Summer 2013
15/05/13 13:34
At last! Summer is here, and after some late snows, we are ready for hot afternoons, soft nights, iced tea and baseball. Students are eager for summer vacations, and many of us are on the lookout for a relief from our everyday life and a trip to enjoy our beautiful Missouri.
We may find ourselves staying closer to home these days, but Missouri offers many great places to see right in our own backyard. Of course, we can also travel the information highways of Missouri from the comfort of home. To help you out, I have researched some sites to help start you on your travels, both online and on-the-ground.
If you are going to Kansas City, you will want to check out the Power and Light District (PowerAndLightDistrict.com) comprised of more than a half million square feet of entertainment. With more than 50 unique shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, the District is sure to please everyone. The P&LD page has complete information, as well as photos. There is a dress code if you go in person. When you visit online, you may set your own rules.
Amusement parks are always a summer tradition. Something that will appeal to the young (and young at heart) near Kansas City is Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com.) The WOF website includes information for both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. If you are on the east side of the state, you will get a kick out of Six Flags. Visit SixFlags.com/stLouis/index.aspx to plan your trip.
What could say Missouri Summer with more spice than some good barbeque? On July 19-20, my hometown of Glasgow will hold its annual barbeque contest at Stump Island Park on the riverfront. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbque Society (kcbs.us/index.php/.) Learn more at www.jymiller.net/zzglasgowBBQ.html.
Of course, if you are in Southeast Missouri, you may wish to visit Ste. Genevieve with the rich history of Missouri’s early French roots. This state parks site at mostateparks.com/park/felix-valle-house-state-historic-site, highlights just one of the many educational and fun places to visit in this city that has homes dating back to the 1700s. You can visit many of them on the Felix Valle web page.
The historic town of St. Charles has much to offer. Missouri’s First Capitol now has many shops and museums to tour. The Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website at HistoricStCharles.com was remodeled last year and offers tons of information.
Fun on the water is often part of summer. You can cruise and sightsee on the Lake of the Ozarks on Tropic Island Cruises’ new 150-passenger motor yacht. Captain Omer and Jacquie, the owners, offer various cruise options including a daily-narrated tour of the lake. Find out more at www.tropicislandcruises.com/TICprivate.html.
This summer would be a good time to visit Independence, Missouri. Make your first stop on the city’s fantastic page at VisitIndependence.com. From it you will see much of what is available, including the many Harry Truman-related sites. The page has a great video presentation, and includes details about historic homes, 200-plus restaurants and historic pioneer trails. “The buck stops here,” and you will be glad that you did, too.
During your summer travels this year, please be safe and careful. That is my advice if you travel on the highway or on the information highway through your computer. Have a great summer and enjoy our wonderful state. If our paths should cross and you see me at a barbeque or waiting to take a lake cruise, be sure to wave and say “hi”. That is the friendly Missouri thing to do!
We may find ourselves staying closer to home these days, but Missouri offers many great places to see right in our own backyard. Of course, we can also travel the information highways of Missouri from the comfort of home. To help you out, I have researched some sites to help start you on your travels, both online and on-the-ground.
If you are going to Kansas City, you will want to check out the Power and Light District (PowerAndLightDistrict.com) comprised of more than a half million square feet of entertainment. With more than 50 unique shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, the District is sure to please everyone. The P&LD page has complete information, as well as photos. There is a dress code if you go in person. When you visit online, you may set your own rules.
Amusement parks are always a summer tradition. Something that will appeal to the young (and young at heart) near Kansas City is Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com.) The WOF website includes information for both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. If you are on the east side of the state, you will get a kick out of Six Flags. Visit SixFlags.com/stLouis/index.aspx to plan your trip.
What could say Missouri Summer with more spice than some good barbeque? On July 19-20, my hometown of Glasgow will hold its annual barbeque contest at Stump Island Park on the riverfront. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbque Society (kcbs.us/index.php/.) Learn more at www.jymiller.net/zzglasgowBBQ.html.
Of course, if you are in Southeast Missouri, you may wish to visit Ste. Genevieve with the rich history of Missouri’s early French roots. This state parks site at mostateparks.com/park/felix-valle-house-state-historic-site, highlights just one of the many educational and fun places to visit in this city that has homes dating back to the 1700s. You can visit many of them on the Felix Valle web page.
The historic town of St. Charles has much to offer. Missouri’s First Capitol now has many shops and museums to tour. The Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website at HistoricStCharles.com was remodeled last year and offers tons of information.
Fun on the water is often part of summer. You can cruise and sightsee on the Lake of the Ozarks on Tropic Island Cruises’ new 150-passenger motor yacht. Captain Omer and Jacquie, the owners, offer various cruise options including a daily-narrated tour of the lake. Find out more at www.tropicislandcruises.com/TICprivate.html.
This summer would be a good time to visit Independence, Missouri. Make your first stop on the city’s fantastic page at VisitIndependence.com. From it you will see much of what is available, including the many Harry Truman-related sites. The page has a great video presentation, and includes details about historic homes, 200-plus restaurants and historic pioneer trails. “The buck stops here,” and you will be glad that you did, too.
During your summer travels this year, please be safe and careful. That is my advice if you travel on the highway or on the information highway through your computer. Have a great summer and enjoy our wonderful state. If our paths should cross and you see me at a barbeque or waiting to take a lake cruise, be sure to wave and say “hi”. That is the friendly Missouri thing to do!
Spring 2013
12/02/13 21:50
Everyone who is ready for spring, raise your hand! After some bitter cold days in our winter season, many of us are ready for the green of spring and the warm breezes that take away those cold memories. OK, you can put your hands down now and continue reading.
Spring is a great season to travel in our beautiful Missouri. To help you with destination planning, and to give you a chance to travel from home through your computer, I’ve searched out some web pages that I hope you will find interesting.
As usual the Missouri Department of Conservation offers a glimpse of nature at http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/outdoor-recreation/driving-tours/flowering-spring-trees. Missouri’s native spring flowering trees, such as the serviceberry, hawthorn, wild plum and others, are featured on this page. Each includes a nice description and beautiful photos. You can almost smell the dogwood as you watch the video. Can anyone identify the bird that sings along with it?
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s website at www.MissouriBotanicalGarden.org is filled with great flower and butterfly photos. Teachers will be interested in the school tours that are offered. In early spring, the garden sponsors a spectacular orchid show. The garden opened to the public in 1859 and houses more than 4,800 trees. The 79-acre site is a National Historic Landmark and would be a treat to visit in any season. There is a charge for tickets, but information prior to your visit is available free online.
Do you like parades? St. Joseph hosts the third oldest Apple Blossom Festival in the United States. Photos from past festival parades can be found at www.AppleBlossomParade.com. This year’s parade will be May 4. Organizers request that each parade entry display at least one American Flag.
The St. Louis Storytelling Festival takes place in early May each year and has been a tradition for 33 years. I can’t believe that I only learned of it a few moments ago. Their webpage at http://StLStorytellingFestival.org/ provides details about the four-day festival, which will feature more than 40 storytellers at four different locations around St. Louis. A high point of the web site is the videos of storytellers casting their often humorous yarns. The stories in the festival are suitable for both children and adults, and school groups are welcomed. This festival is coordinated by the University of Missouri—St. Louis.
Even in the spring, we like to get inside from time to time. A wonderful art exhibit will run in early spring at the Ashby-Hodge Gallery on the Fayette campus of Central Methodist University, my Alma Mater. The show; “A Dream Denied” will feature more than 40 works of Glasgow’s painter, Cornelia Kuemmel. Miss Kuemmel gave up her opportunity to study art in Europe to stay in Glasgow and care for her mother. She continued to paint until her death in 1938 and is now recognized as a true talent. The curator of the gallery is Dr. Joe Geist and the co-curator for this show is my friend from Glasgow, Fr. Jerry Stockman. Learn more at the gallery webpage located at www.CentralMethodist.edu/ashbyhodge/current.php.
Enjoy your spring as you travel and see the sights of our beautiful Missouri. You may travel IRL or in Cyber-space. Whether you choose to travel IRL or on the information superhighway, use caution. We may cross paths while watching a parade, listening to a storyteller or admiring a painting.
Spring is a great season to travel in our beautiful Missouri. To help you with destination planning, and to give you a chance to travel from home through your computer, I’ve searched out some web pages that I hope you will find interesting.
As usual the Missouri Department of Conservation offers a glimpse of nature at http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/outdoor-recreation/driving-tours/flowering-spring-trees. Missouri’s native spring flowering trees, such as the serviceberry, hawthorn, wild plum and others, are featured on this page. Each includes a nice description and beautiful photos. You can almost smell the dogwood as you watch the video. Can anyone identify the bird that sings along with it?
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s website at www.MissouriBotanicalGarden.org is filled with great flower and butterfly photos. Teachers will be interested in the school tours that are offered. In early spring, the garden sponsors a spectacular orchid show. The garden opened to the public in 1859 and houses more than 4,800 trees. The 79-acre site is a National Historic Landmark and would be a treat to visit in any season. There is a charge for tickets, but information prior to your visit is available free online.
Do you like parades? St. Joseph hosts the third oldest Apple Blossom Festival in the United States. Photos from past festival parades can be found at www.AppleBlossomParade.com. This year’s parade will be May 4. Organizers request that each parade entry display at least one American Flag.
The St. Louis Storytelling Festival takes place in early May each year and has been a tradition for 33 years. I can’t believe that I only learned of it a few moments ago. Their webpage at http://StLStorytellingFestival.org/ provides details about the four-day festival, which will feature more than 40 storytellers at four different locations around St. Louis. A high point of the web site is the videos of storytellers casting their often humorous yarns. The stories in the festival are suitable for both children and adults, and school groups are welcomed. This festival is coordinated by the University of Missouri—St. Louis.
Even in the spring, we like to get inside from time to time. A wonderful art exhibit will run in early spring at the Ashby-Hodge Gallery on the Fayette campus of Central Methodist University, my Alma Mater. The show; “A Dream Denied” will feature more than 40 works of Glasgow’s painter, Cornelia Kuemmel. Miss Kuemmel gave up her opportunity to study art in Europe to stay in Glasgow and care for her mother. She continued to paint until her death in 1938 and is now recognized as a true talent. The curator of the gallery is Dr. Joe Geist and the co-curator for this show is my friend from Glasgow, Fr. Jerry Stockman. Learn more at the gallery webpage located at www.CentralMethodist.edu/ashbyhodge/current.php.
Enjoy your spring as you travel and see the sights of our beautiful Missouri. You may travel IRL or in Cyber-space. Whether you choose to travel IRL or on the information superhighway, use caution. We may cross paths while watching a parade, listening to a storyteller or admiring a painting.
Fall 2012
21/08/12 10:50
After a hot and dry summer, we look forward to the relief of a Missouri fall. Even if it does begin with unseasonable heat, we know that cool autumn afternoons will soon work their magic on our troubled spirits.
Fall is a wonderful time to travel and to enjoy the many pleasures of the Show-Me State, and computers serve as an excellent tool to plan that exploration. To aid you in your computer travel, I’ve researched a few Missouri websites for you.
With school starting, many parents are thinking about the cost of higher education. Our state is blessed with many fine colleges and universities, including a very special one—College of the Ozarks (www.CofO.edu/). Hard Work U, as it is sometimes called, offers students the opportunity to complete their college degree with no debt. Students work on the beautiful campus for their room, board and tuition. The college is located at Point Lookout, a little south of Branson (www.ExploreBranson.com).
When traveling to College of the Ozarks, be sure to stop by the Keeter Center (www.KeeterCenter.edu). The center includes a gift shop, luxury rooms and a wonderful restaurant that offers a Sunday Buffet Brunch or menu dining. On a recent lunch visit, Paige, a typically friendly sophomore from Ozark, made our dining experience a delicious pleasure.
One of the long time presidents of the college was a minister named M. Graham Clark. Near the end of his long life, Dr. Clark was scheduled to have some fairly serious surgery. The evening before the surgery, the hospital staff told Dr. Clark that the hospital chaplain would come and visit with him if he wished. Dr. Clark said; “Sure, I have some time. I’ll be happy to help him out if he needs it”. My SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) chapter is named after Dr. Clark, You can visit us at our website at www.RootsWeb.ancestry.com/~momgcsar/.
Missouri’s harvest is beginning to include more and more grapes. Before prohibition, Missouri was the leading U.S. producer of fine wines. That reputation is now returning as more and more wineries are opening in Missouri. One of them is Bushwhacker Bend here in my city of Glasgow. You can visit them IRL on Main Street or on the web at their nicely-designed webpage BushwhackerBend.com. The owners are friendly, the Missouri River overlook is beautiful and the wine is excellent.
Until November, we will find ourselves in another campaign season to select a president and other office holders. There’s no better time to visit the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum both on-line (www.TrumanLibrary.org) and IRL in Independence. In addition to serving as a planning tool for a real visit, the website also provides a great number of free lesson plans submitted by Missouri teachers.
I have visited the Abraham Lincoln Library in Illinois (yes, I do leave Missouri occassionally), about a five-hour drive from the Truman museum. I recommend visiting both IRL, but not on the same day.
Be safe on both the real highways and the cyber highways as you explore Missouri. Our paths may cross while dining in Branson or checking out an exhibit at a museum. Or perhaps we can sample a glass of Norton at a Missouri Winery.
Fall is a wonderful time to travel and to enjoy the many pleasures of the Show-Me State, and computers serve as an excellent tool to plan that exploration. To aid you in your computer travel, I’ve researched a few Missouri websites for you.
With school starting, many parents are thinking about the cost of higher education. Our state is blessed with many fine colleges and universities, including a very special one—College of the Ozarks (www.CofO.edu/). Hard Work U, as it is sometimes called, offers students the opportunity to complete their college degree with no debt. Students work on the beautiful campus for their room, board and tuition. The college is located at Point Lookout, a little south of Branson (www.ExploreBranson.com).
When traveling to College of the Ozarks, be sure to stop by the Keeter Center (www.KeeterCenter.edu). The center includes a gift shop, luxury rooms and a wonderful restaurant that offers a Sunday Buffet Brunch or menu dining. On a recent lunch visit, Paige, a typically friendly sophomore from Ozark, made our dining experience a delicious pleasure.
One of the long time presidents of the college was a minister named M. Graham Clark. Near the end of his long life, Dr. Clark was scheduled to have some fairly serious surgery. The evening before the surgery, the hospital staff told Dr. Clark that the hospital chaplain would come and visit with him if he wished. Dr. Clark said; “Sure, I have some time. I’ll be happy to help him out if he needs it”. My SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) chapter is named after Dr. Clark, You can visit us at our website at www.RootsWeb.ancestry.com/~momgcsar/.
Missouri’s harvest is beginning to include more and more grapes. Before prohibition, Missouri was the leading U.S. producer of fine wines. That reputation is now returning as more and more wineries are opening in Missouri. One of them is Bushwhacker Bend here in my city of Glasgow. You can visit them IRL on Main Street or on the web at their nicely-designed webpage BushwhackerBend.com. The owners are friendly, the Missouri River overlook is beautiful and the wine is excellent.
Until November, we will find ourselves in another campaign season to select a president and other office holders. There’s no better time to visit the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum both on-line (www.TrumanLibrary.org) and IRL in Independence. In addition to serving as a planning tool for a real visit, the website also provides a great number of free lesson plans submitted by Missouri teachers.
I have visited the Abraham Lincoln Library in Illinois (yes, I do leave Missouri occassionally), about a five-hour drive from the Truman museum. I recommend visiting both IRL, but not on the same day.
Be safe on both the real highways and the cyber highways as you explore Missouri. Our paths may cross while dining in Branson or checking out an exhibit at a museum. Or perhaps we can sample a glass of Norton at a Missouri Winery.
Summer 2012
15/05/12 20:19
We all enjoy the hot afternoons and the long evenings of summer, with the smell of freshly-mowed grass and barbecue. Summertime is the time of vacations, family visits, picnics and good times. Travel is a traditional part of a Missouri summer, and I’ve researched a few destinations to help you get in the mood to go somewhere.
If you want a great travel app for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you can do no better than to go to iTunes and purchase the Show-Me Missouri app for the low price of $2.99. One reviewer describes it as “my own little tour guide”. Maps will help you navigate to the many listed destinations. The app is one of many travel apps developed by Sutro Media. Show-Me Missouri contributor Diana Lambdin Meyer is author of two other Missouri-related Sutro apps—Kansas City Uncovered and St. Louis Uncovered. All three apps explore both the well-known and sometimes hidden gems and include hundreds of photos of various attractions within the Show-Me State.
If you are traveling with kids, they are very likely to want to visit an amusement park. Missouri has several scattered across three corners of the state. If you are near Kansas City, you may want to check out Worlds Of Fun at WorldsOfFun.com/. Information on the main theme park and the adjacent water park is readily available.
For St. Louis area visitors, consider a visit to Six Flags St. Louis. The website, located at SixFlags.com/stlouis/tickets/index.aspx, includes descriptions of the rides and available discounts.
Silver Dollar City’s site at SilverDollarCity.com details the parks numerous rides and annual festivals. The site also includes photos that are sure to entice online visitors to make the trip in person.
Almost everyone loves to cook out during the summer, and some folks get really serious about barbeque. If you are one of those, you should check out “Smokin On The River," a KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) sanctioned barbeque contest held at Glasgow, MO. The web page at JYMiller.net/zzglasgowBBQ.html has more information and pictures. I’m on the committee that puts this one on, so if you come, you may see me helping contestants get their entries turned in by giving golf cart rides from their cooking sites. There will be a dance and fireworks, too!
Of course, summer in Missouri would not be complete without baseball. Thanks to my son, I was able to attend the Cardinal’s home opener this year. It rained and the Cards lost that one, but I got to see Cardinals Hall of Fame members and the great opening ceremony. You can visit the Cardinals anytime at StLouis.Cardinals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=stl&sv=1.
I hear that there is another major league team in Missouri, as well. The Royal’s (KansasCity.Royals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=kc&sv=1) will be hosting the MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City in July.
Also near Kansas Cty, at Independence, is a historical site revered by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missouri did not welcome her early Mormon visitors, and church founder Joseph Smith spent four months in the Liberty Jail. Upon his release, the church moved to Utah. Today, the church has a museum and other buildings at the old Temple Lot site. A slideshow of the reconstruction of the jail can be found at MormonNewsroom.org/article/summer-travel-series-independence-l.
Wherever you visit in Missouri this summer, have a great time and be safe on the roads. Perhaps we’ll share a car on a theme park ride, or maybe we’ll be able to share some barbeque by the river in Glasgow. If not, perhaps we’ll just cross electronically on the Internet.
If you want a great travel app for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you can do no better than to go to iTunes and purchase the Show-Me Missouri app for the low price of $2.99. One reviewer describes it as “my own little tour guide”. Maps will help you navigate to the many listed destinations. The app is one of many travel apps developed by Sutro Media. Show-Me Missouri contributor Diana Lambdin Meyer is author of two other Missouri-related Sutro apps—Kansas City Uncovered and St. Louis Uncovered. All three apps explore both the well-known and sometimes hidden gems and include hundreds of photos of various attractions within the Show-Me State.
If you are traveling with kids, they are very likely to want to visit an amusement park. Missouri has several scattered across three corners of the state. If you are near Kansas City, you may want to check out Worlds Of Fun at WorldsOfFun.com/. Information on the main theme park and the adjacent water park is readily available.
For St. Louis area visitors, consider a visit to Six Flags St. Louis. The website, located at SixFlags.com/stlouis/tickets/index.aspx, includes descriptions of the rides and available discounts.
Silver Dollar City’s site at SilverDollarCity.com details the parks numerous rides and annual festivals. The site also includes photos that are sure to entice online visitors to make the trip in person.
Almost everyone loves to cook out during the summer, and some folks get really serious about barbeque. If you are one of those, you should check out “Smokin On The River," a KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) sanctioned barbeque contest held at Glasgow, MO. The web page at JYMiller.net/zzglasgowBBQ.html has more information and pictures. I’m on the committee that puts this one on, so if you come, you may see me helping contestants get their entries turned in by giving golf cart rides from their cooking sites. There will be a dance and fireworks, too!
Of course, summer in Missouri would not be complete without baseball. Thanks to my son, I was able to attend the Cardinal’s home opener this year. It rained and the Cards lost that one, but I got to see Cardinals Hall of Fame members and the great opening ceremony. You can visit the Cardinals anytime at StLouis.Cardinals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=stl&sv=1.
I hear that there is another major league team in Missouri, as well. The Royal’s (KansasCity.Royals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=kc&sv=1) will be hosting the MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City in July.
Also near Kansas Cty, at Independence, is a historical site revered by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missouri did not welcome her early Mormon visitors, and church founder Joseph Smith spent four months in the Liberty Jail. Upon his release, the church moved to Utah. Today, the church has a museum and other buildings at the old Temple Lot site. A slideshow of the reconstruction of the jail can be found at MormonNewsroom.org/article/summer-travel-series-independence-l.
Wherever you visit in Missouri this summer, have a great time and be safe on the roads. Perhaps we’ll share a car on a theme park ride, or maybe we’ll be able to share some barbeque by the river in Glasgow. If not, perhaps we’ll just cross electronically on the Internet.
Spring 2012
13/02/12 15:23
The winter has been mild and now we look forward to spring, which symbolizes new beginnings and new life. It is a perfect season to get out and see new things in our great state of Missouri. We love to travel IRL (In Real Life), but virtual travel can be a excellent way to enjoy the world when hitting the road just isn’t possible, and it’s a perfect way to plan future trips.
BigBoysFamilyRestaurant.com/BigBoysRestaurant is in an early state of development, but their restaurant, itself, is serving all you can eat fried chicken dinners at Wright City. The food and staff are very much like the old Big Boy’s that many remember. In fact, the owner was a waitress in the original that was opened in 1924. She worked there much later as a teenager.
Hunters among our readers may be looking forward to spring turkey hunting, and the Missouri Department of Conservation provides plenty of information about regulations and safety at MDC.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/turkey/spring-turkey-hunting. The site includes information about a great wild game cookbook and a link to a great collection of wildlife photos.
Missouri has many caves and springs, and there is a common fascination with these natural features. You can learn the history of these natural landmarks at www.mospeleo.org/ozark_caving/springs/jspring.html. The page includes some great photos and interesting facts and safety tips.
Sports and the University of Missouri are always hot items for Missouri residents. Living fairly close to Columbia, we are often involved in the traffic from MU athletic events. My son is an ardent MU fan and a sports fan in general. Recently, on a weekend visit with his family, I was able to watch my grandsons play hockey and basketball. We also watched the Tigers defeat Kansas in basketball on television. Schedules for all MU sports teams, as well as athletic information, ticket prices, rules for attendance, parking suggestions and dining recommendations can be found at the official university website at www.Missouri.edu. Of course, the page also has MU calendars, academic information, and much more.
Spring and summer sports for some of us include competitive cooking. The Kansas City Barbeque Society’s website at www.kcbs.us has a wealth of information about barbeque, including a schedule of contests. You can find my name on the list of certified judges and read the certified judge’s oath in which contest judges promise to strengthen and preserve “…truth, justice, the American way of life, and excellence in barbeque”. If you visit Glasgow’s “Smokin’ On the River” contest, look me up to say hello. I’ll be there helping with the contest. Information on the Glasgow cookoff can be found at www.jymiller.net/zzglasgowBBQ.html.
Missouri-vacations.com promotes the Arcadia Valley and Black River Recreation Area. You can learn about the Mark Twain National Forest, campgrounds, music festivals and more. While on the page, don’t miss the great video. You can also download a free vacation travel guide.
Wherever you travel this spring, be careful and enjoy life. Perhaps you and I will cross paths either IRL or on the internet. I might be eating chicken at a restaurant or judging barbeque at a KCBS contest.
BigBoysFamilyRestaurant.com/BigBoysRestaurant is in an early state of development, but their restaurant, itself, is serving all you can eat fried chicken dinners at Wright City. The food and staff are very much like the old Big Boy’s that many remember. In fact, the owner was a waitress in the original that was opened in 1924. She worked there much later as a teenager.
Hunters among our readers may be looking forward to spring turkey hunting, and the Missouri Department of Conservation provides plenty of information about regulations and safety at MDC.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/turkey/spring-turkey-hunting. The site includes information about a great wild game cookbook and a link to a great collection of wildlife photos.
Missouri has many caves and springs, and there is a common fascination with these natural features. You can learn the history of these natural landmarks at www.mospeleo.org/ozark_caving/springs/jspring.html. The page includes some great photos and interesting facts and safety tips.
Sports and the University of Missouri are always hot items for Missouri residents. Living fairly close to Columbia, we are often involved in the traffic from MU athletic events. My son is an ardent MU fan and a sports fan in general. Recently, on a weekend visit with his family, I was able to watch my grandsons play hockey and basketball. We also watched the Tigers defeat Kansas in basketball on television. Schedules for all MU sports teams, as well as athletic information, ticket prices, rules for attendance, parking suggestions and dining recommendations can be found at the official university website at www.Missouri.edu. Of course, the page also has MU calendars, academic information, and much more.
Spring and summer sports for some of us include competitive cooking. The Kansas City Barbeque Society’s website at www.kcbs.us has a wealth of information about barbeque, including a schedule of contests. You can find my name on the list of certified judges and read the certified judge’s oath in which contest judges promise to strengthen and preserve “…truth, justice, the American way of life, and excellence in barbeque”. If you visit Glasgow’s “Smokin’ On the River” contest, look me up to say hello. I’ll be there helping with the contest. Information on the Glasgow cookoff can be found at www.jymiller.net/zzglasgowBBQ.html.
Missouri-vacations.com promotes the Arcadia Valley and Black River Recreation Area. You can learn about the Mark Twain National Forest, campgrounds, music festivals and more. While on the page, don’t miss the great video. You can also download a free vacation travel guide.
Wherever you travel this spring, be careful and enjoy life. Perhaps you and I will cross paths either IRL or on the internet. I might be eating chicken at a restaurant or judging barbeque at a KCBS contest.