Fall 2022
Fall has always been my favorite season. Following the extra hot summer and the continuing concerns of gas prices coupled with the Covid protocols, we are eager to get out of the house and explore. Please continue to protect yourself from Covid. I had it this summer and I certainly never want to experience that again.
Some of those concerns remain with us even as we enjoy the crisp fall morning and the cool afternoons that make a light sweater both comfortable and stylish. This makes it even more important to research our travel. I recall often hearing a saying during my military service about prior planning preventing poor performance.
Our computer screens can be a means of safe, comfortable travel as well as a way to plan for IRL trips. I have found a few sites to get us started on cyber travel.
A great place to visit either online or IRL is Sainte Genevieve. VisitSteGen.com will give you a good overview. Sainte Gen is the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri., formed by French Canadians about 1740. Festivals include a “werewolf hunt” in October. When dining at one of the fine restaurants be sure to try the liver dumplings. Really, they are good! If your visit is online, make those dumplings at home using the recipe at TasteOfHome.com/recipes/liver-dumplings/.
Visitors to our state almost always remark about our beautiful fall foliage. Nature uses those fall colors with a liberal brush to decorate our woods and forests. Almost any drive, especially those that leave the interstates, will take you to beautiful views. Each year, the forecast for colors is a bit different since it depends on temperatures and rainfall. The Missouri Department of Conversation’s Fall Foliage Forecast is available at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/fall-color . The site includes photos and videos showing examples of our forests and suggestions for trips to see them in person.
Near the center of Missouri is the Lake of the Ozarks, often referred to simply as “The Lake,” which features more shoreline than the state of California (1,100-plus miles) and offers shopping, resorts, shows, and history. In addition to fishing and boating, visitors can hike to Ha Ha Tonka Castle (Mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park). Visit The Lake online at FunLake.com.
Before prohibition, Missouri was a major wine producer with an excellent reputation. Prohibition put many of those wineries out of business with some converting to other operations. One of them in Hermann used its cellars to grow mushrooms. The Missouri wine industry is now back with a great many wineries operating. A visit to the Hermann area either IRL or online at VisitHermann.com will provide a week or weekend of relaxation. We have a winery right here in Glasgow, just a few blocks from my home and just a click from your computer at BeckettsRestaurant.com/winery.html. The Glasgow winery owner also has a good restaurant just cross the street and online at BeckettsRestaurant.com. The owner of both is Nikki Gouge, the daughter-in-law of the original founder of the restaurant. Lonnie Beckett began the restaurant in 1994 as a sports bar and restaurant.
Enjoy the fall season in Missouri. Make the best of life and share with others as you visit our beautiful state. If we should cross paths while visiting a historic site or enjoying some good Missouri wine, be sure to say hello.
The best part of any season in Missouri is greeting both old and new friends.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
Some of those concerns remain with us even as we enjoy the crisp fall morning and the cool afternoons that make a light sweater both comfortable and stylish. This makes it even more important to research our travel. I recall often hearing a saying during my military service about prior planning preventing poor performance.
Our computer screens can be a means of safe, comfortable travel as well as a way to plan for IRL trips. I have found a few sites to get us started on cyber travel.
A great place to visit either online or IRL is Sainte Genevieve. VisitSteGen.com will give you a good overview. Sainte Gen is the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri., formed by French Canadians about 1740. Festivals include a “werewolf hunt” in October. When dining at one of the fine restaurants be sure to try the liver dumplings. Really, they are good! If your visit is online, make those dumplings at home using the recipe at TasteOfHome.com/recipes/liver-dumplings/.
Visitors to our state almost always remark about our beautiful fall foliage. Nature uses those fall colors with a liberal brush to decorate our woods and forests. Almost any drive, especially those that leave the interstates, will take you to beautiful views. Each year, the forecast for colors is a bit different since it depends on temperatures and rainfall. The Missouri Department of Conversation’s Fall Foliage Forecast is available at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/fall-color . The site includes photos and videos showing examples of our forests and suggestions for trips to see them in person.
Near the center of Missouri is the Lake of the Ozarks, often referred to simply as “The Lake,” which features more shoreline than the state of California (1,100-plus miles) and offers shopping, resorts, shows, and history. In addition to fishing and boating, visitors can hike to Ha Ha Tonka Castle (Mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park). Visit The Lake online at FunLake.com.
Before prohibition, Missouri was a major wine producer with an excellent reputation. Prohibition put many of those wineries out of business with some converting to other operations. One of them in Hermann used its cellars to grow mushrooms. The Missouri wine industry is now back with a great many wineries operating. A visit to the Hermann area either IRL or online at VisitHermann.com will provide a week or weekend of relaxation. We have a winery right here in Glasgow, just a few blocks from my home and just a click from your computer at BeckettsRestaurant.com/winery.html. The Glasgow winery owner also has a good restaurant just cross the street and online at BeckettsRestaurant.com. The owner of both is Nikki Gouge, the daughter-in-law of the original founder of the restaurant. Lonnie Beckett began the restaurant in 1994 as a sports bar and restaurant.
Enjoy the fall season in Missouri. Make the best of life and share with others as you visit our beautiful state. If we should cross paths while visiting a historic site or enjoying some good Missouri wine, be sure to say hello.
The best part of any season in Missouri is greeting both old and new friends.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
Summer 2022
The ending of the spring teased us by alternating days of summer-like warmth with cold winds and snow. Summer heat in the daytime and gentle warmth in the long summer evenings make a Missouri summer the stuff that dreams are made of.
With the kids on school summer vacation and our inclinations to relax, it is an ideal time to enjoy some travel in our beautiful state of Missouri. Travel through our computers is always a good way to satisfy that “travel itch” or to plan our IRL travel. As usual, I have scouted out some URLs that you may visit.
Surely, we have all noticed the large representations of quilt blocks on barns as we travel. These quilt barns make a nice diversion as we drive, and you can visit them all at OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/quilt-barn-trail-mo/. The page not only shows the quilt barns, but also shows how the barn displays are made.
Speaking of quilts, a project of the Missouri Bicentennial 2021 was the creation of a special bicentennial quilt with a square representing each of our 114 counties. Contests were held to select the quilt squares. You can view the entire quilt or a closeup of each square at Missouri2021.org/bicentennial-quilt. The Pemiscot County block was designed by a retired teacher from Caruthersville, Vickie DeReign. Vickie and I taught in the same school and we both taught this magazine’s publisher, Gary Figgins.
For many of us, camping is a favorite summer activity. I’ve spent a lot of nights in a tent and most of them were very enjoyable. A big step up from my popup tent is a yurt. Campers at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park at Kaiser can rent a yurt. Yurts are very spacious and come equipped with beds, other furniture, refrigerators, and both heating and air conditioners. You can have a look at them and the other features of the park at OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/spend-the-night-in-a-yurt-at-this-gorgeous-mo-state-park.
George Washington Carver is famous for his work in developing uses for the peanut. He was born on a farm near Diamond in the Southwest part of the state. The 240 acre National Historic Site is maintained by the National Park Service. Tours are guided by Park Rangers and there is no admission chage. Learn more at NPS.gov/gwca/planyourvisit/things2do.htm .
Today, the Missouri Department of Agriculture is housed in the George Washington Carver Building in Jefferson City. Visit oa.mo.gov/content/george-washington-carver-state-office-building-mda to learn more.
Most of us would not think of being without our cell phones. There was a time when phones were all attached to walls. The Jefferson Barracks Telephone museum will let you explore the history of telephones with many displays of equipment including central office switching stations. As an old Signal Corps officer, I really want to visit this museum. Until I get there IRL, I’ll content myself with the website at VisitMo.com/things-to-do/jefferson-barracks-telephone-museum/ .
Jefferson Barracks is a former military reservation near St. Louis. There is a veterans cemetery and other things to see: Learn more at FriendsOfJeffersonBarracks.com/recon_area_maps.php .
I hope you enjoy a peaceful summer in our beautiful state of Missouri. Be careful on both the IRL and internet highways. If our paths should cross and you see me at a Missouri campsite or enjoying some peanuts at the Carver Historical Site, please say hello. Meeting and making friends can be the best part of a Missouri summer.
With the kids on school summer vacation and our inclinations to relax, it is an ideal time to enjoy some travel in our beautiful state of Missouri. Travel through our computers is always a good way to satisfy that “travel itch” or to plan our IRL travel. As usual, I have scouted out some URLs that you may visit.
Surely, we have all noticed the large representations of quilt blocks on barns as we travel. These quilt barns make a nice diversion as we drive, and you can visit them all at OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/quilt-barn-trail-mo/. The page not only shows the quilt barns, but also shows how the barn displays are made.
Speaking of quilts, a project of the Missouri Bicentennial 2021 was the creation of a special bicentennial quilt with a square representing each of our 114 counties. Contests were held to select the quilt squares. You can view the entire quilt or a closeup of each square at Missouri2021.org/bicentennial-quilt. The Pemiscot County block was designed by a retired teacher from Caruthersville, Vickie DeReign. Vickie and I taught in the same school and we both taught this magazine’s publisher, Gary Figgins.
For many of us, camping is a favorite summer activity. I’ve spent a lot of nights in a tent and most of them were very enjoyable. A big step up from my popup tent is a yurt. Campers at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park at Kaiser can rent a yurt. Yurts are very spacious and come equipped with beds, other furniture, refrigerators, and both heating and air conditioners. You can have a look at them and the other features of the park at OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/spend-the-night-in-a-yurt-at-this-gorgeous-mo-state-park.
George Washington Carver is famous for his work in developing uses for the peanut. He was born on a farm near Diamond in the Southwest part of the state. The 240 acre National Historic Site is maintained by the National Park Service. Tours are guided by Park Rangers and there is no admission chage. Learn more at NPS.gov/gwca/planyourvisit/things2do.htm .
Today, the Missouri Department of Agriculture is housed in the George Washington Carver Building in Jefferson City. Visit oa.mo.gov/content/george-washington-carver-state-office-building-mda to learn more.
Most of us would not think of being without our cell phones. There was a time when phones were all attached to walls. The Jefferson Barracks Telephone museum will let you explore the history of telephones with many displays of equipment including central office switching stations. As an old Signal Corps officer, I really want to visit this museum. Until I get there IRL, I’ll content myself with the website at VisitMo.com/things-to-do/jefferson-barracks-telephone-museum/ .
Jefferson Barracks is a former military reservation near St. Louis. There is a veterans cemetery and other things to see: Learn more at FriendsOfJeffersonBarracks.com/recon_area_maps.php .
I hope you enjoy a peaceful summer in our beautiful state of Missouri. Be careful on both the IRL and internet highways. If our paths should cross and you see me at a Missouri campsite or enjoying some peanuts at the Carver Historical Site, please say hello. Meeting and making friends can be the best part of a Missouri summer.
Spring 2022
Following a winter with some very cold weather, restrictions because of COVID and other troubling news we look forward to new beginnings and new growth. Many of us hope to break free from both routine and self-imposed “staying home” to get out into the world.
As usual, I have done a little research to get you started on those internet explorations.
What better place to enjoy spring than in one of Missouri’s State Parks? A very nice park that is located pretty close to my home in Glasgow is Van Meter State Park near Marshall. Its website at MoStateParks.com/park/annie-and-abel-van-meter-state-park lists many of the park’s features.
The park contains the remnants of a Missourian Indian village and is home to the American Indian Cultural Center. The website (MoStateParks.com/location/55530/missouris-american-indian-cultural-center) includes a photo gallery and information on camping and special events. Of course, there are hiking trails. I have camped and have taken students there on field trips. It is a lovely park that is quiet and safe.
Not far from Van Meter is the historic village of Arrow Rock. Arrow Rock was founded in 1829 and is a National Historic Landmark. For a town with a population of 56, there is a lot going on there, as seen on its website at ArrowRock.org/about-
discover-arrow-rock. The site describes many of the attractions and is liberally illustrated with photos. The town was named after evidence of 2,000 years of natives using flint deposits to make arrowheads, knives and tools. Arrow Rock is adjoined by a state park with camping and hiking trails.
The centerpiece of the historic shops and buildings in the city is the Huston Tavern (HustonTavern.com). The tavern was established in 1834 and still serves a mighty fine meal. Many folks eat there before attending a production at the Lyceum Theatre
(LyceumTheatre.org) which offers professional quality live entertainment. Tickets for the spring season are on sale now. I have attended many performances there, and I promise you will be highly pleased.
Missouri’s great artist, George Caleb Bingham, lived in Arrow Rock with his wife, Sarah, for many years. His house still stands and can be toured. Bingham was important in Missouri politics and in art. He is buried in Kansas City. You can learn more about him at HistoricMissourians.shsmo.org/george-caleb-bingham.
Another historic Missouri small town with great charm is Blackwater, which can be found online at BlackwaterMissouri.com. Read about this railroad town located just three miles off I-70. There are lots of shops, and you can stay in the Ironhorse Hotel in renovated 1800s-style rooms. You may also want to have your photo taken at the 1890s-era jail.
Near Blackwater is Wildcliff (WildcliffEvents.com), a flooded rock quarry that now hosts weddings and special events. The site includes numerous photos of the beautiful venue. I was recently a participant in a wedding there (not my own; I’ve been married for 52 years). It was the wedding of a former student.
Visiting Missouri’s State Parks can entertain both IRL and online. Missouri has 92 State Parks and historic sites. The system was established in 1917 and totals more than 150,000 acres. Visiting them offers an opportunity to see historic buildings, Civil War history, homes of famous Missourians and much more. All 92 state parks and historic sites can be located at MoStateParks.com/page/57778/locator-map. The site is a great trip planner and is a mini-vacation in itself.
If you should see me at a play in Arrow Rock or while studying an exhibit in a state museum, be sure to say hi. That is the kind of friendliness for which we Missourians are known.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
As usual, I have done a little research to get you started on those internet explorations.
What better place to enjoy spring than in one of Missouri’s State Parks? A very nice park that is located pretty close to my home in Glasgow is Van Meter State Park near Marshall. Its website at MoStateParks.com/park/annie-and-abel-van-meter-state-park lists many of the park’s features.
The park contains the remnants of a Missourian Indian village and is home to the American Indian Cultural Center. The website (MoStateParks.com/location/55530/missouris-american-indian-cultural-center) includes a photo gallery and information on camping and special events. Of course, there are hiking trails. I have camped and have taken students there on field trips. It is a lovely park that is quiet and safe.
Not far from Van Meter is the historic village of Arrow Rock. Arrow Rock was founded in 1829 and is a National Historic Landmark. For a town with a population of 56, there is a lot going on there, as seen on its website at ArrowRock.org/about-
discover-arrow-rock. The site describes many of the attractions and is liberally illustrated with photos. The town was named after evidence of 2,000 years of natives using flint deposits to make arrowheads, knives and tools. Arrow Rock is adjoined by a state park with camping and hiking trails.
The centerpiece of the historic shops and buildings in the city is the Huston Tavern (HustonTavern.com). The tavern was established in 1834 and still serves a mighty fine meal. Many folks eat there before attending a production at the Lyceum Theatre
(LyceumTheatre.org) which offers professional quality live entertainment. Tickets for the spring season are on sale now. I have attended many performances there, and I promise you will be highly pleased.
Missouri’s great artist, George Caleb Bingham, lived in Arrow Rock with his wife, Sarah, for many years. His house still stands and can be toured. Bingham was important in Missouri politics and in art. He is buried in Kansas City. You can learn more about him at HistoricMissourians.shsmo.org/george-caleb-bingham.
Another historic Missouri small town with great charm is Blackwater, which can be found online at BlackwaterMissouri.com. Read about this railroad town located just three miles off I-70. There are lots of shops, and you can stay in the Ironhorse Hotel in renovated 1800s-style rooms. You may also want to have your photo taken at the 1890s-era jail.
Near Blackwater is Wildcliff (WildcliffEvents.com), a flooded rock quarry that now hosts weddings and special events. The site includes numerous photos of the beautiful venue. I was recently a participant in a wedding there (not my own; I’ve been married for 52 years). It was the wedding of a former student.
Visiting Missouri’s State Parks can entertain both IRL and online. Missouri has 92 State Parks and historic sites. The system was established in 1917 and totals more than 150,000 acres. Visiting them offers an opportunity to see historic buildings, Civil War history, homes of famous Missourians and much more. All 92 state parks and historic sites can be located at MoStateParks.com/page/57778/locator-map. The site is a great trip planner and is a mini-vacation in itself.
If you should see me at a play in Arrow Rock or while studying an exhibit in a state museum, be sure to say hi. That is the kind of friendliness for which we Missourians are known.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.