Winter 2018
Once again the cycle of the seasons has brought us to winter. All of Missouri’s seasons have their own special charms, but winter has its own attractions. School children see it as a time to learn and study with breaks for winter sports. Those children look forward to snow with more enthusiasm than their parents. For children, snow brings snowmen, snowball fights and a possible snow day break from school. Parents are more likely to focus on clearing sidewalks and driveways and the need for more care on slick roads.
Cold winter nights may also mean an opportunity to stay inside for family nights and games. Some hot beverages and some popcorn can turn those nights into the stuff that memories are made of.
We may reduce our IRL travel due to weather, but we can still travel through our computer screens while also searching for places to visit while the roads are clear and the winter sun brightens the day. To help get you started, I have researched some web sites around our beautiful Missouri.
Many people rely on the Old Farmer’s Almanac for weather forecasts. You can check the forecast and much more information at Almanac.com. The publishers claim that they “...use a complex series of natural cycles to devise a secret weather forecasting formula, which brought uncannily accurate results, traditionally said to be 80 percent accurate. (Even today, his formula is kept safely tucked away in a black tin box at the Almanac offices in Dublin, New Hampshire.)” It has been published since 1792 and contains much information in addition to weather forecasts. By the way, it says that this winter in Missouri will be milder than normal with higher than usual precipitation. Remember, you read it here first.
But wait, there is another almanac, FarmersAlmanac.com, which has a different prediction. This almanac, which only dates back to 1818, predicts “bone-chattering cold” and heavy snow. This site has lots of other information, too, so I recommend that you check them both. I think that one of them will be pretty close to being correct.
Some folks may be looking forward to snow because they want to ski. We don’t have to go to other states to find snowy slopes. Hidden Valley Resort near Wildwood offers plenty of ski trails. You can check out trail maps and snow conditions online at HiddenValleySki.com.
This site from the Missouri Department Of Transportation, Traveler.modot.org/ map/, is handy in all seasons. It features a state map with updates on closed roads that might be the result of winter weather, flooding or construction. This might be a good site to access before you travel and, if you have it on your phone, while you are on the road. Don’t do it while you are driving. It could save you a lot of time and trouble.
If you want to take the kids to some great places in the St. Louis area, this is the site for you: VisitMO.com/trip-ideas/kidding-around-st-louis-tour. Kidding around in St. Louis provides four days worth of day trips in the St Louis area. I’ve been to many of them, and they all look great. The Arch, City Museum and many others are described.
On the western part of the state, VisitKC.com/visitors/things-do#sm offers a glimpse of activities, from museums to nightlife. Every thing is up to date in Kansas City.
Missouri in the winter can be a winter wonderland. Please be careful on the roads as you travel. We may cross paths somewhere in St. Louis or even here in Glasgow. If so, please say hello or Merry Christmas. It is always good to meet friends in Missouri. Stay safe and warm until we meet again.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
Cold winter nights may also mean an opportunity to stay inside for family nights and games. Some hot beverages and some popcorn can turn those nights into the stuff that memories are made of.
We may reduce our IRL travel due to weather, but we can still travel through our computer screens while also searching for places to visit while the roads are clear and the winter sun brightens the day. To help get you started, I have researched some web sites around our beautiful Missouri.
Many people rely on the Old Farmer’s Almanac for weather forecasts. You can check the forecast and much more information at Almanac.com. The publishers claim that they “...use a complex series of natural cycles to devise a secret weather forecasting formula, which brought uncannily accurate results, traditionally said to be 80 percent accurate. (Even today, his formula is kept safely tucked away in a black tin box at the Almanac offices in Dublin, New Hampshire.)” It has been published since 1792 and contains much information in addition to weather forecasts. By the way, it says that this winter in Missouri will be milder than normal with higher than usual precipitation. Remember, you read it here first.
But wait, there is another almanac, FarmersAlmanac.com, which has a different prediction. This almanac, which only dates back to 1818, predicts “bone-chattering cold” and heavy snow. This site has lots of other information, too, so I recommend that you check them both. I think that one of them will be pretty close to being correct.
Some folks may be looking forward to snow because they want to ski. We don’t have to go to other states to find snowy slopes. Hidden Valley Resort near Wildwood offers plenty of ski trails. You can check out trail maps and snow conditions online at HiddenValleySki.com.
This site from the Missouri Department Of Transportation, Traveler.modot.org/ map/, is handy in all seasons. It features a state map with updates on closed roads that might be the result of winter weather, flooding or construction. This might be a good site to access before you travel and, if you have it on your phone, while you are on the road. Don’t do it while you are driving. It could save you a lot of time and trouble.
If you want to take the kids to some great places in the St. Louis area, this is the site for you: VisitMO.com/trip-ideas/kidding-around-st-louis-tour. Kidding around in St. Louis provides four days worth of day trips in the St Louis area. I’ve been to many of them, and they all look great. The Arch, City Museum and many others are described.
On the western part of the state, VisitKC.com/visitors/things-do#sm offers a glimpse of activities, from museums to nightlife. Every thing is up to date in Kansas City.
Missouri in the winter can be a winter wonderland. Please be careful on the roads as you travel. We may cross paths somewhere in St. Louis or even here in Glasgow. If so, please say hello or Merry Christmas. It is always good to meet friends in Missouri. Stay safe and warm until we meet again.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
Fall 2018
It has been a hot and dry summer here in mid-Missouri. My yard is brown and crops are suffering. When the cool nights of fall finally come, they will be welcome. Those Fall days are a fine time to travel in our beautiful state of Missouri. You may take some trips IRL, and you certainly should use your computer to scout out places to go or to enjoy places that you may not be able to travel to on the hard surface highways.
In order to help you get started, I’ve searched out some places to go on the net.
What could be a better way to spend a fall afternoon than a visit to one of Missouri’s wineries? Before prohibition, Missouri was the leading wine producing state, and the wine industry is quickly regained a prominent position in Missouri’s agricultural economy. A winery here in Glasgow can be visited online at Bushwhackerbend.com. Bushwhacker Bend produces a variety of great wines. I love their Norton. If you visit Glasgow on the weekend of October 27, you can enjoy Pumpkin Daze. All sorts of events will amuse you at this annual festival.
If you travel more in the Southeast part of the state, you might visit Chaumette Winery (Chaumette.com) in historic Ste. Genevieve (VisitSteGen.com). The winery features a great restaurant and has villas available for rent if you want to expand your stay overnight. While in Ste. Gen, there are many pieces of history to explore in Missouri’s first settlement.
I found this site about Missouri Fall Festivals at Everfest.com/missouri. They all looked so interesting that I could not decide which ones to share with you, so I’ll just let you check out the page with a listing and information about the 100-plus fall festivals across Missouri. You can while away a lot of autumn evenings checking them out. There are music festivals, drag racing, yoga, boating and lots more.
Carthage (Visit-Carthage.com) is one of Editor Gary Figgins’ favorite places. The city was founded in 1842 but was burned to the ground during the Civil War. The city was rebuilt and today boasts more than 600 buildings listed on the National Historic Registry. It also contains Precious Moments Chapel (PreciousMoments.com) built and painted by the creator of the little figurines that will surely bring a smile.
Have you been to the Gateway Arch? I think every Missourian should visit this unique site. Check out their webpage for the newest National Park at GatewayArch.com to see why. You can ride the tram to the top and look out over the city and the river from 633 feet above. Take your time to explore the museum that is under the arch, and be sure to watch the film that shows the construction of the arch. Nearby, you have many other sites to visit including the old Courthouse, Busch Stadium and the riverboat cruises.
I hope you have a great Missouri fall. Maybe we will cross paths on the internet or IRL at a Missouri winery or while exploring the museum at the Arch. Until then, be safe.
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 get started, I’ve searched out some places to go on the net.
What could be a better way to spend a fall afternoon than a visit to one of Missouri’s wineries? Before prohibition, Missouri was the leading wine producing state, and the wine industry is quickly regained a prominent position in Missouri’s agricultural economy. A winery here in Glasgow can be visited online at Bushwhackerbend.com. Bushwhacker Bend produces a variety of great wines. I love their Norton. If you visit Glasgow on the weekend of October 27, you can enjoy Pumpkin Daze. All sorts of events will amuse you at this annual festival.
If you travel more in the Southeast part of the state, you might visit Chaumette Winery (Chaumette.com) in historic Ste. Genevieve (VisitSteGen.com). The winery features a great restaurant and has villas available for rent if you want to expand your stay overnight. While in Ste. Gen, there are many pieces of history to explore in Missouri’s first settlement.
I found this site about Missouri Fall Festivals at Everfest.com/missouri. They all looked so interesting that I could not decide which ones to share with you, so I’ll just let you check out the page with a listing and information about the 100-plus fall festivals across Missouri. You can while away a lot of autumn evenings checking them out. There are music festivals, drag racing, yoga, boating and lots more.
Carthage (Visit-Carthage.com) is one of Editor Gary Figgins’ favorite places. The city was founded in 1842 but was burned to the ground during the Civil War. The city was rebuilt and today boasts more than 600 buildings listed on the National Historic Registry. It also contains Precious Moments Chapel (PreciousMoments.com) built and painted by the creator of the little figurines that will surely bring a smile.
Have you been to the Gateway Arch? I think every Missourian should visit this unique site. Check out their webpage for the newest National Park at GatewayArch.com to see why. You can ride the tram to the top and look out over the city and the river from 633 feet above. Take your time to explore the museum that is under the arch, and be sure to watch the film that shows the construction of the arch. Nearby, you have many other sites to visit including the old Courthouse, Busch Stadium and the riverboat cruises.
I hope you have a great Missouri fall. Maybe we will cross paths on the internet or IRL at a Missouri winery or while exploring the museum at the Arch. Until then, be safe.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
Summer 2018
After a spring in which Mother Nature seemed to have trouble making up her mind, we are really ready for a nice warm summer. We had snow on Easter here in Glasgow and on the next two Sundays, as well. Many of us will be planning trips as school lets out, and even if a long vacation is not possible, shorter trips to explore our beautiful state are always in order.
As always, I have searched for some interesting sites to get you started.
When I was growing up in mid-Missouri, summer fun usually included a visit to the Lake of the Ozarks. The fun there might include fishing, swimming, or visiting Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry. FunLake.com offers a glimpse at everything there is to do. The site has a link to some great videos and a place to order a free official “Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Guide”.
Lee Mace was a pioneer at the Lake. He has passed on now, but his Ozark Opry is still providing family entertainment. A museum of the original opry and webpage at LeeMacesOzarkOpry.com shares the story. My family saw the show on TV and in person. We thought that Dillard Stamper looked a lot like my dad. Go to their page just to see the old photos and to read the poem about Lee Mace.
To go even farther back into the past, you might enjoy a visit to Ste. Genevieve. This is Missouri’s oldest permanent town and a treasure of history. A website at VisitSteGen.com offers plenty to see and do. You can travel back to Missouri’s early French roots at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. The American-Federal style Valle house was built in 1818 and today is furnished in the style of the 1830s with a host of artifacts that show the American influence on the French community of Ste. Genevieve after the Louisiana Purchase. The Bauvais-Amoureux House, built in 1792, is one of several other historic homes in the site, nestled within historic Ste. Genevieve. I did not find a reference on the page, but if you eat in one of the fine restaurants, I would recommend a local speciality, Liver Dumplings. Really, they are good!
If you are in my neck of the woods in June, you can drop by the Glasgow Beer Bash. Similar to the community’s Wine Walk, you can walk around the historic downtown and sample craft beers. The Bash is sponsored by the Friends of the Glasgow Pool (FriendsOfTheGlasgowPool.org) to raise money to replace the old public pool. There will be a public street dance/concert in the evening after the Bash.
Of course, the highlight of many summers in Missouri is a trip to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. I went many times as a child but had not been able to go for a long time until last summer. Because my wife and I are both retired, we did not need to get our classrooms ready to start school, and it was a perfect reason to visit the fair. We had such a good time that we plan to go back this August. You can plan your trip and decide which attractions you want to see at MoStateFair.com. They still have the livestock exhibits and the famous “butter cow”. I’ll see them both again, and I’ll also get my senior pass for unlimited rides on the shuttle wagons around the whole fairgrounds.
I hope you have a great Missouri summer. Who knows, we might cross paths either on the internet or even IRL. If you should see me at the Beer Bash, enjoying country music at the Ozark Opry, or at the State Fair; be sure to say hello. That’s just how we are in Missouri-—always glad to meet a friend.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
As always, I have searched for some interesting sites to get you started.
When I was growing up in mid-Missouri, summer fun usually included a visit to the Lake of the Ozarks. The fun there might include fishing, swimming, or visiting Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry. FunLake.com offers a glimpse at everything there is to do. The site has a link to some great videos and a place to order a free official “Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Guide”.
Lee Mace was a pioneer at the Lake. He has passed on now, but his Ozark Opry is still providing family entertainment. A museum of the original opry and webpage at LeeMacesOzarkOpry.com shares the story. My family saw the show on TV and in person. We thought that Dillard Stamper looked a lot like my dad. Go to their page just to see the old photos and to read the poem about Lee Mace.
To go even farther back into the past, you might enjoy a visit to Ste. Genevieve. This is Missouri’s oldest permanent town and a treasure of history. A website at VisitSteGen.com offers plenty to see and do. You can travel back to Missouri’s early French roots at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. The American-Federal style Valle house was built in 1818 and today is furnished in the style of the 1830s with a host of artifacts that show the American influence on the French community of Ste. Genevieve after the Louisiana Purchase. The Bauvais-Amoureux House, built in 1792, is one of several other historic homes in the site, nestled within historic Ste. Genevieve. I did not find a reference on the page, but if you eat in one of the fine restaurants, I would recommend a local speciality, Liver Dumplings. Really, they are good!
If you are in my neck of the woods in June, you can drop by the Glasgow Beer Bash. Similar to the community’s Wine Walk, you can walk around the historic downtown and sample craft beers. The Bash is sponsored by the Friends of the Glasgow Pool (FriendsOfTheGlasgowPool.org) to raise money to replace the old public pool. There will be a public street dance/concert in the evening after the Bash.
Of course, the highlight of many summers in Missouri is a trip to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. I went many times as a child but had not been able to go for a long time until last summer. Because my wife and I are both retired, we did not need to get our classrooms ready to start school, and it was a perfect reason to visit the fair. We had such a good time that we plan to go back this August. You can plan your trip and decide which attractions you want to see at MoStateFair.com. They still have the livestock exhibits and the famous “butter cow”. I’ll see them both again, and I’ll also get my senior pass for unlimited rides on the shuttle wagons around the whole fairgrounds.
I hope you have a great Missouri summer. Who knows, we might cross paths either on the internet or even IRL. If you should see me at the Beer Bash, enjoying country music at the Ozark Opry, or at the State Fair; be sure to say hello. That’s just how we are in Missouri-—always glad to meet a friend.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
Spring 2018
Spring is coming. That is the thought that sustains us through the cold days of Winter. Some say it is a perfect season with signs of new life surrounding us while we enjoy cool nights and warm afternoons. It is a time for positive thoughts and looking to the future. It is also a perfect time to travel and to enjoy our beautiful Missouri.
To aid you in planning your spring travel, I have searched out some web sites for Missouri travel.
For many of us, spring means baseball. The crack of the bat, great fielding, the interplay between pitcher and catcher have brought pleasure to lots of Missourians. Missouri’s baseball history is a source of pride for all our sports-minded citizens.
There was a time when major league baseball was a segregated activity, and it was then that the Negro Leagues flourished. Missouri hosted many of these players, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a modern-day marvel well worth a visit IRL or on the web. Take a peak at nlbm.com.
The Kansas City Monarchs, which played in the Negro Leagues, has a connection to my home town of Glasgow. The name, Monarchs, was suggested by John Wesley Donaldson, a Glasgow native who played on the team. His first baseball team was sponsored by the then-Mayor Hannaca of Glasgow. He later played for many teams, often against white players from the majors. With more than 5,000 recorded strikeouts, he deserves the title of “World’s Greatest Colored Pitcher” as given him by another great pitcher, Satchel Paige. Peter Gorton of Minnesota headed up a drive to get John Donaldson the recognition he deserves. More information on Donaldson is available at JohnDonaldson.bravehost.com. Donaldson was admitted to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (MoSportsHallOfFame.com) through Mr. Gorton’s efforts.
John Donaldson was not only a great athlete, he was a man of character and integrity. During those years of segregated baseball, he was offered the chance to play in the majors if he would change his name, pretend to be Cuban, and not associate with “colored people” including his family. John refused, saying that “I love my family and my race. I go to church and I pay my own way. I will not pretend to be something that I am not.” John never played in the majors, but he did eventually work as the first African-American major league scout.
Missouri’s contributions in music are numerous. Scott Joplin, who lived in Sedalia and St. Louis, is considered the “King of Ragtime,” a type of music featuring a varied rhythm developed from African American work songs, gospel tunes and dance. He was creator of “Maple Leaf Rag” and more than 40 other pieces but he is probably best known for “The Entertainer” which was featured in the film, “The Sting”. Read more about him at shsmo.org/historicmissourians/name/j/joplin/.
Another Missouri-born African-American musician was John W. “Blind” Boone. His Columbia home still stands and can be visited online at BlindBooneHome.com. Boone overcame blindness, poverty and discrimination to become an aspiring composer and concert pianist. His house overlooks Flat Branch Creek in Columbia.
Missouri is blessed with a diversity of cultures and heritage. Properly understood, our differences make us greater. If we cross paths at a museum or anywhere else in Missouri, be sure to say hello. Until then, be safe, and be good to each other.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
To aid you in planning your spring travel, I have searched out some web sites for Missouri travel.
For many of us, spring means baseball. The crack of the bat, great fielding, the interplay between pitcher and catcher have brought pleasure to lots of Missourians. Missouri’s baseball history is a source of pride for all our sports-minded citizens.
There was a time when major league baseball was a segregated activity, and it was then that the Negro Leagues flourished. Missouri hosted many of these players, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a modern-day marvel well worth a visit IRL or on the web. Take a peak at nlbm.com.
The Kansas City Monarchs, which played in the Negro Leagues, has a connection to my home town of Glasgow. The name, Monarchs, was suggested by John Wesley Donaldson, a Glasgow native who played on the team. His first baseball team was sponsored by the then-Mayor Hannaca of Glasgow. He later played for many teams, often against white players from the majors. With more than 5,000 recorded strikeouts, he deserves the title of “World’s Greatest Colored Pitcher” as given him by another great pitcher, Satchel Paige. Peter Gorton of Minnesota headed up a drive to get John Donaldson the recognition he deserves. More information on Donaldson is available at JohnDonaldson.bravehost.com. Donaldson was admitted to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (MoSportsHallOfFame.com) through Mr. Gorton’s efforts.
John Donaldson was not only a great athlete, he was a man of character and integrity. During those years of segregated baseball, he was offered the chance to play in the majors if he would change his name, pretend to be Cuban, and not associate with “colored people” including his family. John refused, saying that “I love my family and my race. I go to church and I pay my own way. I will not pretend to be something that I am not.” John never played in the majors, but he did eventually work as the first African-American major league scout.
Missouri’s contributions in music are numerous. Scott Joplin, who lived in Sedalia and St. Louis, is considered the “King of Ragtime,” a type of music featuring a varied rhythm developed from African American work songs, gospel tunes and dance. He was creator of “Maple Leaf Rag” and more than 40 other pieces but he is probably best known for “The Entertainer” which was featured in the film, “The Sting”. Read more about him at shsmo.org/historicmissourians/name/j/joplin/.
Another Missouri-born African-American musician was John W. “Blind” Boone. His Columbia home still stands and can be visited online at BlindBooneHome.com. Boone overcame blindness, poverty and discrimination to become an aspiring composer and concert pianist. His house overlooks Flat Branch Creek in Columbia.
Missouri is blessed with a diversity of cultures and heritage. Properly understood, our differences make us greater. If we cross paths at a museum or anywhere else in Missouri, be sure to say hello. Until then, be safe, and be good to each other.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.