Spring 2025
Spring! I am certainly looking forward to it. As I write this column, I am surrounded by the snowy residue of a late winter storm. It was -4 degrees when I awoke this morning.. When this is published, we will all be enjoying the birth of spring and the delights of another Missouri happy season.
I have been comforted during these cold days by my faithful feline friend. I have a tuxedo cat named Socks who loves to sit on my lap and to sleep on my bed. I like cats, but Some people don’t, including my retired dentist friend Steve. For those who like cats, a cat cafe is a real treat, and there are several of them in Missouri. Some of their locations are The Cheshire Grin Cat Cafe in St. Louis (TheCheshireGrinCatCafe.com), Bertha’s Beans in Columbia (BerthasBeans.com), Bristocats Cat Cafe in Jefferson City (PhpCatRescue.org/baristocats) and Whiskers Cafe in Kansas City (WhiskersKC.com).
Checking out their websites will let you see some cute cat pictures and read rules and times of operation. Most of them are coffee shops that also serve food. The cats are in a separate room from food prep, and you must agree to not pick them up or to pull their tails if you go into their room. Children must be supervised by an adult. Some of the cats are available for adoption, and they are all usually very happy to sit on visitors’ laps. I know my friend, Steve, will not be visiting, but I may make an IRL visit.
For those who like bicycling, Missouri’s Katy Trail (BikeKatyTrail.com) is a great asset. The trail is 239 miles long and is the former MKT Railroad right of way. It crosses most of Missouri and is available for hiking or biking. Horseback riding is allowed on two segments of the trail: Sedalia to Clinton and Tebbetts to Portland. Over half the trail’s length follows Lewis and Clark’s path up the Missouri River, where you can ride beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead. America’s longest “rails-to-trail” project is flat and scenic.
The little town of Marshfield hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival every spring in mid-April. It is the featured festival on page 46 of this issue. The festival, which can be found online at CherryBlossomFest.com, has a lot of varied activities including welcoming descendants of our nation’s presidents who will share stories about their family. Marshfield is the birthplace of Edwin Hubble, who was responsible for the Hubble Space Telescope. The courthouse in Marshfield has a 1/4-size replica of the telescope, which can be seen at RoadsideAmerica.com/tip/10463. Photographs taken with the still operating space telescope can be viewed a Science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/.
I hope you have a wonderful spring in Missouri. If we should cross paths at a cat cafe while enjoying a cup of coffee or checking out the replica space telescope, please say hello. Wherever we meet, it is always good to see a friend in Missouri.
I have been comforted during these cold days by my faithful feline friend. I have a tuxedo cat named Socks who loves to sit on my lap and to sleep on my bed. I like cats, but Some people don’t, including my retired dentist friend Steve. For those who like cats, a cat cafe is a real treat, and there are several of them in Missouri. Some of their locations are The Cheshire Grin Cat Cafe in St. Louis (TheCheshireGrinCatCafe.com), Bertha’s Beans in Columbia (BerthasBeans.com), Bristocats Cat Cafe in Jefferson City (PhpCatRescue.org/baristocats) and Whiskers Cafe in Kansas City (WhiskersKC.com).
Checking out their websites will let you see some cute cat pictures and read rules and times of operation. Most of them are coffee shops that also serve food. The cats are in a separate room from food prep, and you must agree to not pick them up or to pull their tails if you go into their room. Children must be supervised by an adult. Some of the cats are available for adoption, and they are all usually very happy to sit on visitors’ laps. I know my friend, Steve, will not be visiting, but I may make an IRL visit.
For those who like bicycling, Missouri’s Katy Trail (BikeKatyTrail.com) is a great asset. The trail is 239 miles long and is the former MKT Railroad right of way. It crosses most of Missouri and is available for hiking or biking. Horseback riding is allowed on two segments of the trail: Sedalia to Clinton and Tebbetts to Portland. Over half the trail’s length follows Lewis and Clark’s path up the Missouri River, where you can ride beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead. America’s longest “rails-to-trail” project is flat and scenic.
The little town of Marshfield hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival every spring in mid-April. It is the featured festival on page 46 of this issue. The festival, which can be found online at CherryBlossomFest.com, has a lot of varied activities including welcoming descendants of our nation’s presidents who will share stories about their family. Marshfield is the birthplace of Edwin Hubble, who was responsible for the Hubble Space Telescope. The courthouse in Marshfield has a 1/4-size replica of the telescope, which can be seen at RoadsideAmerica.com/tip/10463. Photographs taken with the still operating space telescope can be viewed a Science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/.
I hope you have a wonderful spring in Missouri. If we should cross paths at a cat cafe while enjoying a cup of coffee or checking out the replica space telescope, please say hello. Wherever we meet, it is always good to see a friend in Missouri.
Winter 2025
Time flies, especially as the winter season begins and the days grow shorter. Winter in Missouri offers much to enjoy as we fill those shorter daylight hours. Sweaters and warm coats are in order, but travel is still a good way to explore our great state. If the weather outside is snowy, our computer screens still provide a safe and comfortable way to enjoy Missouri. We can travel IRL after planning our trips online.
In order to help you plan some trips, either IRL or through your computer screen, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber-travel visits.
Here in my hometown of Glasgow, we have many winter activities, including a lighted Christmas Boat Parade (GlasgowMo-msa.org/events/old-fashioned-christmas/winter-boat-parade/) through the historic downtown with many other activities going on for adults and children. Glasgow also has a Community Christmas Social at the Knights of Columbus Hall. It includes a delicious smoked pork chop dinner (I will be cooking) and entertainment: GlasgowMo-chamber.com/events/glasgow-holiday-social-dinner/ .
Holiday In the Park (GlasgowMo-msa.org/donations/holiday-in-kuemmel-park/) is a drive-through event in historic Kuemmel Park featuring business, organizations, and individuals who have lighted Christmas displays along the route. Admission is a free will donation. These events are becoming very popular. Check your local community to see if you have one of your own.
Of course, Branson has many things to enjoy year-round. The Shepard of the Hills hosts its North Pole Adventure. You can read about it at TheShepherdOfTheHills.com/north-pole-adventure/.
Did you know that Missouri has the largest populations of bald eagles during the winter months of all the states? There are 60 species of eagles. Missouri also sometimes sees golden Eagles. Here is a site with more eagle facts: BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/.
When I was a boy on the farm, I used to ice skate on one of our farm ponds. I am not able to skate now, but I certainly remember those good times. I am sure it would have been even more fun on the largest outdoor ice ink in the Midwest. Steinberg Ice Rink (BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/) is located in Forest Park in St. Louis. Skating lessons are offered The rink is 27,500 square feet. Forest Park is a historic treasure itself. The park is 1,300 acres and is loaded with things to do year round. Discover more at ForestParkForever.org/visit .
If you are closer to the western part of the state, there are many things to do in Kansas City as well. KC goes all out in the winter: VisitKC.com/articles/everything-you-need-know-about-winter-kansas-city/. Christmas lights, shopping, the famous plaza, restaurants (not just barbecue) and more will be yours to enjoy. Oh, yes, football fans: “How about those CHIEEFS!” (Chiefs.com/ ).
A Kansas City area attraction (actually Independence) that I have wanted to see is the Harry Truman Home. Harry loved to walk, and the Truman Walking trail (Independencemo.gov/visitors/our-history-and-culture/walking-trails/truman-
historic-walking-trail) is designed to let you retrace one of his favorite walks. Click on the walking trail and sites map to see the path. It begins at the Truman Home (nps.gov/hstr/index.htm) and takes you through his Independence neighborhood for 2.7 miles. Along the way you see 42 markers which indentify important places and people in his life.
I hope you have a great Missouri winter. Stay warm and safe, but do try to get out and enjoy the season. Perhaps we will cross paths either online or even IRL. If you see me at a Christmas parade or a Chiefs’ game, be sure to say hello. A visit with good Missouri friends, old or new, always makes a day a little brighter.
In order to help you plan some trips, either IRL or through your computer screen, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber-travel visits.
Here in my hometown of Glasgow, we have many winter activities, including a lighted Christmas Boat Parade (GlasgowMo-msa.org/events/old-fashioned-christmas/winter-boat-parade/) through the historic downtown with many other activities going on for adults and children. Glasgow also has a Community Christmas Social at the Knights of Columbus Hall. It includes a delicious smoked pork chop dinner (I will be cooking) and entertainment: GlasgowMo-chamber.com/events/glasgow-holiday-social-dinner/ .
Holiday In the Park (GlasgowMo-msa.org/donations/holiday-in-kuemmel-park/) is a drive-through event in historic Kuemmel Park featuring business, organizations, and individuals who have lighted Christmas displays along the route. Admission is a free will donation. These events are becoming very popular. Check your local community to see if you have one of your own.
Of course, Branson has many things to enjoy year-round. The Shepard of the Hills hosts its North Pole Adventure. You can read about it at TheShepherdOfTheHills.com/north-pole-adventure/.
Did you know that Missouri has the largest populations of bald eagles during the winter months of all the states? There are 60 species of eagles. Missouri also sometimes sees golden Eagles. Here is a site with more eagle facts: BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/.
When I was a boy on the farm, I used to ice skate on one of our farm ponds. I am not able to skate now, but I certainly remember those good times. I am sure it would have been even more fun on the largest outdoor ice ink in the Midwest. Steinberg Ice Rink (BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/) is located in Forest Park in St. Louis. Skating lessons are offered The rink is 27,500 square feet. Forest Park is a historic treasure itself. The park is 1,300 acres and is loaded with things to do year round. Discover more at ForestParkForever.org/visit .
If you are closer to the western part of the state, there are many things to do in Kansas City as well. KC goes all out in the winter: VisitKC.com/articles/everything-you-need-know-about-winter-kansas-city/. Christmas lights, shopping, the famous plaza, restaurants (not just barbecue) and more will be yours to enjoy. Oh, yes, football fans: “How about those CHIEEFS!” (Chiefs.com/ ).
A Kansas City area attraction (actually Independence) that I have wanted to see is the Harry Truman Home. Harry loved to walk, and the Truman Walking trail (Independencemo.gov/visitors/our-history-and-culture/walking-trails/truman-
historic-walking-trail) is designed to let you retrace one of his favorite walks. Click on the walking trail and sites map to see the path. It begins at the Truman Home (nps.gov/hstr/index.htm) and takes you through his Independence neighborhood for 2.7 miles. Along the way you see 42 markers which indentify important places and people in his life.
I hope you have a great Missouri winter. Stay warm and safe, but do try to get out and enjoy the season. Perhaps we will cross paths either online or even IRL. If you see me at a Christmas parade or a Chiefs’ game, be sure to say hello. A visit with good Missouri friends, old or new, always makes a day a little brighter.
Fall 2025
I am looking forward to fall! It is my favorite of all the seasons for many reasons. As I write this, summer is winding down, but it is still hot. At church this morning (it is a Sunday), my pastor remarked that summer is ending soon and school will begin in a matter of weeks. I already knew that I had this column to work on after my lunch today. Time really does fly by, especially as we accumulate birthdays. I remember when summer seemed endless, and now it is over before we know it.
When you receive this issue of Show-Me Missouri, the weather will be cooler in the day and a bit crisp at night. Leaves will be changing into their fall colors, and our attention will turn from baseball to football. For some of us, hayrides, cider and thoughts of Halloween will fill our days.
Fall is a great time to explore the wonders of Missouri. A short trip is a welcome respite from the busy demands of daily life. Those trips are great fun IRL, but our computers make it possible to travel from home, even if we only have a little time to spare. They also let us plan for the next IRL trip.
In order to help you plan some trips, either IRL or through your computer screen, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber travel visits.
Fall is a great time to camp out in Missouri. Temperatures are just cool enough to appreciate a small campfire at night and hiking, fishing and relaxing are great daytime activities. I have camped solo and with friends many times at Sam A. Baker State Park (MoStateParks.com/park/sam-baker-state-park) near Poplar Bluff. After deer season, it is never too crowded. Sometimes, it was just me and the occasional visiting skunk in the campground.
Another camp that is very close to Sam A. Baker is my favorite Scouting USA Camp. I have spent of a lot of days and nights at Camp Lewallen, beginning when my son was a new scout and continuing to the present day nearly 50 years later. I am a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow (oa-scouting.org) and try to visit Lewallen at least once a year. Scouting is a great experience for boys and girls. Girls are in separate troops and camp sites with female leaders. Even non-scouters see a little bit of this great camp at CampLewallen36.wixsite.com/cl36 .
A pretty town to visit on historic Route 66 is Carthage (CarthageMo.gov). There were two civil war battles there, and the city was completely rebuilt after being burned down in the second one. Carthage is known as the Maple Leaf City because it has thousands of maple trees. Each October, the city hosts the Maple Leaf Festival: (CarthageChamber.com/maple-leaf). It is also home to the Precious Moments Chapel (PreciousMomentsChapel.org). Our publisher, Gary Figgins, and his wife are big fans of these porcelain figurines.
I must admit that the last time I visited Carthage was in 1966. My fraternity brother, Art Kaul, and I were there to be in the wedding of another fraternity brother. That evening we were exploring the town on foot, and the local police thought it was too late to be out on the streets. We were almost arrested, but luckily when I knew Mary Kay’s parent’s names, we avoided that embarrassment. There is more to that story, but you will have to see me in person to hear it all. We were not doing anything bad, I promise.
Enjoy your Missouri fall, and if we should cross paths on our travels at a campground or exploring the streets of Carthage, say hello. Meeting friends is one of the greatest pleasures that Missouri can offer.
When you receive this issue of Show-Me Missouri, the weather will be cooler in the day and a bit crisp at night. Leaves will be changing into their fall colors, and our attention will turn from baseball to football. For some of us, hayrides, cider and thoughts of Halloween will fill our days.
Fall is a great time to explore the wonders of Missouri. A short trip is a welcome respite from the busy demands of daily life. Those trips are great fun IRL, but our computers make it possible to travel from home, even if we only have a little time to spare. They also let us plan for the next IRL trip.
In order to help you plan some trips, either IRL or through your computer screen, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber travel visits.
Fall is a great time to camp out in Missouri. Temperatures are just cool enough to appreciate a small campfire at night and hiking, fishing and relaxing are great daytime activities. I have camped solo and with friends many times at Sam A. Baker State Park (MoStateParks.com/park/sam-baker-state-park) near Poplar Bluff. After deer season, it is never too crowded. Sometimes, it was just me and the occasional visiting skunk in the campground.
Another camp that is very close to Sam A. Baker is my favorite Scouting USA Camp. I have spent of a lot of days and nights at Camp Lewallen, beginning when my son was a new scout and continuing to the present day nearly 50 years later. I am a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow (oa-scouting.org) and try to visit Lewallen at least once a year. Scouting is a great experience for boys and girls. Girls are in separate troops and camp sites with female leaders. Even non-scouters see a little bit of this great camp at CampLewallen36.wixsite.com/cl36 .
A pretty town to visit on historic Route 66 is Carthage (CarthageMo.gov). There were two civil war battles there, and the city was completely rebuilt after being burned down in the second one. Carthage is known as the Maple Leaf City because it has thousands of maple trees. Each October, the city hosts the Maple Leaf Festival: (CarthageChamber.com/maple-leaf). It is also home to the Precious Moments Chapel (PreciousMomentsChapel.org). Our publisher, Gary Figgins, and his wife are big fans of these porcelain figurines.
I must admit that the last time I visited Carthage was in 1966. My fraternity brother, Art Kaul, and I were there to be in the wedding of another fraternity brother. That evening we were exploring the town on foot, and the local police thought it was too late to be out on the streets. We were almost arrested, but luckily when I knew Mary Kay’s parent’s names, we avoided that embarrassment. There is more to that story, but you will have to see me in person to hear it all. We were not doing anything bad, I promise.
Enjoy your Missouri fall, and if we should cross paths on our travels at a campground or exploring the streets of Carthage, say hello. Meeting friends is one of the greatest pleasures that Missouri can offer.
Summer 2025
Summer is here! After a stormy and sometimes disastrous spring with tornados and floods, we are ready for some more carefree times. A summer in Missouri can provide the balm for our tired spirits. Kids, of course, look forward to time off from school, and even adults try to find more time to enjoy Missouri recreation and travel.
Many years ago, when I was one of those kids, I remember a popular song performed by Nat King Cole. It was called “Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer”. I just listened to it again, and it still makes me happy. You can listen to it on YouTube.
It will open with an ad, but you can just click on skip to hear and see a young Nat King Cole (it was recorded in 1963) doing a great job with this song. The song was originally written in German, by the way.
The German title is “Du spielst ‘ne tolle Rolle”.
I was a brand new high school graduate in 1963. Much older and, hopefully, a bit wiser now, I still like the song. I also like to get out in summer to travel and visit our beautiful state.
In order to help you plan your trips, I have researched some Missouri travel internet sites.
Covered bridges are a relic of the past. Missouri once had at least 30 of these bridges, but only four have survived. You can read about their history and see photos at TravelInMissouri.com/covered-bridges-in-missouri. The site even provides highway routes to visit the bridges. I have been to two of them, so I have two more on my bucket list. The bridges were built of wood and covered to protect the structures. All four are now only open for foot traffic. The bridges can all be visited in a 334-mile loop. Another site with additional photos and videos of the bridges can be found at OnlyInYouSstate.com/trip-ideas/missouri/day-trip-covered-bridges-mo .
Of course, I cannot mention bridges without including the first all-steel railroad bridge in the world. The historic bridge was located in Glasgow and was built in 1878. The bridge cost more than $500,000, a fortune in 1878. Even though some naysayers warned that it would fall down during the first winter because “…steel is not a good material for bridges,” it served until the early-1900s when it had to be replaced because of larger locomotives. Construction details and photos of both the old and new bridges can be found at IndustrialScenery.blogspot.com/2021/05/first-all-steel-bridge-in-world-1879-c.html.
I have visited Hannibal several times. I was first there when I was in elementary school, and my last visits were while I was escorting a couple dozen seventh and eighth graders. I have also been there with adult friends. All those visits were interesting in different ways. Take 30-plus kids anywhere for a good time!
Hannibal’s website (VisitHannibal.com/explore) details many of the things to do there. Hannibal calls itself “America’s Home Town,” and you will find it a great place to visit. I am looking forward to a repeat visit myself.
You can tour a couple of caves, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum and birthplace of Molly Brown, the “unsinkable” Titanic survivor (biography.com/activists/molly-brown). Many shops and good places to eat will complete your visit. You will surely find a friend in Hannibal.
Have a great Missouri summer. If we should happen to cross paths IRL, be sure to say hello. We might see each other at a covered bridge or in Mark Twain’s hometown. If we meet in Glasgow, I’ll show you the famous bridge and tell you about our other history. It’s always good to meet friends in Missouri.
Many years ago, when I was one of those kids, I remember a popular song performed by Nat King Cole. It was called “Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer”. I just listened to it again, and it still makes me happy. You can listen to it on YouTube.
It will open with an ad, but you can just click on skip to hear and see a young Nat King Cole (it was recorded in 1963) doing a great job with this song. The song was originally written in German, by the way.
The German title is “Du spielst ‘ne tolle Rolle”.
I was a brand new high school graduate in 1963. Much older and, hopefully, a bit wiser now, I still like the song. I also like to get out in summer to travel and visit our beautiful state.
In order to help you plan your trips, I have researched some Missouri travel internet sites.
Covered bridges are a relic of the past. Missouri once had at least 30 of these bridges, but only four have survived. You can read about their history and see photos at TravelInMissouri.com/covered-bridges-in-missouri. The site even provides highway routes to visit the bridges. I have been to two of them, so I have two more on my bucket list. The bridges were built of wood and covered to protect the structures. All four are now only open for foot traffic. The bridges can all be visited in a 334-mile loop. Another site with additional photos and videos of the bridges can be found at OnlyInYouSstate.com/trip-ideas/missouri/day-trip-covered-bridges-mo .
Of course, I cannot mention bridges without including the first all-steel railroad bridge in the world. The historic bridge was located in Glasgow and was built in 1878. The bridge cost more than $500,000, a fortune in 1878. Even though some naysayers warned that it would fall down during the first winter because “…steel is not a good material for bridges,” it served until the early-1900s when it had to be replaced because of larger locomotives. Construction details and photos of both the old and new bridges can be found at IndustrialScenery.blogspot.com/2021/05/first-all-steel-bridge-in-world-1879-c.html.
I have visited Hannibal several times. I was first there when I was in elementary school, and my last visits were while I was escorting a couple dozen seventh and eighth graders. I have also been there with adult friends. All those visits were interesting in different ways. Take 30-plus kids anywhere for a good time!
Hannibal’s website (VisitHannibal.com/explore) details many of the things to do there. Hannibal calls itself “America’s Home Town,” and you will find it a great place to visit. I am looking forward to a repeat visit myself.
You can tour a couple of caves, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum and birthplace of Molly Brown, the “unsinkable” Titanic survivor (biography.com/activists/molly-brown). Many shops and good places to eat will complete your visit. You will surely find a friend in Hannibal.
Have a great Missouri summer. If we should happen to cross paths IRL, be sure to say hello. We might see each other at a covered bridge or in Mark Twain’s hometown. If we meet in Glasgow, I’ll show you the famous bridge and tell you about our other history. It’s always good to meet friends in Missouri.
Spring 2025
We emerge from the snow and ice of winter to bask in spring sunshine. Green grass and warm sunshine in the day with cool evening breezes help us to enjoy the beginning of new life all around us. Spring is an ideal time to get out of the house and explore the natural wonders of our beautiful state. It is only prudent to use our computers to explore those wonders before we hit the road.
In order to help you plan your trips, I have researched some Missouri travel internet sites.
No matter what season, I really like coffee. In fact, I am drinking a cup wile I am writing this. I was pleased to find the Ozarks Coffee Trail at SpringfieldMo.org/ozarks-coffee-trail. The site allows viewers to sign up to obtain a pass to visit a number of coffee shops in the Ozarks area. Visitors get access to a “Secret Menu” at each shop, and points are awarded for each visit that can be redeemed for shirts or other items. There is no cost to participate.
We have a nice coffee shop here in Glasgow that is owned by my friend, Scott Morris. You can check out at Riverbrewcoffeeco.com.
Serious bird watchers maintain a “life list” of where and when they have observed various species of birds. Near Columbia, there is a great area for bird watching that host a fun family outing where you maintain a life list or not. The Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area can be found online at BirdWatchingDaily.com/hotspots/240-eagle-bluffs-conservation-area-mcbaine-missouri. The site consists of 4,000 acres of wetlands near the Missouri River and the Katy Trail. Recently, a small flock of rare whooping cranes were spotted there. At around 5 feet tall, the whooping crane is the tallest bird in North America. The bird weights about 15 pounds and boasts a 7-foot wingspan. At one time there were more than 10,000 of them in North America, but by 1941, their population had dropped drastically. Read more about their comeback at FWS.gov/species/whooping-crane-grus-americana .
A historic site in St. Louis is Bellefontaine Cemetery which can be found online at BellefontaineCemetery.org/events. The cemetery is 175 years old and is still an active cemetery. There are many historic graves including that of Confederate General (and sixth governor of Missouri) Sterling Price. Also buried there is James Glasgow, one of the 13 founders of my home of Glasgow. The town is named for James Glasgow who, unlike six of the original founders who are buried in Glasgow, moved to St Louis.
Bellefontaine is more than a cemetery. It is also a level III arboretum. There are only 47 of these in the world. The cemetery is home to more 10,000 trees and shrubs. Both private and self-guided tours are available.
If you visit Kansas City and you like both coffee and cats, this is the cafe for you: WhiskersKC.com. Whiskers is a coffee shop with a cat playground. Customers can just watch the cats or interact with them. Beware that there are rules that must be followed including no tail pulling. It sounds good to me, as I am enjoying my third cup of coffee since I started writing and my cat, Socks, is purring on my lap right now.
I hope you have a great Missouri spring and get to visit both IRL and online. If our paths should cross this spring, please say hello. Perhaps we can see some rare birds or enjoy a cup of coffee or a latte. Maybe we can pet a friendly feline!
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
In order to help you plan your trips, I have researched some Missouri travel internet sites.
No matter what season, I really like coffee. In fact, I am drinking a cup wile I am writing this. I was pleased to find the Ozarks Coffee Trail at SpringfieldMo.org/ozarks-coffee-trail. The site allows viewers to sign up to obtain a pass to visit a number of coffee shops in the Ozarks area. Visitors get access to a “Secret Menu” at each shop, and points are awarded for each visit that can be redeemed for shirts or other items. There is no cost to participate.
We have a nice coffee shop here in Glasgow that is owned by my friend, Scott Morris. You can check out at Riverbrewcoffeeco.com.
Serious bird watchers maintain a “life list” of where and when they have observed various species of birds. Near Columbia, there is a great area for bird watching that host a fun family outing where you maintain a life list or not. The Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area can be found online at BirdWatchingDaily.com/hotspots/240-eagle-bluffs-conservation-area-mcbaine-missouri. The site consists of 4,000 acres of wetlands near the Missouri River and the Katy Trail. Recently, a small flock of rare whooping cranes were spotted there. At around 5 feet tall, the whooping crane is the tallest bird in North America. The bird weights about 15 pounds and boasts a 7-foot wingspan. At one time there were more than 10,000 of them in North America, but by 1941, their population had dropped drastically. Read more about their comeback at FWS.gov/species/whooping-crane-grus-americana .
A historic site in St. Louis is Bellefontaine Cemetery which can be found online at BellefontaineCemetery.org/events. The cemetery is 175 years old and is still an active cemetery. There are many historic graves including that of Confederate General (and sixth governor of Missouri) Sterling Price. Also buried there is James Glasgow, one of the 13 founders of my home of Glasgow. The town is named for James Glasgow who, unlike six of the original founders who are buried in Glasgow, moved to St Louis.
Bellefontaine is more than a cemetery. It is also a level III arboretum. There are only 47 of these in the world. The cemetery is home to more 10,000 trees and shrubs. Both private and self-guided tours are available.
If you visit Kansas City and you like both coffee and cats, this is the cafe for you: WhiskersKC.com. Whiskers is a coffee shop with a cat playground. Customers can just watch the cats or interact with them. Beware that there are rules that must be followed including no tail pulling. It sounds good to me, as I am enjoying my third cup of coffee since I started writing and my cat, Socks, is purring on my lap right now.
I hope you have a great Missouri spring and get to visit both IRL and online. If our paths should cross this spring, please say hello. Perhaps we can see some rare birds or enjoy a cup of coffee or a latte. Maybe we can pet a friendly feline!
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.