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c olor as you n m tu u a t n a r sform with vib n a tr s , and natural k r fe a li z d O il e w h t e v h ti tc a a n , W ’s s c enic trails ing c ountie s, n r o o y b n h a ig c e e n h d t e te r a explo e of our de sign n o in e le day general v g li in u s o a y u If o . y ty s u r a e be rs dis c ount off o b h ig e N ate. You won’t r r d fo e t c s u d e r a our Ju r wo o d Canyon fo g o D to n io s is a dm his! want to mis s t of the is proudly part k ar P re u at N on Dogwood Cany n. vation Foundatio er s on C s ri or M Johnny

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October

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VOLUME 29 | ISSUE 10, 2026

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feature

70 Winery Weekends

P H O TO BY K AT Y ST. C L A I R

As one of the top wineproducing states, Missouri has no shortage of winecentric trip options for couples, friends, food lovers and more. Plus, get the scoop on upcoming wine events to plan your trip around.

on the cover: Katy St. Clair snapped this month’s cover image at Stone Hill Winery.

This issue planted 92 trees through PrintReleaf.

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October

departments

Scratch & Co. in Plaza Towers offers flavor-packed dishes like the kale bowl (pictured). Read our review on p. 83.

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outside the United States. ADDRESS CHANGES: Include both new address and mailing label with old address. 417 Magazine (ISSN 15389189) is published monthly by Whitaker Publishing, LLC, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield, MO 65809–2146. © Whitaker Publishing,

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P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

From The Field p. 23 / HIDDEN GEM, OZARKS VIBES, MIDWEST NICE, CALENDAR, NOW OR NEVER The Long Way p. 47 / GREEN SPACES, WHERE TO WANDER, EN ROUTE At Home p. 61 / PEEK INSIDE, COLLECTED, FEELS LIKE HOME Taste This p. 83 / DIG IN, SWEET SPOT, TASTY TIP, BITE SIZED REVIEW The Midwest Goodbye p. 105 / PEOPLE PICS; WHERE’S 417; OH, ONE MORE THING

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EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR KATIE POLLOCK ESTES editor@417mag.com MANAGING EDITOR & BUSINESS EDITOR DORI GRINDER dori@417mag.com SENIOR EDITOR JORDAN BLOMQUIST jblomquist@417mag.com CONTENT WRITER ALYSSA RONEY aroney@417mag.com EDITORIAL INTERN CAROLINE TROTMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR SARAH PATTON sarah@417mag.com ART DIRECTOR JORDAN DYKSTRA jordan@417mag.com CREATIVE PRODUCTION MANAGER & PHOTOGRAPHER KATY ST. CLAIR kstclair@417mag.com SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER BRANDON ALMS brandon@417mag.com DESIGNER SYDNEY ARLT sarlt@417mag.com JUNIOR DESIGNER ALEX TINKER atinker@417mag.com PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN INTERN CAMERON GRAHAM photographer@417mag.com CONTRIBUTORS JOSHUA BEECHER, GRACE CHIPLEY-THOMPSON, CONSTANTINO PHOTOGRAPHY, TESSA COOPER, HEATHER KOHLER, JULIANA GOODWIN, JANAE HAY, SONY HOCKLANDER, KRISTIN SHARP, TARYN SHORR-MCKEE, TALIA CASSELL PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESS PUBLISHER LOGAN AGUIRRE logan@417mag.com VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AND CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS MEGAN JOHNSON mjohnson@417mag.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE VALERIE PISTER valerie@417mag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE OLIVIA SMITH olivia@417mag.com SALES COORDINATOR ALLISON CLEMENTS allison@417mag.com ACCOUNTING MANAGER CARRIE POWELL accounting@417mag.com MARKETING DIRECTOR BETHANY BELL bbell@417mag.com EVENT & PROGRAMMING MANAGER ERIK KISER erik@417mag.com BRAND CONTENT PRODUCER ARIELLE DONAHUE arielle@417mag.com OPERATIONS MANAGER ERIN KINGHAM ekingham@417mag.com OPERATIONS COORDINATOR HALLIE SCHULZ hallie@417mag.com CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER KATHY GRIEVE kathy@417mag.com SENIOR DESIGNER MIKAYLA BROWN mbrown@417mag.com ADVERTISING & BRAND DESIGNER MCKENZIE KEY mckenzie@417mag.com

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If you’re looking for a great place to take your costumed kiddos out exploring on Halloween, we’ve got you covered. Visit 417mag. com for our guide to the best places in Springfield to go trickor-treating—as well as some fun Halloween events happening around the Ozarks.

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Who’s up for a road trip? On p. 53, freelance writer Juliana Goodwin tells us about an award-winning sake brewery in Hot Springs, Arkansas, that’s worth the trek. But that’s not the only thing worth visiting in Hot Springs. Visit 417mag.com to read Goodwin’s extended travel guide to Hot Springs—including the town’s famous horse races.

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Best of 417 voting is live now, and we want to hear your opinions! Every year, we ask 417 Magazine readers to vote for their favorite restaurants, bars, breweries and other tasty Ozarks sites. It’s your chance to tell us which local flavors mean the most to you! Readers’ Choice Award results are published in the February 2027 edition of 417 Magazine alongside our list of Editors’ Picks, and we can’t make it happen without you. Voting ends October 15.

Market Value Get an inside look at some of our favorite discoveries at Joplin Empire Market, a year-round indoor farmers market. Give and Take We didn’t just write about some of the Ozarks’ trinket trade sites (see p. 26)—we also made the rounds and did some trading too. Follow along to see where we stopped. The House Tour After you read about Clayton and Amanda Grigsby’s home on p. 67, find us on Instagram to view a tour of their charming home filled with unique finds—and even some clucking chickens in the yard. Warm and Cozy Heather Kohler writes about the joy and tradition of quilting on p. 64, but there’s a longer version of the story at 417mag. com—and even more pics of the quilts on Instagram.

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Editor’s Note

TALK TO US

The Secret History by Donna Tartt For this one, think dark academia, culty rituals and a mid-book twist that changes the entire pace and trajectory of the story in the best way. Also: Excellent writing from an author whose books are few and far between, but always on my must-read list.

SPOOKY SEASON RECS although it’s too early in the year to start bragging about the achievements in our book tracking apps (I use StoryGraph), I did get in there to take a peek at my stats the other day. StoryGraph offers little bits of data and handy charts that illustrate your reading journey. (Pie charts for different genres, line graphs for books and pages read each month, bar graphs sorting books by how I rated them and more.) I noticed that for the past few years, I’ve had a reading slump around the month of April, and a jump in October. I don’t think this is a coincidence. October is made for tucking in with a book. You might think January or February would be better— it’s bitter cold, and there’s nothing else to do. But October has something those frigid months do not: inspiration. Cooler temps, crisp air and flaming fall color make me feel a divine combination of nostalgia and motivation. I want to do all the things, read all the books, take crunching steps over all the leaf-covered paths. In honor of October (the undebatable best month of the year in the Ozarks), I’ve put 18

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Piranesi by Susanna Clarke It’s best you go into this one with zero info. I promise it’s more fun that way. But to ease any scaredy cats’ minds: This one isn’t frightening or horrific. But it is hypnotic, atmospheric and eerie. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones The most real-horror horror in this rec list (it’s brutal, honestly), The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a creative take on a vampire revenge tale that’s also beautifully written. Hot tip: Listen to this one on audiobook. Three key characters are voiced by three talented narrators, and the author reads his acknowledgments (which you shouldn’t skip over; they are actually great). We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer A strange man shows up with his family at the main character’s front door. He says he grew up there decades before and asks to have a look around. Then he doesn’t leave, and things get weird, weird, weird. Happy reading, friends!

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR KATIE@417MAG.COM

New Neighbor Alert

I’m so happy I decided to subscribe for the year. We are actually moving from California to Battlefield this weekend, and I thought, what better way to get to know our new community than by subscribing to 417 Magazine? I’m so excited to receive the hard copy. I have a feeling I’ll be reading every page! Thank you again. I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the 417 community! COLLEEN BAUER

I’m so glad Colleen subscribed! I am not originally from the area either, but I moved here to work at 417 Magazine almost 21 years ago. I used the magazine to get acclimated too. It was especially helpful for finding great places to eat. I hope it’s just as helpful to her (and any other newbies!) as they get to know the Ozarks.—Editor A True Go-Getter

I just finished the newest 417, and I have six new, cool things to check out this month! Love your magazine! TANYA JACKSON

Tanya sent the above note to our publisher, Logan Aguirre. When Logan wrote back asking if it’d be okay to print the note, Tayna replied, “Absolutely! And you can change the number to eight because my husband found two more to add to our list! Keep it coming!” Well, you know what? We love that so, so much. Hope you keeping finding gems to help you enjoy the Ozarks, Tanya!—Editor Join Colleen and Tanya’s Club

If you like the magazine you’re holding in your hands and want to keep finding as much inspiration for your weekend to-do list as Colleen and Tanya, don’t forget to subscribe at 417mag.com/ subscribe. That way, the good stuff will land right in your mailbox each month.—Editor To send us feedback or story ideas, email editor@417mag.com.

I L L U S T R AT I O N BY D A N W I L L I A M S

together a little list of spooky reads to get you in the mood for Halloween (the only slightly debatable best holiday of the year). Keep in mind, horror is definely not my favorite genre, so these aren’t super-duper scary. But the vibes are definitely there.

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OCTOBER 2026

Contributors Worth Returning To some places have a funny way of following you through life. For me, Rocheport, Missouri is one of them. In college at Mizzou, Les Bourgeois Winery was our goto for Moms Weekends and sorority celebrations. I recently went back with my family on a football weekend, and the views were every bit as beautiful as I remembered. And that ridiculously steep hill, which almost certainly claimed an overserved college student or two back in the day? Still there. But Rocheport holds more than college memories for me. It’s also where my husband proposed, at the School House Bed & Breakfast. And this Mizzou Homecoming, we’re heading back to Rocheport again,

renting a big house with my parents and friends steps away from the Katy Trail. Maybe that’s why I love this month’s Winery Weekends feature so much. These places are more than a pretty view and a good glass of wine. They become the backdrop for celebrations, reunions, traditions and different chapters of our lives. This fall, pick a place in these pages and go make a memory of your own. You may just find yourself coming back to it for years to come.

PUBLISHER LOGAN@417MAG.COM @LOGAN_IN_417LAND

BEHIND THE SCENES

Traveling to Missouri wine country has become one of Katy St. Clair’s favorite ways to spend a fall weekend. When St. Clair, FourOneSeven’s creative production manager and photographer, learned we were running a Missouri wineries feature story, she was sold. St. Clair enlisted two of her closest girlfriends—and frequent wine country accomplices—to model, and they spent a lovely fall afternoon winery hopping and taking photos for this issue. Girls’ weekend and a work assignment combined? It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

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P H O TO S BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R

Wine Down

Field from the

HIDDEN GEM

Meet Me at Market Bring your tote bag and your appetite. The Joplin Empire Market is serving up local flavors, handmade goods and plenty of reasons to make a Saturday morning trip. BY JORDAN BLOMQ U IS T, PHOT OG R A PHE D B Y K AT Y S T. C L A IR

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OCTOBER 2026

From The Field

or me, most weeks lead to one thing: a Saturday morning at the farmers market. The smell of coffee beans, fresh-baked goods and flowers instantly boosts my serotonin levels, and so does petting every dog that passes by. I love visiting farmers markets when I travel, too. There’s something special about seeing the local offerings and people watching as shoppers pick out their produce and chat with the vendors they’ve come to know and love each weekend.

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Recently, I found one worth visiting a little closer to home. The Joplin Empire Market, located in downtown Joplin, is a community-centered hub of local growers and makers. It’s an indoor market that’s part farmers market, part craft market and part community gathering place. Each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., people gather to listen to live music, shop for produce, browse vendors and order lunch from the market’s lunch counter. “You see people who are coming every Saturday,” says Leann Halsey, the Empire

Market manager. “It is a ritual for them on their Saturday mornings, where they come to meet their friends, or they bring their family, and they just have a moment of joy in that market space with the market vibe.” While every farmers market starts somewhere, Halsey says Empire Market has changed dramatically over the past several years. The market sees around 45 vendors each Saturday, and they’ve expanded into using the outdoor space in front of the historic building. “Anyone

EXPLORE

The Good Stuff Get ready to shop. These vendors are a few of our favorites to check out at Empire Market. Leather by MB Leather by MB brings handmade leather goods to the market with everything from wallets and journals to custom belts, bags and accessories.

Joplin Empire Market manager Leann Halsey says that the market welcomes farmers, makers and entrepreneurs who want to have a space.

who came to the Joplin Empire Market in the last eight years, or at least the last six years, should definitely come again, because we’ve grown a great deal,” Halsey says. As the market continues to grow, Halsey says they’re always looking for more local farmers, makers and entrepreneurs who want to be part of the community and have a vendor space at the market. One of the aspects unique to the Joplin Empire Market compared to other local farmers markets is its lunch counter. When I visited the market, NanMade was serving up Thai food and delicious little dumplings, and La Bonita - Café & Pupusas was cooking pupusas, tamales and tacos. Julia Villanova owns La Bonita with her mom, and they’ve had a space at the Joplin Empire Market for more than two years.

Originally from El Salvador, they serve pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made with a thick corn tortilla stuffed with beans, cheese and pork and served with a tangy vinegar-based slaw. They also offer more foodie-heaven items, like tamales, pina coladas and horchatas. “We love the variety of things you see here,” Villanova says. “Food and vendors. I get to meet a lot of different people who have different backgrounds.” After spending a morning wandering the booths, getting to know some vendors, sipping a dirty soda from the vendor Potions & Brews and chatting with locals, it’s easy to see why so many people make the Empire Market part of their weekend routine. I know I’d happily make the drive back to enjoy another market day.

Udderly Divine Creamery Udderly Divine Creamery brings farm-fresh goodness to the market with goat dairy products, gluten-free baked goods, locally raised meats and fresh eggs. Potions & Brews Give your morning coffee (or morning dirty soda, we don’t judge) a glow-up with Potions & Brews’ small-batch syrups. The Butter Brew syrup is a favorite. Four States Greenhouse, LLC Four States Greenhouse, LLC has everything from fresh-picked produce and strawberries to plants, succulents and garden favorites. On Your Marks Creations On Your Marks Creations brings handmade charm to the market with carved wood birdhouses, wind spinners, jewelry boxes, baby blankets and more. JB Quality Meat JB Quality Meat makes it easy to shop local with fresh beef, pork and poultry straight from the farm.

417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

From The Field

Pickwick Super Secret Alley Trinket Trade (below) and The Ladybug Trinket Box (below left) are local spots to trade trinkets.

OZARKS VIBES

Itty-Bitty Treasures Trinket trade boxes rose to popularity with the help of social media, and 417-land now has plenty of its own. These simple-and-sweet DIY boxes are quick stops to take a trinket and leave one—or more—of your own.

rom the time i started researching this story until its publishing, the approximate number of trinket trade boxes in 417-land tripled from about five to 16. While social media may have been the kindling, Ozarks communities were in perfect condition to feed the swell. Folks took (mostly) well to the boxes’ honor code, in which you take a trinket for yourself and leave one for the 26

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P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S

B Y A LY S S A RON E Y

next person to be delighted by. For the boxes’ owners, trinket trades are all about spreading joy one sticker, keychain or bracelet at a time. The Ladybug Trinket Box Located outside of Culture Flock in Springfield’s Rountree neighborhood, The Ladybug Trinket Box is a local favorite adorned with— you guessed it—ladybug designs. The box’s designer and operator is Hope Goodyear, a senior at Missouri State University. Though inspired to create the box through TikTok, Goodyear almost didn’t go through with her plans due to her busy schedule. After Goodyear consulted Arcadia Fen, the operator of both SGF Trinket Trade locations, Goodyear’s box was up by early May. She says she chose the box’s location at Culture Flock because she had previously worked with the shop’s owners for an event at her sorority. Goodyear says that while it can be easy to be discouraged by people taking more than they leave, this is made up for by excited visitors, including business owners who can now add to her small business promo board. Among her favorite trinkets she has found in the box are art from a local tattoo shop, homemade bookmarks and a Perler Bead Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. The box is only out during Culture Flock’s business hours, so check their schedule ahead of time. Pickwick Super Secret Alley Trinket Trade The Ladybug Trinket Box is not the only trinket box in the Rountree neighborhood. The Pickwick Super Secret Alley Trinket Trade has been around since March, located on the back of Jennifer McCain’s fence. McCain, who moved from Arkansas last year, thought her trinket box would fit right in with Rountree, which already had mug trade and Little Free Library boxes. “I wanted to add my own thing to keep the magical vibes of the neighborhood going,” she says. Important to McCain is that her box remains family-friendly. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a sense of humor about some of the objects found in her trinket box—including a rock labeled “Dwayne” after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. She says her favorite parts of operating the box are the surprise aspect and the kids who stop by. “I’ve come

outside, and really young kids are sitting in a circle with all of the trinkets in the middle of them, just going through all of them, which is really cute to see,” McCain says.

MY FAVORITE FOUR LETTER WORD: SOLD.

Waterford Trinket Cottage Seventeen-year-old Abi Porter recently started up a trinket box of her own, the Waterford Trinket Cottage. The trinket box, which sits outside of her family’s home in Ozark, was decorated by her and her dad to match the houses in the neighborhood, down to using the same paint that was used on their house. For Abi, starting the trinket box was a way for her to feel involved in the community as a homeschool student. “I go out there several times every day just to check, and I like to refill things,” she says. “If it starts to look low, I have a whole stash of things that I just go and put out there.” Among her favorite finds so far are stress toys and Care Bears. EXPLORE

Get Your Trinket Trade On

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Make a day trip of checking out as many 417-land trinket trade boxes as you can! For a complete list of local boxes, visit sidewalkjoy.com. Kiwi’s Trinket Trade 2155 N. Johnston Ave., Springfield The Ladybug Trinket Trade Box 607 S. Pickwick Ave. Suite A, Springfield (inside Culture Flock) Pickwick Super Secret Alley Trinket Trade 821 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield SGF Trinket Trade 1349 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield (inside The Plant Room) and 422 W. Commercial St., Springfield (inside LeDoux’s Furniture & Whatnots) Waterford Trinket Cottage 616 E. Sandpiper Drive, Ozark

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From The Field

Jessica Luraas shows the Safe to Sleep space, which has 39 private pods and 11 beds.

MIDWEST NICE

Room To Rest

A new facility gives Safe to Sleep guests more privacy and resources as they work toward permanent housing. BY JORDAN BLOM QUIST

P H O TO S BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R

rivacy is a luxury. You don’t realize how much you need it until it’s gone. That’s one of the reasons Safe to Sleep designed its new women’s shelter with dignity and personal space in mind. For years, Safe to Sleep provided overnight shelter for unhoused women in Springfield who had to make do with temporary spaces. At churches, cots filled gymnasiums each night and guests had to leave by morning. Now, Safe to Sleep has a place of its own. The nonprofit moved into its new facility in June on East Division Street near Highway 65, creating a place where up to 50 women can sleep every night. The space was made possible through a combination of grants and a capital campaign supported by local businesses, private donors and churches. “This is a game changer for the ladies,” says Jessica Luraas, director of Safe to Sleep and Case Management at Crosslines.

The difference is in the details. Instead of cots, guests sleep in individual pods with mattresses, partitions and reading lights. They can leave their belongings safely at the shelter rather than carrying them through town each day. There are 39 of the private pods, and 11 more beds lining the wall, making the best use of the space. The facility also includes showers, a warming kitchen and case management resources, the latter of which are required to create housing plans for women staying longer than 30 days. The facility is the latest chapter in Safe to Sleep’s history. Founded in 2011 by Romona Baker, the organization began with six beds. Originally intended as a cold-weather shelter, Safe to Sleep quickly became a yearround resource. Luraas knows how different Safe to Sleep can be from what people imagine. She began volunteering with the organization in 2014 and remembers being nervous before her first shift. “When the women walked in the

door, I was like, ‘These ladies are like my aunt, and my mom, and my sister,’” she says. “This is not at all what I thought it was.” A misconception Luraas says many people have is that all the women at the shelter are struggling with drug addiction. She says that isn’t the case. While some are experiencing addiction, many are navigating mental health crises or escaping domestic violence. She hopes her story of starting as a volunteer and discovering how different Safe to Sleep was from what she expected will inspire other women to volunteer. “What I want people to know is that none of us are that far from being in this situation, and a lot of these women just don’t have the support system that I am lucky enough to have,” Luraas says. “And that’s it. That is the only difference between me and them.” HOW TO HELP

Safe to Sleep is looking for volunteers to help staff its new shelter. The greatest need is for overnight volunteers, with shifts ranging from three hours in the evening to full overnight shifts. Volunteers welcome guests, assist with check-in, help with breakfast and chores and provide a compassionate presence. Volunteers must be at least 18, and most serve one or two shifts per month. Contact Jessica Luraas at JLuraas@crosslines.org to learn more.

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OCTOBER 2026

From The Field

Calendar

Get a “hoot” out of the Owl Prowl event at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park on October 16, 23 & 30, featuring lovable birds like this barn owl.

October Calendar

This month is packed with can’t-miss theatre, excellent concerts and more. Find these and more great local events online at calendar.417mag.com.

STAIND: BREAK THE CYCLE 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR October 1

Millennials, unite! Catch late ’90s and early 2000s band Staind, fronted by seemingly universally popular frontman Aaron Lewis. Guests can sing along to iconic songs like “It’s Been Awhile” and “Outside” from this gorgeous venue. Tickets start at $50.65; 6 p.m.; Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, 1901 State Hwy. 86, Ridgedale 30

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SHAYNE SMITH October 1–3

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK October 2

Watch Utah comedian, podcaster and musician Shayne Smith take the stage for a night of laugh-out-loud jokes. His stand-up style is “raw and story-driven,” and he has five comedy specials as well as countless awards under his belt—most notably, Funniest Person in Utah. $30.29–41.29; various showtimes; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield

Downtown becomes one giant gallery during First Fridays, with numerous venues displaying art in various mediums. In addition to more traditional art, enjoy live music, fashion and food across 20+ businesses including the Gillioz Theatre, Missouri State University’s Brick City Gallery, the Creamery Arts Center and others. Free; 4:30–10 p.m.; Downtown Springfield

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12TH ANNUAL RED SHOE GALA October 2

The main annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks, the Red Shoe Gala is a night of dinner, dancing, live entertainment, a bourbon lounge, champagne wall and much more. Pull your best red shoes out of the closet for this one—there will be a contest! $250; 7 p.m.; White River Conference Center, 600 W. Sunshine St., Springfield REPUBLIC PUMPKIN DAZE FESTIVAL October 2–3

Bring the whole family out for a classic fall festival, complete with enormous pumpkins, crafts, vendors, food trucks, a kids’ zone and much more. Funds raised at Pumpkin Daze go to local scholarships and community grants. 12–6 p.m. Fri., 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.; J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Rd., Republic

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OZARK FALL FARMFEST October 2–4

Nearly 50 years running, Ozark Fall Farmfest has been the single largest agricultural event in the Ozarks, with over 600 head of cattle, more than 1,200 ag and rural exhibits and vendors, an antique tractor display and more. Free; 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday; Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield DAY AT THE LAKE October 3

Designed for people with disabilities and their families to connect with the community, this inclusive event celebrates accessibility in outdoor recreation. Enjoy adaptive kayaking, accessible pontoon boat rides, fishing, live music, games, vendors and more. Free; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Fellows Lake Marina, 4200 East Farm Rd. 66, Springfield FALL ROUNDUP October 3–November 1 (Saturdays and Sundays)

This annual festival includes all the quintessential fall things: hayrides, a corn maze, apple cider, bonfires, farm animals, a cow train and much more. Additional

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experiences available for purchase include a pizza food truck, s’mores, pony rides and a pumpkin patch. $18 adults, $13 kids at gate; $15 and $10 online in advance; Sycamore Creek Ranch, 2657 Sunset Inn Rd., Branson SPOOKY SPRINT October 4

Kick off spooky season in a unique way with this fun, family-friendly race. Registration includes a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt and other swag, finish line snacks, a custom medal, photo ops and more. $17–54 registration; 8 a.m. (packet pickup starts at 6:30); Frisco Highline Trail (start at Willard High School), 515 E. Jackson St., Willard CELEBRATE SPRINGFIELD October 4

The concept is simple: Love where you live. The fifth annual Celebrate Spring-

field leans fully into that, honoring all the amazing reasons to love living in 417-land. Expect food trucks, live music, interactive family-friendly crafts and plenty of surprises, all with a local focus. Free; 1–4 p.m.; Route 66 Stadium, 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – THE SPOOKTACULAR TOUR October 4

Settle in for a special screening of the original cult favorite film Rocky Horror Picture Show, restored in 4k and featuring icon Patricia Quinn as Magenta. Come wearing your best Rocky Horror Picture Show costume. Be prepared to fully participate with the audience, but leave the props at home—each ticket includes a complimentary prop bag. $52–90; 7 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy., Springfield

Bede Clarke: King’s Highway

DERIC CAHILL October 8–10

Described as “raw” and “hilarious,” Deric Cahill’s standup shows are something of an anything-goes experience. Settle in for a night of belly laughs as he cracks jokes about everything from his chaotic childhood to everyday struggles as an adult. $29–36.50; 7 p.m. Thu., 7 and 9:45 p.m. Fri., 6 and 8:45 p.m. Sat.; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 College St., Springfield FIELDS OF FREEDOM October 10

Kick off spooky season with this fireworks spectacular, created to show off just how epic pyrotechnics can be. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a concert-like night of fireworks scripted to spooky music. There will also be food trucks and a post-fireworks bonfire. $20–25; 5–10 p.m.; 7849 North Farm Road 193, Fair Grove

Cross-Pollination

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I L L U ST R AT I O N BY G R A C E C H I P L E Y - T H O M P S O N

TASTE OF THE OZARKS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL October 10

Bring the whole family out to Lebanon for a packed day featuring food trucks, live music and other entertainment, bounce houses and much more. Local brewery Boat Town will provide the festival’s adult beverages, and you can expect to see dozens of food trucks from across 417-land. Free to enter; food and drinks available for purchase. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Lebanon Fairgrounds, 500 E. Elm St., Lebanon ON THE LAWN October 10

All ages are welcome to drop by Springfield Art Museum’s Hatch Lawn for a morning of free immersive art and wellness activities. Sign up for a yoga session with The Wellness Collective, play yard games, take part in a communal painting,

enjoy live music by DJ Imperial or sign up to help clean up Fassnight Creek. Bring a lawn chair, blanket or yoga mat. It’s a great way to connect with the art museum and other local organizations during this period when the Springfield Art Museum is closed for renovations. Free; 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Dr., Springfield

ART IN THE PARK October 10–11

Southwest Missouri Art Guild produces this annual show, created over 30 years ago by professional artists. The show is “all about art and only art,” featuring work from both local and national artists. Free; 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. both days; Sequiota Park, 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield

DOLLY PARTON’S THREADS: MY SONGS IN SYMPHONY October 10

GILLIOZ 100 October 11

This special one-night-only, non-season performance features the late Dolly Parton on screen leading an orchestra through an immersive musical and visual experience. In addition to her biggest hit songs, you’ll also hear personal stories. $81–144; 7:30 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy., Springfield

October 11 marks Gillioz Theatre’s 100-year anniversary—and what better excuse to throw a party? The free community event will celebrate the occasion with highlights from favorite shows over the years and, of course, cake. Free, but registration encouraged; 2 p.m. (doors at 1 p.m.); Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield

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MOLLY TUTTLE October 13

Multiple Grammy winner Molly Tuttle is a force across multiple music genres, most often categorized as a roots artist. She sings, plays guitar and writes songs, and her concerts include bluegrass, Americana, pop and rock, so you’re guaranteed to be entertained. Tickets start at $43; 8 p.m. (doors at 7); Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR October 16–November 1

Have you been wanting to learn how to play mahjong, the tile game that has recent exploded in popularity? Head out to Estes Farms to learn alongside other mahjong newbies, while also making new friends and enjoying tasty drinks from Cassidy Station. $35; 6–8 p.m.; Cassidy Station at Estes Farms, 5176 N. Fremont Rd., Nixa

The blockbuster musical comes to 417-land for a limited run, arguably even more impactful in the intimate setting at the Historic Fox Theatre. Mosaic Arts Collective presents the production, featuring music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. $41; Evening shows at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; Historic Fox Theatre, 157 Park Central Square, Springfield

She got her start on American Idol, and now she has Platinum certification and Grand Ole Opry membership under her belt. This is your chance to catch her live in an intimate setting at Gillioz Theatre, with Hannah Harper providing support as the opening act. Tickets start at $43; 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30); Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield FIRE SAFETY STORYTIME October 16

In this special monthly storytime, a partnership between the Discovery Center, Springfield Fire Department and Great Southern Bank, families learn about fire safety. Firefighters tell stories, perform hands-on demonstrations and give children free books that are selected to highlight fire safety themes, good citizenship and the importance of reading. It’s perfect for kiddos who want to be firefighters. Free with museum admission; 10:30 a.m.; Discovery Center, 438 E. St. Louis St., Springfield OCTOBER 2026

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Head to the Melody Room, inside The Gallery at the Gillioz, for a perfect date night including wine and jazz by vocalist Laura French. When you arrive, pour yourself a glass, pick a seat and settle in for soulful performances, rich storytelling, and sophisticated ambiance. 21+; $40; 8 p.m. (doors at 7); Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield

MAHJONG FOR NEWBIES October 14

LAUREN ALAINA: THE STAGES TOUR 2026 October 15

WINE & JAZZ SERIES: PRESENTED BY THE MELODY ROOM October 16

OWL PROWL October 16, 23 & 30

This two-part program starts with a live owl encounter and owl pellet dissection, then moves outdoors. Enjoy hot dogs and s’mores over a campfire before heading out to listen and call for owls. $20 children, $30 adults, separate park entry not required if arriving after 4:30 p.m.; 5–8 p.m.; Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 West State Hwy 86, Lampe MOXIE MORNINGS October 17 & 31

Moxie Mornings is a free event for kids ages 2–6. It includes a one-hour film selected to introduce kids to film and explore new worlds and ideas. Afterward, kids engage in a hands-on art activity. Free; 10 a.m.; Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101, Springfield CINEMA SUNDAYS: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY October 18

Treat your child (or yourself!) to a free showing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the 2005 version with John-

ny Depp), along with popcorn and one non-alcoholic drink. First-come, firstserved tickets are available at the box office at 12 p.m. the day of the show with doors opening at 1 p.m.. Free; 2 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield SLOW VIEWING AT MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY October 22

This free event teaches people how to observe and interpret art in a more meaningful way. Led by an artist and educator, attendees will spend one hour carefully, quietly observing works of art, then discussing them with a group. Pre-registration required. 6–7 p.m.; Carolla Arts Exhibition Center, 326 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield FALL CLASSICS: ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW October 23

It’s a beloved, long-running Halloweentime tradition: a screening of the iconic, original The Rocky Horror Picture Show. VIP tickets include a T-shirt and interactive kit with props and other goodies. All attendees are eligible to enter raffles. Get ready for a night of cult-classic chaos, audience participation, and fun—and feel free to dress up for the costume contest! $12 general admission, $40 VIP; 8 p.m. (doors at 7); Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield T.J. MILLER October 23–24

Funnyman T.J. Miller is recognizable from movies and TV (physically and his voice; he’s voiced several animated characters), and now he’s in 417-land to make us laugh on stage. $42.50–54; various showtimes; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield

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of the Ozarks. Admission includes unlimited samples, live music, food vendors, and raffles. $25 registration. 1–5 p.m.; Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St., Springfield JERRY WAYNE LONGMIRE October 25

Get Lost One of the quintessential fall experiences is venturing into a corn maze, getting delightfully lost and then finding your way back out. Here are three places to do just that in the Ozarks—they make excellent additions to your fall road trips and explorations. Aurora Maize 20701 Lawrence 2200, Aurora, 417-498-6071, auroramaize.com The Maze: There are a full five acres of corn maze in Aurora, and it’s truly packed with twists and turns. If you actually want to get lost, you just might achieve it here! Spookiness Factor: All ages can enjoy the main maze during the day throughout the week for low to no spookiness. But if you visit on Friday or Saturday night after dark (and sometimes on Wednesday nights), the maze turns into a haunted affair called the Field of Screams. More Fun: Zombie paintball, bonfire reservations, mechanical bull, karaoke, hayrides, concessions and more. Exeter Corn Maze & Haunted Attractions State Hwy. MM, Exeter, 417-846-3959, exetercornmaze.com The Maze: At about five acres, this corn maze is big enough to provide a bit of a challenge. But this place is more than just the corn field. This place is huge, with several buildings and attractions to explore. We list a few below, but that’s just a sampling of all the fun. Spookiness Factor: The main maze is family and scaredy-cat friendly, but there are plenty of haunted options here, like a separate haunted corn maze, a haunted barn, zombie paintball and more. More Fun: barn swings, giant slide, axe throwing, carnival rides, petting zoo, hayrides, bonfires, apple picking, skee ball, go karts, tons of food (burgers, funnel cake, tacos and more) and lots of other fun activities.

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Monster Corn Maze 181 State Rte AM, Cabool, 417-962-2676, monstercornmaze.com The Maze: This corn maze is truly Halloween themed, so enter at your own risk! There are creepy characters lurking around every corner to add some heart-pounding challenges to this after-dark excursion. Spookiness Factor: Monster Corn Maze is all about the spooky stuff! There’s no tame daytime version here—it’s haunted all the time and doesn’t even open until the sun goes down. Come expecting to get scared. For kids younger than 13, an adult is required to enter the maze and go through it with them. More Fun: Monster Mash mini golf. Fieth Family Farm 1663 E 490th Rd, Bolivar, 417-326-6758, countrylifeinc.com The Maze: If you like a challenge, come prepared to wind your way through twists, turns and dead ends at Fieth Family Farm. The maze is part of Fieth Family Farm’s annual fall festival, so there’s loads of other stuff to do and explore while you’re there too. Spookiness Factor: During the day and throughout the week, this corn maze is simply a corn maze (i.e. no scary stuff). On Friday and Saturday nights once the sun goes down, guests can enter a haunted corn maze with creeps and monsters on the prowl. More Fun: pumpkin patch, cozy firepit rentals, giant slide, treehouse playhouse, hay bale maze, live music some evenings and lots more.

If you’ve never seen the standup of Jerry Wayne Longmire you’re missing out. The Southern comic has an automotive background and judging custom cars in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, but his friendly storytelling style is very relatable. $26–31; 6 p.m.; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL October 27–29

A live stage performance version of the iconic Tim Burton film, BEETLEJUICE The Musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz and the infamous ghost in stripes everyone loves to hate. $81–144; 7:30 p.m. all nights; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 South John Q Hammons Pkwy., Springfield STRAIGHT NO CHASER: MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT TOUR October 31

This acclaimed a cappella production has been a beloved kickoff to the holiday season for over 25 years. See the high-energy performance, a combination of playful banter and familiar holiday songs. $52–109.75; 3 p.m.; Hammons Hall, 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield HALLOWEEN HUSTLE October 31

City Utilities presents this fun Scooby Doo–themed run, with options for a 5K, 10K or one-mile fun run. Costumes are encouraged (extra bonus points for dressing up as anyone in Scooby’s crew), and there will be a candy dash and other Halloween tricks and treats. All proceeds benefit Harmony House. $10–45 entry fees, which include a t-shirt; 8 a.m.; City Utilities, 301 E. Central, Springfield

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CENTERSTONE

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ince 2020, Centerstone’s Be Well Initiatives team has brought mental health and well-being conversations out of clinical spaces and into the communities they serve. By meeting people where they are, the Be Well team destigmatizes tired myths about seeking mental health care and instead strengthens coping skills while helping people feel seen and valued. Be Well’s Brain Health Besties podcast is for those of us seeking to improve our well-being but unsure where to begin. Each episode offers actionable steps to fold self-care into your daily life, making mental well-being accessible and guilt-free. The bite-sized episodes are tailored for the busy schedules of working professionals and caregivers alike—you could learn an evidence-backed mental health tip in the time you spend in the car line at your kid’s school. The Be Well team—Bailey Pyle, Shelby Schneider and Nia Howard— brings over three decades of collective counseling and client support experience with them to all their endeavors. Whether by listening to the podcast, hosting a workplace training or visiting their table when you see them at a Springfield event, we hope you join Be Well on a journey to better brain health and community connection. Let’s Be Well together!

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CENTER FOR PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Robert Shaw, Dr. Lynn M. Frydrych, Dr. Connor Barnes

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rom all types of cosmetic procedures to full reconstructive surgeries after a difficult cancer diagnosis, countless patients have trusted the Center for Plastic Surgery at CoxHealth for over 30 years. When it comes to plastic surgery, one of the most important things is to find a team with that kind of experience and accreditation to back it up. The Center for Plastic Surgery’s practice has the most highly trained and nationally recognized providers in the entire region. The Center for Plastic Surgery was founded on the belief that aging is a treatable condition, not a foregone conclusion. Their approach to slowing, preventing and even reversing the signs of aging is through early detection and appropriate intervention, combining state-of-the-art plastic surgery with scientifically proven anti-aging therapeutics and products. If you are looking for an individualized game plan and excellent results, call the experts at the Center for Plastic Surgery at 417-875-3246.

Why did you choose to go into your current profession? Plastic surgery is a broad and complex field that demands precision, careful planning and attention to detail. What makes it especially rewarding are the patient interactions—bringing us joy as we help individuals achieve their personal goals. 417MAG.COM

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DERMAHEALTH Kortney Burton, Amy Bush, Marcy Mayes, Fauna Whitener, Sylvia Glenn, Cheryl Briggs, Melissa Briggs, Cindy Hogan, Tammy Dock, Christi Mayfield, Kylee Kirkwood, Melissa Canlas

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t DermaHealth, meaningful results start with a conversation. Before recommending a treatment, the Springfield clinic’s medically trained team takes time to understand each person—their concerns, their goals and the confidence they want to feel every day. The team listens, educates and builds an intentional plan designed around the individual. There’s no pressure—just honest guidance to help each individual understand their options and make informed decisions about their care. That collaborative approach is what sets DermaHealth apart. Practitioners work together across specialties—from skin rejuvenation and body contouring to hormone health and weight management—so every client, women and men alike, receives coordinated care from a team that knows them by name. It’s a warm, family-like environment where medical credibility meets genuine compassion. DermaHealth’s heart extends beyond the clinic, too. Through ongoing support of Harmony House, Victory Mission and The Springfield Little Theatre, the team invests in the Springfield community it has proudly served for years. The belief behind it all is simple: everyone deserves to be the best version of themselves. It’s confidence, built one relationship at a time. To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, call 417-447-7777.

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Abigail Faught, Autumn Brackett, Isabelle Davis, Kimberly Seevers, Cyndi Roerick, Makaela Pomeroy, Jerred Mann, Sachith Polpitiya, Sarah Scott

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What does being your “best self” mean to you? Feeling as though you are confident enough in your mind and body to acheive your best self daily.

t Skin Bar Medical Studio, aesthetic medicine is personal. The team believes every client deserves individualized care and a treatment plan designed around their specific goals. Skin Bar Medical Studio helps clients look and feel their best with personalized aesthetic and wellness services and a team that genuinely cares about their experience. Services include injectables, bioidentical hormone replacement, laser treatments, weight-loss services and customized facials. Each treatment is tailored to the client, creating an experience that feels as personal as the results. At Skin Bar Medical Studio, the experience is just as important as the treatment. Clients are welcomed into an environment where their needs come first, with a team of providers, aestheticians, nurses and wellness professionals who take the time to understand their goals and create care that feels personal. The result is a comfortable, supportive experience that helps clients feel confident in both their care and themselves. Creating a positive experience is central to the Skin Bar philosophy. The team takes the time to understand each client’s goals and provide personalized care that helps them feel confident, valued and ready to become their best self.

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Terra Ragsdale, Health Coach; Jennifer Creach, Regional Manager; Ashlyn Bradley, General Manager Jessica Engle, Nurse Practitioner; Meagan McCord, Guest Services Associate

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How do you deliver your personal best to clients? We believe becoming your best self starts with understanding your individual needs. SeroVitals360™ allows us to take a deeper look at each client’s unique health markers and create a personalized plan around their goals, helping them look, feel and perform their best. 44

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atigue that lingers, brain fog that clouds focus, hot flashes that interrupt sleep and changes in libido or body composition often signal deeper hormonal imbalances. At Serotonin Centers Springfield, women find a supportive destination dedicated to restoring balance and helping them feel vibrant at every stage of life. Serotonin takes a holistic approach to women’s health, offering services such as medical weight loss, hormone optimization, red light therapy, EMSCULPT neo body sculpting, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV infusions, Botox, dermal fillers, Hydrafacials, microneedling with PRP or exosomes and medical-grade skincare. Each journey begins with a comprehensive blood panel and an in-depth consultation that considers both lab results and how each client feels day to day. Members receive biweekly health coaching, 24/7 access to their health coach through an easy-to-use app and monthly full-body composition scans to monitor visceral fat, skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage. The experienced team, including Regional Manager and Nurse Injector Jennifer Creach, Nurse Practitioner Jessica Engle, General Manager Ashlyn Bradley and Health Coach Terra Ragsdale, provides personalized care. Serotonin Centers Springfield empowers women to take charge of their health, break through the anti-aging barrier and optimize life with confidence, energy and lasting wellness.

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Dr. Lisa Castleman and her team make root canal procedures a pain-free and comfortable experience. Advanced Endodontics of Greater Springfield excels at providing superior customer service, clear communication and excellent chairside manner. Dr. Castleman is the only authorized provider in southwest Missouri of the GentleWave procedure, a specialized cleaning system with enhanced disinfection and cyclonic cleaning capabilities that preserve more integral natural tooth structure to promote faster healing and symptom reduction after treatment. 3D imaging and state-of-the-art microsurgical equipment are utilized in every appointment, while patients are pampered with warm blankets and a movie of their choice. Dr. Castleman’s office creates a caring and professional environment that will exceed expectations. Dr. Lisa Castleman

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Nettie J’s Medical Parlor is one of 417-land’s most elite medical spas, offering an exceptional blend of non-invasive medical services and holistic healing. Designed to nurture both body and soul, Nettie J’s is the ultimate destination for those seeking beauty enhancements and restorative care. Their distinguished team consists of a family nurse practitioner, cosmetic nurse injector, medical aesthetician, holistic esthetician and two Reiki masters. Each expert brings specialized knowledge and a passion for helping clients achieve their self-love goals. Beyond aesthetics, the spa embraces a holistic approach to overall wellness, promoting relaxation and balance while ensuring every treatment is tailored to individual needs. Kamee Fenimore, Amy Cline 417MAG.COM

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alling in love with the wonders of the Natural State is like falling in love with a cool drink of water on a hot day: too easy. Between each new city or destination, there are a million spots to lay down a picnic blanket, go for a dip in the creek or spelunk in a grand cavern. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, which is located in Ozark-St. Francis National 48

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Forest, has long been a beloved nature reserve in north-central Arkansas with more than 70,000 visitors per year, but its presence is making even more of a mark with its caverns’ new designation as Arkansas’ in-progress 53rd state park. Your Visitor’s Guide Blanchard Springs is a near three–hour drive from Springfield, so visiting can be either a longer day trip (caverns are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or a weekend getaway, complete with several camping areas. The recreation area’s

Explore the threelevel cave system, hike the trails or fish in Mirror Lake at Blanchard Springs. Go this October before the park closes for renovations.

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main features are its caverns, located in the southern portion of the nature area. There are plenty of paved parking spots for visitors near the caverns, with day passes for cars at $3. The caverns are the second largest cave system in Arkansas at 81/2 miles of explored areas. Visitors enter a “living” cave, complete with ever-evolving stalactites, stalagmites, columns and one of the nation’s largest flowstones. The caverns have a year-round temperature of 58°F, so there won’t be a notable temperature change from the outside this time of year. The three-level system has two levels open for tours by U.S. Forest Service interpreters, including the accessible Dripstone Tour—which gives access to a 1,000-footlong Cathedral Room—and the more strenuous Discovery Trail, which takes visitors 366 feet below the surface to famed sites like the Ghost Room. Be prepared to see the caverns’ glistening wonders, from baby soda straws to massive draperies and flowstones. Life inside the cave consists of green plants that live closer to the light, visiting animals like endangered gray bats and crickets and cave-centric critters like Ozark hellbenders, daddy longlegs and microscopic organisms. Blanchard Springs History Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced in December 2025 that Blanchard Springs Caverns would undergo the process of becoming a state park, putting it on the map for many who may not have previously heard of the destination. Though the site hadn’t previously held the esteemed designation, its caves have been popular with locals for years, following their private ownership in the 19th century by Confederate veteran and site namesake John H. Blanchard. The process of bringing the natural wonders of Blanchard Springs to the public eye began with the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, during the Great Depression. A part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the CCC provided jobs to millions of American men, who helped develop public lands. At

Blanchard Springs, the CCC built the dam around Mirror Lake that forms the scenic Mirror Lake Falls. The CCC was also in the process of restoring the gristmill built by Blanchard but ceased the restoration during World War II. Construction within the caverns stopped in 1973 with the Forest Service’s completion of the caverns’ Discovery Trail, opening the area to the public. However, this move was met with controversy. The Osage Nation considers the caverns to be sacred sites where rituals used to take place and continues to meet developments in the caverns with opposition. Becoming a State Park As part of Arkansas’ Natural State Initiative, Blanchard Springs’ move to state park status is projected to boost tourism in Arkansas and, more broadly, the Ozarks. According to Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis, funds going into Stone County may also help boost the visibility of the area’s notable folk music scene, so be on the lookout for news about burgeoning Ozarks artists, and try to see a show or two while you’re in the area! This October, you can catch the Stringband Music & Arts Festival on the 9th and 10th and the Next Generation Concert on October 24. The window of opportunity to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns is closing, though, as the season closes at the end of October. Through 2028, Blanchard Springs will undergo renovations for the first time since it was opened to the public in the ’70s. These renovations will include updated infrastructure, enhanced visitor experiences and rebranding focused on the site’s natural and cultural significance. The state park designation also helps protect the caverns from long-term damage and habitat disruptions that result from increased visitor foot traffic. This is done by allotting money to create designated trails and environmental safeguards. That way, visitors can enjoy this Ozarks gem and hear the echo of its resonant cavern walls—for years to come, come, come.

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Breathe in the fall vibes from the Mule Trail on Sugar Loaf Mountain Island.

WHERE TO WANDER

Build a fall road trip around the one-of-a-kind hiking trail up a mountain island trail on Greers Ferry Lake. B Y SON Y H O CKL AND E R

he only way to reach one unique arkansas trail is to start with a boat. That’s because the trail that loops around and over Sugar Loaf Mountain Island is surrounded by water. Hiking the island makes a memorable outing when you plan a fall color weekend on the western shores of Greers Ferry Lake, as we did last October. Not to be confused with the Sugar Loaf Mountain Hiking Trails (located an hour away near Heber Springs), the island’s Sugar Loaf National Nature Trail is easily reached from Fairfield Bay, just southeast of Clinton, Arkansas. Build your getaway around the island hike, then add nearby adventures for a road-tripworthy weekend. Getting There To hike the Sugar Loaf Mountain Island, consider starting at Fairfield Bay, roughly 160 miles southeast of Springfield. There are three ways to reach the base of Sugar Loaf Mountain Island: Motor there in your own boat or rental, paddle to the island in a canoe or kayak, or hire a shuttle to take you there

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and back. A courtesy dock is located at the island trailhead. Our group booked a shuttle from Fairfield Bay Marina. In the fall, shuttles go to and from the island at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. (Fees are $13–18.) The marina also rents motor and paddle vessels. The nearby Sugar Loaf Marina rents canoes for reaching the island. Trail Experience The island’s mountain summit soars 540 feet over lake level. The mountain became an island after the Greers Ferry Dam and lake were completed in the 1960s. Its 2.6 miles of trails were developed by the Corps of Engineers in 1971, making it a national nature trail. Two trails make this hike adventure flexible. The primary 1.6-mile Terrace Trail is a “lollipop” loop. It starts with a 0.3-mile stretch climbing roughly 300 feet from lake level to the start of the loop. From here, hike clockwise around the summit base for a peaceful, forested hike

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Island Time in Arkansas

with rock formations dating back 300 million years. Benches along the way provide resting spots and views. Stay on the Terrace Trail and return to the courtesy boat dock for a moderate hike. For a more challenging hike with amazing vista views of the lake, add the up-and-back Mule Trail, just under an additional mile if you go to the end and back. You’ll find the Mule Trail two-tenths of a mile from the start of the Terrace loop, heading left. Look for steps that climb steeply uphill. Easy to follow, the trail’s biggest challenge is its initial steep grade to the summit. (It looks daunting but is doable if you stop periodically to rest.) At the summit, the out-and-back trail crosses the mountain top, returning to the steps. From here, descend to the Terrace Trail loop and continue hiking around. You can reduce the Mule Trail spur by stopping at a popular rock overhang about halfway to the peak for photo-worthy views. This is a great spot for pictures with your trail companions. Overall, hiking the Sugar Loaf National Nature Trail takes half a day or less, leaving plenty of time to add more outdoor adventures to your fall weekend away.

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Greers Ferry Lake Getaway Add one or more of these adventures to your fall weekend at Greers Ferry Lake. Hike trails in the Bluffton Preserve on the Archey Fork near Clinton. Watch a sunrise over Greers Ferry Lake. Hike the other Sugar Loaf Mountain trail network near Heber Springs. Visit the South Fork Nature Center with two miles of trails. Launch a kayak on the Little Red River. Hike to Bridal Veil and Cornelius Falls near Heber Springs.

build with confidence SPRINGFIELD, MO • 417.416.4497 HOMESBYMONTICELLO.COM CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

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BB CRONKHITE MANAGMENT (SAVE) Lindy and Mike Cronkhite

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continues that mission by working with both single-property owners and investors with larger portfolios. What sets Cronkhite apart is its strong culture and commitment to doing what’s right. Tenants are welcomed on a first-come, first-approved basis, and investors benefit from quick vacancy fill rates and high tenant retention. With consistently happy tenants and fully occupied properties, Cronkhite Property Management is helping investors expand their returns while strengthening communities across southwest Missouri.

CRONKHITE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

417-920-7634 CRONKHITEPM.COM 1526 S. ENTERPRISE, SPRINGFIELD

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CRONKHITE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT provides full-service property management across southwest Missouri with a culture rooted in integrity, community and fun. The team brings decades of experience and offers a wide range of services, including in-house maintenance and leasing, bookkeeping and accounting, preventative maintenance, real estate investment coaching, portfolio strategy and rental development consulting. With licensed brokers and realtors on staff, Cronkhite Property Management ensures every detail is handled with professionalism and care. The company was founded to meet a clear need in the community: safe, clean and reasonably priced rental housing. Mike has developed more than 2500 new single family homes in SWMO and in addition to owning CPM, he has his own investment portfolio of over 400 single family rentals . Today, Cronkhite Property Management

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EN ROUTE

Try Ozarks Craft Sake On your next trip to Hot Springs, carve out 90 minutes for a tour of Origami Sake, where you’ll dive into the production and taste the final product.

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY O R I G A M I S A K E

BY JULIANA G OODWIN

he only craft sake brewery in the united states to win a gold medal at the 2025 Tokyo Sake Challenge was Origami Sake in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It’s also the state’s first and only such brewery. At first I was totally surprised that it was in Hot Springs, but then I learned that Arkansas is America’s largest rice producer. Hot Springs also has excellent water, and the combination creates an incredible beverage. Tours are by appointment, and you definitely want a tour to step inside the fascinating world of this libation. I gained a deeper appreciation for the beverage and learned a lot about its flavor profile. Plan for 90 minutes or more for the whole experience, which ends with a lengthy tasting—the best part. I didn’t know much about sake and have only consumed it occasionally at Japanese restaurants. Honestly, I didn’t even like the drink that much before the tour, but that changed. My guide was Victoria DeMontmollin, a sommelier and area sales manager, and she was fantastic. Origami Sake sources its rice from a fifth-generation Arkansas farm. The basic ingredients in sake are rice and water. But to get fermentation, you need some sort of sugar, which is where koji comes in. Koji is a type of mold. They import the koji spores from Japan. During the tour, you’ll see the koji room, which stays at about 97 degrees and humid. They take freshly steamed rice, line a table with linens and introduce the koji spores to initiate fermentation. For two to three days, they hand-rotate

the rice, track the temperature and taste the grains. A lot of sake breweries import the koji rice, so this is more labor-intensive but gives them more control over the flavor. Once the koji rice is ready, it moves to tank fermentation. To make sake, dry rice is washed, steamed and loaded in tanks. Then, they add koji rice, water and brewer’s yeast. They spend a week monitoring it. At that point, they treat it like a pet, feeding it rice and water in stages. They taste it daily and test it for pH balance. This is when you can start to taste fruity notes develop, DeMontmollin explained. The entire fermentation process takes about a month. Origami was founded in 2022 and recently merged with Oishii, a larger sake company in Florida, so their product line has expanded. They now make canned sparkling sake drinks under different labels. After the tour, DeMontmollin poured, explaining the different notes in each libation and what created them. I walked away with a deeper understanding, and some new beverages to enjoy at home in Springfield. T H E D E TA I L S

Book It Origami Sake offers tours by appointment. Book online at drinkorigami.com. Find It Origami is sold locally at Price Cutter on Battlefield and West Republic Road; Macadoodles on Independence; Hy-vee on Battlefield. Make It a Weekend Oaklawn Hotel & Spa has a fantastic hotel, casino and everything you need for a memorable trip. Find details at oaklawn.com/resort. The Bugler at Oaklawn is one of two Forbes Travel Guide recommended restaurants in Arkansas and has received recognition from Wine Spectator magazine for its impressive bottle collection. A must-try appetizer is the Japanese A5 Wagyu Striploin, which comes thinly sliced with a hot stone so you can sear your meat.

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When everything is on the line, you’d go anywhere for the care you need. But the benefits of being close to home are invaluable. These local providers offer specialized treatments and compassionate care right here in 417-land.

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COX HEALTH Dr. Abe Adballa

417-269-6115 COXHEALTH.COM 3850 S. NATIONAL AVENUE SUITE 100, SPRINGFIELD

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oxHealth Radiation Oncology gives expert cancer care focused on helping patients overcome cancer while maintaining their quality of life. The practice treats adults with all types of cancer using today’s most advanced radiation treatments. The doctors are highly trained and board-certified in radiation oncology, with additional training in internal medicine. The team uses the latest technology and participates in clinical trials, giving patients access to more treatment options. Patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from a team committed to listening, answering questions and involving them in treatment decisions. Radiation Oncology physicians also collaborate closely with medical oncologists, surgeons, neurosurgeons, urologists, pulmonologists, breast surgeons and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. CoxHealth Radiation Oncology meets high standards for safety and quality. The program is accredited by ASTRO’s Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx®) and the Commission on Cancer. The team guides patients and their families through cancer care, offering expert treatment, support and a focus on quality of life.

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Dr. Mackenzie Lesh

MERCY SPRINGFIELD BREAST SURGERY

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(417) 820-9340 MERCY.NET/DRLESH 1229 E. SEMINOLE ST. SUITE 310, SPRINGFIELD

s a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist at Mercy, Dr. Mackenzie Lesh knows every patient she treats is different, even if their diagnosis is similar. Dr. Lesh’s role is to help her patients navigate that journey. She’s there to answer their questions, ease their fears and choose a treatment path that best fits their needs and lifestyle. Dr. Lesh joined Mercy in September 2024 as the team’s only female breast surgical oncologist. During her medical residency, Dr. Lesh trained at Mercy and was drawn to the way Mercy looks at each patient’s overall health instead of simply treating individual symptoms. “I really appreciated the environment at Mercy when I was a resident,” she says. “I could tell that the people of Springfield were special, and that is definitely reflected in my patients now.” Dr. Lesh is often one of the first people patients see when they begin treatment for breast cancer, and thanks to her role, she becomes an integral part in their treatment and recovery. “Breast surgery, especially breast cancer surgery, is unique in that I have the opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships with my patients,” she says. “That is something truly special.” As new technologies and treatments continue to evolve, Dr. Lesh is excited to bring the latest surgical innovations to her patients across this region.

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Jeremy Light, MD; Michael Swann, MD; Michael Kremer, MD; Not pictured: Elizabeth Spenceri, MD

417-888-0858 SWANNDERMATOLOGY.COM 3850 S. NATIONAL AVE. STE 705, SPRINGFIELD 1240 E. INDEPENDENCE ST., SPRINGFIELD 109 PINEHURST DR, BRANSON 331 HOSPITAL DR., STE C, LEBANON 2200 E. CLEVELAND AVE., MONETT

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wann Dermatology Partners, a Forefront Dermatology Practice, has become a trusted resource for skin cancer detection and treatment across southwest Missouri. With five locations serving the region, the practice combines advanced technology, specialized expertise and a patient-centered approach to care. At the heart of the practice is a team of highly trained specialists, including fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons Dr. Michael Swann, Dr. Elizabeth Spenceri and Dr. Jeremy Light, along with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Kremer. Together, they offer comprehensive skin cancer care tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, goals and overall health. The physicians at Swann Dermatology Partners utilize Mohs surgery, widely regarded as the gold standard for treating many skin cancers because of its precision and cure rates of up to 99% for certain cancers. The practice also offers radiation therapy, providing non-surgical treatment options for skin cancer patients who may not be candidates for surgery or who prefer a less invasive approach. From routine skin checks and early detection to advanced treatment and reconstruction, their doctors and team of providers are committed to delivering exceptional care close to home. Their focus extends beyond treating cancer itself by helping patients of all ages navigate any and all skin concerns with confidence, compassion and peace of mind. To learn more or to schedule an appointment at a location convenient for you, please visit swanndermatology.com

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CENTRAL CANCER CARE CENTER 417-326-7200 | CCCANCER.COM 1501 N. OAKLAND AVE., BOLIVAR

For Dr. Leo Shunyakov, MD, a cancer diagnosis is never just a medical issue—it’s a human one. Dr. Leo is a hematologist-oncologist specializing in oncology, hematology and internal medicine. After completing residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester, he helped lead advanced cancer care at Central Care Cancer Center. A pioneer in cellular therapy in southwest Missouri, he brings innovative treatment options to local patients, including outpatient therapies that expand access to cutting-edge care. Dr. Leo prioritizes timely access to care, personalized treatment plans and meaningful patient education. He believes successful cancer care requires a team approach involving patients, families and providers, ensuring patients always have someone in their corner during treatment. Dr. Leo Shunyakov, MD

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ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES 417-882-4880 | OHACLINIC.COM 3850 S NATIONAL AVE #600, SPRINGFIELD

Since 1979, Oncology Hematology Associates (OHA) has provided expert, community-based care for patients with breast cancer, blood disorders and other cancers. With locations in Springfield and Monett, OHA offers advanced treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, BiTE® therapy and access to clinical trials. Patients also benefit from supportive services such as DigniCap®, onsite financial counseling, and personalized care close to home. New patients are typically seen within one week, with self-referrals and second opinions welcome. OHA’s experienced physicians and compassionate team are committed to guiding patients with confidence throughout every stage of treatment. Jiantao Ding, MD; Robert Ellis, MD, FACP; Brooke Gillett, DO; Roger Holden, MD, PhD 417MAG.COM

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214 West Phelps St, Ste. 101, Springgeld, MO 65806

(417) 616-6488

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PEEK INSIDE

A Library To Linger In With inspiration from a cozy Lebanon home library, discover simple ways to carve out a reading retreat of your own— just in time for fall afternoons. B Y HE AT HE R KOHL E R PHOT OG R A PHE D B Y JA N A E HA Y

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At Home Grid patterned shelving creates a looks that’s both timeless and modern.

t was years in the making, a dream home and a dream library where one homeowner could spend hours tucked away reading, doing puzzles and unwinding from the day. The home was a new construction, complete with lots of architectural details throughout, and the library was no different. The homeowners enlisted interior designer Shailey Murphy to help bring their ideas to fruition. When it came time to work out the details of the library, there were some musthaves from the homeowners, like a cozy gas fireplace. “We actually just kind of sketched it out on a piece of paper,” Murphy says. “We liked the grid pattern of the squares because it felt a little bit modern. I think the house itself is a bit modern, and we kind of pulled it back to something more timeless.” Rich immersive color was another box that needed to be checked, but finding just the right color took some time. “We tried some medium green and some darker green,” says Murphy “But outside of that, I think blue was always what we were envisioning for the library.” Painting the ceiling the same blue (Sherwin Williams 7602 Indigo Batik) was a decision that actually came after painting the walls and shelving. Sitting with it for a bit helped them all decide to really commit and color drench the whole space. Murphy recommends opting for bold color in libraries. “I’m a sucker for the classics,” Murphy says. “I’d love to see a 62

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deep burgundy library, or give me a black library—that’s dramatic.” The couple and Murphy paid close attention to the details when designing this library. They added brass in a variety of ways, like on the hardware and in the lighting. Murphy suggests splurging on the items you touch everyday. “We kind of mixed and matched high end and low end,” she says. “All of the levered doorknobs are

the unlacquered brass, and so that will patina over time, which is cool.” They splurged on the sconces near the library’s fireplace and a reading floor lamp but found budget-friendly sconces for above the bookshelves. “Those are way up high, and you can’t touch them,” Murphy says. “Splurge on things you can touch.” Overall, the homeowners and their daughter were looking for a storybook

Drenched in bold blue, this space is full of charming detail, like the antique stool (below).

“We wanted a cool Beauty and the Beast library.” —Shailey Murphy

space, so bringing some antique furnishings was another must-have. “We wanted a cool Beauty and the Beast library,” Murphy says. “And because they didn’t have an office in the home, we thought an antique table would be timeless.” Murphy went to Etsy and found an antique Victorian oval Marquetry table from the 19th century. “We had it shipped from Oklahoma,” Murphy

says. “I had no idea how that was going to go, and it was packaged so well. It came in amazing.” The library stepstool was another charming antique find from Etsy. In this house, the homeowners traded the traditional office for a library room, but Murphy thinks anyone can carve out a space in their home for a library area. “Any overlooked area, like a corner or a hallway

or the landing at the top of the stairs or a dead space, could be used,” Murphy says. Her tips for using those spaces: Add a cozy chair and a lamp and bring in a small bookshelf. Add color with a special rug, paint color or wallpaper that makes it stand out from the rest of the home. Now, she says, that formerly neglected spot is a cozy nook you’ll use all the time. 417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

At Home

A Legacy in Every Stitch Equal parts history, craftsmanship and art, quilts are more sought after than ever. Here’s where to score vintage designs, how to shop like a collector and why they’re one of the easiest ways to add cozy character to your home. BY HE ATHER KOHLER

t’s always right at the beginning of October, as the air turns crisp and cool, that I feel especially grateful for my quilt stockpile I’ve been lucky enough to acquire. You’ll find them thrown over sofas and chairs, across beds, banisters and tucked in baskets ready for family movie nights year round at our house, but especially in colder months. Most of them were handed down to me from my grandmother or great-grandmother, both quilters here in the Ozarks. Perhaps my favorite and one of my most prized possessions is a wedding quilt that was made for me in all purples hues, my favorite color and the main source of inspiration for my bedroom. I’ve thrifted a few over the years, but recently I haven’t been able to ignore the increased demand for antique and 64

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vintage quilts, with specific color combinations or patterns demanding a pretty penny at most shops and online. “I think they’re just a piece of art, they are so versatile,” says Robin Gilmore, a local quilt collector and former owner of Ms. Gilmore’s Vintage Suitcase. “I just bought two the other day.” Gilmore has been collecting quilts for many years and also decorates her home in a variety of colors and patterns of quilts. “In the fall I put my orange ones out, and in December I put the red ones out,” she says. “I don’t think they’ll ever go out.” Gilmore’s obsession began after she thrifted a large box of books and found one title she couldn’t wait to get home and read: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend. The book told of the quilts created by generations of African American women who live in a tiny community in Alabama named Gee’s Bend. Many are descended from enslaved people who remained on the land as sharecroppers. Their

vibrant quilts transformed worn-out work clothes and fabric scraps into what has been described as the most outstanding example of art in the United States. It’s safe to say that every quilt tells a story. Baby quilts are often made and given to celebrate the birth of a new baby, and quilts are often given for other big life events like a wedding or even moving away from home. “I always look for quilts with a story,” Ashley Lowe says. Lowe is a lawyer by day and an antique lover by night who’s been fixing up her home with vintage and antique finds over the past few years. “I thrifted a quilt from the marketplace to cozy up on the sofa with,” Lowe says. “I can tell it was constructed of old clothes.” A quilt rack is how Lowe displays her other quilts. “The quilt rack I thrifted for $15 actually holds my most treasured possessions: my mama’s quilts she painstakingly pieced together and quilted by hand,” Lowe says. Whether you display on racks or in a display case, having your quilts out and about in your home and not stored away is what many quilt owners are all about. “I will always be proud to display my quits,” Lowe says. Buying vintage and antique quilts, both hand-stitched and machined, is a market

P H O TO S BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R

COLLECTED

Left to right: Heather Kohler, Robin Gilmore and Ashley Lowe share a love of quilts.

that’s currently in full swing, so grabbing up a rare mint condition quilt can be quite a challenge. For me, the hunt makes finding an amazing quilt for my home much more rewarding. When thrifting, the key is acting fast because most quilts get grabbed up quickly and go from anywhere from to $100–1,000. Marketplace is a great place to start, but don’t forget to roam your favorite local antique markets and thrift stores. If you go early you might get lucky. Gilmore recommends looking for local auction houses like Spotted Dog Antiques ( facebook.com/republicmisouri), a reputable online auction house where you can bid on your favorite designs live on Facebook almost weekly. They’re based in Republic and are known for their large quilt auctions. Gilmore also recommends buying quilt toppers and paying to have them quilted. “Buying the tops is much cheaper,” she says. “Once they’re quilted, they are just fabulous, and the colors are much more defined.” Some highly sought-after quilts are ones that are two-toned or monochromatic. These are especially popular because their limited color palettes can easily coordinate with a variety of styles. Quilts from the ’20s and ’30s made with pastels like soft pinks, light blues, butter yellows and mint greens were cut from commercial feed and flour sacks and are very popular today among cottage-style lovers. Amish quilts, known for their minimalist designs, are also collector favorites, as they go with a more minimalist aesthetic. If you’ve always wanted to try quilting yourself, there’s a plethora of quilting groups to get involved in locally. The Quilted Cow (1711 W. Battlefield Rd., Ste. E, Springfield, 417-413-3334) is well known for their handson classes and expert instructors, if you’re feeling creative this fall. Shawn’s Sewing Center (1301 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, 417-885-1242) also offers a quilting class for beginners several times a year where each student completes a table topper.

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Read our full story about locals and their beloved quilts at 417mag.com.

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“There’s a difference in a builder and a partner.” –Kelly Hart

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Every detail of Kelly Hart’s Highland Springs home carries a piece of the vision she and her late husband, Bill, shared. After selling their previous Highland Springs home in 2022, the couple purchased a lot and began planning their next home. Along the way, Bill was diagnosed with ALS, changing nearly every part of their lives. Then, through an unexpected meeting, they connected with MWS HOMES’ Mike Strange. “There’s a difference in a builder and a partner,” Kelly says. She credits Mike with bringing their vision to life while working with them through the many changes that came along the way. Throughout the build, Mike worked closely with Kelly and Bill to adapt the plans as Bill’s condition progressed, helping the couple make thoughtful modifications without sacrificing the home’s design. Kelly says that during a time when so much of their lives felt uncertain, Mike gave them one thing they could count on: someone who would keep moving their dream—Bill’s dream—forward. The couple moved into their new home in February 2025, just in time to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary there. Five months and 17 days later, Bill passed away Today, Kelly says the home remains a gift from her husband, made possible with the help of MWS Homes. If she ever built another home, Kelly says, she would find a way to have Mike by her side again, no matter where she lived.

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More Than A Home

At Home

FEELS LIKE HOME

Staying Close to Home

How one couple’s passion for history, craftsmanship and community has shaped their cottage in the Sequiota neighborhood.

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BY HE ATHER KOHLER

layton and amanda grigsby hardly ever have to leave their little corner of southeast Springfield, except to get chicken feed for the girls that roost in their large, shady backyard in the Sequiota neighborhood. With easy access to Galloway Creek Greenway Trail, and a favorite brewery, a grocery store and plenty of restaurants at their fingertips, it’s no wonder the couple finds themselves so close to home these days. “We can even walk to see a movie if we want,” Clayton says. “We have everything here.”

In recent years, the couple has begun to travel less, and they are happy to keep their roots local to the area. They are even part of a group they call “The Galloway Drinking Club,” made up of neighborhood friends. Now that Clayton and Amanda are home more, they’ve been working on restoring and remodeling their 1940s cottage. “It was very 1980s, so we had to add everything back in,” Clayton says. Amanda adds that they still have tons of plans. The couple spent a lot of time working on the exterior of the home, including creating lots of garden beds using rocks they found around the property. “My grandmother and 417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

At Home

mother were big gardeners so they passed that down to us,” Clayton says. Along with the gardens, there are some 52 trees on the property. “The backyard was so overgrown, it took us two years to clear it out,” Clayton says. Like many other homes in the area, the cottage is small but mighty, sitting on a 68

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large lot with massive oaks and tulip trees. “This area used to be its own little town,” Clayton says. “A lot of the people that lived in these houses worked at the quarry.” The quarry he’s referring to is The Ash Grove White Lime Association that began operations in the 1880s and is responsible for the area becoming a busy town, drawing

workers and their families to live right next to the quarries. It was Amanda who was originally drawn to the cottage when the couple decided to downsize from a much larger home where some rooms got little use at all. “I adore small houses,” Amanda says. “I think they have so much character.”

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Clockwise from above: Amanda and Clayton Grigsby, their living room and their kitchen

“I like things like water stains. I like things to have a story.” —Clayton Grigsby

Stepping inside the cottage is a bit like stepping through time, right back to the ’40s when the cottage was built. “I’ve always been into antiques,” says Clayton, who also co-owns Black Stag Mercantile (7449 MO-14, Sparta). You’ll find lots of unique antique art and photographs adorning every wall, vintage camping memorabilia and loads of old books. “Everything has a personal meaning and connection to things we have done,” Amanda says. There are also lots of European influences from living overseas when Clayton was in the military. Although the couple did rely on Rock Solid Renovations (4166 N 20th St, Ozark, 417-581-8096) for a big part of their remodel on the lower level, Clayton is no stranger to do-it-yourself work on the cottage. “I worked at a cabinet shop when I got out of the military,” Clayton says. “We’re always building something.” Together, they make the most of their square footage by taking advantage of every inch of their space and making functional elements beautiful focal points, like a bar area where they display their favorite bourbon. “We collect bourbon,” Clayton says. “Once a week, we have a bourbon night.” The Grigsbys are a testament to honoring history, thoughtfully collecting worn, imperfect furnishings they genuinely love rather than simply filling a space. “I like things like water stains,” Clayton says. “I like things to have a story.”

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OCTOBER 2026

WINERY Weekends

to understand the significance of the Missouri wine industry requires a brief history lesson. So let’s travel back in time to the 19th century and explore a true tale that makes Show-Me State winemakers light up: the one where Missouri saves the French wine industry and goes on to become the top U.S. wine-producing state. Beginning in the early 1860s, what’s known as the Great French Wine Blight began. Vintners in the South of France noticed their grape vines rotting row by row. As the issue escalated, a regional

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agricultural organization enlisted help from Botanist Jules Émile Planchon to get to the bottom of what was plaguing these vines. After digging up a seemingly healthy plant, he discovered aphid-like insects that were sucking the sap out of the plant’s roots. And this is the part where some Missourians step in and save the day. When Missouri’s state entomologist, Charles Valentine Riley, heard the news of this insect that was wreaking havoc on French’s wine industry, he realized it sounded a bit like an aphid that chewed

away at the leaves on Missouri vines, but not their roots. Around 1870, Riley reached out to Planchon. Together, they discovered that the roots of Missouri’s vine were resistant to this insect, so they experimented with grafting these roots into French vines. And it worked. Missouri viticulturists sent hundreds of their vine cuttings across the Atlantic to help aid in the effort to save the wine industry in Southern France. One of these was Hermann Jaeger, a Swiss-born immigrant who settled in Neosho, Missouri. The French

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government even awarded him the Legion of Honor in 1889 as a thank you for sending 17 railroad cars full of his native rootstock. But Riley and Jaeger weren’t the only Missourians in the wine industry making international headlines. At the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair, a Norton wine produced by Michael Poeschel, founder of Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, was declared the “Best Red Wine of All Nations.” Missouri’s state grape is the Norton, and this resilient variety is still beloved for the bold, dark red wine with

notes of blackberry and dark chocolate that it yields. Based on data from the Missouri Secretary of State’s archives, Missouri was leading U.S. wine output around this same time. But all of this success came to a screeching halt during Prohibition. Even after its repeal in 1933, it took a few decades for the Missouri wine industry to begin its recovery. That brings us back where we are today. According to the Missouri Wine and Grape Board,

our state is now home to more than 125 wineries, many of which are located in clusters that form wine trails perfect for exploring over a weekend. With such a rich history and a promising future ahead, the Missouri wine industry is worth a second look. It’s full of passionate wine makers and gorgeous wineries that offer opportunities for experiential travel. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip that will make you fall even more in love with Missouri’s wine and its roots.

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For a Romantic Getaway: Augusta and Highway 94

Three-hour drive northeast of Springfield get your playlist ready, because a winery weekend in Augusta, Missouri, is going to be filled with scenic drives. And may we suggest you add some French hits to the mix? Because as you travel through the rolling hills dotted with vineyards, you may have to remind yourself that you’re really in Augusta and not Bordeaux. FRIDAY 11:30 a.m. First stop, Balducci Vineyards (6601 S. Missouri 94, Augusta), because it’s time to carb load for your big weekend of traversing wineries. Order a 10-inch deep pan pizza and warn your date that you’re not in the mood to share. And of course, pair it with a glass of wine. Tell your server whether you like your wine sweet, semi-sweet or dry, and they’ll suggest the perfect glass made with grapes grown right on the property.

3 p.m. Make a quick pit stop just down the road at Augusta Winery (5601 High St., Augusta), where they’ve been perfecting their small-batch wine since 1988. Swing by the tasting room to discover your favorite white or red, and enjoy a glass in their wine and beer garden, which will remind you of a stunning European terrace. 72

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1:30 p.m. It’s time to head into town and check out Mount Pleasant Estates (5634 High St., Augusta). This picturesque pastel pink winery is rich with history. German brothers George and Frederick Muench founded this commercial wine business in 1859, and it still shows off the historic cellars that were dug by hand. You’ll want to save some room in your trunk to load up on bottles to take home, because several of their wines have won awards at the World Wine Championships.

4 p.m. Check into H.S. Clay House (219 Public St., Augusta), a bed and breakfast located in the town’s historic district. This 1885 Queen Anne Victorian house will make the perfect base camp for checking out all of the nearby wineries. You can’t miss it, because it’s right next to the town’s picture-perfect church that was built in 1861. 6 p.m. The night is young. After you’ve settled in and freshened up, take advantage of the fact that Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery (13699 South MO-94, Dutzow) is open until 8 p.m. on Fridays, and head there for a free wine tasting. Then, order a glass of whichever one pleases your palate the most, and enjoy it with some locally produced charcuterie and cheese. But if you’re extra hungry, you can also order in some outside food and have it delivered straight to the winery. SATURDAY 9 a.m. We hope you’ve got a big appetite, because the crew at H.S. is ready to plate you a fresh, gourmet breakfast. Think offerings like quiche, crêpes and eggs Benedict. And the best part? It’s complimentary with your stay.

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10 a.m. If it’s a beautiful morning, put on your hiking shoes and head to the Augusta Trailhead, which is part of the Katy Trail. The starting point is just an eight-minute stroll from H.S. Clay House down Public Street.

Venture down below to Mount Pleasant Estates’ wine cellar (top). Check out the tasting room at Augusta Winery (above), where you can test their perfected small-batch wine straight from the vineyard (left).

12 p.m. Are you hungry again? After that hike, we bet so. Chandler Hill Vineyards (596 Defiance Road, Defiance) is the place to enjoy both wine and amazing food. Kick off your meal by ordering some burrata bruschetta for an appetizer, and pair it with their Pinot Gris. The lunch menu features soups, salads and handhelds with sommelier-suggested wine pairings for

each. Chandler Hill Vineyards is named after Joseph Chandler, a freedman who formerly owned the property. He traveled along the Mississippi River a few years after the Civil War and settled in Defiance, Missouri, where he befriended the Fluesmeier family and worked on their farm. They deeded the property to him to thank him for his dedication, and he lived here until he passed away in 1952. 2 p.m. Enjoy a quick pit stop at The Historic Daniel Boone Home (1868 Hwy F, Defiance), which is just a five-minute drive from Chandler Hill Vineyards. Take a one-hour guided tour of where this famous American explorer once lived. 3:30 p.m. You still have time to squeeze in one last winery before dinner, and here’s why it should be Montelle Winery (201 Montelle Dr., Augusta). For starters, it boasts one of the most beautiful views in the area. (If you’re there when the fall foliage is in its prime, just know we’re jealous.) 6:30 p.m. Treat yourselves to a farm-to-table dinner at Root Food + Wine (5525 Walnut St., Augusta). We recommend savoring the pre-fixe menu in the herb gardens. SUNDAY 10 a.m. After you’re all packed up and ready to head home, make a little 40-minute side quest to the Inns at St. Albans (3500 St. Albans Rd., St. Albans). Head to Mabel Mae’s, where Christopher Anderson, a Michelin-starred chef, whips up Southern-inspired breakfast classics. Enjoying the views at this gorgeous historic property with a small on-site vineyard is a great way to cap off the weekend. You may also be able to catch a cooking class here, so be sure to check their activities schedule ahead of time—and then plan accordingly. 417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

Three-hour drive northeast of Springfield

according to the missouri tourism Bureau, the wineries in Hermann produce 200,000 gallons of wine a year, which accounts for about a third of the statewide total. As the local legend goes, Hermann’s resemblance to the Rhine Valley prompted scouts from the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia to choose this site for a colony on the American frontier. When the first German settlers arrived, they decided to make the most of the wilderness and plant vineyards on the rocky hillsides, and we’re still getting to reap the benefits of those pioneers’ ingenuity today. Hermann’s known for its beautiful lodging, its historic architecture, and perhaps best of all for wine lovers, its charming trolley that connects you to it all.

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FRIDAY 12:30 p.m. Kick off your trip on a high note with a visit to Stone Hill Winery (Stone Hill Winery, 1110 Stone Hill Hwy, Hermann). Make sure to make a lunch reservation at Vintage 1847 Restaurant, which is nestled inside the property’s original carriage house and barn (you’ve got to try the Reuben). While you’re there, you’ll want to block off a few hours to leisurely enjoy everything that this stunning site has to offer. You can take a free and super-educational tour inside Stone Hill Winery’s stunning cellars with curved arch ceilings, enjoy a wine tasting, admire the neat rows of grape vines, and find a trinket and a few bottles to take home in the gift shop.

4 p.m. Check in to either the Vinchester Inn (129 E. 3rd St., Hermann) or the White House Hotel (232 Wharf St., Hermann). Both are conveniently located in Hermann’s walkable downtown district in beautiful historic buildings. Suite 3 at Vinchester Inn sleeps six and features gorgeous natural light, a mix of modern and antique decor and a kitchenette. Translation: It is the perfect place to host a group of gals. White House Hotel leans full-on Victorian. Each gorgeous room will make you feel like you’ve stepped into 1868, but with modern amenities, of course. 6 p.m. Make your way to Tin Mill Restaurant (315 E. 1st St., Ste. 1115, Hermann) for a mash-up

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For a Girls’ Weekend: Hermann

Take in the beautiful views at OakGlenn Vineyards & Winery ( far left) and delicious food and wine combos at Stone Hill Winery (left and above).

3 p.m. Hop back on the Hermann Trolley and take it to OakGlenn Vineyards & Winery (1104 Oak Glenn Place, Hermann). Here, you can enjoy wine made from grapes grown on the Old Norton Vines planted by George Husmann in the late 1800s. This is the winery with the view that makes for great photo ops—it’s positioned high on the bluffs and overlooks the Missouri River. Don’t miss the last trolley ride back into town (it runs until 5 p.m.), and head back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.

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of German and American fare. It’s located inside a restored 100-year-old grist mill, and this stop will be a treat for anyone in your group who prefers beer to wine. They have a beer garden located in the back, and more than 20 brews on tap. SATURDAY 9 a.m. Start your day with breakfast at Ainsley’s Place (127 E. 4th St., Hermann) for a hearty meal of biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits that will keep you fueled until lunch. 10:30 a.m. Explore the shops in downtown Hermann. If you’re a Schitt’s Creek fan, be sure to stop into The Fancy Pheasant (209 Schiller St., Hermann), which feels like a real-life Rose

Apothecary. If you love antiques, you can’t miss Hermann’s Attic Antique Mall (225 E. 1st St., Hermann). 11:30 a.m. Walk to nearby Hermannhof Winery (330 E. 1st St., Hermann) for wine tasting followed by a bratwurst with sauerkraut for lunch. Don’t leave Hermannhof Winery without a quick tour of the building and its cellars. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places. 1 p.m. Take the Hermann Trolley to Adam Putcha Winery (1947 Frene Creek Rd., Hermann). This family-owned winery was founded in 1855, and they’re famous for their refreshing wine slushies.

6:30 p.m. It’s dinner time, and we bet you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Hermann. If you’re feeling another round of drinks with your meal, walk to Doxie Slush (222 E. 1st St, Hermann). You’ll come for the frozen cocktails with lovely garnishes like fresh strawberries and mint sprigs, but stay for the great fast-casual food. We love the salmon and sweet potato tacos. SUNDAY 10 a.m. Allow yourself to sleep in just a little before checking out of the Vinchester Inn or White House Hotel, and then swing by Espresso Laine (100 Schiller St., Hermann) for some coffee and pastries or an egg bake on your way out of town. 417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

For Wining and Extra Good Dining: Ste. Genevieve

A four-hour drive northeast of Springfield ste. genevieve is a charming, historical town with French influence that’s surrounded by several wineries. You’ll come for the beautiful architecture and vino, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amazing food offerings. FRIDAY 12:30 p.m. About halfway through your drive to Ste. Genevieve, make a delicious pit stop for lunch at St. James Winery (540 State Rte. B, St. James), where you can purchase bottles to take home and enjoy a meal at The Bistro Tasting Room. 3 p.m. While you’re waiting for check-in time for your accommodations, make the most of the spare hour or two by learning a bit about the history of the town at the Centre for French Colonial Life (198 Market St., Ste. Genevieve). Here, you can enjoy living history presentations and demonstrations and tour two historic houses on the property. 4 p.m. Check-in time! Head to Audubon’s (9 N. Main St., Ste. Genevieve), which will be your home away from home for the next two nights. It first opened as the City Hotel in 1904, and has been an iconic local landmark since. Drop off your luggage and enjoy a quick round of drinks and appetizers at the hotel’s bar. 6 p.m. Charleville Brewery & Winery (16937 Boyd Rd., Ste. Genevieve) is open until 8 p.m. on Fridays, so it’s the perfect spot for a Friday night dinner and a good drink. The menu here is full of shareable plates, artisan pizzas and entrees that rotate monthly. They also have a self-serve tasting station that shows off 24 wine and beer taps. It’s about a 35-minute drive

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outside of Ste. Genevieve, but we promise it’s worth it. SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. There’s nothing like exploring a beautiful and walkable downtown with a coffee or matcha in hand, so stop into Birdies Coffee + Bakery (122 N. Main St., Ste. Genevieve) before doing a little shopping. But be sure to sit in the cafe for just a bit so you have time to finish your quiche. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll have a hard time resisting the urge to buy a pastry. Just lean into it, you won’t be disappointed. 11 a.m. Enjoy an early lunch at Brix Urban Winery & Market (245 Merchant St., Ste. Genevieve). This is where you’ll find Star Lite River Restaurant, which serves hearty fare like smash burgers, Cuban sandwiches and shrimp tacos. And don’t miss the wine, of course. Mead is their area of expertise here, which is a type of wine that’s made only using water, yeast and fermented honey. 12:30 p.m. Hop on the Ste. Genevieve Trolley (there’s a stop right by Audubon’s), and make your way to Chateau Sainte Genevieve Winery (8921 Jackson School Rd., Bloomsdale). This sixth-generation family farm and homestead specializes in French-American wines. 2:30 p.m. The Terrace at French Village (6188 Hwy Y, French Village) isn’t too far from Chateau Sainte Genevieve Winery, so it’s a great next stop. This winery keeps a calendar full of booked acts, so there’s a very good chance you’ll get to enjoy some live music to pair with your glass. The property is also beautiful and features a 150-foot waterfall and several spacious wooden decks where you can enjoy the view.

4 p.m. There’s still time to squeeze in one more winery. Get back on the trolley and take it to Oak Meadow Winery (6470 Hwy F, Farmington). If you need a little snack to tide you over, they have a hefty appetizer menu full of delights like fried pickles and toasted ravioli. You never know what unexpected, but delicious, wine pairing you might make with this classic pub grub. Just be sure to catch the last trolley back into town. It runs until 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. If you’re ready to wind down for the evening after this big day of wine hopping, we understand. But if you’ve worked up an appetite, take a quick walk to Anvil Restaurant & Saloon (46 3rd St., Ste. Genevieve), which originally opened as a gentleman’s saloon in 1855. Save room for a little dessert, because you don’t want to pass up a visit to Sara’s Ice Cream (124 Merchant St., Ste. Genevieve). SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. On Sundays, you don’t even have to leave Audubon’s to get a great breakfast. If you’re craving something sweet, try the custard-stuffed French toast with seasonal berry jam. For a savory option, you can’t go wrong with the truffle mushroom and goat cheese omelet. You’ll leave full and ready for the journey home.

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Clockwise from right: Enjoy the 24 wine and beer taps at Charleville Brewery & Winery, along with shareable plates and a stunning view.

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OCTOBER 2026

For an Outdoorsy Weekend: Rocheport A three-hour drive north of Springfield

rocheport is a darling, tiny town that offers amazing Missouri River views. Since the Katy Trail runs right through it, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking and cycling.

4 p.m. If the words trailside vineyard retreat sound extra appealing to you, you’ll want to stay at The Blufftop at Rocheport, which is located at Les Bourgeois Vineyards (14020 W. Hwy BB, Rocheport). Here, they have multiple cottages and guest houses to choose from, as well as a great tasting room. But if you want to go full outdoors mode, pitch a tent at Katy Roundhouse Campground (1893 Katy Dr., New Franklin), which makes the perfect base camp for exploring all the wineries and the Katy Trail alike. 6 p.m. Once you’re all settled in, head to the A-Frame Winegarden at The Blufftop at Rocheport, where you can get your hands on both amazing wine and great food. Be it sweet or dry, white or red, you can bet they will have a wine that fits your pref78

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Explore Les Bourgeois Vineyards with a tour and tasting.

erences. They serve shareable picnic-style menu options, and you’d be surprised at how full you’ll leave. Pick a seat where you’ll be able to admire the sunset and unbeatable blufftop view. SATURDAY 8 a.m. Wake up with the sun and make yourself a delicious breakfast early so you can hit the Katy Trail. If you’re in the mood to bike, consider traveling from Rocheport to McBaine (Mile Marker 178.3 to 169.9). This stretch is known as one of the most stunning portions of the Katy Trail, and it’s only 18 miles round trip. Even on foot, you can easily make it to the Rocheport Tunnel, which is a 240-foot former train tunnel that is postcard-worthy. 11:30 a.m. You just burned a lot of energy, so go to The Rocheport General Store (202 Central St., Rocheport) to refuel. It’s located right off the Katy Trail and serves deli sandwiches, pizza and salads. 1 p.m. There’s nothing like doing a little shopping after lunch, so be sure to check out the other businesses on Central Street. Don’t miss Southern Provisions (110 Central St., Rocheport), where you can make your own candle.

3 p.m. Spend a leisurely afternoon back at Les Bourgeois Vineyards (14020 W. Hwy Bb, Rocheport), because although you’re staying there, you haven’t gotten the chance to visit its tasting room yet. Here, you can sample Les Bourgeois Vineyards’ award-winning wines or discover a new local wine brand, like Mizzou Vintage. Be sure to ask for a sip of The Blufftop’s premium line, Blufftop Cellars. 6 p.m. Head over to The Rocheport Winery at Mount Nebo Inn (801 1st St., Rocheport) for some more wining and dining. Order a hefty round of appetizers for the table (don’t sleep on the spinach and artichoke dip) and some wood-fired pizza. Go ahead and split a bottle that their in-house sommelier helps you select. There’s also usually live entertainment on Saturday nights, and the show begins at 7 p.m. SUNDAY 10 a.m. Sleep in a bit before heading back to real life. On your way out of town, swing by Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop for brunch (700 1st St., Rocheport). Get the Meri Sunrise Burger, which is flavor-packed thanks to the smoked gouda, bacon, caramelized onions and creamy chipotle mayo.

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FRIDAY 12:30 p.m. Rocheport is just a 20-minute drive from Columbia. Spend some time enjoying that charming college town before you escape to the quiet countryside. The downtown district is very walkable. We recommend making Pizza Tree (909 Cherry St., Columbia) your first stop, and ordering the Pissed Off Pesto Chicken pizza. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, you can’t beat Shortwave Coffee (915 Alley A, Columbia). There are several nearby shops worth popping your head into. Hitt Records (10 Hitt St., Columbia) is a fun stop, and you never know what treasure you’ll find at Poppy Made by Hand (920 E. Broadway #1, Columbia).

Cassell Vineyard is unmatched in its amazing vibes and food (left). Sit back and relax with a glass at Bear Creek Winery & Brewery (lower left).

2 p.m. Enjoy a guided tasting at Ozark Hills Winery (601 Historic Hwy 165, Branson) and grab a few bottles of your favorites to stock your wine shelf at home. They name each of their wines after the ideal situation to enjoy it in, e.g., Bubble Bath Zin and Three Day Weekend White.

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For a Staycation: 417-Land

southwest missouri is also home to several great wineries that work magic with grapes grown right here. This is how we’d recommend spending a weekend exploring the wineries in our own backyard. FRIDAY 12 p.m. Leave work early, load up your car and head to 7C’s Winery (502 E. 560th Rd., Walnut Grove). Make sure you’ve arrived with picnic supplies, because this is the perfect spot to dine al fresco with a glass of their signature mead. But if wine made from grapes is more your style, try the Norton. This wine, made from Missouri’s state grape, is a dry red that’s full-bodied with spicy, earthy notes. 5:30 p.m. Check into your cabin at Bear Creek Cabin Resort, located at Bear Creek Winery & Brewery (1320 Keithley Rd., Walnut Shade). The Wilderness Cabin here is bright and airy meets rustic and charming. It’s constructed on stilts, which means you’ll get the best views of the treetops in the Ozarks woods.

6:30 p.m. After you’ve unpacked for your weekend stay, make your way to Bear Creek Winery & Brewery’s tasting room for some libations. They have a full food menu with offerings like pizza, paninis, soups and plenty of appetizers. Don’t sleep on the fondue, which is a creamy blend of Swiss, Gruyere and raclette cheese. Pair it with a glass of Hillbilly Persuasion, which tastes a bit like a light and crisp chardonnay.

5 p.m. Take an afternoon road trip and arrive at Cassell Vineyards (1103 Lucky Rd., Mansfield) just in time for an early dinner. This Tuscany-inspired winery gets an A+ for its gorgeous ambiance, great wine selection and good food. On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve handmade pasta. Pair it with a glass of Tiziano Chiante, and the combo will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. SUNDAY 8 a.m. Make breakfast at your cabin to fuel up. You’ve got a bit of a drive ahead of you.

SATURDAY 10 a.m. After you’ve made yourself a light breakfast at the cabin, head out for a quick horseback ride at Bear Creek Trail Rides (3400 US-65, Walnut Shade). But if hiking or biking is more your speed, go to Howler Bike Park (3410 US-65, Walnut Shade). Just don’t leave without swinging by the coffee shop there first.

11 a.m. First stop, Keltoi Winery (17705 County Rd. 260, Oronogo), where you can find classic reds, whites and fruit wines. This winery celebrates Irish culture with their very own Blarney Stone, Leprechaun throne and fairy garden. It is also the perfect place for lunch, as it partners with Two Brothers Catering to offer Neapolitan pizza, Panuozzo, salad, bruschetta and other eats.

12:30 p.m. Head into Branson for a charcuterie-style lunch at Lindwedel Winery (3158 State Hwy 265, Branson). Savor a wine flight with soft pretzel sticks, meat, cheese and accoutrements like pickled okra and sundried tomatoes.

2 p.m. Take a quick 10-minute drive to Christine’s Vineyard (25695 Mulberry Rd., Webb City). Unwind on the patio with one of their signature wine slushes. Fair warning: This peaceful vineyard is so pleasant, you might find it hard to head home. 417MAG.COM

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Meet the Vintners These vineyard owners are shaping southwest Missouri’s wine scene one harvest at a time.

Kathy and Mike Dennis Cassell Vineyards, 1103 Lucky Rd., Mansfield

When Bill and Leigh Ann Cassell purchased their property in Mansfield in 2005, Bill quickly began envisioning a vineyard view on the hillside. The now-shuttered Whispering Oaks Winery was located just up the road, and owner Larry Green took the Cassells under his wing, even offering them clippings of his St. Vincent vines that still live in their vineyard to this day. They successfully harvested their first grapes in 2011 and produced their first vintage in 2012. Currently, winemaking is a hobby for the Cassells, but they are actively working toward becoming Missouri wine producers with a focus on port wine. However, that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy any vino while you’re visiting this Tuscan-inspired vineyard, as they serve a robust menu of Italian wines alongside pizza, pasta and charcuterie. Cassell Vineyards is also a wedding venue, and all four of Bill and Leigh Ann’s daughters have held their nuptials there. Bill’s primary business is in the contracting and stone industry, so it’s only fitting that there are gorgeous stone touches all throughout, like a flagstone terrace and a Byzantine-style replica grape stomp pit. And speaking of, an annual grape stomp is one of many European-inspired events that they host on their property each year. Leigh Ann is half Italian, and the couple regularly travels to Italy, drawing inspiration for their vineyard on every trip. 80

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Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery, 7325 N. Farm Rd. 171, Springfield

The year was 2003, and Mike and Kathy Dennis had just bought a sports car. Neither of them had ever tasted wine, but they decided to visit some Missouri wineries on a road trip in their new ride. This sparked a love not just for wine, but also for the beauty of a vineyard and the entire winemaking process from grape to glass. Flash forward just one year later, and they decided to plant some grapes on their land and make wine. They ended up harvesting enough grapes not only to make their own wine but also to sell to the now-shuttered OOVVDA Winery. By 2010, the couple was ready to expand their business even further, so they obtained their federal and state licenses to begin selling wine. They opened their tasting room in May 2012, inside the beautiful 1905 farmhouse on their property. Winemaking is a second act for both Kathy and Dennis. Kathy is retired from her work with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Mike from SRC Holdings Corporation. But one sip of one of their sweet or dry varieties, and you’ll realize that they have an incredible talent for their craft. They currently sell two red varietals, Norton and Chambourcin, and three white varietals, Cayuga White, Chardonel and Vignoles. Plan ahead: You can visit Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery from May through October on Saturdays and Sundays.

Jean and Dwight Crevelt 7C’s Winery, 502 E. 560th Rd., Walnut Grove

When Dwight and Jean Crevelt were brainstorming a name for their winery, they drew inspiration from several sources. The couple has four children, making up a total of six Crevelts. Jean’s mother, Irene Cassens, is also an investor, so that brought the total to seven Cs cheering on the new endeavor. Dwight spent two years serving in the U.S. Navy, so a little wordplay on the seven seas only felt fitting. Thus, the name 7C’s Winery was born. And if you’re already impressed at how much thought they put into naming this business, just know that it’s evident that they put this same attention to detail into their winemaking. Dwight and Jean took classes through the Viticulture Enology Science and Technology Alliance at Missouri State University, attended industry conferences and visited about 200 wineries to learn the tricks of the trade. On the Fourth of July in 2009, they officially opened their winery and have since made a name for themselves with their sweet and dry reds and whites, particularly their award-winning meads, which now make up about 60% of their sales. You can visit the winery year-round and enjoy a glass paired with some Shakespeare’s Pizza straight from Columbia, or pack a picnic to enjoy. Just don’t leave without picking up a pouch of wine to take home, which is extra perfect for lake days.

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S, TA L I A C A S S E L L P H OTO G R A P H Y

Bill and Leigh Ann Cassell

Can’t-Miss Missouri Wine Events If you’re looking for an ideal time to finally book your winery weekend, consider planning your trip around one of these wine events. Belvoir Winery’s Paranormal Investigations

Stone Hill Winery’s Kristkindl Markt

1325 Odd Fellows Rd., Liberty

1110 Stone Hill Hwy, Hermann

Get a little spooked with a paranormal investigation (complete with provided gear). This winery was originally built as an Odd Fellows home, which provided care and shelter for elderly or ill Odd Fellow members, widows and their children.

Attend an annual traditional German Christmas market at Stone Hill Winery’s Sherry House Pavilion. (It’s cozy and heated). Cross everyone off your list by shopping from vendors selling hand-crafted items and holiday goodies. There will also be carolers and mulled wine to enjoy.

When: Various Fridays from 9 p.m.–midnight

When: Dec. 5–6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Ozark Hills Winery’s Wine Blending Workshops 601 State Hwy 165, Branson Step up to the wine wall for a custom wine blending experience. You’ll get to curate your very own wine blend tailored to your palate.

P H O TO S BY C O N S TA N T I N O P H OTO G R A P H Y, C O U R T E SY U N S P L A S H

When: Available for booking Tues.–Sat., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Wild Foods by Dyllan’s Vineyard Dinners Various locations Join Wild Foods by Dyllan for a dinner featuring hyper-local ingredients and wild flavors, all in the setting of a beautiful vineyard. Past participating vineyards included St. James Winery and 7C’s Winery.

Live Music at Bear Creek Winery & Brewery

When: An ongoing basis

1320 Keithley Rd., Walnut Shade

Cassell Vineyard’s Harvest Festival

Bear Creek keeps a solid calendar of live music. Past acts have included Dallas Jones, Molly Healey and Modern August.

1103 Lucky Rd., Mansfield

When: Ongoing basis Hermann’s Chocolate Wine Trail Various participating businesses Whisk your love away for a wonderful weekend spent sipping and sampling chocolate and wine pairings at six stops along the Hermann Wine Trail.

Participate in a good old-fashioned grape stomp, a tradition that dates back to the third century A.D. Although this practice is no longer used in wine production for obvious reasons, it will surely make for a good story to tell your friends. Cassell Vineyards also regularly hosts vineyard dinners with Chef Roland Parny, a talented French native. When: Each September, when the grapes are ripe

When: Feb. 27–28, 2027

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OCTOBER 2026

EMBRACE THE CHANGING SEASON

Experience the beauty of autumn in the Ozarks, where vibrant foliage and cool temperatures create the perfect seasonal escape. At Big Cedar Lodge, guests can enjoy scenic cruises on Table Rock Lake, relaxing evenings under the stars, and outdoor adventure. Take a scenic drive to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park to explore breathtaking natural beauty on horseback or along picturesque trails, taking in the stunning colors of fall around every bend. Big Cedar Lodge | Ridgedale, MO 877.224.8041 | BigCedar.com

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TURN THE PAGE TO FIND PIPING HOT DINING NEWS AND SOME EXTRADELICIOUS OZARKS EATS.

ARE YOU READY TO DIG INTO THE YUMMIEST STUFF AROUND? LET’S EAT!

DIG IN!

Something Old, Something New Scratch & Co. is bringing a renewed sense of energy to the Plaza Towers with a crowd-pleasing menu. BY TESSA COOPER PHOT OGRAPHED BY BRANDON ALM S

The Blackberry Thyme Margarita and Plaza Spritz

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n april of 2025, Trent Overhue of AMP Recreation LLC purchased Plaza Towers on the Greene County Historic Courthouse steps. Fast forward to just over one year after he won the bid for this Springfield landmark, and it’s not just the vacant office spaces that he’s filled. Scratch & Co. is now bringing new life to the property’s street level. This restaurant, along with its neighboring coffee shop and sister business, The Daily Blend, marks a new chapter for the Plaza Towers. The general public is now getting the chance to make memories and meaningful connections in this building that dates back more than half a century. Steve Belden is the operating partner at AMP Recreation LLC, and he’s been leading the charge at Scratch & Co. With about 25 years of food and beverage experience under his belt, it’s no surprise that the menu is filled with entrees that appeal to a variety of taste buds. My husband and I were in the mood to level up one of our weekday lunches recently, so we turned to Scratch & Co. We ended up ordering what I call “his and her” dishes. I went with the kale bowl, which featured chopped kale topped with roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, pickled red onion, goat cheese and pepitas. This combination of toppings made every bite so interesting. The

T RY I T

Scratch & Co. 1736 E. Sunshine St., Ste. 109, 417-603-8727, Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. $$–$$$

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smoky seasoning on the sweet potatoes, mixed with the zing of the pickled red onion, was my favorite combination of flavors, and the lemon, dill and truffle dressing married it all together perfectly. I opted to add grilled chicken, so this salad kept me full and satisfied until dinner time. Chandler was in the mood for a heartier dish, so he went with the French onion pot roast. I tried a bite and immediately noticed the perfectly tender texture of the roast beef. I later found out that they slowroast it in their French onion soup, so I’d suggest ordering a bowl as a starter to prep your taste buds for this dish. The garlic mashed potatoes and tri-colored carrots made for great, classic accompaniments.

We knew we had to end our meal with a slice of Charmingly Cheesecake. The flavor of the day was lemon blueberry, and it was perfectly creamy, smooth, tangy and bold. Our only regret was that we didn’t end up pairing it with a Blackberry Thyme Margarita or a Plaza Spritz, but that just means we have a good excuse to head back soon.

SWEET SPOT

Gooey, Gluten-Free Goodness A gluten-free cinnamon roll so fluffy and satisfying, you’ll forget it’s gluten-free.

P H O TO B Y T E S S A C O O P E R

BY TESSA COOPER

ne bite into a tea sorghum and other ingredients that creand Cakery cinnaate the most satisfyingly fluffy texture. mon roll, and you And if you also can’t do dairy, you can may just find yourself place a special order for a vegan version. second-guessing whether it’s Find these cinnamon rolls really gluten-free. But in lieu at Ozarks Farm Stop, or you Tea & Cakery’s of wheat flour, they contain can place an order for pickup cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey a very convincing blend of there by sending a direct mesand seriously white rice flour, whole grain sage to @teaandcakerysgf on delicious—and brown rice flour, whole grain Instagram. gluten-free. 417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

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TASTY TIP

Triple Threat BY T E S S A COOPER

FLAVOR BOMB | BY TESSA COOPER

The Best Bison Burger Fact: Friends don’t let and creamy gruyere that friends leave Dogwood Canmakes it worthy of so much yon without getting a bison praise. The crispy potato burger from Mill & Canyon straws and fresh shredded Grill Restaurant. The juicy lettuce add some nice, con8-ounce patty comes topped trasting textures to the mix. with so many deWe also love that lights, but it’s the they brand each The Bison combination of brioche bun with a Burger and tomato-bacon jam custom bison iron. fries from Dogwood Canyon

OCTOBER 2026

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P H O TO S B Y B R A N D O N A L M S, C O U R T E SY D O G W O O D C A N YO N

ne side is an accompaniment. But three sides? Now that’s a meal. One of Editorial Director Katie Pollock Estes’s favorite take-out lunches is a trio of side dishes from Bawi Korean BBQ. Her top picks are the japchae (sweet potato glass noodles with veggies), kimchi and her favorite of all, the pickled vegetable medley. There are a lot of flavors to unpack in this delightful dish. The vinegar soy sauce makes this side tangy and even a little sweet, while the jalapeño gives it all a nice kick. But it’s the radish and onion that make it all so crisp, and a dish always worth returning to.

Fall Events - with -

Environmental Services Boo at the Bin

Thursday, Oct. 22 6pm-8pm

DRINK OF THE MONTH

A Hug in a Mug

Franklin Ave. Recycling Center (731 N. Franklin Ave)

Join us for the 4th annual Boo at the Bin — a family-friendly night of fun! A variety of equipment, activities and treats will be available to help families learn about recycling and other city resources. Dress up in your favorite costume!

Two squashes make one seriously delicious fall latte at The Workshop at Finley Farms. BY T E S S A COOPER

P H O TO B Y T E S S A C O O P E R

s far as my favorite local autumn traditions go, the return of the pumpkin butternut latte to The Workshop at Finley Farms definitely makes the list. This beverage proves that when it comes to a fall latte, two squashes are better than one. The addition of butternut squash lends a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor to the pumpkin’s earthiness. Pair it with a house-made pecan cookie, and you can thank me later.

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OCTOBER 2026

COME FIND US FINLEY FARMS | OZARK, MO | FINLEYFARMSMO.COM | @FINLEYFARMSMO

The margaritas come uniquely soft-served at Cassidy Coffee Co. & Social House.

BITE SIZED REVIEW / BY TESSA COOPER

A Beverage for Any Occasion

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

Cassidy Coffee Co. & Social House offers coffee and cocktails in a rustic-meets-chic atmosphere.

When meeting up with your friends, sometimes the occasion calls for a beverage that will put a pep in your step. Other times, it’s one that will help you unwind. Cassidy Coffee Co. & Social House is one place where you can find both sorts. Located at Cassidy Station at Estes Farms (5176 N. Fremont Rd., Nixa), there’s nothing like a cozy morning or relaxing night here. If you’re there for coffee with a friend, we suggest ordering

the maple and brown sugar latte and snagging the seats in front of the open garage doors. But if you’ve rallied a group together for evening drinks, head into the side room. This room can seat several, but still feels super intimate, with cozy couches that will make you feel right at home. They have plenty of house cocktails on the menu, but are best known for their stellar soft-serve margaritas. 417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

Dining Guide our dining guide features a select list of restaurants in the Ozarks. The magazine’s editors recommend all these restaurants, and we don’t accept freebies in exchange for reviews or listings. Entries are updated often and appear based on space availability. Specially featured restaurants are chosen by editors in service to readers. KEY

$ = less than $10, $$ = mostly $10–20, $$$ = $20 or more B, L, D = Serves Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner d= Outdoor seating

14 MILL MARKET 203 E. Mount Vernon St., Nixa, 14millmarket.com Food hall. There are 10 restaurant, the full-service Wisner Bar and a fun outdoor entertainment area. Stop by for Korean barbecue bowls at The Gochu, sweets at Liege Love Waffle Co., tacos at No’cho Ordinary Taco, pretty desserts and boba tea at Keikeu, burgers at MO Slider Company, British pasties at London Calling, shaved ice at Sno Biz, poke bowls at Fresh Poke, barbecue at Uptown Hog, pizza at Classic Pizza Co., and more. $–$$ L  d

OCTOBER 2026

BAIR’S SPORTS GRILL 3821 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-3685919; 1644 Highway 60 East, Republic, 417-7325077; 701 N. McCroskey St., Suite 1, Nixa, 417-7253777; bairsburgers.com Burgers. There are 22 appetizers and 50 burgers on the menu at Bair’s, plus plenty of non-burger sandwiches, great chicken wings and salads. We love the burger that is topped with ranch and fried pickles. You can get other sammies too, like fried pork tenderloin. $   d

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BIG EASY GRILL 3641 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-832-0040 Cajun. The jambalaya is fantastic, and we like to order it extra-spicy. The oyster po’boys are customer favorites, and the boudin (Cajun sausage balls) are not to be missed. Try mix-and-match dishes to create a meal full of your favorite Cajun flavors (you can order a side of red beans and rice with a po’boy, for example). Or you could just keep it simple and dig into the peeland-eat shrimp. $   dK BIGSHOTS GOLF 1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield, 417-4273040, bigshotsgolf.com American. Come for the golf but stay for the good eats. There are great burgers (like the double smash burger with Hatch green chilis), pizza, wings and lots of shareable apps like the crispy red chili cauliflower. Don’t miss the fun cocktails. We loved the Bee Sting, made with tequila, agave, grapefruit, lime juice and jalapeño. So good! Be sure to stop by for brunch on the weekends. $$    d

BLACK OAK GRILL 601 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-2390063, blackoakgrill.com American. Visit this tasty, casual spot while you’re spending the day shopping and strolling around at Branson Landing. On the menu here are classically pleasing flavors, like the bacon cheeseburger (topped with a fried egg and served on a brioche bun) and meatloaf. We also love the seared ahi tuna salad. $$   d BLACK SHEEP BURGERS & SHAKES Four Springfield locations; blaaacksheep.com Burgers. Chow down on the Good Yogi; two grassfed patties are topped with white cheddar, lettuce, onion, pickle and baaad sauce. Vegetarian? Black Sheep has you covered with its meet-free Hippy Jen. The shakes are great here too, with both kid-friendly options and grown-up versions with alcohol. $  

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ANDY B’S ENTERTAINMENT CENTER 1127 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8831234; 405 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-213-8631; bowlandybs.com. American fare. The restaurant at Andy B’s Entertainment Center offers lane-side food service and a menu full of hearty, tasty fare like burgers, pizzas, pasta and more. If you have any pint-size bowlers, get the hot pretzel. It’s a kid-pleaser. $  

AVIARY BY LAVENDER FALLS 2144 E. Republic Road, Suite E120, Springfield, 417-881-9736; aviarycafe.com Crepes and bistro fare. This spot has long been known for being one of the few places in the area to get freshly prepared crepes—which you can find there in both savory and sweet varieties. But there’s so much more besides crepes. There are also beautiful salads and delicious entrees that have a little bit of French flair. $–$$ B   d

BIG WHISKEY’S Several 417-land locations, bigwhiskeys.com American. Springfield’s go-to for buffalo chicken dip, burgers and the staple pub foods has locations spreading throughout the Midwest. Fans rave about the spin dip too—a cheesy concoction with spinach and a little bit of heat. Don’t miss the ever-popular burgers, including the pretzel burger with horseradish aioli, bacon and cheddar. There are also chicken wings, a handful of salads (we like the Strawberry Hill), hand-cut steaks and more. $$    d

If you have a foodie story idea, news about a local restaurant, or a correction to one of our Dining Guide listings, email our editorial team at yum@417mag.com.

BLUE HERON FARM & BAKERY 206 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-701-1130 Farm-to-table. All of the freshly baked pastries and breads are amazing here. They do some creative things with pastry, from tender galettes filled with loads of luscious lemon curd to flaky pot pies filled with savory meats and veggies. Many of the ingredients are from Blue Heron Farm and other local and regional producers. $   CAFE CUSCO 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8688088, cafecusco.com Peruvian. This menu is packed with fun and unexpected dishes that are inspired by the cuisine of Peru and the Andes Mountains. A few standouts: the black bean quinoa burger with avocado spread, the Lomo Saltado, and a host of delicious entrees. Anything that includes the ceviche is a sure-bet. You can even order the Leche de Tigre appetizer to get your ceviche fix—it is a shot of ceviche juice with hot sauce and a chilled shrimp chaser. $$   d CANYON GRILL RESTAURANT at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 W. State Highway 86, Lampe, 800-225-6343, dogwoodcanyon.org American. Located on the grounds of Dogwood Canyon nature preserve, the Canyon Grill Restaurant has a menu inspired by its surroundings. Try the bison burger made with bacon and caramelized onion topped with fire-roasted poblano peppers and pepper-jack cheese. Other great options include the trout cakes appetizer, the roasted asparagus salad and the short rib and grits entree. $–$$   d

CELLAR 417 15058 Business Highway 13, Branson West, cellar417.com Bistro fare. With a great wine list and a huge deck overlooking the gorgeous Ozarks hills, this is a great spot to sip and eat with friends. A lot of the dishes have an Italian flare. Start with the hummus and whipped feta shareable to munch on with your friends. $$–$$$   d CELLAR+PLATE 2916 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, 417-3681739, cellarandplate.wine Wine bar. At Cellar+Plate you can get exceptional wine and tasty food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Customers love the steak medallions and the seafood ravioli. Don’t miss the Cellar Board with meats, cheeses and fruits. And as you can probably guess from the name, Cellar+Plate has a great wine menu. $$  d CHATEAU GRILLE 415 N. State Highway 265, Branson, 417-243-1777, chateauonthelake.com Contemporary American. Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center, Chateau Grille offers gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake. And you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. The restaurant focuses on upscale, seasonal cuisine, flying in fresh seafood and sourcing local ingredients for the award-winning menu. $$$    d CHERRY PICKER PACKAGE + FARE 601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-986-5800 Contemporary American. A small selection of sandwiches, soups and salads is served daily. We’re big fans of the To Brie or Not to Brie sandwich. After your meal, order an adult beverage or espresso drink at the bar. $    d

CIVIL KITCHEN & TAP 107 and 222 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-501-8456, civilkitchenandtap.com American. With 28 beers on tap and specializing in upscale comfort food, Civil Kitchen and Tap draws inspo from Southern and Midwestern staples. Some favorite dishes include salmon with fruit pico de gallo, crispy charred Brussels sprouts, huge salads and truly indulgent and gigantic battered onion rings. $    d DERBY DELI Temporary address at the Frisco Building: 3253 E. Chestnut Expy., Springfield, 417-823-3551 Bistro fare. This eatery features sandwiches, salads, a variety of cheese plates and salami plates, a hummus board and more. We love the Martin’s salad, topped with a scoop of tarragon chicken salad. Don’t miss the Parisian sandwich with rosemary ham, President’s butter and Gruyere on a baguette. If you’re thinking, “But it’s just a ham sandwich,” you’ll be in for a very pleasant surprise. It’s the best ham sandwich you’ve ever had. $    DEVIL’S POOL RESTAURANT at Big Cedar, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417-335-2777, bigcedar.com American. For an appetizer, the smoked trout is fantastic, and so is the cornbread topped with cracked pepper maple butter and smoked bacon. Entrees change with the season and are always the perfect blend of rustic and upscale. For brunch, try the johnny cakes with fried green tomatoes for something with a southern flair, or the acai and chia smoothie bowl for something a little trendier. $$–$$$    d

Hours: Sun: 11:00am–5:00pm Mon–Fri: 11:00am–8:30pm Sat: 11:00am–9:30pm

Discover the Dimsum-Platter and other delights at Leong’s Asian Diner, Springfield’s culinary gem. Enjoy authentic flavors, friendly service and a legacy of delicious Asian cuisine. 1540 W. Republic Rd., Springfield 417-887-7500 | leongsasiandiner.com

Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant + Cantina has become a 417-land favorite, expanding to multiple locations across the Ozarks. Experience vibrant flavors, festive ambiance and authentic Mexican cuisine! Hours: Sun.–Thurs: 11:00am–9:30pm Fri.–Sat: 11:00am–10:00pm

Carthage, Joplin, Republic & Springfield habanerosmexicancantina.com

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Dining Guide DOWNING STREET POUR HOUSE 24 Downing St, Hollister, 417-320-6106; dspourhouse.com American. Serving elevated bar food and creative, hearty entrees, Downing Street Pour House is the brainchild of the award-winning barbecue slingers who own Gettin’ Basted. But there’s a lot more than just great barbecue on the menu here. Must-try Downing Street Pour House dishes include the giant Bavarian pretzel appetizer, the queso-smothered tamales and the blackened mahi mahi entree. Don’t miss the wagyu burgers. Bonus: This spot is located in a charming building in downtown Hollister that’s a must-visit. $–$$  

FARMERS GASTROPUB 2620 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-864-6994, farmersgastropub.com Contemporary British and American. The menu here features locally sourced ingredients wherever possible and changes regularly. The specials are always a must-try. Start with an appetizer to share, like the Scotch eggs served with tangy piccalilli. Salads are a sure bet (we’ve enjoyed the chicken chop salad in the past, but whatever’s on the menu is probably a winner). Farmers Gastropub also offers a great selection of beer, and the burgers and fish and chips are always delicious. There’s a dark-and-cozy English pub atmosphere. $$    d

BRAND NEW DIGS

Kingdom Expands to Midtown Kingdom Coffee’s third location is now open at 1425 N. Washington Ave. in Springfield’s Midtown Neighborhood. I got to head over there the day before they officially opened to the public to put together an Reel for you all (find @417mag on Instagram to watch and get a peek inside the lovely space), and I was absolutely blown away by the attention to detail in not just the new food menu, but also the interior. It’s full of cozy nooks that are perfect for posting up to work or relax with a good book. (It is located in a former elementary school library, after all.) I got to try a little sampling of the new food offerings, and I am already getting hungry again just thinking about them. My favorite thing I tried was the pulled pork frites (I love how they serve them on a school lunch-style tray). The pulled pork was obviously incredible, but the cilantro oil they drizzled over it all really stole the show. This location will be open later than the others, and they plan on serving natural wine and beer soon.—Tessa Cooper

OCTOBER 2026

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FIRE & ICE 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8665253, oasisfireandice.com Global cuisine. This spot (located inside Oasis Hotel & Convention Center) specializes in dry-aged steaks and certified Angus beef and has a delicious menu that changes with the seasons. Be sure to try the Fire & Ice Whiskey Burger with a Maker’s Mark whiskey glaze and crispy fried onions. Other options include seared Japanese tuna loin, adobo-rubbed flat iron steak, red curry lamb, and more. $$   d THE GARRISON at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417210-6644, finleyfarmsmo. com Shareable fine dining. Located beneath the Ozark Mill at Finley Farms, The Garrison features a dark and moody speakeasy vibe, a fine dining menu and a beautiful riverside patio. Try the mini pot roast, the forest panzanella salad or the delightful rosemary pound cake. Be sure to order one of the delicious cocktails—especially the refreshing Mill Pond that goes great with all the dishes we tried. $$$  d THE GROTTO 301 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-886-9600 gogrotto.com West Coast–style American. The menu is accessible to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The super-indulgent warm blue cheese chips are a favorite appetizer. Customers like the burgers (especially the burger topped with lots of tangy blue cheese). One of our favorite things to order is the grilled salmon with a side of the sweetand-yummy sweet potato fries. The steak-gorgonzola salad is delish, too. Also try the black bean burger with a side of sweet potato fries. $   d

HARVEST RESTAURANT 8011 E. State Highway AD, Rogersville, 417-8303656, harvestmo.com Farm-to-table. Dining at Harvest Restaurant is an experience like none other in 417-land. Owners, Craig and Tamara Von Foerster, have created a restaurant focused on hyper-seasonal, local cuisine. The menu is always in flux depending on the season. $$$  d HY-VEE Two Springfield locations; hy-vee.com American and more. It’s all about variety when it comes to the freshly prepared food at Hy-Vee, so it’s a great place to find something for every member of your family—even the picky ones! You have a hibachi grill, a pizzeria, hearty comfort food, sushi, Chinese dishes and burgers. $–$$ B   JW’S KITCHEN 2111 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-306-9997 British and American Southern. This tasty spot features excellently prepared brunch options, like biscuits with chocolate gravy (a southern American favorite) or a full English breakfast (black sausage included) and everything in between. For dinner, find comforting fare like fried chicken or roasted Scottish salmon. $$   D LA ROUX BISTRO 300 E. Commercial St., Springfield, larouxbistro.com Cajun/French/Ozarks cuisine. The menu at this unique spot is a fusion of flavors from Louisiana with a French inflence and southwest Missouri roots—all in a restored 1885 building brimming with character. Don’t miss the blue crab beignets or the shrimp and grits. Reserve a seat in the Phenix Vault room if you can. $$– $$$  D

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DOBYNS DINING ROOM 1 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, 417-690-2146, keetercenter.edu American. College of the Ozarks students grow produce and raise meat to use in the restaurant, so the menu has a very farmto-table quality. There’s a fried green tomato caprese appetizer that uses pickled tomatoes and a house-made mozzarella cheese. For something hearty, try the pork belly shrimp and grits—it packs a bit of spice! Try the hickory smoked prime rib Thursday through Saturday. Don’t miss the chocolate cobbler for dessert. The Keeter Center also has a creamery that offers up some delightful homemade ice creams and sorbets. $$   d

MAMA G’S KITCHEN 2463 W. Sunshine St., Ste. 124; 210 S. Market, Ste. 124; Springfield; mamagkitchen.com Southern. Mama G’s Kitchen started out with a spot at Metro Eats (the Sunshine Street location) before adding a second outpost (the Market St. location). Come here for comforting dishes like fried pork chops, catfish, meatloaf and more. Sides are great too. $$ L 

NEIGHBOR’S MILL CAFÉ & BAKERY 1435 E. Independence St., Suite 110, Springfield, 417-720-4162; neighborsmill.com Deli and bakery. This full time bakery offers a hearty menu packed with sandwiches, soups and salads. Don’t miss the honey pecan chicken salad, which comes on Bronze honey wheat bread, or the Reuben, which comes on pumpernickel rye. $   

THE OZARK MILL RESTAURANT at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com Farm-to-table. Inside the beautifully restored Ozark Mill, you can order upscale farm-to-table meals that are made with ingredients grown right at Finley Farms or produced in their onsite apiary. Don’t miss the incredible risotto fritters appetizer. $$–$$$   d

METROPOLITAN GRILL 2931 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-889-4951, metropolitan-grill.com Eclectic fine dining. Known for its delectable flash-fried spinach, this restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood. The salads are always fresh and delicious. And we love that the menu is always changing, giving us something new to be excited about—served in a familiar space. The wine menu is wonderful and the service is top-notch. $$$  d

OCEAN ZEN PACIFIC RIM RESTAURANT 4117 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8899596, eatoceanzen.com Asian fusion fine dining. Try Chilean sea bass or the macadamia nut chicken. We particularly love ordering the Hawaii Five-O sushi roll; with seared rare tuna and a pineapple salsa, it’s a tasty combination of savory, sweet, spicy and refreshing. Don’t miss the steaks. $$–$$$   d

PALM & PADDLE GRILLE 2515 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. 400, Springfield, 417605-7500, palmandpaddlegrille.com Caribbean. Everything has an island flair here. The coconut shrimp is a must-try, and so is the mango-habanero chicken. Their tasty jerk chicken is a filling option for the tiki tacos, along with jerk shrimp and carne asada. $$–$$$   d

MUNDOS LATIN KITCHEN & BAR 5493 N. 17th St., Ozark, 417-485-2160, mundoslatinkitchen.com Latin. The menu here features dishes from many Latin cuisines, including Mofongo (mashed plantains with chicarron), lomo saltado, tostones, street tacos and tons more. We love the jicama taco with coconut shrimp. $$  

THE ORDER at the Hotel Vandivort, 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-832-1515, theordersgf.com New American. The atmosphere is trendy but relaxed while the food is an elevated take on American cuisine prepared in a from-scratch kitchen. Try Executive Chef Calvin Davis’s spin on cashew chicken or the market fish specials that change daily. Brunch is excellent here too. $$–$$$ 

NEARLY FAMOUS DELI & PASTA HOUSE 2708 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8833403, nearlyfamous.net Deli and Italian. Regulars love the weekly specials: egg salad on Fridays, pear sandwiches on Thursdays and more. The tomato soup is fantastic, and it goes well with just about any sandwich at this friendly spot. $$   

OSAGE RESTAURANT at Top of the Rock, 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, 1-800-2256343, topoftherock.com American fine dining. Take in beautiful views from the dining room at Osage Restaurant, located at Top of the Rock, and enjoy fine dining that includes steaks and roasted chicken. The cocktails menu offers delicious options. $$$  

PIER 28 PIZZA & GRILL 344 Nautical Circle, Kimberling City, 417-5271580, pier28pizzagrill.com American. Come for lakeside views and a menu filled with pizza, burgers, tacos and more. If you love fried pickles, get an order of the spicy pickle chips to share. And if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, the menu offers several tasty salad options. Check website for seasonal hours. $$   REBAR KITCHEN & TAP ROOM 2902 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-5974569, rebar-taproom.com. American. This spot features elevated takes on taproom fare. A few menu highlights include charbroiled oysters, duck bacon wontons, pizza, wings and more. There are several burgers, like the Hoglager BBQ Burger topped with bacon, onion strings and Yuengling-infused barbecue sauce. $$   

RED ONION CAFÉ 204 E. Fourth St., Joplin, 417-623-1004, redonioncafe.com American and Italian The Tuxedo Chicken is a customer favorite. Diners also love the bacon-wrapped shrimp, the blackened tuna sandwich or Dave’s fried chicken salad. Try the BLT&A. (The A stands for avocado... yum!) There’s even a section of the menu with keto-friendly options that are low-carb and gluten-free. $$  

SPLIT SOCIAL KITCHEN 3027 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7557155, splitspringfield.com American. Come for creative and beautifully prepared shareables and hearty entrees, all served a teeny restaurant space that packs a lot of good vibes. We love the amazing macaroni and cheese (get fried chicken with it as your optional protein). The menu changes with the seasons. $$  

ROSIE JO’S CAFE 1711 S. 15th St., Ozark, 417-581-6047 American. This place is a very popular hangout at breakfast time with great daily specials, and it also has great homemade pies, including surprising ones like gooseberry. The fried chicken is delicious at this eatery, and so are the fried dill pickles and the onion rings. $   

ST. MICHAEL’S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE 301 South Ave., Springfield, 417-865-2315 American. The burgers are top-notch, and the huge salads topped with deliciously seasoned grilled chicken breast are a favorite (try the one with spicy Cajun chicken—yum!). Come hungry enough to order dessert because the cakes are stellar. Our favorite is the dreamy banana cake. $–$$  

RETRO METRO 2150 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7201708, eatretrometro.com Contemporary American. This throw-back concept brings back decades of old Metropolitan Grill favorites and quite a few brand-new flavors too from owner Chef Tiny. The aptly named Retro Metro serves some of Metropolitan’s greatest hits, including flash-fried spinach and chicken spiedini. $$$ 

THE TABLE 610 Prospect Ave., Springfield, thetable. restaurant Bistro fare. This beautiful eatery features lovely decor, a nice patio area and great eats all day. For breakfast, try the Figgy Toast. Later in the day, don’t miss the street corn dip appetizer or the brown sugar cured salmon entree. $–$ $    d

SHOW ME CHUY 1410 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7715357, showmechuy.com Italian-Mexican fusion. This spot offers Italian options like pasta carbonara, Mexican options like bright-and-fresh shrimp aguachile and combos of both cuisines. For example, the penne poblano features rigatoni pasts in a poblano sauce with Mexican cheese. Brunch is served on Sundays. $   

TEA BAR & BITES 621 S. Pickwick Ave., 417883-2462, teabarandbites.com. Bistro fare. Try the curry chicken salad or the yummy quiche with beautiful, flaky crust. We love any of the menu items that have a Mediterranean flair. The menu features plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. There are tasty baked goods too, like giant caramel rolls or sweet coconut cream cupcakes. $    d

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OCTOBER 2026

TasteThis

Dining Guide

VAN GOGH’S EETERIE 334 E. Commercial St., 417-344-0085, vangoghseeterie.com Indo-Dutch. Dutch pancakes, chicken witlof and other Indo-Dutch and Dutch-inspired cuisine populate the menu at this spot from Joe Gidman of Cafe Cusco. We love the Farm Near Auvers pancake topped with goat cheese, apples, honey, arugula and thyme. $$   

BARBECUE BUCKINGHAM’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ 2002 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-886-9979, buckinghambbq.com Diners love the ribs and the burnt ends at this classic barbecue eatery. We can’t get enough of the killer smoked salmon topped with horseradish sauce. $   d CITY BUTCHER & BARBECUE 3650 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-7201113, citybutchersgf.com Come early because this Texas-style barbecue spot, where the meat is smoked in small batches for optimal freshness, is known to sell out. Killer brisket, pulled pork and other favorites are sold with simple but delicious side dish options. The smokehouse beans are delish, and the smoked chocolate chip cookies are super-fun. $–$$   d CROSSTOWN BBQ 1331 E. Division St., Springfield, 417-862-4646 Try the ribs or the brisket. The Big Pappa Dinner is a signature dish, and it features tons of meat including ribs, brisket and hot links. We loved the smoked chicken salad for something that feels healthy and indulgent at the same time. $–$$  

OCTOBER 2026

GETTIN’ BASTED 2845 W. Highway 76, Branson; 606 W. Mount Vernon St., Nixa; gettinbasted.com Come here for award-winning barbecue in all your favorite varieties: brisket, ribs, pulled pork and more. The seven wagyu burgers on the menu are fully loaded, and the apps game is strong with homemade pimento cheese, barbecue nachos and more. We can’t get enough of the pork tacos appetizer. $–$$   HEADY BAR-B-QUE CO. 573 E. Elm St., Republic, 417-732-4227, headybbq. com This spot specializes in Kansas City–style barbecue. Among stellar ribs, brisket and more perfectly prepared meats, you can find unexpected dishes with a barbecue spin: nachos, salads, a burrito. The sandwiches are all packed with ingredients. $–$$   PAPPY’S PLACE 943 N. Main Ave., Springfield, 417-866-8744 Be sure not to miss the pork spare ribs with Pappy’s barbecue sauce or the barbecue nachos at this long-running Springfield institution. (Rumor has it, Pappy’s sells the coldest beer in town.) $  

BREAKFAST BILLY GAIL’S CAFE 5291 State Highway 265, Branson, 417-338-8883; 1882 James River Road, Ozark, 417-582-2600; billygailsrestaurant.com Billy Gail’s in Branson has been a beloved breakfast hotspot for ages, and it’s still going strong. The Ozark spot and has become just as popular. Come for massive pancakes and other breakfast fare. The Ozark location serves dinner on the weekends. $   

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THE BRUNCHEONETTE 424 N. Main St., Joplin, 417-781-3447, thebruncheonette.net We love the creative takes on eggs Benedict that we’ve found at The Bruncheonette, whose menu changes weekly but is always interesting. Don’t miss your chance to order a plate of poutine, handcut fries topped with gravy, shredded cheese and a poached egg. This restaurant is small but mighty, and it’s worth the wait for a table. $   GAILEY’S BREAKFAST CAFÉ 220 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-866-5500 The sweet potato hash browns are super-delish here, and we highly recommend ordering them in place of the traditional hash browns. We also love The Bear Hug: biscuits and gravy, choice of meat, two eggs and either hash browns or sweet browns. Gailey’s is known for breakfast, but the restaurant also has a tasty lunch menu. $   THE EUROPEAN 105 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-986-4646, theeuropean417.com The pastries are picture-perfect and taste just as good as they look. For breakfast, we love the strawberry pancakes—or the shakshuka for something savory. $   d SLEEPY OPOSSUM CAFE 1423 E. Cherry St., Springfield, Ste. 101, 913730-6224, sleepyopossumcafe.com This darling spot serves creative, classic and always delicious breakfast fare. We are obsessed with their hashbrown quiches, and the homemade biscuits topped with everything seasoning are to die for. $  

CHINESE CHINESE CHEF 3029 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8834770, facebook.com/ chinesechefcampbell; 1731 S. Enterprise Ave., Springfield, 417-889-2433 Classic Springfield-style Chinese food is on the vast and very affordable menu at Chinese Chef. Owner Joe Fong has been serving Springfield for over 40 years, and some of his customers’ favorite dishes include Kung Pao chicken, made-from-scratch cashew chicken, crab rangoon and egg rolls. $   CORNER 21 1730 E. Republic Road, Ste. A, Springfield, 417-771-5666, corner21sgf.com This restaurant’s menu offers a large variety of authentic Chinese dishes, including several Szechuan-style meals. You’ll even find dishes that aren’t common on local Chinese restaurant menus, such as braised pork belly with rice noodles, ribeye and enoki mushrooms in a curry broth, crispy fried pumpkin, spicy Szechuan fish and so much more. We love the steamed pork buns. $   d LEONG’S ASIAN DINER 1540 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-887-7500 The Leong family serves its original cashew chicken at this tasty eatery, among lots of other yummy stuff. The crab Rangoon are especially delicious here, and we like to dip them in the bold and spicy mustard sauce. The egg rolls are a classic, made from scratch with a peanut butter flair. The General Tso’s chicken has a rich and spicy sauce and lots of veggies. The signature dishes are great, but be sure to keep an eye out for new menu items too. $–$$  

LUCY’S CHINESE FOOD Multiple locations, lucyschinesefood.com Don’t miss the cashew chicken combo special that gets you an entree, a side and fried rice for an incredible price. We like the sweet and sour chicken here. But if you’d rather eat something mega-spicy than something fried, order the hot chicken. It’ll have you reaching for your water glass with every bite. $   TRIPLE EIGHTS 1710 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, 417-832-8889 While you can find Springfield Chinese favorites like cashew chicken on the menu at Triple Eights, you can also dig into more traditional Chinese fare. The mapo tofu is a must try, with its rich and spicy sauce. The Sichuan Maocai stew is worth a taste too. $  

COFFEE SHOP FARE ARCHITECT COFFEE 1604 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7715030; 1300 E. Battlefield; architectcoffeeco.com This coffee shop on Springfield’s south side offers a bright and cozy atmosphere with warm drinks and hearty food, to boot. The breakfast burritos are stellar and so filling. Battlefield Road location is drive-thru only. $   D BIG MOMMA’S COFFEE & ESPRESSO BAR 217 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8659911; 1010 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, 417-868-4157; bigmommascoffee.com This spot offers coffee, espresso and blended frappes. But there is more on the menu than just drinks. Be sure to try the sandwiches (The Juliette is one of our favorites), and we also adore the sweets selection. $    d

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THE BLACK LAB COFFEE CO. 545 E. Elm St., Republic, 417-647-5125, facebook. com/theblacklabllc This casually canine-inspired coffee stop is Republic’s place to be for a piping hot Labbuccino. Try the Black Lab, which includes toffee nut and chocolate, or the Goldendoodle, a signature combination of caramel and brown sugar. Sips aren’t the only draw here, either. The shop serves full lunch and breakfast menus too. Indulge in a Nutella toast with strawberries along with your brew. $   CAFE CUBANO 3650 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8877777, facebook.com/ countrygirlsespresso Aside from all of the delicious coffee drinks, the real must-try item here is the authentic Cuban sandwich, served pressed on Cuban bread. Cafe Cubano’s’ signature is its Cafe Con Leche with scalded milk. We also love the guava pastry, a treat that costs less than $2 and is filled with tropical sweetness. For breakfast, the bacon and cheddar burritos are a favorite thanks to crisp, thick-cut bacon. $ CLASSIC ROCK COFFEE 1900 W. Sunset St., Springfield, 417-8817625, classicrockcoffee. com This coffee shop offers espresso drinks with rock ‘n’ roll–inspired names. Try the Sweet Emotion latte (with chocolate and caramel) and a ham and cheese puff pastry breakfast pocket to start your day. Another perennial favorite drink: The Dirty White Boy. Don’t miss the gigantic chocolate muffin—and order it warmed up. $    d

THE COFFEE ETHIC 124 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-8666645, thecoffeeethic.com Try the single-origin coffee, brewed one cup at a time, or any of the creative and delicious seasonal drinks. The cappuccino is fantastic (truly one of the best we’ve ever had), and the shop also serves wine, craft beers on draft and a small selection of quality liquors. The food game here is strong too, with loaded oatmeal, freshly baked muffins and more. $ d DANCING MULE COFFEE COMPANY 1945 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-5114, dancingmulecoffee.com The mochas are great here—chocolatey but not too sweet. Dancing Mule also does a really good authentic cappuccino that’s made just right. Try the Peanut Butter Fandango Frappe if you’re in the mood for something a little more funky, and if you’re on the run, swing through the drive-thru. $  ECHELON COFFEE 2407 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-3742739; 2510 S. State Highway MM, Republic, 417-494-2739; echeloncoffee.com This sunny coffee shop (with a drive-thru!) has excellent espresso drinks, drip coffee, pour-over and more. The cortado is always well done. And we love The Formation (espresso with vanilla, cinnamon and honey) prepared as a frappe when we’re feeling indulgent. Don’t miss the delish breakfast and lunch fare. There are excellent biscuits and gravy on the weekends, and options like smoothie bowls, sandwiches and salads every day. You can’t go wrong with one of the breakfast burritos. $    d

Uncle Bentley’s is Cooking Up Tasty Plans Since Uncle Bently’s Pub and Lounge first opened in 1978, it’s never had a kitchen. But that’s about to change. Darryl and Jennifer Barr purchased Uncle Bently’s a little over a year ago, and they’ve been hard at work laying the plans to add a kitchen to the business. You might recognize their names as the owners of Georgia Mac’s, but they tell us the food will be a completely different style. They’re aiming for an elevated casual dining experience and plan to start offering food later this fall. We’ll be sure to check it out and report back!—Tessa Cooper

EURASIA COFFEE & TEA CULTURE CAFE 445 E. Commercial St., 417-720-1949, culturecstreet.com This coffee roaster with a mission also serves some tasty fare in its Culture Cafe. In addition to carefully crafted cups of coffee, there are excellent lunch items. We love ordering the miso caramel latte too. $ d KINGDOM COFFEE 211 S. Market Ave., Suite 100, Springfield; 2896 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield; 1425 N. Washington Ave., Springfield The coffee menu features classic espresso drinks, like cappuccinos, macchiattos, mochas and more. We love the classic cortado the most, and the not-toosweet and super-creamy iced matcha latte is truly delicious. For your sweet tooth, order a slice of cake made by Kyle Davis of Buttermilk. $    d MUDHOUSE COFFEE 323 South Ave. Suite B, Springfield; 5401 N. 22nd St., Ozark; mudhousecoffee.com The coffee is always fantastic here, at Springfield’s OG downtown coffee shop. The cheesecake here is a must-try—so decadent! And we always love the muffins. $   

THE PRESS COFFEE & JUICE BAR 2710 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, 417-771-5950 Asian fusion. This wholefoods cafe offers organic dishes with ingredients from local market vendors. Juices are organic and cold-pressed. The real draw here is the MexicanKorean fusion menu, featuring gogi nachos, kimchi fried rice and street tacos. $d URBAN GROUNDS COFFEE & PLANT LAB 5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, urbangrounds417.com Try classics like lattes and cappuccinos, or opt for a flavored options (like salted caramel toffee) or a botanical latte made with things like beetroot, turmeric and more. When you’re hungry, munch on one of the loaded toasts, a grazing tray, a smoothie bowl and more. This coffee shop doubles as a plant store. $   THE WORKSHOP AT FINLEY FARMS 840 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com The Workshop is a coffee shop and gathering space. The menu includes classic coffee offerings plus super-sized suped-up toasts. As for drinks, we love The Workshop Shakeand any of the seasonals. $   d

DELIS THE ALMIGHTY SANDO SHOP 208 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-422-0912 The sandwiches on the menu here are excellent, with options like The Mighty Burg (smash patties, garlic-bacon mayo, white American cheese), several vegetarian options and more. Bonus: This spot has a walk-up window. $ Dd J. PARRINO’S QUEEN CITY DELI 1647 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8871148, queencitydeli.com This spot serves up pasta, soups, salads and some super-delicious sandwiches. Don’t miss The Burnes (beef tenderloin on garlic bread) or the Italian beef sandwiches (order them wet to get plenty of luscious jus). You can’t go wrong with the pastrami sandwich that’s piled high just like they do it in New York City delis. $   MYTHICAL ‘WICH 113 E. Main St., Branson, mythicalwich.com This sandwich shop comes from the owners of another Branson favorite: Gettin’ Basted. It offers a large selection of bold lunch and breakfast sandwiches, like the Holy Hand Grenade topped with pastrami hash and a fried egg. There are also soups, salads and desserts. $   D THE SUB SHOP 1721 E. Seminole St., Springfield, 417-8873804; 456 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-831-8077 The Fighter Pilot sandwich comes fully loaded with salami, pepperoni, cheese, banana peppers, lettuce and sub sauce. Be sure to try the sandwich specials The Sub Shop is cash only. $d

417MAG.COM

OCTOBER 2026

Dining Guide

DESSERTS ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD Multiple 417-land locations, eatandys.com Frozen treats. Don’t miss the rotating seasonal toppings (our staffers love the key lime pie and blackberry in the summer, and the apple pie and pumpkin pie in the fall). Try the Ozarks Turtle sundae, a concoction with caramel, hot fudge and toasty pecans. There are several sundae and concrete options, plus root beer floats and Italian ice pops. Or order your own creation. We like to get a sundae with raspberries, pecans and marshmallow fluff. $ d

BUTTERMILK 1458 E. Cherry St., Springfield, instagram. com/buttermilkrules Ice cream. Pastry chef Kyle Davis has brought madefrom-scratch ice cream to the Rountree neighborhood. You might have tried Davis’s work at Progress (RIP); now you can taste it at the walk-up window at this adorable ice creamery. Fun flavors include options like espresso ice cream with chocolate crumble, blood orange sorbet, buttermilk ice cream with short bread and more. Some flavors are always available (like the practially perfect espresso scoops) while other varieties come and go with the season. $d

HURTS DONUT 1231 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-3680279; 1580 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-5983474; wannahurts.com Donuts. Outside-the-box toppings cover these super-delicious doughnuts, available 24 hours a day. A customer favorite is the maple-bacon bar, a huge, salty-sweet concoction that is oh-so-delish—and yes, it’s topped with a ton of bacon. The Cookie Monster is a kid-pleaser, with bright blue icing. But it’s not just donuts. You can also get shakes, freshly baked cookies, enormous apple fritters, macaroons, savory kolaches and more. Be sure to order some coffee while you’re there. $

FRESH NEW E ATS

Allergen-Friendly Bites One of the many reasons I am a huge fan of Joe Gidman’s concepts on Commercial Street is because they’re so inclusive and allergen-sensitive. And this past week, La Roux Bistro announced that they’ve taken strides to become even more allergen-friendly with a revamped and expanded menu. “At La Roux, we know that food allergies and dietary restrictions are serious and important,” reads the announcement email we received. “We’ve spent time adjusting our recipes and educating our chefs on how to provide a safer menu for our guests with allergies. We’ve added brand new items, and reworked some of your favorites, making them gluten-free and Alpha Gal safe.” In addition to this big change, they also debuted a new sober-inclusive, Non-Alcoholic menu. We love to see it!—Tessa Cooper

OCTOBER 2026

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LUCKY CAT BOBA TEA & TAIYAKI 3424 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-351-3136 Boba tea. There is a hefty menu of bubble tea options (we like the passionfruit mojito bubble tea that comes with fresh lime and mint leaves) plus sweet snacks like mitarashi dongo skewers, red bean– filled mochi, and darling slices of cake. The taiyaki are fish-shaped waffle-like cakes with tasty fillings that come in a variety of flavors like sweet red bean, Nutella, vanilla custard and more. If you want something savory, try the porkfilled steamed buns. $ PRAIRIE PIE 621 South Pickwick Ave., Springfield, prairiepie.com Pie and cookies. Prairie Pie makes stellar all-buttercrust pies in flavors that range from classic to inventive. The caramel apple pie is an elevated take on a classic and is quite popular. Any of owner Eleanor Taylor’s pies made with rhubarb are superb. You can get savory pot pies and slices of quiche too. Prairie Pie is located inside Taylor’s other business, Tea Bar & Bites. $–$$ SOCIETEA 1653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7204094, facebook.com/ societea. Boba tea. Bubble tea is the name of the game at this authentic spot where the matcha milk tea and the matcha roll cake are musttrys. Whether you’re a bubble tea veteran or looking to try something new, this is your place. You can customize the sweetness level of your drinks and top them with options we don’t see often at other boba tea spots (like big pieces of coffee jelly, or creamy cheese foam). Our favorite is the fresh strawberry milk tea with crystal boba. $

ST. GEORGE’S DONUTS 3628 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8817515; 3012 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417882-1718; 1415 W. State Highway J, Ozark, 417425-7885; stgeorgesdonuts.net Donuts. Lots of luscious doughnuts are made fresh daily here. We love the glazed blueberry and the oh-so-fresh chocolate cake donuts. $ d

DINERS BILLY BOB’S DAIRYLAND 1901 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-337-9291 Burgers. Billy Bob’s is a greasy-spoon institution that has long served delicious sweets and tasty American food on the strip in Branson. There are 24 flavors of fried pies here, cheeseburgers (pro tip: top them with grilled onions), foot-long hot dogs and more. $   CASPER’S 937 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-2277377, caspersdiner.com Chili. This local favorite is filled with bright colors and a kitschy vibe. The spot serves overflowing bowls of great chili and a few other yummy diner options (like burgers and hot dogs). Don’t forget to order some luscious chili cheese fries while you’re there. Another yummy favorite: ham and beans with cornbread when you can get it on special. $    DRUFF’S 331 Park Central East, Springfield; 417-7191719, yumdruffs.com Grilled cheese. Druff’s brings glorious cheesiness to diner fare with a menu of grilled cheeses, soups and creative sides. For a little heat, try the Good Doctor, made with cheddar, cream cheese, bacon

P H O TO B Y T E S S A C O O P E R

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and jalapeño, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Nutella and strawberry grilled sando—it’s nuts. Druff’s also offers a robust brunch and breakfast menu. We love the breakfast bowls, especially the Swipe Right with eggs, hash browns, jalapenos, avocado, bacon and cheddar. $   IGGY’S DINER 2400 Grand Ave., Carthage, 417-237-0212, facebook.com/IggysDiner Diner fare. This retro spot has so many nostalgic vibes and is a popular stop along Route 66. Come for hearty fare like stackedhigh burgers with fries, creatively topped French toast, diner breakfast faves (i.e. eggs, hashbrowns, all the good stuff), tall milkshakes and more. $   THE SQUEEZE INN 404 RB Road, Stockton, 417-276-6302 Burgers. Head up to Stockton to try one of the yummiest and most unusual burgers in 417-land. Order the Squeeze with Cheese, a ⅓-pound griddle-cooked burger that’s smothered in so much shredded cheddar cheese that it overflows the patty and creates a “cheese skirt” of crunchy cheddar. It’s huge and so delicious! We really like the French fries here, too. Cash or checks only. $   d

INDIAN INDIA CLAY OVEN & GRILL 2005 W. Highway 76 Country Blvd., Suite 209, Branson, 417-973-0044, indiaclayovenandgrill.com Come to this yummy little spot on the Branson strip to indulge in some tasty Indian fare. We loved the karahi lamb (tender lamb, bell peppers and onion in a spicy sauce) and the mushroom aloo matar

(mushrooms, potatoes and peas swimming in a creamy sauce). Stop by for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays to take advantage of the tasty buffet. $$   INDIA PALACE 1908 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-771-5270 The huge menu here offers Indian favorites and fun flavors you may not have tried. We love the pani puri appetizer, the samosa chaat and the lamb rogan josh. Be sure to pop in for lunch on the weekends, when they offer a stacked buffet. $$   NAWAB’S INDIAN CUISINE TANDOOR BAR 3654 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-844-5050 Find all your favorite classic Indian dishes here (the tandoori chicken and the makhni paneer are both excellent) along with some others you might not have seen around town before. For example, the gol gappay is a crispy little hollow fried ball filled with chickpeas, potato, onion and spices. We love the ras malai dessert: homemade cheese in a sweet, milky, cardamom-infused sauce. $$   TAJ MAHAL INDIAN RESTAURANT 1250 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-719-4573 You can find all your Indian favorites here. There is a variety of naan bread (and it’s so, so soft and perfect), many types of curry and rice dishes and fun desserts like rice pudding and gulab jamun (donuts soaked in syrup). We are obsessed with the lamb rogan josh and the chicken jalfrezi, and the bhindi masala (an okra dish) is a favorite too. Be sure to try their lunch combos, which are a steal and always taste so good. $$   d

ZAYKA INDIAN CUISINE 311 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, 417-3514400, zaykaspringfield. com There’s a lot to love about this downtown Springfield Indian restaurant. The vegetable korma, chicken tikka masala and malai kofta are just a few of our favorite dishes. If you’re new to Indian food, try the pre-set combo meals that feature a lot of different flavors. For dessert, you can’t beat a bowl of warm gulab jamun sweet pastry balls. The lunch buffet is also killer when it’s open. $–$$   d

Experience the

Finest

ITALIAN AVANZARE ITALIAN DINING 3240 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-567-3463,avanzareitaliandining.com Pasta is always a hit at Avanzare, a longtime Springfield favorite. Veal dishes are top-notch at this Italian eatery, but you’ll have to pick the right night, as they’re only served once or twice a week. Customers love the Bistecca Rosemarino steak and the pasta with seafood in a spicy tomato-based sauce. Indulge in the luscious chocolate torte for dessert. $$$  d BAMBINO’S CAFÉ 1141 E. Delmar St., Springfield, 417862-9999; 2810-D E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8814442; bambinoscafe.com This little Italian eatery serves hearty helpings of tasty Italian fare that won’t break the bank, available at two 417-land locations. The Poppa is a popular pasta dish: It comes with penne pasta, Italian sausage, mushrooms and a spicy tomato-cream sauce. Another fave: the portobel-

Hours Monday–Saturday: 4:30–11 p.m. Sunday: Closed

Lunch Hours

Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

417-501-1675 1110 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield

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lo mushroom ravioli with a to-die-for sauce. The side salads here are so fresh, with excellent homemade dressings. $   d BRUNO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 416 South Ave., Springfield, 417-866-0007 The bucatini with panchetta, chili oil and basil is a must-try pasta dish. Get it with the arugula salad with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Also on the menu is pizza, wagyu steak and lots of excellent entree options. The ever-changing specials always sound extra-tasty, like the recent offering of shellfish arancini. $$$  GILARDI’S 820 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-862-6400, gilardisonwalnut.com Owner James Martin focuses on handmade pasta and fresh ingredients at this charming little Italian restaurant that makes a wonderful date-night spot. Don’t miss the amazing meatballs in red wine rosemary cream sauce that are served over a bed of creamy goat cheese polenta. Be sure to dine in the outdoor seating area when the weather allows. $$$  d NICOLA’S RISTORANTE 3631 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8863700, nicolasspringfield. com This restaurant serves a delicious sea bass. Try the lumache: fresh snails sauteed in garlic butter and baked with Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free pasta and pizza are available. The chicken parmigiano is a highlight definitely worth ordering. The dessert menu is impressive. Enjoy the spacious outdoor patio when the weather permits, or belly up to the bar for happy hour with friends. $$–$$$  d

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NONNA’S ITALIAN CAFÉ 306 South Ave., Springfield, 417-8311222, nonnascafe.net. The seafood lasagna is a musttry dish, and the spicy arrabbiata lasagna is crazy-good. And then there’s that drool-worthy deepfried lasagna. Basically, if the dish has “lasagna” in its name, you know it’ll be good at Nonna’s. The Tuscan pappardelle ragu is excellent, and the pesto linguine is a delight. For dessert, we particularly love the delectable chocolate torte and the rich and delicious tiramisu. Plus, the homemade cheesecakes are always top-notch. Nonna’s also does a Sunday brunch with regular menu items from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $$   PICCOLO 107 West Aldersgate Drive, Suites 1 and 2, Nixa, 417-374-7291, eatpiccolo. com When you’re craving indulgent Italian fare, Piccolo delivers with a range of piled-high pastas, pizzas, steak and chicken entrees. Start things off with the Italian Nachos (fried wonton chips, homemade Alfredo sauce and toppings), or the Balboa balls, juicy meatballs stuffed with mozzarella and finished with goat cheese and marinara. Do yourself a favor and leave room for dessert because you won’t want to miss the incredible cannolis. $–$$   d SALVATORES FRESH RISTORANTE ITALIANO 1932 W. Retail Lane, Ozark, 417-485-3838, salvatoresfresh.com The menu here is packed with handmade pastas. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of them making the fresh pasta—you can see it from the dining room. The menu also boasts everything from a fried artichokes appetizer to a Tuscan T-bone

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steak entree. Plus there are burgers, pizzas and sandwiches too. $–$$   d

JAPANESE ARIAKE SUSHI & ROBATA 1110 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, facebook. com/arikake.spfd This restaurant from the owners of Haruno, Kai and Karai offers excellent nigiri and sashimi, as well as small plates and tapas. You have to try the delicious tuna cigars or the hot rock dish that uses wagyu beef. For dessert, the matcha crème brûlée is our favorite. Be sure to order from the excellent sake menu. Order a sushi roll alongside some sake. $$–$$$   d CRAFT SUSHI 251 E. Sunshine St., Suite 116, Springfield, 417319-5887, facebook.com/ craftsushi At Craft Sushi, you’re in control of your meal as you customize your own sushi and poke bowls. And the best part: It won’t break the bank. Try a salad bowl topped with marinated tofu, asparagus, mushrooms, jalapenos, edamame and spicy wasabi sauce. It’s our favorite! Anything with the raw salmon or the spicy pork is always a hit as well, and there are a ton of topping and veggie options. There’s a menu of some pre-designed poke bowls and sushi rolls too. $$   HARUNO JAPANESE SUSHI BAR 3044 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-8870077, harunosushi.com The Oh My God roll and the Sex and the City roll are trademarks here. If simple nigiri is your style, you’ll love the tuna sampler. Be sure to venture off the sushi menu and try some of the delectable entrees as well. Don’t miss

the bibimbap or the fresh mango-jalapeño ahi tuna entree. If you love a spicy bite, make sure you try the seafood soup. Pair it with a little bit of nigiri or one of the spot’s tasty maki rolls. $$– $$$   HINODE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 4301 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-877-1777 Come to see the show at the hibachi grills. Hinode is known for wonderful hibachi meals with perfectly cooked proteins and all the extras: rice, stir fry noodles, veggies and that luscious seafood sauce. And don’t forget to try something from the sushi menu. $$  KAI 306 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8320077, kaiafterdark.com This lounge-like restaurant in downtown Springfield has fantastic sushi. It has the same owners as Haruno, which is famous for their incredible rolls—so you know it’ll be delicious! Don’t miss the restaurant’s black cod or sea bass entrees with delicious wasabi risotto. They are just as impressive as the sushi rolls! There are some great cocktail and appetizer options here as well. $$–$$$   KARAI RAMEN + HANDROLL 640 W. Republic Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417-319-5225 With Karai, owner Young Jun, of Haruno, Kai and Koriya, takes ramen seriously, and it shows in her food. The Karai Ramen with a flavorful and spicy house-made broth is incredible, and we like to get it with pork and a seasoned soft-boiled egg added. For something lighter, the naked ramen with sesame noodles, spinach, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, seaweed and sprinkled with lime

is a highlight. Don’t miss the tasty hand rolls or the steamed buns filled with shredded pork, spring onions and teriyaki sauce. The Tonkatsu is a house special, a pork cutlet with Japanese mustard barbecue sauce, cabbage and miso soup. $   NAKATO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 2615 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8817171, nakato.com Performance-style hibachi dining is what Nakato is known for. And they are super-good at it! A little entertainment plus a great meal. All of the sushi is top-notch here as well. Don’t miss the Jenny Roll, a favorite. For an appetizer, try the bacon-wrapped scallops, the agedashi tofu or the seafood tempura. $$   NIJI SUSHI 3938 S. Lone Pine Ave., Suite 100-B, Springfield, 417-851-1707 In addition to a large variety of sushi rolls (we love the Cherry Blossom Roll and the Spicy Yummy Roll), this menu also boasts rainbow-bright cocktails and seven types of ramen soups. Come with friends so you can share and sample lots of rolls. For dessert, try the fluffy Japanese cheesecake. $$   OMO JAPANESE SOUL FOOD 2215 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Springfield The ramen and udon soups are some of the tastiest items on the menu here, and they come with lots of fun toppings. We like to order it with spicy broth and either chasu pork or chicken katsu for the protein. There are also sushi rolls, bento boxes, takoyaki and fun desserts like mitrurashi dango. Fun bonus: This spot has a robot who brings you your drinks. $$  

SAKURA 3230 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-882-8000 There’s a solid sushi menu (the Sam’s Roll never disappoints if you like a roll with a lot going on), and you can order a sushi donburi box to really get some bang for your buck if you prefer to keep your sushi meals simple and refreshing. The bento boxes are great too, packed with your choice of entree, rice, salad, miso soup, fruit, spring rolls and Japanese pickles. $$  

KORIYA 4121 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0077 This spot serves createyour-own bibimbap dishes, and you can choose between chicken, beef bulgogi, tofu and shrimp for your protein. One of our favorite dishes is the japchae, made with slippery and sweet stir fried potato starch noodles and lots of veggies—it’s fun to eat and so satisfying. Don’t miss the zaru soba if you’re in the mood for something lighter. $   d

kebabs is a great choice. We love the stuffed grape leaves appetizer, served with a delicious tahini dipping sauce. There are plenty of options for diners with vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets. For a super-delicious dessert, don’t miss the baklava made with Lebanese rose water. $–$$  

SUSHI VILLAGE 1440 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8901016, facebook.com/ springfieldsushivillage This cozy sushi spot has a warm date-night atmosphere with cherry blossoms and plants around every corner. All the sushi is fresh and flavorful, but some custom creations pack fun ingredient combos. $$  

MEDITERRANEAN

CABOS BONITOS GRILL & CANTINA 3637 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-2213490, cabosbonitos.com Come to this east Springfield spot for all your Mexican favorites plus some fun and unique dishes like the fried avocado appetizer. It has beer-battered avocado halves filled with your choice of meat and topped with sour cream and chipotle ranch sauce. $$  

KOREAN

I L L U S T R AT I O N BY G R A C E C H I P L E Y - T H O M P S O N

BAWI KOREAN BBQ 4121 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8862777, bawikbbq.com Bawi Korean BBQ brings an authentic Korean dining experience to Springfield, where you’ll pay a flat fee of $25 for an all-you-caneat meal. You cook the meat yourself on tabletop grills. $$  GOLDEN KOREAN RESTAURANT 1406 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-832-1093 This spot serves up delicious and authentic Korean food. The beef bulgogi and dolsot bibimbap are best sellers here. We also love the fried dumplings and kimbop. If you’re in the mood for something really comforting, opt for the kimchi chigae. You also get Korean side dishes alongside your meal. $  

CRAVE MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 1111 E. Republic Road, Ste. 164, Springfield, 417306-9749, cravemediterraneancafe.com There’s so much good stuff on the menu here; shareable dips like hummus and baba ganoush, shawarma, kabob, gyros, falafel and more. Don’t miss the flaming cheese appetizer or the manakeesh flat bread with toppings like sumac chicken. $$–$$$   GREEK BELLY 320 E. Walnut St., 417597-3382, greekbelly.com We love everything we’ve tasted here! Try a tasty pork or chicken gyro topped with creamy tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and French fries on a soft pita. Our favorite, though, is the loukaniko wrap. It’s an orange-spiced pork sausage served in a pita with spicy feta dip, fresh veggies and French fries. For dessert, don’t miss the truly to-diefor ice cream topped with baklava and honey-cinnamon-citrus syrup. $   THAT LEBANESE PLACE 338 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-536-6677 The kibbeh is fantastic if you like herbaceous and satisfying eats, and any of the delicious and meaty

MEXICAN

CANTINA LAREDO 1001 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-3346052, cantinalaredo.com Cantina Laredo is a great option if you’re exploring Branson and have a hankering for Mexican food. Located on Branson Landing, it has a great view of the choreographed fountain and of Lake Taneycomo and the bluffs across the water. $$   CASA BELLA MEXICAN CUISINE 4610 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-7715031; 300 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417885-9097 The menu is huge at Casa Bella, which has two Springfield locations. Try the tasty ceviche, any of the street tacos, or the spicy camarones a la diabla. The Battlefield restaurant location is huge too,

so there’s plenty of room to bring your whole crew for some Mexican eats. $$   CESAR’S OLD MEXICO 2627 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-881-8252 Indulge in authentic Mexican food at incredibly reasonable prices. We love the birria taco, which is filled with succulent shredded beef. Don’t miss the Salvadorian pupusas stuffed with beans and cheese; they are delightful. The carnitas torta is also excellent. It’s huge and is stuffed with savory carnitas, topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and mayo and then sandwiched between a pillowy bun. Need we say more? $ EL PARAISO MEXICAN KITCHEN 610 W. College St., Springfield, 417-7715641; 305 E. Chestnut St., Suite C, Strafford, 417736-0019; elparaisokitchen.com This Strafford-based Mexican restaurant now has an outpost in Downtown Springfield too. They are known for a great lineup of margaritas and all your favorite Mexican dishes. For an app, try the flaming cheese or the ceviche. For an entree, try the piña a la parrilla—a fresh pineapple bowl filled with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops, veggies and more. $$   HABANERO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT + CANTINA Locations in Springfield, Republic, Carthage and Joplin; habanerosmexicancantina.com Orginally in Carthage, this popular Mexican restaurant has expanded to three other Ozarks cities. Don’t miss the tender

quesabirria tacos with rich consomme for dipping. The nachos, enchiladas and guacamole are hits too. While you’re there, try one of the hand-crafted margaritas. $$   LA PALOMA 3041 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7194484, dienlapaloma.com; 1425 W. Battlefield St., Springfield, 417-8892985, thelapaloma.com This spot offers a huge range of Mexican dishes including fish tacos, which are excellent. Battered and fried fish is topped with fresh pic de gallo, cabbage and a creamy chipotle sauce and then served with Mexican white rice. $–$$   d LUNA MODERN MEXICAN 2925 Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-3501006, dineluna.com This spot serves delicious Mexican options like guacamole made tableside, fried plantains, quesabirria tacos, spicy Yucatan shrimp (our fave!) and lots more—including plenty of classic faves like enchiladas, quesadillas and more. $$   d MEXICAN VILLA Multiple 417-land locations, mexicanvilla.net This spot is a favorite among longtime Springfield locals, and it is known for its sweet sauce served with tortilla chips. Also popular is the Sancho Enchilada Style—a huge burrito that is completely swimming in red enchilada sauce. Kids love the chicken fingers, and you can even purchase the sweet salsa in a jar to go. $d OXO BAR & GRILL 2550 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-3069808, oxospringfield.com Try modern takes on Mexican street food, like

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pork belly street tacos, chorizo burritos, chilaquiles, aquachile, elote and more. Come on Saturday for Latin Night for Latin dancing. Brunch available on Sundays with items like morning tostadas. $$  d PRIMA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 3662 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8901212; 5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, 417-582-2776; primasmexicangrill.com Diners love the pollo abovado, an 8-ounce chicken breast that’s grilled and topped with homemade chorizo, white queso and tomatoes. Try the asada tacos: three soft corn tortillas filled with steak, cilantro and onions and served with rice, beans and avocado. $–$$   SEÑOR JULIAN MEXICAN BAR & GRILL 3405 E. Battlefield Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417-240-2120 This tiny restaurant packs big flavors, with a menu that features traditional Mexican soups, handmade-to-order flour tortillas, quesabirria tacos, massive quesadillas, fajita baked potatoes and more. The tacos especiales are a favorite, filled with carne asada, cilantro, onions, queso fresco and avocado. If you like pozole, come on the weekends when they serve both that and menudo. Don’t miss the huge margaritas menu, including a fun mangonada margarita. $–$$   TEAM TACO 1454 E. Cherry St., Springfield, teamtacosgf. com Let the little ruby-red building near Pickwick Avenue and Cherry Street be your guiding beacon to flavor-packed tacos, nachos and rice bowls. This tiny cafe serves

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major flavors in its taco menu. We’re fans of the Globetrotter pork belly taco, and we always have to taste test the Ringer, the shop’s rotating special taco. We also love the tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails that pair so well with all those tasty tacos with their big flavors. $  d TINGA TACOS 308 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-8318007, tingatacossgf.com This downtown taco shop is open late slinging shells of its wildly creative combinations. We are partial to the Fu Yu made with super-flavorful marinated tofu or the Fruity Piggles with juicy pork and fig jam for a salty-sweet combination. $   TORTILLERIA PERCHES 1601 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8648195 This tiny little authentic Mexican restaurant makes its own tortillas and chips fresh every day. Try a Mexican soda, a traditional Mexican soup or a tamale when you visit. Don’t miss Taco Tuesdays and Tamale Thursdays, where the dishes are only a dollar. $   

PIZZA ARRIS’ PIZZA 1332 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8817260, arrispizzaonline. com Greek-influenced. Thincrust pizzas have a Greek flair at Arris’ Pizza. Be sure to order the Athena (a pizza made with feta, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms and green peppers) if you want to try one that bursts with flavor. The bruschetta is a great appetizer, and it’s unlike bruschetta we’ve had other places. $–$$  

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THE BIG SLICE 1450 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7201928; 4126 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, 417720-4108; thebigslicespringfield.com New York–style. You can get big New York–style brick oven pizza by the slice here. Or buy a whole pie if you prefer, but either way make sure to try to the chicken bacon ranch pizza. We love the creamy spinach pizza too, when we’re in the mood for a white pie. The gigantic pepperonis are a wonderful topping too. $–$$   CHERI’S HAPPY PLACE located at Metropolitan Grill, 2931 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417889-4951, metropolitan-grill.com Wood-fired. It’s all about perfect pizza paired with champagne at this spot. Cooked in a wood-fired oven, this pizza is something like a mix between New York–style and Neapolitan-style. Try the Hotter Than Jacquez pizza with smoke mozzarella, bacon, pepperoni and fresh jalapeños. So, so good! $$  GARBO’S PIZZERIA 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Suite C101, Springfield, 417-8839010, garbospizzeria.com St. Louis–style. If you love a loaded St. Louis– style pizza, try the toppings-packed Grandiose. Or try the Bavarian pizza for something a little different; it is topped with Canadian bacon and sauerkraut. Customers are big fans of the Garbo’s house salad and its homemade dressing. $–$$   d MASO PIZZA BAR 3653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7201047 Wood-fired. Maso Pizza Bar is owned by Nicola Gilardi, and everything on

the menu is delish. We can’t wait to try options like the Nic Rise and Shine, Italian Stallion and vegetarian-friendly Monica Healthy pies. The menu also spans salads, panini, pasta, soups and more. $$  d

than 50 years, and the pizza they serve is super-thin and cut into super-tiny pieces. It’s a classic that’s not to be missed and is a favorite of lifelong locals. Our favorite thing there: any pizza that includes bacon. $  

ONE 2 FIVE TAPROOM 1846 Highway 125, Rogersville, facebook. com/One2FiveTaproom Wood-fired. This taproom and micro-distillery is the first outpost of Springfield Brewing Company, and its menu specializes in wood-fired pizza cooked in a brick oven. The Bourbon BBQ pizza is a crowd pleaser. Head there on a nice day to take advantage of all the backyard games. $$   d

ROCCO’S PIZZA & SUBS Multiple 417-land locations; roccospizzaandsubs.com New York–style. This Italian eatery specializes in New York–style pizza that has anybody who’s been to the east coast swooning. It’s legit. Also on the menu are hot subs, like meatball or eggplant Parmesan, plus salads, calzones and a handful of pasta entrees. $–$$  

PAPPO’S PIZZERIA 221 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8661111; 900 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417306-9091; pappospizzeria.com Stonebaked. Try the spicy chicken Cholula pie topped with a mixture of red sauce and olive oil, grilled chicken marinated in Cholula sauce, garlic, mozzarella cheese, red onions, cilantro. Also, be sure you try the meatballs. We really like the salads here as well. $–$$  

PUBS & BARS

PIZANO’S PIZZA 106 E. Jackson St., Willard, 417-742-5115, pizanoandsauce.com New York–style. You can get a little bit of New York up in Willard at this pizzeria. This spot serves New York–style pizza in addition to calzones, sub sandwiches and pasta. $–$$   PIZZA HOUSE 312 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8814073 Thin-crust. This restaurant has been a tradition in Springfield for more

BEFORE & AFTER BREWING 2940 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, beforeandafterbrewhouse There are excellent beers, espresso drinks and cocktails on the menu here, along with zero-proof cocktails. As for what to eat, the snacks are stellar here. The loaded hot pretzel is an indulgence, and they serve tasty boards (with all the accouterments) that feature highend tinned fish as the centerpiece. $$   BEST OF LUCK BEER HALL 313-B S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield; 417-5229009; bestofluckbeerhall. com This downtown beer hall combines backyard charm with killer food and more beers than you can count. If suds aren’t your thing, try a seasonal cocktail or one of the draft alcoholic punches. The extensive food menu includes flavor spins on cookout favorites, like juicy cheddarwurst

brats, salty shoestring fries with dipping sauces, and kimchi-spiked fried chicken sandwiches. The beer hall also has a faux turf lawn available for rent for games of bocce, bags and more. $$    d BLACKSTONE GASTROPUB 1521 E. Broadway St., Joplin, 417-553-0665 Damien Tiregol of Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill now has another Joplin eatery. Blackstone Gastropub features hand-crafted cocktails and 16 beers on tap alongside some great-looking eats like the crispy fried chicken, grilled salmon on a bed of gnocchi. Keep an eye out for Blackstone’s super-creative daily specials. Recently, we’ve seen a Seattle Roll with smoked burnt-end sausage and a ton of toppings, and smash-burger grilled tacos with jalapeño-ranch slaw. $ $   BRICKTOWN BREWERY 2040 E. Independence St., 417-887-0100 This brewpub has its own beer plus local beer that can be hard to find elsewhere. Here the menu is vast and the food is tasty. We enjoyed the burgers, and the apps menu included some super tasty options. This spot is also known for its cauliflower pizza crust. $$   COYOTE’S ADOBE CAFÉ & BAR 1742 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8897120; 807 N. Main St., Nixa, 417-725-6803, coyotes4wings.com This spot is known for its 40 flavors of chicken wings, from common (buffalo) to unexpected (tandoori spice). There are also tons of apps, sammies and entrees. Be sure to try the sweet potato fries. $    d

GEORGIA MAC’S 1440 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-3195770, georgiamacs.com The food is hearty and comforting with a southern flare at this south Springfield eatery. You can find loaded burgers (like the one topped with jalapeño bottle caps), fried catfish, country fried steak, loaded fries with tons of toppings, and lots more. The chicken fingers are some of the best we’ve ever had, and the Georgia Hot Chicken sandwich packs a big flavor with mild heat. $ $   HARRY’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE & BAR at Big Cedar Lodge, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417-3395200, bigcedar.com/ dining This chic cocktail spot is located downstairs at the Worman House on the Big Cedar Lodge property. It’s a great place to stop by for a drink (they have excellent cocktails and a great wine and whiskey selection), and they also offer a rotating menu of small plates and appetizers. We loved the short rib sliders and the strawberry-infused Paper Plane cocktail. $–$$   d THE GOLDEN GIRL RUM CLUB 137 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-4255162, thegoldengirl.com This rum bar on the southwest corner of Park Central Square (with a great people-watching patio space) serves handcrafted cocktails and a made-from-scratch, eclectic, internationally inspired menu. Try the Thai sticky wings for a twist on a bar staple. The pizza specials always come topped with creative ingredients for a seriously delicious and shareable pie. As for drinks, everything on the menu is reliably well-done.

JOIN T HE C LU B

A Spot to Wine and Dine The talented crew at Uncorked Sommelier Wine Bar offered our team a sneak peek of their space and menu, and we’d say our community is in for a real treat! Starting off with the decor, the space has an immaculate ’70s vibe (take a look at our Instagram Reel, and you’ll get the idea). On the menu side of things, you’ll absolutely come for the impressive wine selection, but stay for the incredible food pairings. Think of offerings like a charcuterie club sandwich and gazpacho made with all the best in-season veggies. Susie Dunville Powell, who opened Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House in 1976, helped owner Elizabeth Cieply design the food menu. Cieply is also a certified sommelier, so we are excited that she plans on offering wine education and tasting classes here. Bonus: This spot also offers The Cork Club, which gets members 20 to 30% off retail wines and a complimentary birthday glass.—Tessa Cooper

Our favorite: Mr Guava Lava, which is both fruity and spicy. $   d GOOD SPIRITS & CO. 1424 E. Cherry St., Suite A, Springfield, goodspiritsandco.com The owners of Good Spirits & Co. are behind some great local food and drink concepts (like The Golden Girl Rum Club, Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar, Cherry Picker Package & Fare and Best of Luck Beer Hall), and their chic headquarters is home to fun food-and-drink events. Check their website for monthly Supper Club dinners, cocktail events and more. $$–$$$

J.O.B. PUBLIC HOUSE 319 E. Walnut St., Springfield, job417.com This spot is known for its excellent bourbon selection and elevated bar food. Longtime favorites include the Full Ride burger, the Codi Brah falafel sandwich, and the pepperoni pizza balls. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try the Office Crush, made with Rittenhouse Rye, housemade peach and black tea syrup, lemon juice and peach puree. $$   LINDBERG’S TAVERN 318 W. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8688900, lindbergsbar.com Forget about basic bar food. This storied watering

hole offers creative takes on hearty comfort food classics. The burgers are delicious, the specials are always creative, and the Sunday brunch reliably delish. $   d THE ROYAL 1427 E. Cherry St., Suite B, Springfield, 417-3513029, theroyalmusichall. com This tiny and beautiful spot serves well-crafted cocktails, bottled cocktails and finger foods like warm olives or rosemary and bitters glazed nuts. Be sure to visit when there is live music; the intimate setting makes for a great experience. Our tip: Make it a date night. $ 

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SPRINGFIELD BREWING COMPANY 305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-8328277, springfieldbrewingco.com Try the fish and chips paired with the beers that are brewed on-site. Also delicious are the burgers and the mac and cheese. Live music. $$    d VINO CELLARS WINE SHOP & LOUNGE 2137 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7731985, vcellars.com Small plates, snacks and tapas make up the menu at this comfortable spot. $

SEAFOOD & FISH CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL 815 W. Seventh St., Joplin, 417-206-3474, crabbysjoplin.com This Joplin hot-spot serves some fantastic seafood, and we’ve enjoyed everything we’ve tried there. The Chilean sea bass is a specialty. Try some of the small plates, like portobello mushroom fries, steamed mussels or a lovely charcuterie board. There are also some great entree salad options. $$–$$$   ROCKBRIDGE RESTAURANT Call for directions to the ranch in Rockbridge; 4297 County Road 142, Rockbridge, rockbridgemo.com This fishing lodge is home to a restaurant that specializes in all things trout. The super-fresh fish dishes are made with trout that are caught on the property. We love the trio appetizer, which comes with trout salad, smoked trout and a trout dip that is so craveable! For an entree, try the blackened trout dish. There’s also an on-site bar. $   

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VANTAGE ROOFTOP LOUNGE & CONSERVATORY 260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-8511768; rooftopvantage. com This rooftop bar at Hotel Vandivort has a breathtaking view of downtown Springfield and even offers dining igloos in the winter so you can enjoy the scene all year long. The cocktails are refreshingly creative and classically well-done, and the menu of shareables and snacks bring the concept of bar food up several notches with items like the pork rillette tartine. Make sure you try something from the super-fresh, beautifully prepared raw bar. The pickled shrimp and scallop ceviche are two of our faves. $$ d

STEAK CHAR STEAKHOUSE & OYSTER BAR 1620 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8238383 The former Touch Restaurant & Oyster Bar retains some standby dishes like bacon-wrapped dates and chicken Bijan in its new iteration as Char Steakhouse & Oyster Bar (owned by the same people), but offerings of Waygu steaks, lamb shank and fish dishes up the ante. Indulgent lobster potato puree and crispy flash-fried Brussels sprouts round out the side dishes, and raw oysters, ceviche and bone marrow pique the appetite as starters. $$$  d FLAME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 314 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8624444, flamesteakhouse. com The restaurant specializes in dry-aged steaks that are

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truly delicious. Don’t miss the lobster macaroni and cheese (we’re serious; you have to try this stuff). The desserts are always divine, and we can’t get enough of the appetizer menu. $$$ 

in all sizes and varieties, all of which are certified black Angus beef and free of hormones and antibiotics. The restaurant’s menu also has a variety of other items like seafood and chicken. $$$ 

JIMM’S STEAKHOUSE & PUB 1935 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8865466, jimmssteakhouseandpub.com We love the tasty steaks here. They are always prepared perfectly. The stuffed Peppadew peppers are a must-try appetizer; trust us, you need to taste those things! The peppers are stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. And if you love a good salad bar, Jimm’s has one of the best. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the offmenu smothered rib-eye for a little decadence. $$–$$$  

WILL’S CHOP HOUSE 2058 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8696947, willschophouse. com The menu here features wagyu and Japanese A5 steaks, along with a variety of seafood dishes inspired by New Orleans and South Texas. The Gulf Flounder Opelousas features blackened flounder and Creole cream sauce with shrimp, crab and oysters. $$$  D

LEVEL 2 STEAKHOUSE The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, 200 E. Main St., Branson, 417-243-3433, level2steakhouse.com This Branson restaurant specializes in steaks, but its gooey butter cake dessert is gaining a following. Try the Kansas City strip steak and the egg noodles with cheese. If you like to start your meal with greens, the Caesar salad is a must-try; it comes topped with delicious fried anchovies. Also, don’t miss the fresh Hawaiian ahi tuna served on a Himalayan salt block: delightful! Don’t sleep on the prime rib dip sandwich, either. $$$   WILDER’S STEAKHOUSE 1216 S. Main St., Joplin, 417-623-7230, wilderssteakhouse.com Come to Joplin’s Wilder’s Steakhouse to find steaks

TEA ROOMS BETH’S BAKE SHOPPE & TEA ROOM 1645-D W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417866-5533, bethsbakeshoppe.com Try a chicken salad sandwich—served on cinnamon raisin bread. And we love the spinach salad served with warm bacon vinaigrette, and the gigantic couscous salad loaded with fresh veggies and Feta. $  MS. GILMORE’S TEA ROOM AND VINTAGE SUITCASE 211 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8867000, robinsvintagesuitcase.com The daily specials and desserts are the star of this tearoom and pastry shop on Commercial Street. There is always a quiche and soup of the day, plus desserts. $  SPRING CREEK TEA ROOM 107 S. Third St., Ozark, 417-582-1331 The homemade desserts

are to die for. Be sure to order them quickly before they run out—like you might want to order them before you order entrees! Don’t miss the veggie sandwich, the strawberry soup or the chicken salad. $

THAI EVERYDAY THAI 220 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-7700147, myeverydaythai. com This spot serves consistently delicious Thai dishes. Some of our favorites are the tom kha gai soup, the comforting yellow curry with chicken and the mango sticky rice dessert. $–$$   RAMA THAI CAFÉ 2808 S. Campbell Ave.; 1129 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8653204 This restaurant, located inside a charming old house on Historic Walnut Street, features a menu full of delicious Thai tastes in a cozy atmosphere with a shady patio out back. Start your meal with the avocado spring rolls. Then dig into the entrees with an order of delicious curry noodles or a spicy curry option. $–$$   d TAI KITCHEN 114 E. Main St., Branson, 417-544-0581, taikitchenbranson.com This family-owned spot serves fresh flavors in dishes like the Tai Beef Salad, Thai fish cake appetizer, and several types of Thai soups. Don’t miss the great curries they have here too! $–$$   THAI THAI CUISINE 1615 W. Highway 76, Branson, 417-334-9070, thaithaibranson.com Thai Thai Cuisine offers really great Thai food and a sweet staff. The panang

curry is delicious, and it’s served on a little bed of fresh spinach. $–$$   THAI GARDEN 3454 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8895280, thaigardenspringfield.com There are so many great Thai options here, like nam tok beef, shareable bowls of noodle soup, stir fry and curry options and lots more. Get the fried bananas or Thai custard for dessert. Fun little extra: They bottle their Thai iced tea and Thai iced coffee. $ THAI SQUARE 307 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-7715300, facebook.com/ Thaisquare307 From the folks who owner Rama Thai (and located just around the corner from it), Thai Square offers an excellent menu of Thai food favorites. Our favorite dish is the salmon choo chee, but the spicy papaya salad and the traditional pad Thai are both tied for a close second. $$   THAILAND STATION 1730 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-3501001, thailandstation.net Find all your favorites (a variety of curries, stir fried noodle dishes and soups) plus some surprises like crispy duck and stir-fried pork belly. We’re super-excited about the salad options, like the som tum (papaya salad) and the laab (ground chicken salad). When it’s in season, order the mango sticky rice dessert. $  

VIETNAMESE BÁHN MÌ & ME 3405 E Battlefield Road, Suite 124, Springfield, 417-590-8500 This tasty spot is owned by a mother-and-daughter duo from Vietnam. Their

banh mi sandwiches (in both classic and unexpected varieties) are the star of the show, but we love all the coffee drinks just as much. They are made using a Vietnamese phin, and the one with ube cold foam is to-diefor. Don’t miss the noodle bowls or the fresh spring rolls. $– $ $ B   HONG YEN 301 W. Battlefield., Springfield, 417-3513915, facebook.com/ hongyenrestaurant. Come to Hong Yen when you’re in search of excellent beef pho. The chicken pho is pretty good too! Really, anything with noodles is worth a try, and the menu has several clear noodle soups and egg noodle soups in addition to the pho selection. We always like to start our meal with an order of fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork. $   d

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PHO KIM 3433-C S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8839999, phokimspringfield. com Here you can fill up on Vietnamese staples like pho, spring rolls, a variety of bahn mi sandwiches and more. The chicken fried rice is extra crispy, and the chicken pho is just as tasty as the classic beef variety here. We love the fresh spring rolls too. If you aren’t afraid of heat, try the spicy beef noodle soup. $   PHO SAIGON 2640 E. 32nd St., Joplin, 417-627-9966 Come to this spot to indulge in fresh spring rolls, vermicelli noodles, and big helpings of pho with lots of fresh veggies on the side. You can also order boba tea in several flavors with toppings like tapioca pearls, coffee jelly, egg pudding, popping boba and more. $  

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Midwest Goodbye the

P H O TO BY K R I S T I N S H A R P

HEY, WE HAVE A FEW MORE OZARKS MOMENTS TO SHARE WITH YOU BEFORE YOU GO.

Good Samaritan Pickleball Tournament Guests played a little pickleball while they helped raise funds for Good Samaritan. Pictured: Jymi Neidig and Mary Welch Continued on p. 106 >>

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The Midwest Goodbye

People Pics

Good Samaritan Pickleball Tournament This tournament supported youth in foster care at Good Samaritan. Men’s doubles and women’s doubles were held on Saturday, July 12, followed by mixed doubles and scrambles on Sunday, July 13. Players came together for a weekend of competition while raising funds to support local youth in need.

Date: July 11–12 5

Benefiting Organization: Good Samaritan Location: Dropshots Pickleball Sponsors: 417 Magazine, Central Bank & Trust

1. Abraham Mejia and Alex Edwards 2

2. Winners 3. Steve Fielding and Steve Mumert

5. Isaiah Giles and Matt Giles 6. Scott & Katelynne Krause, Harmony & Drake Apperson

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7. Travis Powell and Gerry Bennett

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4. Kristy Foster and Melinda Jenson

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Date: September 10 Benefiting Organization: Visit Springfield Missouri Location: Mother’s Brewing Company

Sponsors: 417 Magazine, Hotel Vandivort, Element by Westin, Elliott Lodging, Karsh Hagan Madden, Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, University Plaza Hotel, Andy B’s Bowl Social, Silver Dollar City Parks & Resort, Great Southern Bank, Revel, Rolling Oaks Hospitality, Inc., SpringfieldBranson National Airport, Springfield Art Museum, Tripadvisor, Hopper

Toast to Tourism Springfield’s annual Toast to Tourism brought industry leaders, community partners and friends together at Mother’s Brewing Company to celebrate another successful year for local tourism. The evening recognized the people, businesses and partnerships that help make Springfield a standout destination.

1. Clint Rosdahl Missy Robertson and Andy Bartholomy 2. Joey Thorsen, Jenn Groves, Madison & Doug Foreman, Brandei Clifton and Andrea Copeland

3. Tonya Goddard, Shanil Patel & Naiya Patel

P H O TO S BY C A M E R O N G R A H A M

4. Garrett Calvert, Stan Adams, Bri Hecke and Jackson Gilstrap 5. Avary Boumestein and Becky Harris 6. Joanna Dettmer, Aleandra Dool, Ren Luebbering and Angela Pitts

7. Mark Hecquet, John Ford and Beth Hecquet

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WHERE’S 417?

Bring 417 Magazine on your next adventure—whether you’re traveling or exploring close to home.

4 1

1. Versailles, France Dr. Troy Wymore, Dr. Dawn Medley 2. Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville, Arkansas Lynn Morris, Kim Lorenzen, Kathy Purvis, Joan Whitaker, Beth Young

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3. Glamis Castle, Scotland Sam and Debbie Henningsen 4. Wiliamstown, Kentucky Dan Booher, Karrolyn Booher, Kason, Gideon, Grace, Lincoln, Talia

5.Mulberry Mountain, Arkansas Melynni Jolliff, Don Payne, Mark Kastens, Jeff Headberg, Nelly Payne, JoAnn Wright, Diane Headberg

6. Siena, Italy Nancy Bareford, Jeni Burnett Hopkins

7. Athens, Greece Anna Dryer, Debbi Royer 8. Lake Nakura National Park, Kenya, Africa Audrey Barclay, Oluwatoyin Bamidele 9.The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Rick Owsley and Diana Owsley

10. Lisbon, Portugal Theresa Boness

Take a snapshot with the magazine, and send us a hi-res copy with caption information about where the photo was taken and who is in the photo to art@417mag.com. Don’t forget to share your travels on social media with #wheres417. 417MAG.COM

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Oh, One More Thing

October is Fire Safety Month—the perfect time to give back to the people who put their lives on the line to protect us. Linda Morelan, co-founder of Sunshine Brotherhood, shares real ways to support firefighters locally. B Y A LY S S A RON E Y

Q Tell us a little bit about Sunshine Brotherhood’s co-founder, Aaron Goddard. My late husband, Aaron Goddard, and I started the Sunshine Brotherhood back in 2015. He passed away in 2015. The early part of that year, he’s like, “Let’s do this.” And so, that’s when it started.

“THEY’RE ALWAYS OUT THERE TRYING TO SAVE US. WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE THEIR LIFE A LITTLE EASIER?”—LINDA MORELAN

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Tell us more about your work with Sunshine Brotherhood. We’re trying to fill a gap of, how can they function and try and still be working in a family, get things done. We’re really trying to love it forward because when Aaron was sick, the fire stations themselves would send around a hat for people to donate for us. And it would be so nice to get a handful of cash to be able to pay certain bills. And that’s some of why we call it the Sunshine Brotherhood, because Aaron always said, “I just need a little sunshine today,” in the hospital. To support Sunshine Brotherhood’s mission of helping first responders, visit sunshinebrotherhood.net.

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

What is Sunshine Brotherhood? Sunshine Brotherhood is an organization in the name of Aaron… We provide financial support to first responders going through some type of crisis or just having a bad time and needing some help, whether it be financial, mental health or anything like that.

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