Experience Nixa

Shoppers at The Attic Antiques & Treasures.

Springfield is surrounded by smaller, unique communities that help make up the fabric of the Ozarks. The town of Nixa, just south of Springfield on U.S. 160, is certainly one worth visiting.

“There is a hidden secret that many people are finally beginning to realize — and traveling from all over to experience — and that is our shopping and dining experiences here in Nixa,” said Chris Russell, executive director of the Nixa Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage people to share their experiences while shopping and dining in our city on social media by using the hashtag #experienceNixa.”

Cruisin’ USA Custard & More offers up classic diner food along with creamy frozen custard. They’re also known for their marshmallow Pepsi, a homemade family recipe that is interestingly delicious, and foot long chili dogs. If you’re a classic car fan, keep an eye on their website for car show announcements. cruisinusanixa.com

D’Arpino’s Piccolo Contemporary Italian puts a new spin on traditional Italian cuisine and has quickly become a local favorite. Their Sicilian-inspired nachos include wonton chips smothered in alfredo sauce and topped with grilled chicken, tomatoes, basil, pepperoncini and balsamic reduction drizzle — the perfect appetizer. And you can’t go wrong with their classic Spaghetti & Meatballs made with the D’Arpino family’s famous marinara sauce. Eatpiccolo.com

A couple dining at D’Arpino’s Piccolo Contemporary Italian.

Japanese food fans can have an exciting meal in front of a hibachi grill at Hinode Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi. Your personal chef puts on a show as he or she cooks up hibachi-style noodles, vegetables, shrimp tasters, and fried rice with your choice of a protein.

A chef cooks on the hibachi grill at Hinode Japanese Steakhouse.

Outdoor Home is a popular outdoor living store known for grills, smokers, outdoor furniture and especially The Big Green Egg. At Outdoor Home, you’ll find many versions of this popular grill along with Eggcessories including seasoning and sauces. They also have an extensive collection of outdoor furniture to help complete your outdoor living area. outdoorhome.com

Main Corner Mercantile, located on Nixa’s humble, yet charming Main Street is part of a downtown revitalization effort. Main Corner Mercantile’s owners call it a place of creativity where local artists are represented through the wide variety of novelty items they sell including vintage furniture reimagined, custom in-house pieces, home decor and furnishings, accent pieces, jewelry, lotion and more. Next door to the Mercantile, grab a fresh cup of coffee and brunch at Morning Day Cafe.

Main Corner Mercantile. A couple looking at classic cars at Cruisin’ USA Custard & More.

At the Attic Antiques & Treasures you’ll find everything from brand new furniture to antiques and collectibles. The store features a number of individual booths that rotate items throughout the year. During each visit, you’ll always find something new or different.

Nixa Sucker Day Music & Craft Festival A local barber named Finis Gold started Nixa Sucker Day in 1957, and it has been a tradition ever since. Locals would often close up shop and skip school for the day to go grabbin’ for sucker fish. This event provides fun for the whole family including two stages for live entertainment, food trucks, beer garden, kids rides and more! This year’s Sucker Day Music & Craft Festival is May 17-19 in downtown Nixa.