his head and smiles. His son,

Monica and David Chute, in St. Louis, the arid

The abundant water and grass was also a

Jason, chimes in, “He’s not pulling your leg.”

Arizona environment paled compared to the

factor. It is so dry out west that it takes one

“You can own land here and not be a movie star,” Jason says.

Jim told that true story sitting at Jason’s

green grass here and reawakened his desire to

section, or 640 acres, to keep 11 cow/calf

kitchen table on his Missouri farm near Miller,

ranch. In fact, he tells a story that makes the

pairs fed. Here, that much grassland can feed

just outside of Carthage.

point well. “We were driving from St. Louis to

128 cow/calf pairs. Jim was stunned to hear

It has been a long road, but son Jason, age

Springfield on I-44, and I couldn’t believe how

Eldon Cole, a University of Missouri Extension

37, achieved his dream of following in his

green the grass was in the median. I asked my

livestock specialist say, “A cow shouldn’t have

father’s footsteps by ranching. Growing up, he

brother-in-law, ’How can they afford to irrigate

to walk more than 800 feet to get a drink.”

[80] MissouriLife

promotion

Missouri

The McCann family had ranched in Arizona for generations, but the abundant grass and water brought them to Miller, Missouri.

“Out where we were, they had to walk 800

as they had hoped. “We had spent four years

their three children now live. Red Oak was

feet between blades of grass—and three miles

looking and had pretty much stopped looking,

named for the town that used to be there.

to water!” he says.

but then all at once, the place in Arizona sold,

“We traded our horses for ’gators’ and our rope for buckets,” says Jim a little wistfully.

Jason and Jim began studying Missouri pas-

and we had to find a place now,” Jason recalls.

tureland and decided they would like to be

Living in Springfield and so on the ground

But he’s not sorry to have left behind a lot

on the west side of Springfield but within 50

there, he found a farm that met their needs

of the concerns western ranchers have to deal

miles so Jason could still find work in orthotics.

for cows, and his mother was satisfied with the

with. “The federal government owns most of

He was able to transfer to Springfield with his

house. Because of timing issues in Arizona, Jim

the land, and leasing it for ranching was becom-

company in 2002, and the serious hunt for

didn’t actually see the house in Missouri until

ing more of a headache,” Jim says. Clashes

land began.

after he and Linda owned it.

between environmentalists and ranchers also

What the McCanns were looking for was

Today, the joint McCann operation con-

took up an increasing amount of time, and

pretty specific. “We wanted land that sloped

sists of 100 cows total on their combined

unnecessarily, in Jim’s view. Environmentalists’

to the north so that it wouldn’t burn up in the

472 acres. The ranch consists of 147 acres at

and ranchers’ goals, improving the land, should

summer. It had to have good water, and it had

Headquarters, where Jim and Linda live; 170

have been the same, he says, but some irre-

to be in an area that was warm enough in the

acres at White Oak, about a mile and a half

sponsible recreational users who cut fence and

fall and winter that we wouldn’t have to feed

away and where Jason and his wife, Mary Lou,

left gates open and radical environmentalists

hay for six months of the year.”

and their two children live; and another leased

who wanted to end ranching on federal lands

But finding that kind of land—and selling Jim

155 acres about a mile due south at Red Oak,

entirely were making the job more difficult.

and Linda’s Arizona property—was not as easy

where Monica and her husband, David, and

[81] June 2010

“We have to be good stewards of the land,”

M I SSOU R I B E E F B E E F BY TH E N U M B E R S ✱ Missouri has the third highest number of beef cows, after Texas and Oklahoma. ✱ The average herd size in Missouri is 40, owned by family farmers. ✱ Most Missouri cows graze on open pasture unsuitable for producing other food. ✱ Today, 29 cuts of beef meet United States Department of Agriculture criteria for lean, in contrast to only seven in 1990. ✱ In the central United States, native wildlife depend almost entirely on ranch, farm, and other private lands for survival. ✱ The Environmental Protection Agency estimates livestock production in the United States produce only 2.6 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and the entire U.S. agricultural sector accounts for only 6.4 percent.

The McCann clan, front row from left, Rebekah Chute, Maggie and Christian McCann, and Caleb Chute. Back row from left are Mary Lou and Jason McCann, Linda and Jim McCann, and Hannah and Monica Chute. Hannah trains a bull calf for show.

to our family, the cattle, or the environment.

to capture the total equivalent of the world’s

We live here. We eat our own beef. We want

greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the

to protect our land and our way of life, not just

Time article. That’s a lot of responsibility for a

for us but for this future generation, too."

cow! Or other ruminants.

Time magazine agrees with the McCanns.

That said, most of Jim and Jason’s cattle

In a January 2010 article, entitled “Save the

are sold into feedlots, where they acquire the

Planet: Eat More Beef,” Time postulates that

grain-fed taste and texture most consumers

Jason notes, “or we won’t have a business or a

“Environmentalists have been giving cows a

prefer. For the first time last year, the McCanns

family tradition of ranching to pass on.”

bad rap in recent years. Between what bovines

sold four freezer beefs directly to consumers,

The McCanns have emerged as progressive

eat and what they excrete, cattle production

and they hope to sell more like that this year.

Missouri beef producers since 2004, and Jason

emits a lot of greenhouse gas. But if fed solely

But the decision to buy grass-fed beef lies with

now works only part-time with orthotics. Mary

grass, cows could play a key role in reversing

consumers, of course. “I much prefer the taste

Lou works with Jason on the ranch and is

climate change.”

of grain-finished beef, too,” Jason says.

The reason grass plays a key role is this:

It is the consumer that is ultimately the rea-

Grass requires little besides sunlight and water

son the McCanns do what they do. “We know

Jason says, “We like the fact that here in

to grow. Fertilizer and pesticides generally

we have to produce a consistent and highly

Missouri we can own our own land.” But the

aren’t needed. Cows on grass work manure

desirable product. That’s how anyone stays

McCanns fear the activists that were against

and decaying matter into the soil, which

in business,” says Jason, as he looks at his two

ranching in Arizona may be making inroads

helps keep the carbon dioxide (often called

children, Christian and Maggie, just home from

into Missouri. “We are definitely concerned

greenhouse gases) underground and out of

school. “We want to pass on what we know to

that people don’t understand that we have a

the air. Some researchers hypothesize that

them and maybe continue what has been a

big incentive to be environmentally friendly.

just a 1 percent increase in soil carbon levels

family tradition since the 1800s.”

We have no reason or motive to treat the land

on existing agricultural, grazing, and desert

or the cattle in a way that would be harmful

lands throughout the world could be enough

the bookkeeper and works off the farm as an accounting assistant during tax season.

He looks out the window and sees the green grass growing and smiles.

[82] MissouriLife

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PROMOTION

H OW TH EY H E LP TH E E NVI R O N M E NT

he McCanns have implemented several practices on their Missouri ranch that are both environmentally friendly and economically motivated. They practice an intensive, rotational grazing system of their perennial grass, mostly fescue. This rotational grazing keeps the grass blades cut, which spurs new growth, and the cows trample manure and decaying plants into the soil, which helps the soil retain water and microbes so the soil stays healthy. Research has shown that rotational grazing can actually reverse land degradation, turning dead soil into thriving grassland. Also, all livestock are fenced away from ponds and creeks. “It prevents mastitis (an infection of the udders), foot rot, and weak calves from bogging down. The cattle are healthier, drinking clean water from our waterers. I could drink from our waterers,”

Jason says. And it keeps the cattle manure out of the water and on the grass, where it serves as a natural fertilizer, offering yet another economic benefit to their business. They also use a GPS system for applying any herbicides to control broadleaf weeds only where needed and to ensure no overapplication occurs, such as overlapping spray width. This is environmentally sensitive because it cuts the amount used, but it’s also economical. “When you pay $5,000 for a 55-gallon barrel of herbicide, you don’t want to waste any.” Jason has qualified for his private applicator’s license, as required by law and to ensure his own family’s safety and health during application. In addition, the McCanns have maintained 40 acres of big bluestem native prairie grass that was on the farm when they bought it. They have discovered it is worth its weight

[83] June 2010

The McCanns set aside land for turkey and quail habitat, practice rotational grazing, which is good for the soil, and fence their cattle out of ponds and creeks, instead using waterers like the one shown above. in gold during a drought—one summer they fed 71 cattle rotating on and off of it all summer, although it has a narrow window for its best nutritional value. They do not put cattle on it after September 15, while their fescue pastures are grazed throughout the fall. On the Headquarters farm, the McCanns have fenced out one acre for quail and turkey habitat, participating in an Environmental Quality Incentives Program operated by the United States Department of Agriculture. The end result of these practices? A little better bottom line and a better beef product for the consumer, too.

Show-Me Flavor > Restaurant Recommendations

Jefferson City A gem of a Place > Those who frequent fine dining establishments are often justifiably skeptical of any restaurant where the most remarkable feature is the view. Too often the price of a gorgeous vista is a meal below par. Imagine our surprise when we happened upon the Sapphire Lounge in Jefferson City, where we could find no fault with either. The escargot and the duck quesadilla were standouts, along with lovely homemade desserts. Expect to spend about seventy-five dollars for dinner for two. 573632-4144 —Elizabeth Hussey

Monarch

St. Louis

Marvelous Monarch Louisiana-born chef Josh Galliano calls the food he serves at the popular Monarch Restaurant in St. Louis “a touch of Southern with French sensibilities.” Although changing every three months or so, Monarch’s menus always contain enough creative items to make a gourmet’s heart flutter. For dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, consider appetizers such as Crispy Pork Belly with Parmesan brodo, wilted collards, heirloom peas, sweet potato batons, and fried hominy ($9) and entrées such as Filet “Brillat Savarin,” which is a truffle- and bone-marrow-studded filet with big French fries (first poached in butter), creamy spinach, roasted celery root, and truffle sauce ($34). On weekdays, the restaurant offers a tasting menu of four courses for $40 and for $20 more, adds four wines, one matched to each course; the wine list offers three hundred to four hundred choices. Monarch also sports an upscale bar with a menu that holds items like bacon and egg sliders ($3), a grilled hot dog ($5), and a country ham flat bread with caramelized onions, ricotta, fig preserves, and arugula ($10). Grab the best seat at the special chef’s table on a glass-enclosed mezzanine that overlooks the busy kitchen. Bring your friends; it seats ten. www.monarchrestaurant.com | 314-644-3995 —Susan Manlin Katzman

Sapphire Lounge Restaurant

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There e Ther

was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama , a comedy , and a tragedy .

Mark Twain

Planters Barn Theater

310 North Third Street, Hannibal, Missouri 573-231-0021 www.heritagestage.com [85] June 2010

AD-JUNE 2010.indd 85

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Show-Me Flavor > Restaurant Recommendations

Springfield Purple Burrito: California–style Mexican grill—the burritos aren’t purple, but it’s a name you won’t easily forget. With the same spices that enhance every dish from huevos rancheros for breakfast to

rolled

taquitos

and guacamole for a light lunch or dinner, the Purple Burrito has transformed eat-

Caruthersville

ing Mexican by using

Long-Term Success > The Roundhouse in Caruthersville has customers that have been coming in for fifty-five years, and given this longevity, it’s worth a stop to see why. In addition to the round building, the selection of food is well rounded, featuring everything from breakfast anytime to homemade meatloaf to stuffed crab and fried catfish, a staple item at the Roundhouse. For around thirty dollars, this community staple will feed two, and you just might find yourself promising to come back soon. 573-333-1330 —John Fisher

more vegetables and less oil. With a flair for simple, the purple painted buildings are easily spotted at two different locations, soon to be four, throughout Springfield. From a la carte items that start at $1.95 to tortas at $4.75 and full orders of fajitas for $8.75, the Purple Burrito makes family dining an economical and nutritious experience. 417-881-2400 —Kristy Flick

Inventive Fare

Kansas City KNOWN FOR its use of seasonal, local ingredients, the Farmhouse is a cozy place with low lights, exposed brick, simple black tables and chairs, and bright paintings, although the dishes created there are anything but simple country fare. Dinner for two will tally somewhere around fifty dollars and might include silky and savory butternut squash ravioli accompanied by crunchy fried sage and roasted pumpkin seeds and served with port reduction and brown butter sauce. Red wine beautifully complements the aged hanger steak in salsa verde, blue cheese butter, and skin-on fries. Chunky apple and walnut pie and a host of house-made ice creams, including a maple raisin sorbet, send you on your way with a satiated sweet tooth as well. 816-569-6032 | www.eatatthefarmhouse.com —Lisa Waterman Gray

ML Missouri Life braves

the many, tastetests the menus, and pays our own way to bring you restaurants worth the trip.

The Farmhouse’s Ice Cream Trio

Courtesy of the restaurants

The Roundhouse

A Mexican Twist

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[87] June 2010

AD-JUNE 2010.indd 87

4/27/10 2:09:46 PM

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn a lot from you while fishing. Some things may even be about fishing.

A visit to one of Missouriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state parks can lead to a lot of amazing discoveries. Find out how close you are to some of these enlightening destinations and more at VisitMO.com or call 800-519-5200, ext. 328 for your free 2010 Missouri Travel Guide.

[15] June 2010

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4/26/10 3:28:52 PM

Show-Me flavor > Missouri Wine

Our Cup Runneth Over

missouri department of tourism; seth garcia

missouri now has more than 90 wineries|

Missourians make much of their illustrious past as a wineproducing state. Sure, Missouri was once the number one wine producer in the Union, but that was a century ago and to boast of such status back when America was a beer and whiskey-producing and consuming country is akin to bragging about being the sanest member of the Jackson family. But America has decided that wine is fine; indeed, polls suggest that Americans are equally disposed to sipping a mug of beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, dependent upon the occasion. The Show-Me State has shown itself to be open-minded about its wine; Missouri wine accounts for about 8 percent of the wine consumed in the state. That’s no small feat or number; other than New York State or the three states comprising the Left Coast, no other state revels in its own wine to the same degree. Up until recently, the state’s success was chalked up to its historical legacy, and more truthfully, to its visionary and innovative state governmental support programs (yes, I just put those words next to each other). In this reporter’s opinion, government has been a large part of the solution for Missouri wine. The Missouri Grape and Wine Program continues its beneficial ways: Recent developments include the web site Norton Says (www.nortonsays.com) and the new Riedel designed Norton glass. State support, the University of Missouri, Missouri State University, and the VESTA (Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance) program mean that growers and vintners have access to first-rate technical advisors, such as Karl Wilker, Keith Striegler, and Marilyn Odneal, among others. There’s little question that these assets have helped the state to grow to more than ninety wineries and to increase the amount of well-made dry table wines, in addition to the lovely dessert and off-dry wines the state has traditionally produced. But look to the north; the state of Iowa has sprouted nearly seventy wineries in a much shorter period of time, without the same level

By Doug Frost

of governmental assistance and absent Missouri’s helpful history. And Iowa’s residents appear happy to consume that increasing output; as of last year, 5 percent of the state’s purchases are from Iowa wineries. I’m not trying to spark a competition between two neighbors. Rather, the newfound success for Iowa is based upon several looming trends: that Americans are increasingly curious about wine in general, that Millennials don’t exhibit the same insecurity around unknown wines as their elders and will basically try anything, and that the locavore movement is driving consumers to seek out local foodstuffs that they were once more likely to believe was better produced elsewhere in some far off, exotic clime. A little local pride doesn’t hurt things either. Iowa and Missouri have taken advantage of these developments, and seem positioned to do more. Too many other states, such as Kansas and Oklahoma, are not supportive of their infant winery movements, and indeed, some regulations hamper growth of this industry. Those states will play catch-up at some future point. Their unrealistic attitude towards alcohol only delays the day when Americans find it more useful to teach and encourage people to drink responsibly instead of pretending it won’t happen at all, and then expressing shock when the uninformed and untaught overindulge, having no other model By Doug Frost of behavior at hand. Meanwhile Missourians Doug Frost is one of should feel pride that their state is promoting three people in the better grape-growing, better wine making world who is both a Master Sommelier and methods, better wine, and realistic and rea- a Master of Wine. He lives in Kansas City. sonable alcohol consumption practices.

[89] June 2010

Historic Downtown Sedalia Let our experienced staff make your shopping memorable! E Distinguished spirits and wine E Specialty and imported beers E 1,000 international wines E Over 250 Missouri wines! E Large selection of gifts E International foods E Bulk coffees and teas E Wine accessories E Gift baskets E Walnut bowls E Prices to match your pocketbook!

Open Mondays through Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call us at 660.826.WINE (9463) or visit 122-124 S. Ohio Ave.

www.mywineandmore.com

[90] MissouriLife

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Vintage charm

Experience the Difference

timeless beauty

Perfect Wine Country Getaway THE

Baltimore Bend Vineyard offers great wine without intimidation and pretense. Come experience a welcoming, fun environment, whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur. Learn more about Missouri wine, and ﬁnd your favorite.

800-932-8687 • www.VisitHermann.com ON THE MISSOURI RIVER JUST AN HOUR WEST OF ST. LOUIS

Open: Mon.-Sat. 11-6, Sun. 1-6 Located at 27150 Hwy. 24, Waverly, Mo. Join our mailing list at www.baltimorebend.com or call (660) 493-0258.

[91] June 2010

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WORLD-CLASS ORTHOPAEDICS

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FOOT AND ANKLE

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1101 VIRGINIA AVE., COLUMBIA, MO. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK.

www.muhealth.org/ortho [92] MissouriLife

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The Missouri Highway

MISSOU RI LIFESTYLE Inspired Ideas & Savvy Solutions

36 Heritage Alliance is on a mission. The road, which links St. Joseph and Hannibal, has been dubbed “The Way of American Genius” because of the well-known individuals who have called the area home.

The

Alliance

was

recently awarded the Missouri Travel Council’s Educational Award in recognition of its efforts to promote the area and celebrate residents like Walt Disney, Mark Twain, and J.C. Penney along with landmarks like the Pony Express in St. Joseph; Maxie, the world’s largest goose; and Chillicothe, the home of sliced bread.

The Way of Genius

PETS NEED PEOPLE > A mid-Missouri organization that finds homes for pets via the internet, Pets need People is a nonprofit that seeks to find animals permanent homes and reunite lost pets with their families. The organization works as an online networking site, allowing users to post and view information, connect with each other, and give owners some control as to who can responsibly adopt their pet. Pets need People launched in March and works in collaboration with Bead Brew Jewelry in order to offer these services at no charge. Visit www.petsneedpeople.org for more information. –Sarah Reed

Part of the group’s initiative has included teaming up with MoDOT to create an audio tour CD for drivers to listen to while exploring the route. The

ninety-minute recording will be released during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the highway’s four-lane completion on July 10 and will include information about the surrounding sights. The CDs will be available at Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus along Highway 36. Call 816-233-6688 (St. Joseph) or 573-221-

2477 (Hannibal) for more information. —Hannah Kiddoo

ECO-FRIENDLY FOOTWEAR

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, do good for the

environment. That was the idea behind Naya, a new shoe line for women being launched by Brown Shoe Company in St. Louis. Consisting of eleven trendy styles of wedges, heels, and flats, Naya shoes provide comfort, style, and environmental-awareness—a combination rarely associated with footwear. “Including eco-conscious design elements enables women to feel as good about buying them as they do about wearing them,”

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explains Brown Shoe President and Chief Operating Officer Diane Sullivan. The shoes feature vegetable-tanned leather, bamboo heels, nickel-free metal buckles, and biodegradable latex foam. Even the packaging is eco-sound; boxes are constructed from recycled paper and include a reusable shoe bag. Naya products can be ordered online or purchased from select Dillard’s, Nordstrom, or specialty stores around the country. Visit www.NayaShoes.com for more information. —Hannah Kiddoo

Missouri Lifestyle

Musings

Snake and Bake Most people get all giddy with the advent of the summer months. They take to the lake, float on the boat, grill for the thrill, and generally have fun in the sun. I can understand that, but I cannot relate to it even a tiny bit. You see, I’m a snow and cold type of guy. Spend a decade or so enduring temperatures of forty to fifty below zero, as I did, and your internal thermostat will become permanently whacked. I begin to perspire with vigor any time the mercury moves above sixty-five. I recall a day back in March that was perhaps thirty-five degrees. I was in heaven, out chain sawing the remains of wind-crunched trees while wearing nothing but a T-shirt. Well, that’s not entirely true; I also had on pants and boots. Running a chain saw while next to naked is just plain stupid. Nevertheless, for me, that was perfect weather, unbeatable, and something that I knew would soon be replaced by both the puppy and full-grown dog days of summer. Whereas most folk can’t wait for the heat of a Missouri spring and summer, I can’t wait for it to leave. The days are too long; the sun is far too hot. Summer, in my mind, means ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, gnats, ants, and weeds. It also means snakes. I’m pretty friendly with most critters, but snakes and I are locked in eternal warfare. I’m one of those people who believe that the only good snake is a dead snake, a thought process that most definitely runs afoul of the good and dedicated souls who work for the Missouri Department of Conservation. I had been told that snakes were a protected species in our fair state but took such yammering as simply more of the yarns, tall tales, and short fibs one encounters from the old boys that hang around the front porch of the local store. Still, being a curious sort, I dug out the Missouri wildlife code and looked it up. I could not believe my eyes when I read that all snakes native to Missouri are protected. In fact, the wildlife code places snakes in the same category as lizards and most turtles. These reptiles are considered non-game critters, and thus there is no season on killing them. Such knowledge is going to put a serious crimp in my future dinner plans, and ye olde Crock Pot is already exhibiting signs of a deep and lasting depression.

But, back to my research into poisonous slithery things that are the spawn of hell. Apparently, it really is against the law to get medieval on copperheads, cottonmouths, and other types of pit vipers that are bent on invading one’s space or dropping into the canoe unannounced. Luckily, there is an inferred caveat that if one is in danger from a snake it is okay to help it shed this mortal coil. That’s nice to know, and I can say with complete truthfulness that I have never dispatched a snake unless it was coming at me with a knife, machine gun, garrote, flamethrower, or shortrange nuclear warhead. Thus, and this eases my conscience mightily, I have managed to remain within the spirit, letter, and intent of the law. I did break down and buy a pair of snake boots this year. Eighteen inches high they are, and guaranteed to turn away any fangs that strike below the knee. This will work for a time, but you can bet your boots (yours, not mine, I need them so I won’t get bit) that the snakes will soon hold a meeting and decide that they should always aim exactly one inch above my aforementioned patella. The Missouri Conservation Department has all kinds of nice things to say about snakes. They say they are a valuable part of the ecosystem, that they eat rodents, blah, blah, blah. They say the venomous ones may concentrate around swamps, marshes, and bluffs. That part is true, for I reside on a river bluff that is surrounded by deep forests and more than a few swampy, marshy areas. I’ve got copperheads by the score, and a cottonmouth slides out from under my canoe virtually every time I get ready to take to the river. Still, being a firm believer in never breaking the law, I promise not to kill a snake unless it communicates a desire to inflict harm and/or an agonizing death upon my body. As long as the cottonmouths and copperheads keep their hemotoxins to themselves and stay off my porch, we should have no problem. After all, I really only carry a large pistol with birdshot in it so I can kill mosquitoes. They get mighty big here on the river, and as far as I can tell, they are not a protected species. Ron Marr Yet.

By Ron Marr

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MISSOURI LIFESTYLE

D N U O R G R E D N U LIFE ECTE AN UNEXP S I E V A C FESTUS

| D HOME

By Sylvia Forb

Curt Sleeper had a vision for a former mining cave; he turned it into his home.

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From left: The entrance to the cave before construction on the home began; water flows through the cave year-round; an undeveloped wing of the cave.

When the Sleeper family decided to expand from their tiny nine-hundred-square-foot house in Sunset Hills to a larger one in 2004, their minds were open to the possibilities. Very open. They eventually bought a cave online for $165,000. When the Sleepers bought the cave, they put down $85,000, with a balloon payment of $80,000 due last fall. With the recent downturn in the economy and, as a result, in their own income, and also after the $150,000 they spent on the construction to improve the cave, they weren’t sure whether they could meet the payment. Curt decided to put the cave up for auction and garnered worldwide interest. He received more than thirty thousand e-mails the first week, seven million visitors to his web site, and dozens of media requests for interviews. Fortunately, a company in New York offered to help finance his home, so the online auction never took place, and the Sleepers kept their cave.

Going Caveman

Decisions, Decisions How do you turn a cave into a modern home? Curt looked over the tall and spacious seventeen-thousand-square-foot open cave. “Cement blocks divide the cave into three large chambers,” Curt says. “The first chamber, about one hundred by forty-five feet, we decided would be our living quarters. The second, about eighty by one hun-

Courtesy of curt sleeper

Thankfully there weren’t any bats or bears to remove from the cave, but a few annoyed swallows had to find new digs. “I remember our first night in the cave,” Curt says. “ I wanted to

rent a hotel room and celebrate. Instead, my wife found four pallets and made our beds in the cave. After that, we put up four ten-bytwenty-foot tents, wrapped them in plastic, and placed a dehumidifier in the center. We called it ‘Tent World,’ and our kids loved it.” The Sleepers moved in, tents and all, because this unimproved cave included only the stone walls and three-acre front yard, home to a family of box turtles. For the next four and half years, Curt and Deborah Sleeper and their children, fifteen-year-old Kian and twelveyear-old Perry, slept in tents inside the cave and worked to improve their new living quarters.

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Missouri Lifestyle > Life Underground

From left: The balcony hallway overlooks the main living space below. Thirty sliding glass doors enclose the cave entrance and provide ambient lighting and solar heat. Stairs lead to the second platform that houses private living areas. Perry seals the kitchen bar; the kids helped finish the home.

Living Quarters The Sleepers decided on a three-story layout for their living quarters. The plans included building a twenty-by-fifty-foot wooden platform. Underneath the platform are the living room, kitchen, and Curt's office, with high, thirteen-foot ceilings. Above it are four bedrooms. A stairway leads from the first floor up to Deborah’s third floor loft office. “I read at least twenty books on construction,” Curt says, “and had help from my friends. I hired professional help when I needed it, such as when installing electricity. Lots of times I was the ablebodied assistant.” They also built a second eight-by-twenty-foot platform, with the dining room underneath, a bathroom above, and a stairway giving access. “My wife designed the kitchen,” Curt says. “She wanted the ovens higher up, which has turned out to be really helpful, and she left a five-foot walkway between the island and counter, which is great

when there are lots of people in the kitchen.” Most of the structures are free-standing, including the two stairwells. Curt picked up a few deals during the construction. He bought hardwood flooring on eBay from Indiana, which he installed on the platforms. He also purchased three hundred sliding glass doors, made of double-paned safety glass, at three dollars each. He used more than thirty of them to create the thirty-seven-foot tall entrance wall, providing as much light as possible into the cave, with the added advantage of passive solar heating. He also used them for constructing glass-enclosed four-by-eight-foot window boxes at the top of the bedroom walls, which face the front of the cave and provide extra light into the children’s bedrooms. The whole process has been a family adventure. “The kids were majorly involved in everything,” Curt says. “Perry wanted to be first to climb the stairs and first to try out everything else, too.”

Pros & Cons One perk that any homeowner would enjoy is that the Sleepers don’t have to either heat or cool their home. The inside temperature stays in the sixties year-round. They do, however, have to run three dehumidifiers around the clock that pull out between 70 to 125 gallons of water daily from the air. “It’s naturally humid in the cave, around 90 to 94 percent,” Curt says. “We like to keep the humidity around 60 to 70 percent.” As wet as the cave is, it’s only natural that there should be a drip or two. In one area of the cave, a freshwater spring drips more than one hundred gallons of water a day. To solve the problem, the Sleepers ingeniously turned it into a highlight of the home by making a goldfish pond inside the cave and directing the drips into it.

Sara jelercic; Courtesy of curt sleeper

dred feet, we would use for storage and laundry. “The third chamber, farthest into the cave, is the largest, about three hundred by forty-five feet, and makes a great place for the kids to play basketball, Frisbee, or roller skate on rainy days or in winter when it’s too cold to go out. We decided to leave that until later.” The back chamber has a history that few, other than the locals, know about. In 1958, the owners at the time, Sue Morris and her late husband, had a large concrete slab poured for a floor. She then opened a roller skating rink, which existed from 1960 to 1985. During that time, the chamber also held a stage and served as a concert venue, where a variety of rock bands, from Ike and Tina Turner and Ted Nugent to Bob Seger and the MC5, performed.

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When the pool gets full, the excess water runs through a pipe that goes outside the house, into a moat where it waters a goat on the property. Another plus is the beautiful natural rock walls. “You can’t buy the artwork that is my walls,” Curt says of the combination of sandstone, shale, and St. Peters limestone, which form lovely stripes of tan and white, as well as other patterns. “It’s like clouds—each time I look at them I see different shapes.” The Sleepers wanted to keep the cave as natural as possible, so they chose not to seal the walls. As a result, the ceilings and walls continually shed a little sand. The platforms cover the living room and dining areas, but they have added two large umbrellas to cover open areas to prevent occasional sprinkles from falling directly on them or friends.

of the online Jefferson County Scribe. The nurturing, peaceful atmosphere has led them to have a third child, actually born in the cave. The family likes the natural environment, both indoors and outdoors. The whole family has enjoyed their adventure so far. Perry, their son, sums it up perfectly, when asked what he liked best about living in a cave. His answer? “Everything!”

Sara jelercic; Courtesy of curt sleeper

Serenity in the City It’s hard to believe, with the quiet and serenity and the abundance of wildlife outside the cave, that they are living in the middle of the city of Festus, with Interstate 55 just a mile away. The cave sits at the base of a sloping hillside, and a couple of neighbors’ houses actually sit on top of the cave. The deed to the homes only includes twenty feet down, because the land further underneath, which includes the cave, was sold for mining purposes long ago. Their big, bowl-shaped yard was created more than one hundred years ago when a mining company blasted out limestone. Later, in the 1930s, a pair of brothers mined out the sandstone and sold it to a local glass factory. They blasted their way about 350 feet into the hill, creating the current cave that the Sleepers have transformed into their unique home. The Sleepers enjoy their cave home for a number of reasons. Curt likes the high ceilings, the open spaces, and the sense of privacy. Both Curt and Deborah appreciate that they are able to work at home—Curt as a technology consultant, and Deborah as publisher The Sleepers (from left): Deborah, Perry, Curt, Theodore, and Kian.

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ALL AROUND

MISSOURI

Events in Your Area

June and July

Visit MissouriLife.com for more events in your area!

COURTESY OF PAUL MCMILLIAN

Featured Event

A SPECTACULAR STARLIGHT SEASON June 3-Sept. 12, Kansas City. This year’s season features Little House on the Prairie, Dreamgirls, Beauty and the Beast, The Producers, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, Foreigner and STYX, Frankie Vallie, RUSH, Santana and Steve Winwood, Barenaked Ladies, REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar, O.A.R., Chicago and Doobie Brothers, and Jackson Browne. Call for times and costs. Located at Swope Park. Call 800-776-1730 or visit kcstarlight.com for more information.

>>>

Look for our staff ’s picks.

These listings are chosen by our editors and are not paid for by sponsors.

Northwest Kansas City Area

Hospital Hill Run June 5, Kansas City. 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K race, and 5K run/walk. Crown Center Square. 7 AM. Free (fee to enter). 816-274-8444, www.hospitalhillrun.com

Load Bearing June 1-18, Kansas City. Artist Derek Miller used toy cars to create large mixed media paintings. Kansas City Artists Coalition. 11 AM-5 PM Wed.-Sat. Free. 816-421-5222, www.kansascityartistscoalition.org

Children’s Day Tina’s pick June 5, Lee’s Summit. Old-fashioned games including sack races, tug-of-war, and pie eating contest. Missouri Town 1855. 9 AM-4:30 PM. $3-$5. 816-503-4860, www.jacksoncountygov.org/historicsites

Big Fish June 4-5, Maryville. Huge fishing tournament. Nodaway Lake. 6 PM Fri.-noon Sat. Free. 660-582-2151, www.971thevill.com

Trails Breakfast June 5, Independence. Breakfast served on the grounds of Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Civil War-era home. 7-9:30 AM. $4.50-$7.50. 816-461-3491, www.bwestate.org

Community Garage Sale June 4-5, Weston. More than 30 sales featuring antiques, furniture, clothing, games, and household goods. Maps available. Throughout town. 8 AM-4 PM. Free. 816-640-2251, www.westonmo.com

Arts Squared Festival June 5, Liberty. Visual, performing, children’s and literary arts, beer garden, and musical performances. Historic Downtown Liberty Square. 10 AM-7 PM. Free. 816-781-3575, www.libertyartssquared.org

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All Around Missouri Soap Making 101 June 19 and July 24, Osceola. Learn how to make allnatural goat’s milk soap. Evening Shade Farms. 10 am1 pm. $45. 417-282-6985, www.eveningshadefarms.com

Alice in Wonderland Amy’s pick June 11-12, Liberty. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in this classic adventure tale of imagination and self realization. Liberty Performing Arts Theatre. 7:30 pm. $15-$30. 816-439-4362, www.lpat.org Clara Brierly Festival of the Arts June 11-13, Peculiar. Celebration of all forms of art and music with workshops, displays, exhibits, and demonstrations. Broadway Street. 5-10 pm Fri.; 10 am-10 pm Sat.; 8 am-4 pm Sun. Free. 816-806-3698, www.downtownpeculiar.com

Antique Festival June 12-13, Kansas City. More than 150 dealers sell pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, and books. Crown Center. 9 am-6 pm Sat.; 10 am-4 pm Sun. $2. 816-2748444, www.crowncenter.com

Art in the Park June 11-13, St. Joseph. Visual art show and sale, demonstrations, plus meet the artists. Civic Center Park. 4-6 pm Fri.; 10 am,-6 pm Sat.; 11 am-5 pm Sun. Free. 816-279-3199, www.midwestartists.org

Art Walk June 18, Independence. See artists in action, demonstrations, live music, art for sale, and refreshments. Englewood Station Shopping District. 5-9 pm. Free. 816-252-3372, www.englewoodartsdistrict.org

Souvenir June 11-July 11, Kansas City. Humorous look at the true meaning of music and the art of performing. Quality Hill Playhouse. Call for show times and days. $24-$26. 816-421-1700, www.qualityhillplayhouse.com

Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival June 18-19, St. Joseph. Celebrate the area’s native son with a Mardi Gras parade, jazz concerts, and dancing. Coleman Hawkins Park. Free. 800-785-0360, www.colemanhawkins.org

Art Crawls Sherry’s pick June 11 and July 9, Excelsior Springs. Tour various art exhibits and refreshments. Downtown. 5-8 pm. Free. 816-522-4362, www.visitesprings.com

Summer Solstice Garden Tour June 18-19, Weston. Tour six gardens and two homes. Historic Downtown. 9 am-4 pm. $10-$12. 816-640-5788, www.cottagegardenersweston.com

Waterfest Celebration June 25-27, Excelsior Springs. Arts, crafts, water games, motorcycle show, parade, and fireworks. Downtown. 4-10 pm Fri.; 9 am-11 pm Sat.; 11 am-4 pm Sun. Free. 816-630-6161, www.exspgschamber.com/waterfest.html District Art Annual Rebecca’s pick June 25-27, Kansas City. More than 125 local and national artists display and sell their works, plus live music. Kansas City Power and Light District. 5-9 pm Fri.; 10 am-8 pm Sat.; 11 am-5 pm Sun. Free. 816-842-1045, www.powerandlightdistrict.com Art of the Car Concours June 27, Kansas City. More than 150 vintage cars on display, including President Woodrow Wilson’s 1919 PierceArrow Limousine, motorcycles, bicycles, race cars, and fire trucks. Kansas City Art Institute campus. 10 am-4 pm. $12. 816-802-3532, www.artofthecarconcours.com Independence Day Celebration July 1-3, Cameron. Pet show, city band concert, Crossroads BBQ cook-off, car show, 5K race, parade, contests, pedal tractor races, and fireworks. McCorkle Park. 6 pm Thurs.; 4-10:30 pm Fri.; 7 am-10:30 pm Sat. Free. 816-632-2005, www.cameronmochamber.com

courtesy of Crown Center

Get the free app for your phone at http://gettag.mobi

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All Around Missouri

Unique Finished Jigsaw Puzzles July 1-31, Independence. Unusual exhibit of jigsaw puzzles. Historic Chicago and Alton Depot. 9:30 am-4:30 pm Mon., Thurs.-Sat.; 12:30-4:30 pm Sun. Donations accepted. 816-325-7955, www.chicagoalton1879depot.com 1855 Independence Celebration July 4, Lee’s Summit. Step back in time to 1855 with hearth cooking and period music, plus march in the parade and listen to speeches commemorating our independence from Great Britain. Missouri Town 1855. 9 am-4:30 pm. $3-$5. 816-503-4860, www.jacksongov.org/historicsites Independence Day at Fort Osage July 4, Sibley. Witness history as the soldiers and residents of this remote outpost commemorate the anniversary of their independence. Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. 9 am-4:30 pm. $3-$7. 816-503-4860, www.jacksongov.org/historicsites River Market Regional Exhibition July 9-Aug. 13, Kansas City. Juried exhibit of artists from the Midwest region. Kansas City Artists Coalition. 5-8 pm July 9, 11 am-5 pm Wed.-Sat. Free. 816-421-5222, www.kansascityartistscoalition.org Antique and Craft Fair Edward’s pick July 10, Independence. More than 130 vendors display

Northeast St. Louis Area antiques and crafts, plus live music and entertainment. Bingham-Waggoner Estate. 9 am-4 pm Free. 816-461-3491, www.bwestate.org Smoke Along the Rails BBQ Contest July 10, Weston. Taste the contestants’ ribs for $1 at this state BBQ championship. Old Weston Rail Depot area. 5-8 pm. Free. 816-640-2224, www.westonmo.com Nodaway County Fair July 15-17, Maryville. Carnival, parade, entertainment, dances, talent shows, livestock shows, and crafts. Nodaway County Fairgrounds. 6 pm. Parade, 9:30 am Sat. Free. 660-582-4722, www.nodcofair.org Puppets on Strings July 17, Independence. See a marionette variety show and tour the museum. Puppetry Arts Institute. 11 am and 2 pm. $5. 816-833-9777, www.hazelle.org Agency Picnic July 23-25, Agency. One of the oldest festivals in Missouri traces its roots back to 1867 and features a tractor pull, parade, baby show, lawn dance, entertainment, pedal tractor pull, classic car and antique tractor show, and 4-H Achievement Days. Community Center. 6:30 pm-1 am Fri.; 9 am-10 pm Sat. noon-4 pm Sun. Free. 816-253-9301, www.stjomo.com

Garden Tour June 12, Chesterfield. Tour six gardens, three of which are neighboring gardens that are visually connected. Throughout town. 9 am-3 pm. $15. 636-537-4000, www.chesterfield.mo.us Summer Concert Series Callina’s pick June 1-Aug. 3 (Tues.), Chesterfield. Live music performances, food, and dancing. Special birthday celebration with fireworks on June 1. Faust Park. 5:30 pm-9 pm. Free. 636-532-3399, chesterfieldmochamber.com Circus Flora June 3-27, St. Louis. Ingenioso, a one-ring Europeanstyle circus, inspired by the impossible dream of Don Quixote. Under the big top tent at Grand Center. 7 pm Tues.-Thurs.; 2 and 7 pm Fri.-Sat.; 1 and 5:30 pm Sun. $8-$39. 314-289-4040, www.circusflora.org

courtesy of 2010 Garden Tour home owner

Taste For The Arts

Hermann, MO June 5th & 6th, 2010

10AM-5PM on Saturday 10AM-4PM on Sunday

Juried Artists Gather for One of Missouri’s Most Unique Art Shows in a Wonderful Old World Setting in the Heart of Wine Country. A weekend of fine art, crafts, foods, demonstrations & music at the Hofgarten & Wagon Works on First Street & Gutenberg. Music by Pik-N-Lik-N on Saturday, 10AM-4PM. Presenting Augusta Bottoms Consort on Sunday, 12PM-3PM. For more information, please call 573-486-3276 or visit www.tasteforthearts.org. Sponsored by the Hermann Farm & Museum. Funded by the Dierberg Educational Foundation.

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CELEBRATE

With Us In Hannibal! Memorial Day through Labor Day Children’s admission to Mark Twain Cave just $2.10

Free Daily Mark Twain Shows at the Mark Twain Museum Weekly Events & Concerts! Check out our website for a complete listing of 2010 special offers and promotions www.visithannibal.com

July 1-4 Featuring Over 150 Craft & Food Vendors, Nightly Entertainment, Fence Painting, Frog Jumping, Tom & Becky Contest & the Largest Parade in the Midwest on July 3rd at 10 am. Fireworks Each Night! Book Your Hotel or B&B Room Now!!

July 3rd

“God & Country Music Festival” at Clemens field

2 pm – The Isaacs and The Booth Brothers 7 pm – The Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Brianna Romer [105] June 2010 FOR TICKETS GO TO VISITHANNIBAL.COM OR CALL 573-221-2477

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All Around Missouri

ARTrageous June 4, St. Louis. Urban mural art, fashion, three-course dinner, and music. Proceeds benefit Craft Alliance’s community programs. The Palladium. 6 pm-midnight. $35-$500. 314-725-1177, www.craftalliance.org Historic Riverview Cemetery Tour June 5-6, Louisiana. Tour the cemetery and meet reenactors portraying characters from the past. Riverview Cemetery. 10 am-4 pm Sat.; noon-4 pm Sun. $5 (picnic lunches available for extra charge). 573-754-5697 City Life in Bloom Amy’s pick June 5-6, St. Louis. Self-guided tour of the city’s oldest historic district showcases indoor and outdoor entertaining, carriage rides, Vintage Baseball, and concert. Lafayette Square. 10 am-5 pm. $15-$20. 314-772-5724, www.lafayettesquare.org Parties in the Park June 9 and July 14, Clayton. Featuring live music, food, and drinks for sale. Show Park. 5-8 pm. Free. 314-7263033, www.partiesinthepark.org

Wicked Marcey’s pick June 16-July 11, St. Louis. Back by popular demand, the story begins long before Dorothy arrives in Oz from Kansas. Fox Theatre. Show times vary. $30-$130. 314-534-1111, www.fabulousfox.com World’s Largest Croquet Course June 19, Mexico. 20-foot-high stakes and 6-foot-tall wickets. Green Estate Park. 11 am registration. $15 to play. 573-581-2100, www.mexicomissouri.net Historic Village Open House June 19-20, 26-27 and July 17-18, 24-25, St. Louis. Tour 1850s Conway House and its garden and outdoor kitchen, 1848 log cabin, German vegetable garden, and smokehouse. Faust Park Historic Village. 1-5 pm. Free. www.stlouisco/com/parks/

Southeast

Railroad Days June 9-12, Moberly. Celebrate the railroad heritage of Randolph County with a car show, Sycamore Queen contest, carnival, exhibits, and entertainment. Downtown. 3-11 pm. Free (except carnival and special events). 660-263-6070, www.moberlychamber.com

Route 66 Summerfest June 4-5, Rolla. Classic cars and motorcycles, car cruise on Route 66, Rolling Thunder parade, arts, crafts, tennis and sand volleyball tournaments, downhill derby, burnout contest, street dance, fire truck pull, concert, and children’s activities. Downtown. 4-8 pm Fri.; 8 am-8 pm Sat. Free. 573-341-5488, www.route66summerfest.net Arts and Crafts Festival June 5-6, Willow Springs. Demonstrations, displays, and a variety of arts and crafts. City Hall complex at Main Street. 9 am-5 pm. Free. 417-469-0645

parade, fireworks, Kid’s Area, and family-friendly shows. Ozzie Smith Sports Complex. 5-9 pm Fri.; noon-11 pm Sat.; noon-10 pm Sun. 636-240-2000, www.heritageandfreedomfest.com

Country Variety Show June 5 and 12, Steelville. Performances by a variety of acts. Meramec Music Theatre. 2 pm and 7 pm. $18. 573-775-5999, mmt.mism.com

Soybean Festival July 10, Mexico. Celebrate the soybean with games, crafts, and music. Downtown. 8 am-8 pm. Free. 573-473-4258, www.mexicomissouri.net

Missouri Mines Rock Show June 10-12, Park Hills. Rocks, minerals, fossils, and lapidary for sale and to swap. Missouri Mines State Historic Site. 9 am-6 pm Fri.-Sat.; 9 am-5 pm Sun. Free. 573-431-6226

Blink July 12-Aug. 26, St. Louis. Multi-media juried exhibit that captures, depicts, or describes a very brief moment in time. Art Saint Louis. 10 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri.; 10 am-4 pm Sat. Free. 314-241-4810, www.artstlouis.org

Bluegrass in the Park June 12, Rolla. Kenny and Amanda Smith and Midnight Flight perform, Lions Club BBQ for sale, cruise-in, and poker run. Lions Club Park. 11 am, music at 1 pm. Free. 573-364-4386, www.rollalions.org

Berries and BarBQ Wine Trail Danita’s pick July 25, Hermann. Follow the trail to seven wineries, which offer creative wine and food pairings, a souvenir wine glass, and drawings and gift certificates. Throughout area. 10 am-5 pm Sat.; 11 am-5 pm Sun. $30. 800-932-8687, www.hermanwinetrail.com

Enchanted Colors of St. Lucia Island June 5-27 Poplar Bluff, Talitha Horn’s jewel-toned watercolors inspired by the people and places in the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia. Margaret Harwell Art Museum. Noon-4 pm Tues.Fri.; 1-4 pm Sat.-Sun. Free. 573-686-8002, www.mham.org

Grillin’ in the Park June 26, Macon. BBQ contest and Kids Q with cash prizes, music, games, fishing derby, and horse show. Macon County Park. 8 am-9 pm. Free (entry fee for contestants). 660-395-7275, www.maconcountypark.com

Courtesy oF moberly chamber; courtesy of Talitha Horn

Summer Fest Car Cruise June 26, Pacific. Cars displayed, awards, music, and vendors. Historic Downtown. 3-9 pm. Free. 636-271-6639, www.pacificchamber.com Freedom Fest June 26, St. Clair. 5K run, fireworks, crafts, games, and music. Orchard Park. 10 am-dark (7:30 am run $12 entry fee). Free. 636-629-1889, www.stclairmo.com Hey! There’s Nature in My Woods June 26, Valley Park. Take a two hour hike led by a naturalist and see creatures, rocks, and trees. World Bird Sanctuary. 8:30 am-noon. Reservations. $7-$9. 636-2254390, www.worldbirdsanctuary.org Heritage and Freedom Festival July 2-4, O’Fallon. Country and rock concerts, carnival,

[106] MissouriLife

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Heating Cooling Electric Delta now utilizing Regional Jets on all flights

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[107] June 2010

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All Around Missouri Art Walk June 25 and July 23, Ste. Genevieve. Exhibits, meet the artists, plus music and refreshments. Downtown. 6-9 pm. Free. 573-883-3783, stegenartwalk.blogspot.com

Open House June 12, Ste. Genevieve. Entertainment and refreshments in the garden, French folk dancing demonstration, folktales, and candlelight tours. Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. 7-9 pm. 573-883-7102 www.mostateparks. com/felixvalle.htm

Tie-Dye Friday June 25, Joplin. Bring as many items at you want and tie-dye them. Spiva Center for the Arts parking lot. 10 am-noon. $5. 417-623-0183, www.spivaarts.org

Antique Show June 12-13, Ste. Genevieve. Antique dealers inside and outside feature a variety of items. 1912 Knights of Columbus House. 10 am-5 pm Sat.; 11 am-4 pm Sun. Free. 800-373-7007, www.visitstegen.com

Tour de Corn Callina’s pick June 26, East Prairie. Charity bicycle ride, mini quilt show, flea market, kiddie parade, and lip-sync contest. Throughout town. 7:30 am-6:30 pm. Free (except special events). 573-649-5243, www.tourdecorn.com

The Mousetrap June 17-27, Rolla. Agatha Christie’s original whodunit is murderous good fun. Ozark Actors Theatre. 7 pm Thurs.; 2 and 8 pm Fri.-Sat.; 2 pm Sun. $10-$20. 573-364-9523, www.ozarkactorstheatre.org

Pictures by the People July 5-25, Poplar Bluff. Exhibit of the submissions to the regional photography competition. Margaret Harwell Art Museum. Noon-4 pm Tues.-Fri.; 1-4 pm Sat.-Sun. Free. 573-686-8002, www.mham.org

Old Time Music Ozark Heritage June 18-19, West Plains. Old time music, National Old Time Jig Dance Competition, mule jump competition, traditional dance workshops, cooking stage, and instrument makers. Historic Downtown. 9 am-9 pm. Free. 417-255-7966, www.oldtimemusic.org Air Festival June 19-20, Cape Girardeau. United States Navy Blue

Crawford County Fair July 13-17, Cuba. Merle Haggard concert, livestock auction, parade, logging competition, championship bull riding, truck and tractor pulls, carnival, and dual demolition derby. Hood Park. 3-10 pm Tues.-Thurs.; noon-10 pm Fri.; 9 am-10 pm Sat. $5-$25. 573-259-7772, www.crawfordcountyfair.info

Angels, U.S. Army Golden Knights, and many other flight teams. Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. 9 am. $7-$15. 573-334-6230, www.capeairfestival.com

My Fair Lady July 7-10, Park Hills. Heart-warming musical. Mineral Area College Fine Arts Theatre. 7:30 pm. $3-$7. 573-5182181, www.mineralarea.edu Annie Tina’s pick July 8-18, Rolla, Musical. Ozark Actors Theatre. 7 pm Thurs.; 2 and 8 pm Fri.-Sat.; 2 pm Sun. $10-$20. 573-3649523, www.ozarkactorstheatre.org

courtesy of Melissa Albright

TOUR SAYERSBROOK BISON RANCH Business Retreats • ultimate meeting environment • sportsman’s paradise • groups of 7 to 20 • ﬁve-star chef

75 scenic minutes south of St. Louis

Come experience something diﬀerent! Groups from 20 to 300 - clubs, schools, churches, and organizations

$50.00 Gift Certificate to use in our store when you mention this ad. Good through Dec. 31, 2010 (one coupon per group)

To order the healthiest of all food, visit www.americangourmet.net.

For more information visit www.sayersbrook.com or call 888-854-4449 or 573-438-4449. [108] MissouriLife

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Missouri

Float the 2nd Annual

Missouri River Safari 2010

Missouri River Tour!

Come join us for the

Magical, Mystical, Marvelous, Moonlit, & Mysterious Friday, Saturday, & Sunday - August 27-29, 2010

THIS UNIQUE TRIP will become a classic…come experience a very special outdoor adventure that you won’t forget. A unique blend of guides, chefs, artists, musicians, naturalists, historians, ﬁreside tales, embellishment experts, and a cast of other characters are sure to entertain your curiosity, delight your taste buds, expand your mind, and stimulate your senses. Oxygen Inspiration!

YOU ARE INVITED on a safari with Wapiti Adventures, Missouri Life Magazine, and KC Paddlers who have teamed up to put together this special trip. Our team of river experts, outdoor adventure enthusiasts, professional guides, food and beverage experts, and all-around great folks have anticipated every detail for your river-cruising pleasure and enjoyment. You will, however, have to paddle. Everything else will be taken care of. Visit http://www.missourilife.com/Missouri-Life/February-March-2010/ Safari-on-the-Missouri/ for the story about our first safari. WE WILL START on the Missouri River somewhere near Boonville at noon on Friday and finish on Sunday (start and stop point to be determined, weather and river conditions dependent). THE NITTY GRITTY DETAILS (what’s included) • Luxury Camping—including showers and restrooms • Epicurean delights—incredible food and beverage, memorable meals, and evening social activities followed by stargazing, moon dancing, and evening libations • Campsites set-up by our team—we do the dirty work—float in and relax • Evening campfire with music, tall tales, and other special surprises • All meals, drinks, snacks, insurance, and shuttles • Other surprises and special guests

PRICING:

• $495 Per Person All Inclusive • $895 Per Couple All Inclusive Included—Both Canoes and Kayaks available (prices based on 2 people per canoe). Not Included—All —All you need to bring is your tent, and bedding (sleeping bags, etc.). If required, lodging on Thursday, August 26th, will be on your own (camping, area hotels, and bed and breakfasts are available). To reserve your spot or contact us for additional information, call 636-230-3310 or visit us on the web at wapiti.com or contact Kevin@wapiti.com. [115] April 2009

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All Around Missouri

Hand-Me Down Folk Music July 10, Newburg. Performance by Dave Para and Cathy Barton. Lyric Live Theatre. 7:30 pm. $8. 573-341-9071, www.lyriclivetheatre.com

Dairy Days June 5-6, Springfield. Interactive activites explore the life cycle of a dairy cow. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. 10 am-8 pm Sat.; noon-5 pm Sun. $1-$5 for activites. 417-837-5949, www.parkboard.org

Big River Chautauqua July 15-17, Bonne Terre. Performance by scholar-actors who portray historical characters with a question and answer period with the actor in character. Dinner available. Behind City Hall. 5:30 pm-dusk. Free. 573-5182125, americanlivinghistory.org/chautauqua

Boomtown Days Josh’s pick June 10-12, Joplin. Concerts, Route 66 car, truck, and motorcycle show, chili challenge, donut eating contest, Express Clydesdales, and helicopter rides (additional fee). Historic Landreth Park. 2-11 pm Thurs.; 10 am-11 pm Fri.-Sat. $5-$10. 800-657-2534, boomtowndays.com

Phelps County Fair July 21-24, Rolla. Carnival rides, demolition derby, children’s games, bingo, talent show, karaoke, petting zoo, mud run, and contests. Phelps County Fairgrounds. 8 am-11:30 pm Wed., Fri.-Sat; 3-11:30 pm. Thurs. $8-$30. 573-364-6364, www.phelpscountyfair.com

PRCA Rodeo June 11-12, Carthage. Calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, and kids calf scramble. Municipal Park. 8 pm. $8-$12. 417-359-8181, www.visit-carthage.com

Southwest

Watercolor USA June 11-Aug. 8, Springfield. More than 400 artists from more than 40 states compete in national competition. Reception June 11, 5:30-7 pm. Springfield Art Museum. 9 am -5 pm Tues.-Wed., Fri.-Sat.; 9 am-8 pm Thurs.; 1-5 pm Sun. Free. 417-837-5700, www.springfieldmogov.org/egov/art/

Sounds on the Square Greg’s pick June 4-July 31, (Fri.-Sat.), Springfield. Local musicians perform. Downtown Square. 5 pm Fri.; 7 pm Sat. Free. 417-831-6200, www.itsalldowntown.com

Acoustic Music Festival June 12, Carthage. Enjoy the sound of live acoustic music. Downtown Square. 10 am-10 pm. Free. 417-358-2667, www.visit-carthage.com

Independence Day Rodeo July 3, Marshfield. Professional rodeo and fireworks on Sun. Webster County Fairgrounds. 8 pm. $4-$20. 417-859-3925, www.marshfieldmochamberofcommerce.com Arts Festival June 12, Pierce City. Fine arts, wine tasting, pastel workshop, drawings, and live entertainment. Historic Bandstand and Downtown. 10 am-5 pm. Free (except special events). 417-489-3041, www.piercecityartsfestival.webs.com

courtesy of William Russell/WDR Photography

Amelia Earhart, Harry Truman and Bette Davis visited historic Cuba...

Why Don’t You?

Visit CUBA...

Where Art Meets History

ESTABLISHED 1857

● 12 OUTDOOR MURALS ● HISTORY MUSEUM “THREE FLOORS OF HISTORY” ● HISTORIC UPTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT ALONG ROUTE 66 ● GUINNESS WORLD RECORD LARGEST ROCKING CHAIR ● VISITOR CENTER AT I-44 OVERPASS (EXIT 208) ● SHOPS, DINING, ANTIQUE MALLS, VETERANS MEMORIAL

Upcoming Events Crawford County Fair July 13-17 www.crawfordcountyfair.info, Lion’s Club Car & Motorcycle Show September 25 Cuba Fest October 16-17, Narrated trolley tour of murals Saturday/ Trolley Cemetery Tour on Sunday

cubamochamber.com cubamomurals.com

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Family Fun, By Nature. We are Clinton, Missouri, where smalltown life is still alive and well. From the trail head of the Katy Trail to the shores of Truman Lake, from our Historic Square to our welcoming Hotels and Inns, we invite you to come be our guest. This Golden Valley in which we live offers a multitude of opportunities for you to connect with our natural surroundings, so if you are a hunter or fisher, biker or hiker, or even a professional shopper, come see what Historic Clinton has to offer. Visit our amazing Henry County Museum, dine with us, and let us show you that We are Clinton, and we are great people, by nature.

Purchase Back Issues of Missouri Life for

$7.50

For more information, call 660-885-2123

or visit www.clintonmo.com

800-492-2593, ext.102 • www.MissouriLife.com

LEBANON

Naturally Fun!

Charity Ride Saturday, June 26, 2010

Whether you’re riding life’s waves or just drifting by, you’ll find Lebanon is the perfect place for your outdoors Ozark adventure. Visit

www.lebanonmissouri.org or find us on Facebook.

A fun ride for all ages. 573-233-5281

www.tourdecorn.com [111] June 2010

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All Around Missouri

Light the Night June, 19, Aurora. Fireworks, hot air balloons Houn’ Dawg Baseball games, bingo, music, and Mustang Mania car show. Baldwin and Oak parks. 10 am-10 pm. Free. 417-678-4150, www.aurorachamber.com

Olde Glory Days July 1-4, Clinton. Concerts, fine arts show, crafts, carnival, and fireworks display. Downtown Historic Square. 1-9 pm Thurs.; 10 am-11 pm Fri.-Sat.; 11 am-9 pm. Free (except special events). 660-885-8166, www.clintonmo.com

Downtown Clown A’Round June 19, Branson. Clowns, inflatables, obstacle course, balloon animals, and face painting. Branson Landing. All day. Free. 417-239-3002, www.bransonlanding.com

The Dam Experience July 3, Warsaw. Fireworks show shot off Truman Dam visible by water and land. Truman Dam. 9:30 pm. Donations accepted. 800-927-7294, www.warsawchamber.com

Summer SnowFest June 19, Springfield. Play in a mountain of snow, entertainment, and interactive games. Jordon Valley Park. 4-9 pm. Free. 417-866-7444, www.icepark.org

Salute to America July 3-4, Jefferson City. Carnival, parade, street dance, big name concerts, historical tours, car cruise, Kid’s Zone, and Fireworks Sky Concert. Throughout town. 4-10 pm Sat.; 10 am- 9:30 pm Sun. Free (except special events). 573-761-0704, www.salutetoamerica.org

C-Street Jam June 26, Springfield. Outdoor music and artisans set at the base of the historic Jefferson Ave. bridge. Historic Commercial Street. 4-10 pm. Call for costs. 417-880-3435, www.itsalldowntown.com/cstreet 131st Independence Day Parade July 3, Marshfield. Antique and classic cars, trucks, tractors, horses, bands, and floats. Following the parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, high school band concert, pie eating contest, and Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker. Downtown Square. 10 am. Free. 417-859-3925, www.marshfieldmochamberofcommerce.com British Motor Car and Cycle Blowout July 23-25, Carthage. Display of British cars and events for British car owners. Historic Square. 4-9 pm Fri.; 11 am-midnight Sat.; 8-11 am Sun. Free for spectators. 417-359-8181, www.bobmc.org Ozark Empire Fair July 30-Aug. 8, Springfield. Grandstand concerts, motor sports, more than 40 rides, street performers, thousands of exhibits, livestock shows, and unique shopping. Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Call for times and costs. 417-8332660, www.ozarkempirefair.com

Central Jubilee Days June 3-5, Warsaw. Carnival, parade, crafts, and food vendors. Downtown and Drake Harbor. 9 am-7 pm Fri.; 9 am-5 pm Sat. Free (except carnival). 660-438-5922, www.warsawmochamber.com 52nd Annual Art in the Park June 5-6, Columbia. Mid-Missouri’s oldest and largest art fair features more than 100 artists, musicians, and magicians. Stephens Lake Park. 10 am-5 pm Sat.; 10 am-4 pm Sun. Free. 573-443-8838, artinthepark.missouri.org Demolition Derby June 6, Warrensburg. Big, loud fun. Johnson County Fairgrounds. 2 pm. $5. 660-747-1811, www.johnsoncountyfairgroundsassociation.com

Renaissance Festival June 26, Jefferson City. Jousting, musical groups, jugglers, children’s games and crafts, combat demonstrations, food, and artisans demonstrating and selling their wares. Binder Park. Noon-6 pm. $3. 573-634-6064, ext. 235, www.mrrl.org

Mimi Blais Ragtime Concert June 7-8, Versailles. Twentieth anniversary concert by internationally known ragtime pianist. Royal Theatre. 7 pm. $25. 573-378-6226, www.theroyaltheatre.com Civil War Reenactment June 12, Holden. Tour reenactor camps, sutlers, ladies tea and fashion show, period dance, battle reenactments, and nightly artillery demonstrations. City Lake. 9 am-10 pm. Free. 816-597-3353, www.cityofholden.com

Old-fashioned 4th of July Picnic Sherry’s pick July 4, Boonville, Period dance performances, 1800sstyle picnic, music, sack race, egg toss, and snacks and books for sale. Harley Park Shelter House #2. 1-4 pm. Free. 660-882-8814, www.goboonville.com Johnson County Fair July 5-11, Warrensburg. 4-H exhibits, BBQ contest, fine art and flower show, animal shows, ice cream social, outlaw bull riding, stock dog trials, tractor rodeo, and more. Johnson County Fairgrounds. 9:30-8 pm Mon.; 7:30-10 pm Thurs.; 8 am-7:30 pm Wed.; 7 am-3 pm Thurs.; 7 am-8 pm Fri.-Sat. 8 am-3 pm Sun. Free (bull ride $8-$10). 660-7471811, www.johnsoncountyfairassociation.com Mopaca’s Fiber “U” July 10-11, Lebanon. Learn about fiber arts, educational classes, demonstrations, and fiber vendors. Cowan Civic Center. 9 am-5 pm Sat. 9 am-4 pm Sun. Free. 417-5335280, www.mopaca.org

Student Showcase June 12-Sept. 5, Columbia. Showcase of works by fashion students. Historic Costume Gallery at Stephens College. 5:30-8:30 pm Thurs.; noon-3 pm Sat.-Sun. Free. 573-876-7233, www.stephens.edu/campuslife/ researchlibrary/

Robert Woolery Memorial Pow Wow July 16-18, Sedalia. Authentic intertribal American Indian gathering featuring dancing, arts, crafts, and traders. Missouri State Fairgrounds Agricultural Building. 6:30-10 pm Fri.; 9:30 am-11 pm Sat.; 10 am-5 pm Sun. Free. 660-826-5608, www.facebook.com/pages/RobertWoolery-Sr-Memorial-Pow-Wow/286601222675

Fulton Street Fair June 18-19, Fulton. Bands, big-name concerts, carnival, grand parade, 5K and Kids Mile race, Kiddie Corral, ice cream social, live mule auction, and family entertainment. Historic Downtown. 3-11 pm Fri.; 9 am-11 pm Sat. Free. 573-220-9697, fultonstreetfair.missouri.org

FREE LISTING AND MORE EVENTS Visit MissouriLife.com for even more great events all around the state.

Osage Rock and Mineral Club Show June 26-27, Osage Beach. Gem stones, jewelry, meteorites, geodes, cabochons, demonstrations, and children’s games. Inn at Grand Glaize. 11 am-5 pm. $1-$5. 417-533-2788 Celebration! Concert Danita’s pick June 27, Montserrat. Hilltop concert with vocal and instrumental soloists, auction, wine, and snacks. Montserrat Vineyards. 5-8 pm. $25. 660-747-7253, www.montserratvineyards.com

PLEASE NOTE: Event plans sometimes change. Call before traveling. To submit an event: Editors choose events for publication in the magazine, space permitting, but all submissions go onto the web site. Submit events well in advance. Please make sure there is a contact phone number with your event. Visit MissouriLife.com and fill out the form, e-mail amy@missourilife.com, fax 660-882-9899, or send announcement to Missouri Life, 515 E. Morgan St., Boonville, MO 65233

Courtesy oF Missouri River Regional Library

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KCPT Concerts and Tickets

Red Green Live! Wit and Wisdom Tour The Uptown Theater July 31, 2010 8 pm

Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart Independence Event Center August 7, 2010 7:30 pm

Kansas City

KCPT 路 KCPT2 路 KCPTCreate w w w . k c p t . o r g

More information at kcpt.org [113] June 2010

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Compiled by Sarah Reed

Marshﬁeld has the longest-running Independence Day Parade west of the Mississippi, celebrating the 131st parade this July 4.

America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.

The National Inventory of Dams provides information on 5,206 dams in Missouri. More than 73 percent of Missouri’s dams are privately owned. Find them at www.damsafety.org. Missouri has more that a quarter-million acres of public lakes. As one of the state’s largest lakes, the shoreline of Lake of the Ozarks stretches roughly 1,150 miles, longer than the coast of California.

The town of Holt received TWELVE INCHES of rain within a 42-minute period on June 22, 1947; it still holds the WORLD RECORD for high-intensity rain.

—Harry S. Truman

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A Tradition at the lake since 1964

Now Then The Lodge has been a destination for family, groups and businesses for almost 50 years, and it’s still the destination of choice for many today. Why? Because it’s The Lodge, and we offer our guests the accommodations they enjoy. Where else could you find first-class golf on three different courses, the

lake’s largest marina, the nationally known Spa Shiki, award-winning restaurants, well appointed and ample meeting space, beautiful surroundings including the Japanese Garden and much more. All the amenities you enjoy in one central location plus great service and value at the historic Lodge of Four Seasons.

THE LODGE of FOUR SEASONS G O L F

R E S O R T

S PA

S H I K I

Horseshoe Bend Parkway | Four Seasons, MO | on The Lake of the Ozarks 8 0 0 - T H E - L A K E ( 8 4 3 - 5 2 5 3 ) | 5 7[1]3 -April 3 6 5 -2009 3 0 0 0 | w w w. 4 s e a s o n s re s o r t. c o m

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