417 Magazine | August 2026

417 MAGAZINE

45 FOOD-CENTRIC EXPERIENCES THAT ENSURE DINING IS MORE THAN JUST NOURISHMENT—IT’S

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August VOLUME 29 | ISSUE 8, 2026

feature

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

Elevated Eats Go beyond a meal with food experiences across the Ozarks. From chef-led dinners to cultural events, these gatherings invite you to taste and connect.

This issue planted 107 trees through PrintReleaf.

★

★

Metropolitan Grill’s special pop-up dinner at Cassidy Station, p.83. on the cover: Tessa Cooper photographed this issue’s cover at a dinner event held by Finley Farms

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7

August

departments

From The Field 19 OZARKS VIBES 23 MIDWEST NICE 27 CALENDAR

The Long Way 35 MAIN STREETS 38 CURRENTS 39 WHERE TO WANDER

At Home

Taste This 93 DIG IN 96 PERFECT PAIRING 98 BITE SIZE REVIEW

The Midwest Goodbye 113 PEOPLE PICS 118 WHERE’S 417?

120 OH, ONE MORE THING

A cocktail from Gilardi’s.

Read more on p. 93.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 12 issues, $21. Visit 417mag.com/subscribe. Allow 4–6 weeks for processing orders, payment and changes of address. SINGLE ISSUE, NEWSSTAND: $5.95; back issues, $7 plus $8 shipping and handling, if available. No back issue orders or subscriptions outside the United States. ADDRESS CHANGES: Include both new address and mailing label with old address. 417 Magazine (ISSN 15389189) is published monthly by Whitaker Publishing, LLC, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield, MO 65809–2146. © Whitaker Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Periodical postage paid in Springfield, Missouri and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 417 Magazine, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield, MO 65809–2146. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or cartoons. The Volume and Issue numbers appear on the front cover of the magazine. Printed in the United States of America.

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

49 FEELS LIKE HOME 52 PEEK INSIDE 53 IN THE GARDEN

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR KATIE POLLOCK ESTES editor@417mag.com MANAGING EDITOR & BUSINESS EDITOR DORI GRINDER dori@417mag.com CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER JORDAN BLOMQUIST jblomquist@417mag.com EDITORIAL INTERN ALYSSA RONEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR SARAH PATTON sarah@417mag.com ART DIRECTOR JORDAN DYKSTRA jordan@417mag.com SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER BRANDON ALMS brandon@417mag.com PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER KATY ST. CLAIR kstclair@417mag.com DESIGNER SYDNEY ARLT sarlt@417mag.com JUNIOR DESIGNER ALEX TINKER atinker@417mag.com DESIGN INTERN ALLIE HARRIS designer@417mag.com PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN CAMERON GRAHAM photographer@417mag.com DIGITAL MANAGER ELIZABETH VANFOSSON evanfosson@417mag.com CONTRIBUTORS JOSHUA BEECHER, DIANA BOGARDUS, BRITTNEY CLIBURN PHOTOGRAPHY, GRACE CHIPLEY-THOMPSON, TESSA COOPER, SONY HOCKLANDER, HEATHER KOHLER, RYAN KOWALSKI, MEGAN PRICE, KRISTIN SHARP, TARYN SHORR-MCKEE, CHUCK TRAVERS, DAN WILLIAMS

BUSINESS PUBLISHER LOGAN AGUIRRE logan@417mag.com VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AND CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS MEGAN JOHNSON mjohnson@417mag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE KAYLIN HOMAN kaylin@417mag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE OLIVIA SMITH olivia@417mag.com ACCOUNTING MANAGER CARRIE POWELL accounting@417mag.com MARKETING DIRECTOR BETHANY BELL bbell@417mag.com EVENT & PROGRAMMING MANAGER ERIK KISER erik@417mag.com BRAND CONTENT PRODUCER ARIELLE DONAHUE arielle@417mag.com OPERATIONS MANAGER ERIN KINGHAM ekingham@417mag.com ACCOUNT SERVICES MANAGER KATHY GRIEVE kathy@417mag.com ACCOUNT COORDINATOR NICKI SHERWOOD nicki@417mag.com SENIOR DESIGNER MIKAYLA BROWN mbrown@417mag.com ADVERTISING & BRAND DESIGNER MCKENZIE KEY mckenzie@417mag.com

FOUNDERS GARY WHITAKER gary@417mag.com JOAN WHITAKER joan@417mag.com

417 MAGAZINE 2111 S. EASTGATE AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809 417-883-7417 • 417MAG.COM

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Social Life

G O BEYOND THE PAGES

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DON’T MISS A THING

LET’S GET SOCIAL

All the Best, Straight to Your Inbox

Follow Us for the Good Stuff Find @417mag on Instagram, where we share even more Ozarks moments than what you’ll find on these pages. Here’s a preview of what’s coming up this month:

Visit 417mag.com/ newsletters to sign up for the best local newsletters.

Table Talk: for don’tmiss food news every Tuesday Datebook: for the top weekend events every Thursday House of 417: for your monthly passport to inspired living Little Locals: for a twice-monthly guide to kid-friendly fun for parents SUBSCRIBE NOW

The October edition of 417 Magazine is all about the Missouri winery scene—with tips for planning a winery getaway. Read it by subscribing now at 417mag.com/ subscribe.

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We are a proud member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ozark Chamber of Commerce, the Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City and Regional Magazine Association, the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce, the Home Builders Association of Springfield and the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce.

Labor Day Plans: Sorted 417MAG.COM

With only a few weeks to go before summertime’s last long weekend, now’s the time to make your Labor Day plans. We put together a handy guide to help you fill your days with fun.

Regional Dining Guides 417MAG.COM

Ready for a tasty online exclusive? We’ve created some super-handy restaurant roundups for Ozarks towns with excellent, can’t-miss bites.

Whether you’re in Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Branson or Springfield, there’s something on the list to satisfy your taste buds.

Party Rockers in the House 417MAG.COM

Freelance writer Taryn Shorr-Mckee, who writes the bi-weekly Little Locals newsletter, recently dug into the world of birthday party venues to create a rundown of the best places to plan a party for your kiddos.

You might be surprised how many options there are out there!

Get Your Tickets BIZ417.COM/LADIESWHOLAUNCH

There’s still time to snag tickets to Biz 417’s Ladies Who Launch on August 13–14. This two-day experience features incredible speakers (like authors Jenny Wood and Dr. Meg Myers Morgan), plus opportunities for happy hours, workshops and additional experiences. Get a one-day ticket for Friday, or opt for the full experience with a two-day ticket for Thursday and Friday. Visit the event page for details.

It’s Wild Out There You’ll never guess who we met at Joey’s Frozen Custard, a little spot near Seymour serving sweet treats and animal encounters. (Okay, we’ll spoil it: It was a kangaroo.) You can read about this spot on p. 19 too.

The Sweetest Spot After you read the story on p. 35, come along with us to explore Lead Mine. At this quaint Mennonite community near Tunas, you can sip coffee, eat a German meal and stock up on handmade treats.

Making Music You can read about Jenna English and Michael Armstrong’s music-filled love story on p. 24. Then find us on Instagram to watch their mini concert in the FourOneSeven studio.

Can We Move In? Staff Writer Jordan Blomquist wrote about the Cahills’ gorgeous lake home on p. 49.

Follow along on Instagram to see a home tour of this inspiring space.

417MAG.COM

AUGUST 2026

13

Editor’s Note ➽ TALK TO US He’s the OG

Everybody at FourOneSeven has a pretty sweet job. I mean, we’re tasked with living the good life in the Ozarks so we can tell you all about it. Nice, right?

But you might argue that Food Editor Tessa Cooper has one of the best jobs here.

That’s because her main focus when it comes to the good life in the Ozarks is food, glorious food.

She pitches and writes all the stories that ultimately land in the Taste This department of the print magazine, but she also writes the weekly food-centric Table Talk e-newsletter and shares new restaurant discoveries on our social channels. It’s her job to know what’s happening in the local food scene, to taste all the newest flavors and to recommend the best of the best to our audience. I’ve held the food editor role off and on over the years (pre-Tessa, and while she was on maternity leave), and I can attest to the fact that it’s a lot of work with a big, delicious payoff.

This month, Tessa takes the cover story with “Dinner & an Experience.” It’s 14

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR KATIE@417MAG.COM

JON BEARD, VIA FACEBOOK

Jon Beard sent us this note after seeing the Reel we made with Andy’s Frozen Custard CEO Andy Kuntz, in which he whipped up a delicious strawberry shortcake sundae. What’s better than a sweet treat made by Andy himself? Not much.—Editor Good Taste

Anything Tessa recommends is an automatic yes.

BAILEY MORRIS, VIA INSTAGRAM

Oh my gosh, we so agree! Bailey was responding to a Reel we shared on Instagram where FourOneSeven Food Editor Tessa Cooper showed how to make a super-easy no-knead bread in her Dutch oven. Follow @417mag and @tessajanecooper on Instagram for more tasty shares.— Editor To send us feedback or story ideas, email editor@417mag.com.

OPE! In the July 2026 issue of 417 Magazine, our Top Doctors feature listed the best local physicians as chosen by their peers. On that list, we accidentally left a digit off Mercy physician (and Breast Cancer Oncology– Medical winner) Dr. Jessica Nicole Snider’s phone number. It should have been listed as 417-820-8099. Mercy pediatrician Dr. Laura E. Ankrom is also incorrectly listed as Laura E. Waters. We regret the errors.

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

MORE THAN FOOD

a story all about the best foodie activities in the Ozarks that are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. From handson cooking lessons led by pros to farm-totable dinners in scenic settings, each of her recommendations proves that dining is about more than just the food that lands on your plate. It’s about gathering, connecting, learning and stepping outside of the expected into something that satisfies more than just your hunger.

Years and years ago, I took my parents to eat dinner at Lavender Falls Farm when they were here on a visit from St. Louis.

This was during Lavender Falls Farm’s early days, when it was a lot easier to get a reservation! (If you know, you know.)

It was a hot summer night, but even that sweaty, sticky fact couldn’t dull the magic of that scenic farm setting. We sat on the porch overlooking a hill that tumbled down toward a creek and waterfall. There was live music, good food and a vibrant atmosphere.

Once the sun started to go down, cicadas and fireflies joined the party, too. When we look back on that night, the food isn’t the main event for us. Sure, it was quite tasty.

But the biggest lingering effect all those years later is charm. An enchanting night on the farm? That’s magnetic—and it’s why reservations fill up so quickly these days.

If a food-centered experience sounds appealing to you, turn to p. 76 to read more about Lavender Falls Farm and the rest of the spots on Tessa’s list.

I miss seeing Andy. (He served us at the Andy’s on South Campbell a few times back in the day.) Now living in Las Cruces, New Mexico (where we are patiently waiting for an Andy’s to open there!).

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Contributors

BEHIND THE SCENES

Turning Pages confession: i always have more than one book going at a time. There’s an audiobook for the car, a novel on my nightstand and a leadership book dogeared and highlighted on my coffee table. Lately, I’ve been recommending The Calamity Club to just about everyone.

I’ve always believed reading is one of the best investments we can make in ourselves. A good story expands our perspective, sparks curiosity and stays with us long after we’ve turned the last page. It’s one of the reasons I love the work we do at 417 and Biz 417. Every issue is built around stories that help us better understand the people and places that make the Ozarks home.

So when Springfield Public Schools shared a new community initiative centered on literacy, I didn’t need much 16

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convincing. The vision is simple: bring schools, businesses and neighbors together around the belief that every one of us has a role to play in helping kids become lifelong readers.

I wish I could tell you more, but you’ll have to wait just a little longer.

Dr. Grenita Lathan and Springfield Public Schools will unveil the initiative on August 6. In the meantime, follow @417mag and @logan_in_417land for updates, behind-the-scenes looks and ways you can get involved.

PUBLISHER LOGAN@417MAG.COM @LOGAN_IN_417LAND

One of my favorite activities is road tripping in my hybrid, Tallulah.

That’s why I was ecstatic to drive to Lead Mine, Missouri, for a story in this issue, a town I pass when making the trek from central MO to FourOneSeven HQ. In reporting for this story, I spoke to some of the shop owners, like Cafe Edelweiss’s Dwayne Bauman.

He seemed eager to speak of the community and its history, giving me several photocopied newspaper articles about its settlement and a map. Afterward, I learned through news sources that Bauman had converted to the Mennonite Church after spending most of his life outside it. How interesting!

Photographer Katy St. Clair and I also gave Bauman a double whammy on our back-to-back trips to Cafe Edelweiss: We are both, to his comedic dismay, vegetarian— as he revealed he once was. Read more about Lead Mine on p. 35.

Alyssa Roney is an editorial intern at 417 Magazine. In her spare time, she enjoys dissecting ‘60s rock and reading weepy books about northern California.

P H O TO S BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R , B R I T T N E Y C L I B U R N P H O TO G R A P H Y

Talking Shop

LET’S HAVE A PARTY.

OCTOBER 11, 2026

GILLIOZ.ORG

Field from the

OZARKS VIBES

Hop to This Sweet Stop The Boring family is serving up fun by the cupful at Joey’s Frozen Custard in Diggins, a unique dessert destination inspired by Steve Irwin.

BY KAT Y ST. CL AIR PHOT OGRAPHED BY BRANDON ALM S

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From The Field

I

t’s true that the ozarks suffers no shortage of sweet treats: specifically, frozen custard. So when it came time to rebuild his frozen custard business, Mark Boring took his time.

Ten years, to be precise. He needed a concept that would not only differentiate him from the rest but would motivate customers to make the short drive to Diggins, when the dessert cravings hit.

Over the years, Mark presented a number of frozen custard business concepts to his wife, Kristen. But none of them seemed right. It wasn’t until the winter of 2024 that inspiration from an unlikely source finally struck—and stuck. While watching a Steve Irwin show, the Borings found their great inspiration: kangaroos.

The couple had friends with exotic animals, so they called on them to see if their dream of combining custard and kangaroos was attainable and sustainable.

After all, the Ozarks is a long way from kangaroos’ native Australia.

Fortunately for the Borings, kangaroos turned out to be a surprisingly good fit. The marsupials are nocturnal and spend most of their days lounging in the shade. With the proper shelter, they can adapt well to the Ozarks’ four seasons.

In June of 2025, after roughly six months of planning, a few visits to exotic animal auctions and prayer-

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Bottom left to above right: Mark and Kristen Boring; Kristen holding a vanilla cone; Joey’s Frozen Custard interior.

ful consideration, Joey’s Frozen Custard was born. And it was a hit. Such a hit that the Borings quickly realized their small walk-up building was no match for the demand. After a brief closure and some reconstruction, the Borings reopened Joey’s Frozen Custard as a full-time operation. Technically located in Diggins, but often claimed by Seymour, the business is easily accessible from U.S. Highway 60.

Today, guests can enjoy the air conditioned fruits of the Borings’ labor and lessons learned. Mark, whose background is in museum imagery for Bass Pro Shops, utilized his construction business to create the impressive structure that houses the current Joey’s Frozen Custard operations— including an additional frozen custard machine, indoor seating and restrooms, and a loft that can soon be rented for special occasions. The substantial new structure is a reflection of the quality and craftsmanship Mark brings to all of his endeavors.

Outdoors, the property offers additional seating, a sandbox for the littles, goats, horses and fresh country air. The original Joey’s Frozen Custard walk-up location sits proudly at the front of the property, a reminder of their humble beginnings.

The frozen custard menu offers familiar favorites with cheeky Aussie-themed

names. The Borings are intentional about sourcing quality ingredients for their new flavor ideas. And those flavors taste even better when paired with the waffle cone chips that are baked fresh daily.

As for the kangaroos? They are happy, healthy and possibly starting families of their own. Kristen suspects a few of the ’roos may be eating for two these days. The five founding members of the Joey’s kangaroo family are viewable and sometimes pettable through their fenced enclosure.

A young volunteer—and kangaroo enthusiast—named Chloe is often on site to entertain visitors with her kangaroo facts.

In exchange for her service, Chloe enjoys a daily Dr. Pepper and frozen custard treat of her choice.

For Kristen, the business has grown through faith, prayer and community support. “It makes me cry,” Kristen says about her community, through teary eyes. “Everyone is so supportive. They really love us, and we love them just as much.”

As for Mark, he’s a quiet man with big, thoughtful ideas. “I’m just an entrepreneur by nature,” Mark says. “I like to build things, and building this business—it gives me purpose.”

The Borings’ story is anything but. It’s a good reminder that sometimes, you just need to be open to wild ideas, even if they involve kangaroos. Maybe especially if they involve Steve Irwin and kangaroos.

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21

From The Field

DON’T MISS

Three to Go! Don’t miss the last 2026 On the Lawn events.

Check for details at sgfmuseum.org.

AUGUST 8 8 a.m.

Free yoga led by the Wellness Collective 9 a.m.

Volunteer opportunity: Fassnight Creek cleanup 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Yard games and nature art activity with James River Basin Partnership 10 a.m.

Live music from Drifters Mile

HOT TICKET / BY KATIE P OL L OC K E S T E S

Gather on the Lawn

Every second Saturday through October, you can exercise, play, create art and more at Springfield Art Museum’s Hatch Lawn.

SEPTEMBER 12 8 a.m.

Free yoga led by the Wellness Collective 9 a.m.

Volunteer opportunity: Fassnight Creek cleanup

ince september 2024, the Springfield Art Museum has been closed for extensive renovations—all part of its ambitious multiphase expansion with plans to reopen after 2028 for the museum’s centennial.

But that doesn’t mean the grounds aren’t still hopping! Every second Saturday this summer, the museum’s Hatch Lawn is the site of On the Lawn, a series of day-long fun and family-friendly outdoor activities. It’s just one way the museum has maintained its connection with the community, even amid a season of change.

Best part: It’s all free!

Combining art, wellness and a chance to give back, On the Lawn gives guests a chance to do outdoor yoga, get hands-on art and craft time, play lawn games and listen to live music from local artists. C-Street Jamboree, Drifters Mile and DJ

S

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Imperial are on the docket August through October. Yoga classes are led by instructors from Wellness Collective Studios. (Bring a mat or towel to practice on, plus a water bottle to stay hydrated.)

On the Lawn guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating and a picnic lunch.

Each On the Lawn includes an opportunity to keep the neighborhood around the museum in tip-top shape by participating in Fassnight Creek cleanup volunteer events with the Springfield-Greene Country Park Board. If you’re participating, bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle and clothes that can get dirty. Those under 16 must have an adult present. This, like yoga, requires advance registration.

On the Lawn is supported by several local organizations like The Hatch Foundation, Springfield Regional Arts Council Arts & Culture Operating Grant, Melinda J. McDaniel Charitable Trust and others.­­­­

10 a.m.

Live music from C-Street Jamboree OCTOBER 10 8 a.m.

Free yoga led by the Wellness Collective 9 a.m.

Volunteer opportunity: Fassnight Creek cleanup 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Yard games and art activities 10 a.m.

Live music from DJ Imperial

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY S P R I N G F I E L D A R T M U S E U M , S H U T T E R S TO C K

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Yard games, sound bathing and music-making activities (including creating some DIY instruments!)

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

D

akota hetz was working with bulk items, including Pressed AF, to at Team Taco in 2024 bring affordable merchandise to businesswhen he saw that besides es, artists and entertainers. This launched the can-do attitude of the The Threads Collab into a new era of meremployees and owners, the chandise-bolstered promotion that still taqueria could use a little word-of-mouth had the digital world as its backbone. promotion. “I started realizing all these From the start, Hetz had a built-in cool stories and cool people that were business partner: his graphic designer working their butts off to bring something wife, Marley Gibson, who designed The good to their community,” he says.

Threads Collab’s logo, website and marHe knew that the business, like many keting templates. On the company’s webothers in the community, had a story to site, Gibson even makes comics featuring be told and approached the Team Taco collaborating brands, with the couple’s staff about spreading the word with his pets as main characters. new business, The Threads Collab. After Hetz has had his fair share of clients an almost immediate yes, Hetz found who double as close friends. These include a supporting business lead with Brent local band The Vic, Moon City Pub staff Sonnemaker. and artists Chelsea Cretin and ByGrak, When Hetz began focusing among others. more on word-of-mouth proIf you wish to connect with Pictured left motion than social media, the The Threads Collab to promote to right: Brent perfect avenue was T-shirts— your art or small business, reach Sonnemaker, Dakota Hetz, or “walking billboards.” He out to Hetz with the Contact Us Marley Gibson. contacted small businesses tab on thethreadscollab.com.

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417MAG.COM

AUGUST 2026

23

The Write Person

TWO MUSICIANS MET WHILE COWRITING IN SPRINGFIELD, BUT THE REAL STORY UNFOLDED BETWEEN VERSES.

BY JORDAN BLOM QUIST

t’s not uncommon to meet your soulmate at work. I guess you could say Jenna English and Michael Armstrong met at work, if you consider a stage among a crowd of hundreds an office setting. Really, they met at the intersection of work and passion—through songwriting.

I

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When English and Armstrong first met in February 2024 while performing at Springfield’s Sertoma Chili Cook Off, neither was looking for a relationship.

English was performing with her band, The Rosy Hips, and Armstrong had heard about her original music and wanted to talk songwriting. After many unsuccessful

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

PROFILE

attempts to get her attention backstage, he finally managed to wave her over and ask if she’d be interested in cowriting. The timing felt strangely perfect. Just days earlier, English had been telling a friend she wanted to challenge herself creatively by writing with a complete stranger.

Their first meeting at Big Momma’s Coffee & Espresso Bar wasn’t a date. English even considered bringing a friend along. However, what was supposed to be a quick meeting to talk about songwriting turned into hours and hours of wandering Commercial Street chatting about music, the creative process and their pasts. “We both went into that conversation with the intentions of being completely open and authentic,” Armstrong says.

Within the first month of meeting each other, they whipped up 14 original songs together. “I hadn’t written that many songs with anybody ever,” English says. Their songs started to have subtext to them—as if they were speaking to each other through their music without the vulnerability of admitting it.

As they continued to write, a series of coincidences kept piling up. Less than a month after meeting, both, unbeknownst to the other, submitted entries to NPR’s Tiny Desk competition regional showcase.

When winners were announced, they discovered they had both been selected, two of only three artists chosen across the region. English needed a guitarist for her performance, and Armstrong needed a vocalist for his. “I’ll play for you, but will you sing with me?” he remembers asking.

“Am I going to marry this person?

Because I feel like I am.”

–Jenna English

Their first major performance together came at Mother’s Brewing Company, where NPR broadcast the showcase. Standing onstage together felt surprisingly natural, as if they had been performing as a duo for years instead of weeks.

Soon after, another coincidence surfaced. Both had independently followed the same songwriting mentor, Andrea Stolpe of Berklee College of Music, and both had dreamed of attending one of her songwriting retreats. They applied together and were accepted. The only problem was paying for it. They began booking performances together and setting aside their earnings to fund the trip to Nashville, Tennessee.

They finally decided to stop denying their feelings for each other during a road trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to perform at a music festival. They started dating, and officially named their musical duo Roxie & The Moon King—a nod to Armstrong’s grandparents.

In January, while on a family trip to Marco Island, Florida, Armstrong asked English to marry him, and they had their wedding on June 13 at the place that made the most sense for them: Mother’s Brewing Company.

While the journey was wildly unexpected, English remembers the drive home from the coffee shop more than two years ago clear as day. “Am I going to marry this person?” she said to herself out loud in the car. “Because I feel like I am.”

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From The Field

Historic cannon demonstrations bring the story of Wilson’s Creek to life.

August Calendar From beekeeping adventures to comedy (and even the year’s second big Route 66 celebration), August is packed with fun.

P H O TO C O U R T E SY V I S I T S P R I N G F I E L D

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

ZOLTAN KASZAS August 1

PARTY WITH THE KEEPERS August 1

CINEMA SUNDAYS: JUMANJI August 2

Hungarian-born, award-winning comedian Zoltan Kaszas is the son of an immigrant and has lots of hilarious stories to tell about it. He won the Seattle International Comedy competition and San Diego Comedy Festival, and has shared the stage with Bert Kreischer. $31–42; 6 and 8:45 p.m.; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield; comedyspringfield.com

Head to the zoo after hours for an evening centered around rhino conservation.

Listen in on keeper chats, interact with giraffes at the Giraffe Deck, shop conservation merch, enter raffles and much more. Tickets include a meal with a hot dog, chips and drink. $10 adults, $5 kids; 6–8 p.m.; Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Rd,, Springfield; dickersonparkzoo.org

Treat your children to a free showing of the classic Robin Williams movie Jumanji, along with complimentary popcorn and one non-alcoholic drink. First-come, first-served, and tickets are available at the box office at noon the day of the show with doors opening at 1 p.m.

Free; 2 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield; gillioztheatre.com

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From The Field

Calendar

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK August 7

BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL August 7–8

Downtown becomes one giant gallery during First Fridays, with numerous venues displaying art in various mediums. In addition to more traditional art, you will also enjoy live music, fashion and food across 20+ businesses including the Gillioz Theatre, MSU’s Brick City Gallery, the Creamery Arts Center and many others.

Free; 6–10 p.m.; Downtown Springfield; calendar.417mag.com

This completely free event includes classic car and motorcycle shows, a lineup of concerts, a vendor village, Route 66 exhibits, loads of giveaways, freestyle moto jump shows and so much more.

10 a.m.–11 p.m. both days; events taking place across the city; route66festivalsgf.com

NEXT TO NASHVILLE August 7

Come watch Nashville’s next hottest band!

Four bands—Clay Clear Band, Jonny Lackey & The Pocket Aces, 7 South, and Jacob Smalley & Morgan County Line—will compete head-to-head, with 45-minute sets judged by a panel of industry professionals.

The winner will perform on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. $30.50–60.50; 7 p.m.; Black Oak Amphitheater, 1728 State Highway H, Lampe; blackoakamp.com MOVIE NIGHT @ THE AMP: ZOOTOPIA August 7

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Head to The Amp at J.R. Martin Park for a free outdoor screening of Zootopia. Arrive early for activities including themed games, concessions and vendors, and pack a chair or blanket to sit on. The movie will start at sunset. Tickets include one free popcorn. $2 with pre-registration, $3 at the park; 8:30 p.m. (activities start at 7); J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines St., Republic; republicparksandrec.recdesk.com FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK IN THE GALLERY August 7

Head up to the second floor of the Gillioz Theatre to see exhibits from Gillioz Resident Company. Grab a cocktail or beer, mingle and stick around afterward for a live jazz session by MOJO. Free; 6 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield; gillioztheatre.com

DUSTIN NICKERSON August 7–8

Although he describes himself as “the world’s most average person,” Dustin Nickerson’s debut comedy special, Overwhelmed, is one of Amazon Prime Video’s highest rated specials. He’s also been on dozens of TV shows and authored the book How to Be Married to Melissa, and now you can see him live. $28.29–38.99; 7 p.m. Friday, 6 and 8:45 p.m. Saturday; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield; comedyspringfield.com SWEET SUMMERTIME FLOAT August 8

Bring the whole family out for a guided float trip and ice cream social. Float the James River as a group, then indulge in an ice cream sundae bar at the Boathouse afterward. Boat rentals—kayaks or canoes—are included as part of the registration fee. $30, advance registration required; 5:30–8 p.m.; ages 5+; Lake Springfield Park, 5324 S. Kissick Ave., Springfield; parkboard.org ON THE LAWN August 8

All ages are welcome to drop by Springfield Art Museum’s Hatch Lawn for a morning of free immersive art and wellness activities.

Take a yoga class with The Wellness Collective, play yard games, do a nature art activity and catch live music. Bring a lawn chair, blanket or yoga mat, and snacks and water.

Free; 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Dr., Springfield; sgfmuseum.org/302/On-the-Lawn

GIBONEY CAVE TOURS August 8

Bring your own flashlight or headlamp to explore the depths of Giboney Cave at Doling Park, while also learning about its history and lore. Wear clothing and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Registration is required. $7; 1, 2 and 3 p.m.; ages 4+; Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage St., Springfield; parkboard.org JUVENILE August 8

He’s behind some of the catchiest rap and hip-hop songs of the late ’90s and early 2000s, and now you can catch him on stage in an intimate setting. Sing along to your favorites and be prepared to have some new ones stuck in your head for days! $58.37 general admission; 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.); The Regency Live, 307 Park Central East, Springfield; calendar.417mag.com CONCERT IN THE WILD: MARK CHAPMAN August 13

Bring a blanket or lawn chair for this outdoor concert at the zoo. Springfield local singer-songwriter Mark Chapman has a stripped-down acoustic style, ideal for relaxing summer evenings. Guests in the zoo prior to 5 p.m. are invited to stay for the concert free of charge. $10 adults, $5 3–17; free under 3; discounts for zoo members; 6–7:30 p.m.; Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield; calendar.417mag.com LADIES WHO LAUNCH August 13–14

Join some of the most impactful women in 417-land for two days jam-packed with personal and professional development. Expect to walk away with leadership tools, honest insight, actionable steps, a new purpose and lots of new friends. $276–513; Branson Convention Center, 200 Sycamore St., Branson; biz417.com/ ladieswholaunch

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From The Field

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PREACHER LAWSON August 13–15

You probably recognize him from social media or YouTube, but Preacher Lawson’s comedic chops run far deeper than that. He’s been a finalist on America’s Got Talent and makes frequent TV appearances, including on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show and NBC’s Connecting. $31–42; 7 p.m. Thursday, 7 and 9:45 p.m.

Friday, 6 and 8:45 p.m. Saturday; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield; comedyspringfield.com SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS FANS-ON-FIELD FIREWORKS August 14

Cheer on the Springfield Cardinals as they take on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, then stick around for a beloved summer tradition: After the game, fans can head down to the outfield for a special fireworks show.

Bring a blanket and enjoy the display from the grass. Gates open early, so arrive with time to grab dinner and settle into your seats. $11–72; 7:05 p.m.; Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield; springfieldcardinals.com FAMILY FISHING FUN NIGHT August 14

Bring the entire family out for this summer’s last night of good old-fashioned fun with catch-and-release fishing, the park’s beloved cow train and cooking over a campfire (bring your own food). Make memories while enjoying one of the season’s final evenings of outdoor fun. Registration required; call 417837-5949 for reservations. $10 with your own gear, $15 with gear rental; 6–9 p.m.; Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146., Springfield; parkboard.org

SUNSET ON THE SQUARE August 14

Head to downtown Ozark for a free family-friendly summer concert series at the gazebo on the square. August’s headliners are Dallas Jones and Molly Healey. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

6–8 p.m.; Ozark Square, 100 W. Church St., Ozark; ozarkhistoricriverdistrict.com/events SUMMER SIZZLER August 15

Start some competition in your household and get everyone to participate in this family-friendly race. Choose from a 5k, 10k or 15k, plus an untimed kids’ dash for children 10 and under. Participants also get great swag, and refreshing finish-line treats. $17–25.98; 7 a.m.; Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146., Springfield; calendar.417mag.com

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WILSON’S CREEK NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD ARTILLERY PROGRAM August 15 & 29

Head to stop five on the road tour and watch the loading and firing of a genuine Civil War cannon. This free event demonstrates the importance of cannons in the war, as well as each position and how units would have worked together.

11 a.m. July 17; 3–10 p.m. July 18; Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, 5242 S. State Highway ZZ, Republic; calendar.417mag.com JIM FLORENTINE August 18

Not only is Jim Florentine a stand-up comedian, he’s also an author, TV show host, voiceover actor on the wildly popular Crank Yankers and regular on radio shows including The Howard Stern Show and Opie & Anthony. He also hosts his own podcast and

SiriusXM show. His stand-up is known for its candid observations and quick wit. Fans of comedy and pop culture won’t want to miss this performance. $28.29–37; 7 p.m.; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield; comedyspringfield.com MOVIE MATINEE: TOMMY BOY August 19

Beat the heat with a showing of 1995’s Tommy Boy, an easy-to-love movie starring David Spade and Chris Farley. Tickets are just $5, but $10 combo tickets are also available, which include a snack and non-alcoholic drink from concessions. Grab some friends and enjoy a nostalgic night of laughs on the big screen in a historic movie theatre, while enjoying the air conditioning. $5–10; 2 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield; gillioztheatre.com

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY BOOMER’S BLOCK PARTY August 20

Give MSU students a 417-land welcome and show your support at this annual back-toschool block party. At this part of the university’s welcome week, expect live music, food trucks and vendors, games, kid zones, a pep rally, merch and plenty of Bears traditions.

Free; 5:30 p.m.; BearFest Village (just north of Plaster Stadium), 1015 E. Grand St., Springfield; calendar.417mag.com FIRE SAFETY STORY TIME

August 21 Bring your littles out to the Discovery Center, where firefighters provide a free book to every household in attendance at Fire Station 3.14 to further community education.

Free with Discovery Center entry; 10:30 a.m.; Discovery Center, 438 St. Louis St., Springfield; discoverycenter.org

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N O W OR N E V E R

DAMON WAYANS, JR. August 21–23

GOT MUD? RUN August 22

Beat the heat this summer with this messy, muddy, epic obstacle course race. Register in the group/family, youth or adult divisions.

Entry fees include a T-shirt, medal, food and drinks. The race begins with staggered “rush” times from 8:30–11:45 a.m. $40–50 registration fee; 8:30 a.m.; Brookline Park, 2696 E. Sawyer Rd., Republic; republicmo.com LEARN TO GEOCACHE August 22

If you’ve wondered what geocaching is (think scavenger hunt in the woods), or just want to get out of the house for a couple hours, this event is all you. An expert will guide you through finding your first one, then you’ll have time to find some on your own. Meet at the East Campground shower house.

Free; 9–11 a.m.; Stockton State Park, 19100 MO-215, Dadeville; calendar.417mag.com CURRENT RIVER OVERNIGHT PADDLE TRIP August 22–23

Wrap up summer with an overnight paddle trip, tackling 18 miles on one of the most scenic stretches of the Current, from Round Spring to Two Rivers Access. Camp as a group on a primitive gravel bar. Boat, transportation and all major camping gear included. Registration required by August 20. $105; 8 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday; ages 9+; meeting spot TBD; parkboard.org

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Labor Day Top Three August is the perfect time to make your Labor Day plans so you can ensure your long weekend is packed with patriotic, all-American fun.

Here are our top three picks.—Katie Pollock Estes

Wings of Pride Air Show September 5–7 Branson Airport, 4000 Branson Airport Blvd., Hollister Train your eyes on the sky for a chance to see the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as they soar over Branson Airport. In addition to the air shot, come for a weekend filled with high-caliber performers.

Labor Day Celebration September 6 Chateau on the Lake, 415 North State Highway 265, Branson Spend Labor Day with Table Rock Lake as your backdrop. This family-friendly event includes barbecue, live entertainment, sweets and fireworks at the end of the night. No need to book tickets, as it is pay-as-you go.

GREEK LUNCH COOKING EXPERIENCE August 24

Travel afar with this class featuring pork souvlaki, handmade pitas, tzatziki while learning classic Greek cooking techniques. $49; 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; Pickwick & Cherry Kitchen, 607 S. Pickwick Ave. Suite B, Springfield; pickwickandcherry.com CHESS NIGHT AT TIE & TIMBER IN THE PIZZA KITCHEN August 25

Enjoy a laid-back evening of chess, craft beer and good company at Tie & Timber. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or learning the game, all skill levels are welcome. Bring a friend, challenge a new opponent and enjoy a night of friendly competition, cold pints

Southern Gospel Picnic Through September 7 Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy., Branson Silver Dollar City’s stages fill with southern gospel musicians at this annual fest, which also highlights southern soul food as Molly’s Mill transforms into The House of Chicken & Fixins.

and great vibes in a relaxed setting perfect for chess lovers of all ages while enjoying delicious pizza and a welcoming crowd.

Free; 6 p.m.; Tie & Timber Beer Co., 1451 E. Cherry St., Springfield; tieandtimberbeerco.com CIGAR & SPIRIT TASTING August 26

Enjoy beach party vibes with CAO cigars, cocktails and great company at this ladies cigar event. Beginners and experienced cigar enthusiasts are welcome. Spend the evening discovering new flavors, meeting fellow cigar lovers and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. $45; 6 p.m.; The Vineyard Market, 1759 West State Hwy J, Ozark; thevineyardmarket.com

P H O TO C O U R T E SY U . S . A I R FO R C E T H U N D E R B I R D S

We all know and love him from television and movies, and now we have the chance to see Damon Wayans Jr. live on stage. He’s only recently added stand-up comedy touring to his resume, but he’s been consistently selling out shows, so snag tickets ASAP. $47.29–69.29; 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield; comedyspringfield.com

SOUTH AFRICAN DATE NIGHT COOKING EXPERIENCE August 27 and 29

N O W OR N E V E R

Gather around the table for a hands-on South African braai cooking class celebrating smoky, bold flavors. Prepare peri-peri shrimp, curried chicken sosaties, lamb chops, glazed pork belly, tasty sides and traditional malva pudding before sitting down to enjoy the meal with fellow participants. $85; 6:30–9 p.m.; Pickwick & Cherry Kitchen, 607 S. Pickwick Ave. Suite B, Springfield; pickwickandcherry.com 34TH ANNUAL VW WEEKEND August 28 and 30

Celebrate all things Volkswagen during this annual Eureka Springs tradition featuring hundreds of classic bugs, vans and more.

Enjoy a weekend full of festivities and VW favorites, including the Saturday parade at 3 p.m. Gather with fellow enthusiasts and experience one of the region’s most unique automotive events.

Free; 3 p.m.; Best Western Inn of the Ozarks, 207 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs; eurekaspringsvwshow.com MOVIES IN THE PARK: SUPERMAN August 29

Pack up the family, along with plenty of snacks and some comfy blankets or lawn chairs, for this free family event in Nixa.

Enjoy a nighttime showing of Superman (2025), plus games and a giant inflatable slide before showtime, with fun activities for kids of all ages.

Free; Dusk; McCauley Park, 701 N Taylor Way, Nixa; nixa.com/events

P H O TO BY C H U C K T R A V E R S

COMEDIC CODY SMITH August 30

Cody Smith has an astounding 8-some-million following across his social media platforms. He’s touring the United States on his “SMALL, Dark & Handsome” tour, making people laugh with stories about growing up in a tiny Virginia town with severe social anxiety. Sounds like a fun way to unwind with a few laughs. $31–42; 6 p.m.; Springfield Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield; comedyspringfield.com

The Last of the Dog Days Local kiddos head back to the classroom this month, which means there’s precious little time left to enjoy the lazy days of summer. Here are three ways to fill your final wild and wonderful pre-school weeks.—Katie Pollock Estes

1. Cove Out Summer is synonymous with lazy, and we love that. Combine lazy (read: easy and relaxing) with refreshing, and spend the day swimming and coving out from a boat on Table Rock Lake. All you need is a cooler and some sunscreen, and you’re good to go.

Get Started: Long Creek Marina (bigcedar.com) offers pontoons, jet skis, fishing boats and speedboats, along with fun toys like tubes. Plus it’s located at Camp Long Creek, so you can do a little glamping too if you have time for something longer than a day trip to enjoy the lake.

2. Float the James You already know southwest Missouri is rich with clean and clear waterways that are perfect for a day of kayaking.

For this final summer stretch, we specifically recommend the James River.

Its proximity to Springfield makes it an easy option—one you can do on a whim in a day without much planning, and without having to find lodging for the night. Spend a morning floating, or pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Get Started: James River Outfitters (jamesriveroutfitters.com) in Galena offers a beginner-friendly 6-mile float with several vessel options: single kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, six-person rafts and single-person river tubes.

And if you do want to make it a weekend, they offer camping too.

3. Cast a Line There’s a quiet and calm sort of joy that you can find in a day spent fishing—and kids love it too. We recommend spending a day at a trout park where you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a bite… or a whole lot of bites.

It’s all the fun without the frustration, so you’ll be sure to go home with some good fish tales.

Get Started: Mountain Springs Trout Park (mountainspringstroutpark.com) in Highlandville is a great place to catch loads of rainbow trout without having to step foot on a boat. You don’t need a fishing license, and the spot is well-stocked. Bonus: Mountain Springs will gut, gill and pack your catch for you, so all you have to do when you get home is cook it.

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Don’t Let the Sun Set on Your Summer

There’s still time to squeeze in one more getaway. From rustic cabins tucked into the woods to lakeside glamping at Camp Long Creek, our Summer Bundles offer the perfect excuse to slow down, reconnect, and make the most of the season while it lasts. Everything is ready and waiting for you. Plan your seamless stay today!

Big Cedar Lodge | Ridgedale, MO 877.224.8041 | BigCedar.com Scan QR code for more information.

TheLongWay

MAIN STREETS

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

Gone Dutchin’ Motor up Missouri Route 73 to Lead Mine, a charming Mennonite community home to an abundance of quaint stores outside of Tunas, Missouri.

B Y A LY S S A RON E Y

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here i was raised in central Missouri, we have a word for driving out to Mennonite country to make our money stretch with bulk groceries and fresh-baked goods: Dutchin’. It has become a pastime for my family, the perfect way to spend a free Saturday afternoon as they catch up with the local who’s who.

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That’s why Lead Mine feels all too familiar. Each stop provides a glimpse into the community’s beating heart, the endless dedication of its employees masked only by swinging doors into kitchens and stock rooms.

Lead Mine falls within the Tunas township, about an hour’s drive from Springfield. It is named for a nearby lead mine abandoned in the late 19th century, predating the Stauffer Mennonites that settled in the area around 1969.

A taste of Lead Mine favorites, featuring a salted caramel frappé, Mennonite hats, baked goods from Ozark Winds Bake Shop and hearty sandwiches with classic sides.

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

The Long Way

“Each stop provides a glimpse into the community’s beating heart, the endless dedication of its employees masked only by swinging doors into kitchens and stock rooms.”

For the trek, I recommend setting aside a few hours to get the full experience and checking store hours ahead of time. Additionally, most stores accept cash or check only, so be sure to visit an ATM beforehand.

Bulk Up One of my first stops was Meadowview Dutch Market, which carries groceries, including surplus and “scratch-and-dent” goods, alongside bulk candies, dried fruits and nut mixes. Two big upsides for the store, besides its inflation-friendly prices, are its long hours Monday through Saturday and its card reader, a rarity in the community. Plus, it has some of the most affordable local eats with made-to-order deli sandwiches.

If you are looking for a decadent fromscratch treat, there is no better place in the area than Ozark Winds Bake Shop, a cozy bake shop inside a log cabin that smells just as divine as you think it would. Its shelves are fully stocked with a gorgeous assortment of baked goods that include personal fruit pies, whoopie pies, danishes, cookies and bread.

I had their single-serving German chocolate cake, which was fresh and moist and made me want to return to the store for more.

Wenger’s Greenhouse & Nursery is one of two greenhouses in the area, and it has been family-run for over 20 years, with most plants being grown on the property. They will open for autumn around Labor Day, with hours being 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are a hotspot for mums during this time, alongside other fall plants like pumpkins and shrubs.

Another spot to buy mums is The Lead Mine Country Store, where you can also purchase books, cast iron, kitchen utensils and locally made gifts. My favorite part of the store was the free-roaming cats and peacocks outside. The electricity-free store is owned by Dwayne and Julia Bauman, who also run the neighboring restaurant, Cafe Edelweiss.

Essen und Trinken Cafe Edelweiss serves up authentic Bavarian food to slamming crowds. Running from mid-March to December, the restaurant is only open for lunch, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

As a vegetarian, I was pleasantly surprised to find suitable lunch options on the menu, including a chipotle black bean burger and an Impossible Burger. These were served alongside German staples that I ate on a previous trip to Swabian Germany, including Kartoffelsalat (a warm potato salad) and, of course, Bavarian-style Brezeln.

The atmosphere is akin to a typical country diner experience, except for the hissing of the electricity-free mechanical ceiling fan and the movement of the dozens of vibrant cuckoo clocks on the walls. Miss the early bird crowd at the restaurant by swinging by around noon, rather than right at 11.

If you are looking for a pick-me-up, Cafe Edelweiss serves up iced coffees, as does Ozark Coffee Bin, a nearby cozy cafe nestled inside a repurposed grain silo. It is a great place to get both WiFi, which is hard to come by in Mennonite country, and indulgent coffee shop favorites. I tried their salted caramel frappé, one of their most popular items, which is smoother than most blended frappes I have had and the perfect amount of sweet—just like the cafe’s employees.

Get Into Nature For a rugged outdoor experience, Lead Mine Conservation Area is just the place, with spots for primitive tent camping and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The area also provides about two miles of Niangua River frontage and access to Jakes Creek.

Expect to see tons of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, squirrels and rabbits, within the nearly 8,000-acre area. While in-season hunting is permitted for all major game species, fishing opportunities are limited.

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The Long Way

CURRENTS

Last Call for Lake Days Cricket Creek Campground is a hidden gem for swimming, paddling and boating, whether you go for the day or stay overnight.

B Y S ON Y HOC K L A N D E R

J

ust south of the Missouri border on Table Rock Lake, Cricket Creek Campground offers a cool way to beat the August heat. Fifteen miles south of Branson down U.S. 65, the small, secluded Corps of Engineers property off Arkansas 14 is a hidden gem. Framed by 38

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high forested bluffs that rise across the water on the scenic Long Creek arm of Table Rock, it’s an easy spot to reach for a day trip or weekend of summer fun.

Go Boating There’s nothing like a summer day on the lake. While most Table Rock campgrounds

P H O TO S BY S O N Y H O C K L A N D E R , J O S H U A B E E C H E R , D I A N A B O G A R D U S

Dusk settles over the shoreline at Cricket Creek on Table Rock Lake.

have a boat launch area, only a few—including Cricket Creek—have a full-service marina with a handy store. The marina at Cricket Creek (cricketcreek.com) rents motorized tritoons and fishing boats. Bringing kids?

You can also rent tubes, wakeboards and floating mats. And if you have your own boat, a handy launch ramp is located nearby. Although the campground closes mid-September, the marina operates through October.

Swim, Play & Picnic You don’t have to camp overnight to enjoy lake time. Pack your swimsuits, floaties and a picnic lunch and pay a day fee of $5 per car at a kiosk through September 15. Then follow the signs to the peninsula splash and play area, downhill from the campground.

A wide, protected swimming beach has plenty of room for families to set up chairs and blankets. Nearby picnic tables and a playground will keep your crew entertained.

Want to make lake-day lunch easier? Order pizza at the marina store, where you can also rent a cooler and buy snacks, drinks and ice.

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

Paddle & Cast If you have your own kayaks or paddleboards, protected waters between the day use area and the marina make a perfect spot to paddle around. Launch from shore near the marina, or from a concrete boat ramp next to the swimming area. Like to fish?

Try the bank near the marina or swimming beach. Even better, cast from your kayak!

Table Rock has all kinds of fish, including crappie, catfish, bluegill, bass and walleye.

Find live bait at the marina store. Looking for more critters? Cricket Creek is home to local celebrity Crisco the mountain goat, who can sometimes be spotted on bluffs to the left about a quarter mile before the marina.

Stay Overnight Unlike some Table Rock campgrounds with water view sites, Cricket Creek’s RV-friendly campsites are tucked within a shady wooded landscape between the marina and beach areas. To book one of its 37 sites, visit recreation.gov. Camping ends September 15 and, until then, requires a two-night minimum on weekends. Not a camper? Visit the marina’s website for nearby rental suggestions.

WHERE TO WANDER / B Y K AT IE P OL L OC K E S T E S

Walk and Wade To celebrate summer’s last hurrah, we found three places where you can take the kids to make a splash before the first school bell rings.

For most kiddos in the Springfield area, school starts August 25. That means you have barely more than three weeks left to squeeze as much summer fun out of this month as possible. If your big summer vacations are already behind you and you need something simple, easy and quintessentially summertime-y, embark on a walking and wading day trip to these simple-toreach nearby spots. Oh, and don’t forget to pack those water shoes!

HOMESTEADER’S TRAIL Find it: Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area in Branson Go for: This moderately difficult 3.4-mile loop trail is great for those days when you have a little extra pep in your step and are up for a hike. While we wouldn’t say it’s difficult, it will get your heart pumping as you trudge through the scenic, shady woods and glades. And there are payoffs that make the effort more than worth it. This trail passes a stunning, cascading waterfall, wading spots along Roark Creek and even a series of posts featuring signs that teach you all about the surrounding area.

Family photo op: It’s absolutely got to be the waterfall, right?

RIVERSIDE INN PARK Find it: 2629 N. Riverside Road, Ozark Go for: Surely you’re already familiar with Finley River Park in Ozark, but there’s another spot beside the Finley River that’s quieter and perfect for a lazy day by the water. Riverside Inn Park boasts an excellent swimming hole, where you can easily spend the good part of a day. While Riverside Inn Park is not a built-up spot brimming with facilities, its scenic charm and rustic beauty make up for it.

Family photo op: Pack a perfect picnic, then snap a selfie with your spread.

LOST HILL PARK Find it: 4705 North Farm Road 151, Springfield Go for: Lost Hill Park is one of the most underrated parks in the Springfield area. Its ruinous buildings are enticing to young kids (time how long it takes them to start pretending they are castles), plus its main path marks a trailhead for the Fulbright Spring Greenway trail. There are great South Dry Sac River wading opportunities, when the conditions are right. If we haven’t had rain in a while, the river will live up to its name.

Family photo op: Find the rocky bluffs and arches along the water.

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TheCarpetShoppe.com

(417) 883-6455

1827 E. Seminole St. Springfield

PROMOTION

P H O TO C O U R T E SY S I LV E R D O L L A R C I T Y

BRANSON GUIDE

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to experience Branson. Vibrant foliage, crisp Ozarks air and a calendar full of entertainment and attractions make it an ideal destination for travelers of every age. Explore this guide to find inspiration for your next fall escape.

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PROMOTION

See DAVID come to life at Sight & Sound Theatre.

SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE 800-377-1277 SIGHT-SOUND.COM 1001 SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EXPY., BRANSON

WHEN TO GO

Performances of DAVID run now through October 8 at Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson, Missouri.

P H O TO C O U R T E SY S I G H T & S O U N D T H E AT R E

WHAT TO SEE

WHAT’S NEW

From a beautifully trained flock of sheep to intricately choreographed fight scenes and interactive media on a state-of-theart LED screen, meticulous attention was given to every detail of this original theatrical production. Witness one of the Bible’s most legendary stories as DAVID comes to life with live animals, massive sets and spectacular special effects—live on stage for one final season.

DAVID features an impressive cast of over 50 professional actors who bring passion and depth to each performance.

They are joined on stage by Sight & Sound’s animal actors, including nearly 30 sheep, plus camels, horses, goats, birds and donkeys that immerse audiences in the pages of Scripture. Woven throughout the show is an original soundtrack that brings the Psalms to life.

Even David’s harp was custom-designed and built specifically for this production—ensuring each note contributes to a

truly powerful and worshipful experience for every audience member.

TIP

When planning your trip, book early and book direct. Reserve your seats at sight-sound.com.

MYER HOSPITALITY 877-386-7828 MYERHOSPITALITY.COM FOUR BRANSON HOTEL LOCATIONS

The Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows and Holiday Inn Express Green Mtn. Drive 417MAG.COM

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BRANSON GUIDE

provide top-quality service tailored to every guest’s needs. No matter which location visitors stay at, they can count on a free breakfast, relaxing indoor pools and soothing hot tubs.

WHAT’S NEW

Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows, owned by Myer Hospitality, is the most decorated Comfort Inn in the brand’s history, ranking in the top 1% nationwide. Additionally, travelers can explore newly renovated rooms

PROMOTION

at Best Western Center Pointe Inn or the Comfort Inns.

WHAT TO TRY

Myer Hospitality’s hotels offer a variety of room options to suit every traveler. Families can enjoy accommodations that sleep up to six, while couples can unwind in spacious suites designed for a romantic getaway.

TIP

Vacation planning is hassle-free with Myer Hospitality’s complimentary vacation plan-

ning and ticketing services, helping guests save time and money with no service fees or requirements. Book early, as these are some of Branson’s most popular hotels, owned locally by the Myer family.

SILVER DOLLAR CITY 417-336-7100 SILVERDOLLARCITY.COM 399 SILVER DOLLAR CITY PKWY., BRANSON

It’s Glow Time! Silver Dollar City gives folks plenty of “pumpkin to talk about” this fall as Harvest Festival returns September 11 through October 31.

From master craftsmen and giant gourds by day to more than 20,000 glowing pumpkins by night, the Ozarks’ favorite fall tradition is packed with old-fashioned family fun.

See giant pumpkin spiders and much more at Silver Dollar City.

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Dozens of visiting craftsmen carry on time-honored traditions through live demonstrations of leatherworking, stained glass, jewelry making, artistic pumpkin carving, woven rugs and more. The Cowboy Emporium also returns to the Carousel Barn with Western-inspired crafts and artwork from actor and artist Buck Taylor, while cowboy cooks share chuckwagon recipes and friendly competitions each afternoon.

When the sun sets, Harvest Festival transforms into Pumpkins in the City.

Families can dance in Pumpkin Plaza, meet whimsical pumpkin characters and stroll beneath the glowing Canopy Sky. A three-story pumpkin greeter, towering pumpkin sculptures and the mysterious Foggy Hollow create magical moments around every corner, while the Garden of Giants showcases pumpkins weighing more than 1,000 pounds.

DON’T MISS

The festival serves up the flavors of fall with seasonal favorites from pumpkin funnel cakes and warm apple dumplings

P H OTO C O U R T E SY S I LV E R D O L L A R C I T Y

WHAT TO SEE

BRANSON GUIDE

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P H OTO C O U R T E SY S H E P H E R D O F T H E H I L L S

Enjoy illuminated Night Walks at Shepherd of The Hills!

topped with cinnamon ice cream to pumpkin spice-rubbed smoked ribs, roasted pepper Gouda soup, and chicken andouille gumbo with cheese grits. Guests can sample a variety of festival offerings with the

popular Harvest Tasting Ticket.

Whether it’s watching craftsmen at work, marveling at thousands of illuminated pumpkins or savoring the tastes of the season, Harvest Festival offers a one-of-

a-kind autumn experience in the Heart of the Ozarks.

For more information, visit silverdollarcity.com or download the free Silver Dollar City app.

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PROMOTION

Great Vacati ns Begin at Branson’s Award-Winning Hotels.

SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS 417-334-4191 THESHEPHERDOFTHEHILLS.COM 5585 W. 76 COUNTRY BLVD., BRANSON

WHAT TO SEE

For some real Ozarks fun this summer, Shepherds Great American Summer is going on now through August 16th. Family fun, patriotism and summertime activities has made Shepherd’s Adventure Park a favorite Branson family destination and winner of USA Today’s No. 1 Aerial Park in America for three years!

CALL 877.386.7829 TODAY

Ask for the “417 Magazine Preferred Value Rate” Visit MyerHospitality.com for hotel & package info!

Find your next memory on the calendar

WHAT’S NEW

The Amazing Kids Show featuring Christopher James and daughter Cassie is a one-hour morning show built from the ground up for kids and families. The audience becomes part of the action in an interactive experience. Ozarks Aglow – Illuminated Night Walk is a half-mile enchanted night-time walk where lanterns, light and Ozarks legend come together under the stars. Ozarks Aglow ends July 31.

DON’T MISS

calendar.417mag.com

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The bundled activities and shows that will save you money. Shepherds Adventure Park - Super Ticket includes the Park (with over 30 activities), a Mountain Coaster ride and the Ropes Course & Inspiration Tower. The Show & Aglow Combo allows you to see any dinner show at the Playhouse Theater followed by a stroll through Ozarks Aglow Night Walk. The Ultimate History Package includes a guided tram tour of the historic homestead, a delicious meal and cowboy music of the Great American Chuck Wagon Dinner Show, all capped off with an evening under the stars at The Shepherd of the Hills.

ƫ ƫ

GIANTS WILL FALL—FOR ONE FINAL SEASON! There is a place where the greatest stories ever told from the pages of Scripture come to life on stage. Where loved ones gather for a shared experience that creates lasting memories long after the curtain closes. Where every production is designed for a 300' wraparound stage, complete with towering set pieces and live animals in the aisles, immersing family members of all ages in the heart of the story—and DAVID is no exception!

This summer, you and your crew are invited to Sight & Sound Theatres® in Branson, MO, for a legendary adventure alongside a master poet, fearless warrior, and anointed king. From peaceful pastures to the pressures of the palace, his ascent to the throne is filled with GIANT battles. Towering at 22' tall and weighing 800 pounds, David’s most infamous opponent was no small feat for the Sight & Sound Production Team to create. With the ability to fight on the battlefield, Goliath is one of the most complex animatronics to command the Branson stage.

horses, goats, birds, and donkeys, every animal actor plays a role in bringing the Bible to life for audiences in unforgettable ways.

Don’t miss your chance to gather your army and experience DAVID live on stage for one final season. As praises rise and giants fall, it is our hope at Sight & Sound that one message resounds from the stage: throughout our triumphs and failures God is with us, always.

Join us for the legendary final season of DAVID in Branson, MO — now through October 8th!

And it wouldn’t be a true shepherd’s journey without a flock! The 50-person cast of DAVID is joined on stage by a beautifully trained flock of 30 sheep. Along with camels,

BOOK EARLY. BOOK DIRECT. SIGHT-SOUND.COM

At Home FEELS LIKE HOME

Life by the Water Built with intention and lived in with ease, a Kimberling City home reflects the Cahills’ move from St. Louis and their appreciation for the quiet rhythm of lake life.

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

BY JORDAN BLOM QU IS T

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At Home

Clockwise from left: rustic entryway, custom antler chandelier, and real-wood kitchen

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The house has stunning lake views from both the back deck and the front porch. The Cahills teamed up with designer Jacque Pitts and Doug Pitts Construction to bring their vision to life. “The Cahills were wonderful to work with,” Jacque says. “They had done their homework before they started to build and had a clear vision of what they wanted.

I simply helped them find everything that made their vision come to life.”

The house opens into a quiet rhythm of everyday living. “Doug Pitts Construction and his quality craftsmen were the perfect team to build this high-quality old-world home,” Jacque says.

The Cahills’ mornings start with coffee and breakfast together, usually followed by

Mike heading to biking, golf or skiing—depending on the day. Kim might crack open a book in the meantime or meet up with friends for pickleball. The area lends itself to a perfect retirement environment, and their home has that cozy cabin vibe that makes you feel like you’re always on vacation at Big Cedar Lodge or a retreat in the mountains.

Home Details The wood ceiling and arched beams are accompanied by a chandelier that was designed for the space by Jacque’s mom, owner of Bears to Chairs Gallery. “It’s a mule deer antler chandelier,” Kim says. “I just love it.”

Past the living room opens up into the primary suite. Large windows frame views

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

S

itting in mike and Kim Cahill’s Kimberling City home is like being transported out West. Rustic wood finishes and carefully collected artwork create the feeling of a mountain lodge tucked away from the outside world. The Cahills retired and moved from St. Louis in 2018. Their favorite parts about living near Table Rock Lake are “the beauty of all seasons, and the friends we’ve made here,” Kim says, combined with the wildlife and balance between quiet and nearby towns. “It’s just a great area,” Mike echoes.

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

“I simply helped them find everything that made their vision come to life.”

—Jacque Pitts

of Table Rock Lake on one side of the room, and the other side gives way to the primary bathroom and a walk-in closet. It’s easy to picture waking up here, with the sun pouring in and sparkling against the still lake outside the window.

The dining room is anchored by a large table made of sycamore wood. Rick Braun— who is now retired—crafted it, and later it was refreshed by Jacob Sommer, owner of Naturecraft Furniture in Blue Eye, Missouri.

In the center of the kitchen sits a massive island, perfect for displaying food and drinks while hosting, with a view of Kimberling City Bridge. Off the living area are doors leading to a deck overlooking the lake.

Upstairs, a small loft functions as an office and reading nook, with just enough space for a chair with an ottoman, a desk, a regal-looking antique bookcase and a view. It’s one of Kim’s favorite places to bundle up in with a book during the winter.

On the ground level, the space is meant for entertaining. There’s a bar, a couch and a TV—where the Cahills spend most evenings unwinding—a huge custom bookcase, two guest bedrooms with baths and a workout room. The space is warmed by photos of their two grown children and granddaughter, who live in different parts of the country.

There are several things that make the house feel like home to the Cahills. “It’s very comfortable and warm,” Mike says. “I love all the beams, the wood smell.” Just beyond those walls, Table Rock Lake is filled with life in the summer and peace in the winter—a constant backdrop to the life they’ve built here.

The Cahills’ dining room featuring their sycamore table (above); their primary bedroom (below)

WANT TO SEE MORE? Visit 417mag.com to see more photos of this gorgeous space.

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At Home

The Fieldings’ renovated kitchen (left) and the couple with grandson (below).

A Natural Transformation From dated to deeply inviting, this northwest Springfield kitchen and dining renovation embraces natural materials, layered textures and effortless warmth.

BY HE ATHER KOHLER

W

hen interior designers Sharon and Robert Reed of Walnut and Ash Interiors (walnutandash.com, 417- 225-2598) got a call from a local couple looking to tackle a kitchen and dining renovation for the first time in 40 years. The Reeds knew just what to do: honor the home’s past while setting the owners up to enjoy these spaces in the future. “We built this house in 1987,” Karen Fielding says. “Life got busy,

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and we just got used to things the way they are.” Karen and her husband, John, referred to their kitchen as the kitchen that was lost to the ’80s, so this remodel was going to be a big change. With the help of David Sirb, owner of Sirb Homes (sirbhomes.com, 417-844-4497), and their design duo, they began to reconfigure their crowded layout. Luckily, the kitchen had good bones, so they didn’t have to remove any walls. Still, though, the space needed to be gutted and reconfigured.

Custom cabinets were built to accommodate Karen’s baking appliances like a large stand mixer, hidden outlets and

lighting underneath the cabinets. Quartz was used for the countertops as well as the backsplash for a seamless look. Dated flooring was replaced with porcelain tile that lays and looks just like brick. “The flooring is one of my favorite things about the kitchen,” Karen says. “It’s multicolor and feels so nice under my feet, plus it’s easy to clean.” They opted for white Café appliances and added more workspace.

Sharon says they tried to create an elevated and functional space for their client, since she is an avid baker, while remaining cost effective.

The Fieldings love the outdoors and wanted a natural feel for their remodel.

Their home sits on 10 acres and is quite the refuge for deer, turkey and other wildlife. “With this project, John and Karen highlighted their love for the location of their home,” Sharon says. “Especially their outdoor space, which has a lovely sitting area surrounded by trees and flowers.”

Karen was drawn to neutral tones and lots of texture for the space, which allowed for the outdoors to shine.

P H O TO S BY T E S S A C O O P E R , B R A N D O N A L M S

PEEK INSIDE

IN THE GARDEN

Mimosa Trees: Beauty or Burden?

Beautiful and unmistakably Southern, mimosa trees add charm to the Ozarks—but their invasive tendencies make them worth a second look.

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

B Y HE AT HE R KOHL E R

“Creating a timeless neutral space requires thinking outside of the box,” Robert says. “Taking inspiration from current trends, without using a ‘cookie cutter’ approach, is so integral in avoiding predictability.”

By using two-tone cabinetry and mixing vintage and modern elements, while also incorporating unexpected elements like the wood ceiling, the designer duo created understated interest that feels elevated but effortless at the same time. The goal: to provide a setting that would be a peaceful respite for John and Karen and continue to be a place where everyone who visits would immediately feel welcome and comfortable.

Open shelving was another idea the Reeds brought to the project, and although Karen wasn’t sure about it at first, she’s grown very fond of it now as it creates the perfect showcase for her collection. “I collect cake plates,” Karen says.

“It’s been fun to display all the different styles. Some are very old.”

Karen and John couldn’t be happier with their new space and have even found new ways to enjoy it. “A small group of women and I started a baking club and

recently took a class at Blue Heron Bakery,” Karen says. “I love experimenting in the kitchen.”

Of course, the new spaces are now perfect to continue entertaining family and friends, with more space and a better flow.

“They are the ultimate hosts,” Robert says.

“Never fussy or overly formal, their intent is to make every visitor feel like family.”

Karen still wonders how she went so long with her ’80s kitchen, but she is extremely grateful for everyone who helped make her dream kitchen a reality. “I still can’t believe this is my kitchen,” Karen says. “It’s so beautiful.”

Finally, Karen has a space where she can create and experiment with baking and really enjoy her time there. According to Sharon and Robert, the warmth of this space creates a sense of comfort for the homeowners as well as their guests. “John and Karen have poured their hearts into making their house a home,” Robert says.

When I first researched mimosas, I was looking for ways to care for and use the pink puff–yielding tree on our property.

But as I dug deeper, I learned that they are invasive.

Local conservationist Siw Shauni Hauger advises against planting mimosas because of their ability to spread easily and drown out native plants.

Mimosas, also known as pink silk trees, have a natural range from Iran to Korea and Japan, where their parts have been medicinally used for thousands of years.

Here in the Ozarks, mimosas are one of the last trees to grow foliage, producing fern-like leaves in late April and sprouting flowers from May through August.

Both pollinators and pests love the vibrant trees, with mimosa webworms, grayish-brown striped caterpillars, spinning webs around the leaves and skeletonizing them, leaving an eyesore. Some also complain about the sticky mess that mimosa debris creates in yards and sidewalks, along with the trees’ brittle wood due to quick growth.

Since diligent homeowners can mow down and weed out mimosa saplings, it’s our natural spaces that concern Hauger. Although these trees are beautiful, homeowners should tread with caution. If you’re looking for a tree to plant, a native option would make a better choice.

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YOUR HOME, OUR PASSION.

PROMOTION

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

Before you entrust your home to just anyone, you have research to do. Who is the most experienced? Who will be reliable to work with? A big investment requires a big amount of trust.

Rest assured, we’ll guide you to the professionals. Here are your local Residential Pros to Know.

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RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Kevin and Christine Howell

417-374-0382 BROOKLINEDOORWORKS.COM 308 W. LAKEWOOD ST., SPRINGFIELD

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F

or most Ozarks families, the garage door is the one door they actually use every day. It opens on the way to work and school, closes after late practices, and frames the house for everyone who drives past.

Brookline Doorworks has spent more than four decades making sure that door is one homeowners never have to think twice about.

Family-owned and based in Springfield since 1984, the company has earned an A+ BBB rating and a loyal following across southwest Missouri by keeping the work straightforward and the standards high. Its technicians install and service Clopay and C.H.I. doors, LiftMaster openers, smart locks and retractable lifestyle screens. A broken spring on a Monday morning gets the same attention as a full replacement.

Picking a new door is refreshingly simple. Brookline Doorworks’ online visualizer lets homeowners upload a photo and preview styles before deciding, while its showroom puts finishes, panels and hardware within reach.

Plus, free estimates and same-day service keep things moving. The result is a company homeowners return to and recommend, project after project, throughout the Ozarks.

P H O TO C O U R T E SY F R A N K & M A V E N

BROOKLINE DOORWORKS

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Shelley and Matt Wehner

CONCEPTS

BY DESIGN

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

417-725-3400 CABINETCONCEPTSBYDESIGN.COM 4123 N. STATE HWY H, SPRINGFIELD

M

eet Matt and Shelley Wehner, the visionary husband-and-wife team behind Concepts by Design. For nearly two decades, they have been redefining homes across 417-land with custom cabinetry, closets and architectural millwork that blend beauty with purpose.

At Concepts by Design, innovation and craftsmanship go hand in hand.

Their expert design team approaches every project with a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of spatial planning, maximizing every square inch to create spaces that not only look stunning but also live exceptionally well.

Backed by a skilled, approachable team, they deliver a seamless experience and consistently outstanding results. They are also proud members of the HBA & CMA (Cabinet Makers Association), reflecting their commitment to excellence in the industry.

What truly sets them apart is their willingness to push boundaries. Concepts

by Design thrives on creative problem-solving and fresh ideas, designing cabinetry and closets that elevate both form and function to fit each client’s lifestyle. Their cutting-edge 3D renderings bring every project to life before production begins, allowing clients to visualize, refine and fully connect with the design from the very start.

For homeowners seeking thoughtful design, innovative solutions and craftsmanship that goes beyond the expected, Concepts by Design delivers spaces that are as functional as they are unforgettable.

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RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

417-862-7082 EDGESUPPLY.COM 1920 E. TRAFFICWAY, SPRINGFIELD 5665 S. CAMPBELL, SPRINGFIELD

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E

dge Supply is in the business of transformation. Whether it’s a custom home or simply a new sink faucet, Edge Supply has the parts and professionalism to bring transformation to how you live. After all, they’re your go-to plumbing store!

Experience is what makes the difference. This family-owned company has been in business since 1946 serving both contractors and homeowners throughout Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Staff at both the East Trafficway and South Campbell locations are serious about serving customers and meeting their needs. In fact, they have more than 100 combined years of experience. They’ll bridge the gap between homeowners and plumbing contractors, and even offer installation advice to do-it-yourselfers.

Find the latest styles at Edge Supply. Whatever your project style or budget may be, they have countless options to make your dream bath or kitchen a reality. Their products range from essential to astounding. Edge Supply’s showrooms spark the imagination, and their warehouses are stocked deep and high with even the hardest-to-find products—the kind of items that most places have to special order. Edge Supply is all about making customers happy and building lasting relationships. After all, at Edge Supply, it’s all about how you live.

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

EDGE SUPPLY

PROMOTION

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Kevin and Christine Howell

GARAGE EXPERTS

P H O TO C O U R T E SY F R A N K & M A V E N

417-838-7227 GARAGEEXPERTS.COM/ SOUTHWEST-MISSOURI

G

arage Experts is the inside story of one of the Ozarks’ most trusted home-improvement names. For years, the team behind it has been known as Brookline Doorworks, helping homeowners across 417-land boost curb appeal one garage door at a time. That same craftsmanship now extends past the threshold, transforming the most overlooked room in the house into a space worth showing off.

The company specializes in turning stained, cracked concrete into a finished extension of the home. Its unique epoxy system bonds deep into the slab so it will not peel or flake, and with more than 140+ custom flake options, every floor is tailored to the homeowner’s style. Durable top coats keep the surface bright and easy to clean for years, backed by a lifetime warranty.

Beyond flooring, Garage Experts designs custom cabinets and organizing systems that turn wasted square footage into usable storage. The same transformation works in basements and on patios, too.

Owners Christine and Kevin Howell bring a clear belief to every project: A garage should never be an afterthought. With the right floor and the right storage, it becomes one of the hardest-working rooms in the house.

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RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Charlie and Cheryl Wormek

417-725-2550 HMIFIREPLACESHOP.COM 1744 N. DEFFER DR., NIXA

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hen it comes to fireplaces, stoves and chimneys, HMI Fireplace Shops has built a reputation that spans more than five decades.

Serving homeowners across southwest Missouri and the Lake of the Ozarks region, the company focuses exclusively on hearth products, giving customers access to specialized knowledge that few competitors can match.

Owners Charlie and Cheryl bring more than 65 years of combined industry experience, and many team members have been with the company for 15 years or more. That depth of expertise helps homeowners navigate everything from selecting the right fireplace to maintaining it for years to come.

Consistency is what makes HMI Fireplace Shops stand out. While many companies have entered and exited the hearth industry over the years, HMI has remained focused on fireplaces and stoves, providing dependable service and long-term support. Customers know they can count on the team for clear answers and ongoing service long after installation is complete.

Education is another priority. The company invests heavily in training and certifications, maintaining more certified professionals than any competitor in the area. Beyond serving customers, HMI also supports youth sports, charitable organizations and community initiatives, demonstrating the same long-term commitment to its communities that has fueled its success for more than 50 years.

P H O TO C O U R T E SY H M I F I R E P L A C E S H O P S

HMI FIREPLACE SHOPS

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Front Row: Calleigh Randles, Ella Reed, Lindsey King, Ashlyn Williams Back Row: Tanner Counts, Mandy Jacobs, Brad King, Alex Pechenyuk, Dylan Gettinger

KING BUILT PROPERTIES

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

417-849-9817 KINGBUILTPROPERTIES.COM 1015 E. REPUBLIC RD., SPRINGFIELD

I

n a market that often moves fast, King Built Properties takes a more thoughtful approach to custom home building. Founded and led by Brad King, the company brings more than 20 years of hands-on residential and commercial construction experience to every project, blending smart design with proven building practices.

King Built Properties specializes in fully custom homes, creating spaces that are tailored to how clients live today and plan for the future. Each project begins with listening. The team works closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, priorities and long-term goals, translating those conversations into homes that feel personal and functional. Rather than relying on cookie-cutter plans, King Built emphasizes bespoke design and disciplined execution.

Clients value the company’s transparent, collaborative process, with clear communication, realistic budgeting and professional project management from concept through completion. King Built Properties acts as a trusted partner, guiding decisions that balance design, quality and long-term value while respecting both time and investment.

Known throughout Springfield and the surrounding Ozarks for craftsmanship and integrity, King Built Properties delivers homes built to last, using skilled trades and quality materials. The result is a refined, well-executed home that reflects success, supports daily life and stands the test of time.

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RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Trevor Pugh, Jason Bekebrede, Raymond LaRue

417-416-4497 HOMESBYMONTICELLO.COM

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uild with confidence with Monticello Custom Homes and Remodeling. Owner Jason Bekebrede has a record of excellence as past president and current member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, a Certified Building Professional and a Certified Green Professional. He has spent 20 years perfecting his process of building a custom home or remodeling an existing one. He works with the best trades and vendors in the area and is constantly gaining education in an ever-changing industry.

Monticello stands out with their systematic approach to each project.

From foundation to finished product, each decision is planned for in advance, which leads to a smoother process, better results and happier homeowners. Monticello’s work, seen on social media, garners raves from fans and building professionals worldwide.

Monticello’s team takes seriously the trust placed in them, to come into your home and to work within your budget. Some projects take months to over a year to complete, so a strong relationship with good communication and transparency is key.

The mission of Monticello Custom Homes & Remodeling is to be good stewards of the buyers’ resources and the environment, while also pushing the limit on ideas, design and functionality. Call 417-416-4497 to start the conversation.

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

MONTICELLO CUSTOM HOMES & REMODELING

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Mike Strange

MWS HOMES

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

925-260-2054 MWSHOMES.COM

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WS Homes specializes in high-end custom home construction, bringing bold architectural ideas to life with precision and artistry. Led by Mike Strange with years of experience and driven by his passion for art and architecture, MWS Homes thrives on creativity and collaboration, transforming drawings on paper into one-ofa-kind homes. Every project begins with a vision, and Strange is dedicated to finding the artisans, craftsmen and innovative solutions needed to make that vision a reality.

MWS Homes thrives on challenges that set a new standard for custom homes. Each design may call for a dramatic architectural element or a unique feature that pushes the boundaries of traditional homebuilding.

For MWS Homes, the ideal client is someone willing to dream big and imagine a home that is both highly functional and deeply personal.

Practical needs are always a priority, but Strange believes there is room for beauty in every structure. Intricate details and bold statements come together to create spaces that are not only livable but also remarkable.

Every project is fueled by a passion for architecture and the joy of watching a design evolve into a place where people feel proud, secure and at home. For MWS Homes, building is a craft and a calling.

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RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

The Springfield Lending Team: Nigel Templeton, Oksana Kigilyuk, Michael Frerking, Katie Bradford

888-662-2443 OMBBANK.COM SPRINGFIELD | NIXA | OZARK | REPUBLIC WILLARD | GREENE COUNTY | CHRISTIAN COUNTY | LAWRENCE COUNTY DALLAS COUNTY

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t OMB Bank, home lending starts with local insight and ends with real results—fast. The community bank’s residential lending team is built on relationships, not red tape. Every pre-qualification, underwriting decision and final call is made in-house by people who know their clients by name and understand the local market. That means faster answers, fewer hoops and a smoother path to closing.

Files aren’t sent across the country—they’re walked down the hall. That kind of closeness matters when buying a home. It’s how OMB Bank delivers personal service with real speed and accountability.

OMB Bank offers free loan pre-qualification to help buyers move forward with confidence. Whether clients are purchasing a first home, upgrading or refinancing, OMB’s lending experts guide them through every step of the process. There’s no outsourced support, no guesswork—just sharp guidance, transparent answers and decisions made right in the community.

It’s all part of OMB Bank’s commitment to making the mortgage process simple, clear and personal. Backed by more than 25 years of community banking, OMB’s residential lending team brings that same trusted approach to home loans today.

At OMB Bank, it’s not just a loan. It’s a key to the future—and they’re proud to help open the door.

P H O TO C O U R T E SY O M B B A N K

OMB BANK

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

Sam M. Coryell

TLC PROPERTIES

P H O TO C O U R T E SY T L C P R O P E R T I E S

417-869-1118 TLCPROPERTIES.COM

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ost people inherit a name. Sam M. Coryell inherited a legacy.

The Coryell name is written across the Ozarks through apartment communities like Coryell Commons and Coryell Courts, carrying a legacy built not only on properties, but on people.

As President of TLC Properties, Sam M. Coryell carries forward the vision established by his late father, Dr. Sam E. Coryell, who co-founded the company 38 years ago. Following a great leader is no small task, but Sam M. leads with the same guiding principle that shaped TLC from the beginning: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

“That was my dad’s heart,” Sam reflects. “If someone needs help, we’re going to do it, and we’ll figure it out.”

Today, that spirit continues to guide TLC. Prayer request boxes in every community invite residents to share their joys and burdens, which are lifted up each week by company leadership. Shuttle services help 55+ residents stay active in the Springfield community. Employees are supported through Touchstone Counseling and the All-For-One benevolence fund. Under Sam M.’s leadership, TLC remains committed to serving residents, employees and neighbors alike—proving the strongest legacy isn’t a name on a building, but the people whose lives are made better because of it.

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417-725-5515 UNIQUETILE.COM 1364 KELLY AVE., NIXA

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hen design matters, Unique Tile delivers premium tile solutions tailored for blending durability with artistry to create spaces that inspire. From luxury hotels and corporate headquarters to high-end residential projects, their collections are engineered for impact.

Unique Tile’s expansive porcelain, natural stone slabs, intricate mosaics and bold patterned tiles adapt seamlessly to large surfaces, ensuring visual continuity without sacrificing sophistication. Each project is crafted for heavy traffic environments while maintaining a refined aesthetic that elevates interiors to world-class standards. Unique Tile offers marble-inspired elegance for cozy fireplaces and stunning feature walls. For something totally unique, metallic tiles bring a touch of modern luxury to living areas and bold geometric patterns on floors make a lasting impression. Partnering with Unique Tile will transform your expansive spaces into timeless masterpieces. With a commitment to quality, customization and innovation, Unique Tile will surely make your project stand out.

P H O TO C O U R T E SY U N I Q U E T I L E

UNIQUE TILE

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RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

AMERICAN GLASS 417-866-8361 | AMERICANGLASSINC.COM

Some companies install glass, but American Glass transforms it. For more than 40 years, American Glass has helped homeowners bring custom glass features to life with artistry and precision. Since 1978, the company has built a reputation for quality installation and attention to detail, creating everything from custom shower enclosures and wine rooms to kitchen cabinet glass and other unique home features.

By investing in advanced technology and modern equipment, American Glass delivers reliable timelines and high standards on every project. Homegrown in the Ozarks, the team takes pride in serving local homeowners and contractors. Visitors can also tour the company’s new showroom in Springfield and see their craftsmanship up close.

Justin Skidmore, Matt Eldridge, Renee Andrews, Tom Day

ARCHADECK OF SPRINGFIELD

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

417-473-2027 | ARCHADECK.COM/SPRINGFIELD

Mike Burton

Archadeck specializes in custom outdoor living spaces, including decks, porches, screened-in decks, sunrooms, paver patios, firepits and outdoor kitchens. Locally owned and operated by a Branson native now living in Springfield with his wife—a second grade teacher—and their two children, the business brings years of experience and pride to every project. With an in-house design and drafting team, Archadeck manages projects of all sizes from start to finish. Its sister companies—Superior Fence and Rail, Lazer Striping and Sealing and Enviro-Air Duct Cleaning—offer additional services, all under trusted local ownership. Known for professionalism and craftsmanship, Archadeck helps homeowners bring their outdoor living dreams to life.

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ARVEST BANK 417-885-7240 | ARVEST.COM

Buying a house is one of the most important financial decisions many people make, and having the right mortgage team to guide them through the homebuying process can help ensure that they secure the right loan for their situation.

Not only does the experienced team of mortgage lending pros at Arvest Bank make the loan process convenient with local lenders and the bank’s highly rated Home4MeTM app, but they also service more than 95% of their loans after they close so Arvest customers can expect continued local service. Get started today at arvest.com or call 417-885-7240.

Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Loans subject to credit approval

BLUCURRENT CREDIT UNION

Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

The local team at BluCurrent is here to help every step of the way.

BluCurrent offers a range of residential lending options, including conventional fixed-rate mortgages and FHA, VA and USDA loans, plus home equity lines of credit. Serving homeowners and investors across Missouri and nearby states, the team is known for competitive rates, low fees and personalized service. With 20+ years of experience, active involvement in the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors and NMLS-licensed mortgage professionals, BluCurrent is ready to answer questions, explore options and guide members with confidence.

BluCurrent—moving you (and your home) forward.

For more information, visit BluCurrent.org.

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P H O TO S BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R , C O U R T E SY A R V E S T B A N K

417-887-1983 | BLUCURRENT.ORG 4520 S. NATIONAL AVE., SPRINGFIELD

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BLUE SKY LAWN & LANDSCAPING 417-567-0088 | BLUESKYLAWN.COM

Great landscaping does more than enhance curb appeal—it transforms how a home is experienced. Blue Sky Lawn & Landscaping designs and builds outdoor spaces that feel refined, intentional and built to last.

With a focus on timeless materials and expert craftsmanship, each landscape is created to mature beautifully over time.

Offering services that include custom hardscapes, thoughtful plantings and long-term grounds and tree care, Blue Sky Lawn & Landscaping is known for honest guidance and meticulous execution. The result is an outdoor environment that feels like a true extension of the home, inviting everyday enjoyment and lasting value.

Kyle Turner

CEDAR & STONE

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY H A I L E Y TAY L O R , B Y K AT Y S T. C L A I R

417-392-0431 | CEDARANDSTONEMO.COM

With 10 years of experience and a portfolio spanning luxury residential, hospitality, retail and multifamily design, Cedar & Stone creates interiors that feel both elevated and intentional. Owner Brie Stewart brings a broad perspective to every project, offering interior design services for ground-up builds, gut renovations and comprehensive furnishing projects. Rather than chasing passing styles, Cedar & Stone focuses on timeless, heirloom-quality spaces designed to stand the test of time.

Clients appreciate Stewart’s willingness to push creative boundaries and deliver distinctive interiors that stand apart in the region. Cedar & Stone helps homeowners enhance the beauty, function and overall experience of their homes.

Brie Stewart

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CLEAN GREEN RESTORATION 417-300-5062 | CGRMO.COM 143 E. STATE HWY CC, NIXA

Clean Green Restoration, a family-owned business, specializes in fire, water and mold damage restoration. Led by industry expert Miles, with over 20 years of experience, the team provides seamless solutions, including mold removal, water cleanup, fire restoration and odor removal. IICRC-certified and EPA Lead-Safe Certified, they offer honest, transparent service without upselling unnecessary work. The team members at Clean Green Restoration are experts in navigating insurance claims, offering free inspections and fair pricing to keep things simple and stress-free. They are a trusted choice for restoring safe, healthy homes with care and professionalism, treating each home as if it were their own.

Miles and Tarah McNeill and kids

CONCRETE ENHANCEMENTS

Concrete doesn’t have to be gray anymore!

There are so many possibilities to consider with Concrete Enhancements. They can help you elevate your concrete’s appearance with coloring, stamping, staining and sealing. They can even create borders and designs to make your project unique. Set the foundation for your perfect patio’s fire pit, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and entertaining area.

In business since 1991, Concrete Enhancements is licensed, is a proud member of the Home Builders Association and has an A+ rating with the BBB. They put a strong emphasis on quality, workmanship and customer satisfaction. They invite you to view their recently completed projects online.

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P H O TO S C O U R T E SY C O N C R E T E E N H A N C E M E N TS, B Y K AT Y S T. C L A I R

417-830-2060 | SPRINGFIELDCONCRETE.COM SPRINGFIELD

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

PROMOTION

ETHEL CURBOW 417-300-1513 | ETHELCURBOW.COM 1324 E. KINGSLEY ST., SPRINGFIELD

Nick Jackson, Kristi Williams, Ethel Curbow, David Braeckel

It’s hard to outshine Ethel Curbow’s reputation for excellence in 417-land real estate. Along with her AMAX team, she’s made a name for herself in the industry, listing and selling residential and land properties over the past 30 years. She brings plenty of experience to the table, and customers are floored that she always answers her phone. Ethel keeps clients informed, markets their properties in every kind of media and has a great track record of success—that leads to many satisfied past clients. The Curbow team is knowledgeable, experienced, hard-working and ready to help you with your real estate needs!

FIVE STAR PAINTING

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY F I V E S TA R PA I N T I N G , E T H E L C U R B O W

417-720-2376 | FIVESTARPAINTING.COM

Some spaces simply stop you in your tracks. Doug and Andrea Windsor, owners of Five Star Painting of Springfield, have been creating those moments since 2017. With an eye for beauty and a passion for excellence, this husband-and-wife team brings color, sophistication and lasting charm to homes and businesses throughout the region. Every brushstroke reflects their dedication to quality and their deep respect for each client’s vision. Interior or exterior, residential or commercial—Five Star Painting delivers results that are polished, purposeful and strikingly beautiful.

Doug & Andrea Windsor

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HEARTWOOD HOUSE CO. 417-459-7781 | HEARTWOODHOUSECO.COM 125 W. MAIN ST. SUITE A, ASH GROVE

Heartwood House brings 15 years of residential design experience to every project, specializing in both custom home design and high-quality home décor products.

What sets the firm apart is its immersive, client-focused approach, centered on advanced 3D modeling and ultra-realistic visualizations that allow homeowners to explore their future space long before construction begins.

By combining technical precision with artistry, the team ensures every design decision is informed and aligned with clients’ lifestyles. Known for clear communication, collaboration and attention to detail, Heartwood House delivers thoughtful, personalized homes and retreats that inspire confidence, enrich daily living and become spaces families truly love.

Sara Morris, Mike and Patti Brown, Natalie Brown, Brayden Roth

MIDWEST ROOFING

Since 2008, Midwest Roofing has guided homeowners to a superior roofing system through top-tier roof replacement, repair, storm restoration and gutter services backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty. Their signature 360º inspection includes a comprehensive exterior and attic evaluation, plus a custom video of findings for total transparency. With more than 1,000 5-star Google reviews, Midwest Roofing is known for clear communication, meticulous cleanup and craftsmanship that lasts. The company is proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and GAF GoldElite Commercial Contractor.

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P H O TO S C O U R T E SY M I D W E S T R O O F I N G , B Y K AT Y ST. C L A I R

417-900-2143 | MWROOFING.US

RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW

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SIMMONS BANK 417-890-7770 | SIMMONSBANK.COM 4625 S. NATIONAL AVE., SPRINGFIELD

With over 75 years of combined experience, Adam Thompson and Sheila Falls bring unmatched mortgage expertise to Simmons Bank in Springfield, Missouri.

Thompson, a Springfield native, has worked in the mortgage industry for 27 years and continues to call the city home. Falls has been in banking since 1976, including 25 years in mortgage lending, and has served the Springfield community since 2004. Backed by Simmons Bank’s 100-plus-year legacy and recognition as a top employer in Missouri and the South, this dedicated team is committed to building trust and delivering exceptional service to customers across 417-land.

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

Adam Thompson, Sheila Falls

SPRING-GREEN LAWN CARE AND TRIMWORKS LAWNCARE & IRRIGATION

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

417-368-0591 | 417-886-5740 SPRING-GREEN.COM | TRIMWORKSLAWNCARE.COM 3328 E. LINWOOD ST., SPRINGFIELD

Spring-Green Lawn Care and partner Trimworks Lawncare & Irrigation, both locally owned by Jonathan Thurman, can take care of your lawn the way that you would… if only you had the time!

They are the neighborhood lawn care professionals, providing healthy, weed-free lawns, landscapes and irrigation services since 1997. Caring for lawns in 417-land requires skill, knowledge and experience, as well as reliable, regular attention. They provide a personalized service plan that is unique to each customer, so that your individual lawn goals can be met. Forget the hassle during the hottest parts of the year. For a lush and healthy lawn, contact them today!

Jonathan Thurman

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STEVE COX HOMES WITH KELLER WILLIAMS LOCAL

With 15 years of experience, Steve Cox Homes is known for guiding clients through the real estate process with confidence, clarity and genuine enthusiasm. The team offers full-service support for buying, selling and listing homes, turning a complex transaction into an empowering experience. What sets them apart is a deep love for real estate, the market and the people within it. That energy carries through every interaction. From navigating contracts and inspections to managing negotiations and timing, Steve Cox Homes handles the details with care and steady communication. Above all, the team believes real estate should feel exciting, not stressful. With Steve Cox Homes, clients feel guided, informed and truly cared for at every step.

Lisa and Steve Cox

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P H OTO C O U R T E SY ST E V E C OX H O M E S

417-848-6971 (CELL); 417-883-4900 (OFFICE) STEVECOXHOMES.COM 1619 E. INDEPENDENCE ST. SPRINGFIELD

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P H O TO BY T K PPHHOTO O TOGSRBY APH BE RR A N D O N A L M S, T E S S A C O O P E R

Dinner and An Experience

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P H O TO BY T K PPHHOTO O TOGSRBY APH KE AT RY ST. C L A I R , B R A N D O N A L M S

Written by Tessa Cooper with additional reporting from Katie Pollock Estes Eating is a sensory experience.

Too often, life’s demands call for consuming meals quickly and on the go, and it’s easy to forget to really appreciate the flavors. But food-centric experiences invite you to slow down and savor it all. We’re talking thoughtfully prepared multicourse dinners served in stunning environments, culinary classes that teach you to appreciate the effort behind a simple dish and immersive cultural events that will broaden your palate and worldview. This feature celebrates the Ozarks’ most memorable ways to eat, drink and gather.

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Tucked away in 14 Mill Market is Whisper Mill, a hidden bar that’s always dressed to the nines in themed decor that never stays the same for too long.

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Whisper Mill Speakeasy at 14 Mill Market serves themed cocktails and creative food in a cozy, hidden setting.

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knew from the word on the street that the entrance to Whisper Mill was behind a bookcase. So when my husband, Chandler, and I went for a date night one spring evening, we resisted the urge to ask around and followed the clues to find it ourselves.

When we stumbled upon it, we slid aside the bookcase and stepped through the looking glass—and I mean that almost in a literal sense, since the current pop-up theme was Alice in Wonderland.

We walked through a moss arch and were suddenly surrounded by a whimsical scene of flowers, balloons, streamers and taper candles. I knew before even asking that Sydnie Myers of Dreamy & Darling Creations must have been there. When Whisper Mill’s general manager, Tanja Lambert, tasked Myers with decorating the space, she worked her magic, installing the beautiful touches throughout.

But what surprised me the most was the size of the space. I had seen videos and photos of it before, but there’s something about a camera lens that gives off the optical illusion that it’s actually much larger. In reality, it’s an intimate little bar, and reservations are highly encouraged. If you go through the steps of making one, you’ll be rewarded with the most delightful welcome drink.

On this particular night, it was Drink Me, which was a mix of Midori melon liqueur, Haku vodka, lemon and pineapple. It came in a carafe with a pair of decanting glasses.

Pinned to the sides of each one was a bright yellow buzz button flower that immediately caught my eye. Our server (dressed as the Mad Hatter) instructed us to take a sip of the cocktail first, eat the buzz button and then try the potion again.

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

Let’s Visit a Themed Speakeasy

The cocktail tasted crisp and bright at first sip. As soon as I bit into the buzz button, a bitter, earthy flavor hit my taste buds, and then came the tingling sensation. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced, but the closest thing I can describe it to is the feeling of Pop Rocks hitting your mouth.

When I sipped the drink again, it magnified the flavors completely, and the tingling sensation began to wear off.

For my second drink, I went with Mad Hatter’s Vacation, which was a mix of coconut fat–washed aged rum, pineapple ube orgeat, dry curacao, lime and egg white.

When the “Mad Hatter” himself presented it to me, it came topped with a bubble. I couldn’t resist the urge, so I popped it, and out burst a cloud of smoke.

Chandler turned his attention to the classic cocktails on the menu. These were no ordinary classics, but riffs on them. He ordered the Green Gospel, which was an interesting take on a Last Word thanks to the swap of gin for mezcal.

To accompany our drinks, we ordered a platter of finger sandwiches, berries, macarons and other assorted desserts. It felt like we were at the iconic tea party in the tale.

On my right was a group of women celebrating their friend’s birthday. At one point, Lambert (whose hair was pulled back in a bow just like Alice’s) announced it was time for us all to sing “The Unbirthday Song.” Just when I thought the experience couldn’t bring on any more whimsy, I was proven wrong.

As we exited through the moss arch and out the bookcase, the chatter of patrons inside 14 Mill Market grounded me back down to earth. I felt refreshed after this nice little break from reality.

Tickets for each pop-up are $10 and include a welcome drink. Book tickets at 14millmarket.com/speakeasy.

The table is full at Greek Belly with the Prometheus Feast, pita wraps, feta fries, Drunken Dip and the City Greek Salata.

Join in the Opa! If you haven’t been to the Greek night event at Greek Belly, you’re missing out on a vibrant cultural celebration filled with just as much fun as good food.

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

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hen a meal ends with the sounds of pealing laughter and shattering ceramic as a restaurant’s worth of diners rise to their feet to throw plates to the ground, you know it’s been a joyous—and slightly raucous— night. The “breaking of plates” tradition is how Greek Belly ends their famously fun My Big Fat Greek Night events. It’s the final burst of a growing energy that builds throughout the evening.

Of course, it all begins with food.

Throughout four courses, guests try the best of owner John Tsahiridis’ Greek fare—from a family-style appetizer platter (dolmades, halloumi, spanakopita and more) to a Greek

salad, entrée of your choice (with options like moussaka and a variety of skewers) and dessert. As the food rolls out, so does the entertainment. A belly dancer weaves her way throughout the eatery, interacting with guests as she goes and even inviting some to their feet to learn her signature moves.

It’s close quarters inside Greek Belly’s tiny restaurant space, which shrinks a little more as servers squeeze through with plate after plate of food and the belly dancer twirls her energy around every table. And that just adds to the communal experience.

Elbow-to-elbow, your fellow diners begin to feel like your neighbors by the end of the night, which is capped with those breaking plates and shouts of “Opa!”

We’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Night events pop up on Greek Belly’s calendar sporadically. They’ve taken place here and there all throughout the year in the past.

The best way to make sure it lands on your own agenda is to follow Greek Belly on Facebook, where they post event information. We promise you, it’s worth the effort of hunting it down!

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Let’s Have a Family Farm Night

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ith a couple of foodies as her parents, it should surprise no one that my daughter Florence’s first time visiting a farm when she was a baby wasn’t just to see some animals. It was for an organic meal of pasture-raised chicken risotto with farm-fresh shiitake mushrooms and homegrown asparagus, all paired with a strawberry-arugula salad topped with ricotta.

But she was in great company. We were at Stewart Farms CO-OP’s first supper club of the season, and there were kids of all ages joining their family for a meal made with the freshest ingredients the Ozarks has to offer.

When we first arrived, Dustin Stewart, who co-owns the farm with his wife, Lacy Stewart, greeted us, and we had the chance to catch up a bit. It was like no time had passed since the last supper club we attended before Florence was born.

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Lacy was hard at work grilling the chicken and asparagus, as one of her daughters in a bright red dress stared up at her in admiration. With the soft clouds in the sky and green trees in the background, the scene would have made a beautiful painting.

Live music and great conversations kept us adults occupied while we waited a few minutes for dinner, and the kids had no trouble entertaining themselves on the open patch of grass. Once everything was ready, we all lined up, and Lacy loaded our plates with food made from ingredients grown onsite and at other local farms. They had slices of strawberry chocolate mousse cake available to buy, and saying yes to this homemade dessert proved to be a wise decision.

We enjoyed our warm risotto on the row of tables. One thing I love about community table seating is that it encourages you to converse with other attendees. On this occasion, we were sitting by Zach and Jenn Fortner, who own Pineapple Whip, and there wasn’t a lull in the conversation the entire night.

We attended this event alongside a few of our parent friends, one whose son was old enough to play in the field with the other kids. At one point, he and his pals found a

frog and carefully, but gleefully, brought it up to us to look at. This was one of those moments where I knew I was watching one of his core childhood memories form, and it was wonderful to be a witness to it.

As the sun was setting, we decided to take the self-guided farm tour to show Florence the cows and pigs, and she gazed at them in amazement. There’s just something about watching kids interact with nature that reminds you to stop and appreciate the wonder of it all.

Buy tickets for the next supper club at stewartfarmsco-op.com.

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY ST E W A R T FA R M S

Once a month, May through September, Stewart Farms CO-OP hosts its supper club. This affordable, family-friendly event offers a casual yet delicious farmto-table dinner complete with live music, fresh air and plenty of room for the kids to roam.

Stewart Farms hosts supper clubs featuring farm-to-table ingredients and live music.

Let’s Attend a Bridge Dinner Finley Farms’ Farm-to-Bridge Dinner series is one of the most enchanting experiences you can find in the Ozarks.

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Reading through the course descriptions made my mouth water: a gem lettuce salad with marinated blackberries, Terrell Creek Farm chevre and a wildflower honey vinaigrette, a country-fried quail with roasted corn and shishitos, summer squash gratin with chimichurri… the list went on.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, and they served us a lemon-forward spritz garnished with fresh sprigs of chamomile, lavender and violet. As we conversed, waiters walked around with hors d’oeuvres plated on wooden boards and silver trays.

The crowd spilled into the green area next to the river, and couples posed for photos with the iconic circa 1909 Riverside Bridge, all set for the dinner, in the background.

While the sun was still shining bright at the bridge when we first arrived, it was shaded by the time we took our place on the tables. I can’t help but think this timing was a thoughtful touch that resulted from perfect, intentional planning.

They served each course family-style, and even the smoked pork shoulder was garnished with lovely orange flowers. The wait staff was attentive to our beverage needs and was on standby to top off our water and pour each of the wine pairings.

Dessert arrived at our table right after sunset, and the string lights overhead illuminated us as we enjoyed our buttermilk panna cotta, which featured a delightful hint of honeysuckle.

I left full, content and more grateful than ever to call this little corner of the Midwest my home. Keep an eye on finleyfarmsmo. com/happenings for the next farm-tobridge dinner.

P H O TO SBY BYT K TP EH SS OTO A CG OROAPPEHRE R

f i could recommend just one experience to someone visiting 417-land for the first time, it would be a Farm-to-Bridge Dinner at Finley Farms.

This event showcases so many things I love about the Ozarks. We’re talking food made with produce grown right here, good company, historic structures with a story, a canopy of trees, rolling river waters, luminous fireflies and air that’s so fresh you’ll want to bottle it up.

The team at Finley Farms has been offering these events multiple times a year since 2023, and still, each event sells out.

Although I’ve attended multiple of these dinners, the first one I went to will always stick out to me the most. It was late May, and just one glance at the menu before ordering our tickets made it clear they were planning on taking full advantage of the flowers, herbs and produce that were entering their prime.

Bridge Dinners at Finley Farms offer a view and delicious farm-to-bridge food.

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This beautiful gathering spot in the Rountree neighborhood is the setting for multiple pop-up experiences each month.

While you never know exactly what to expect at any of these events, you can bet it will be delightful and memorable.

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ny time i find myself at Good Spirits & Co. HQ, I know my taste buds are in for a treat. Recently, I was there for Art x Food x Function by Ingredient, and this one was no exception.

Kaycee Vandelicht and Travis Barry are the team behind Ingredient Ozarks, a popup culinary collaboration that emphasizes locally grown, whole foods. Vandelicht is the special events director at Good Spirits & Co., and Barry manages his brother’s farm in Ava, where he grows many of the items they use in their dishes.

For this event, Ingredient Ozarks partnered with Oklahoma City-based Ty Illgen Ceramics to offer an “Ozarks Omakase.”

This meant each dish was a surprise served on stunning handmade plates and bowls.

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The first thing I saw as I walked in was a lovely display of pottery sprawled out amid foraged flowers and feathers. As my husband and I took our seats, Vandelicht presented us with a beautiful welcome drink: an aperitif in the form of an aronia shrub.

One sip in, and our palate was immediately awake. The tart, locally sourced aronia contrasted in the best way with the red wine vinegar. The fennel garnish added aromatic depth and complemented the lovely purple vessel it came in.

While we waited for the dinner to begin, I took a moment to admire the place settings. Every table featured a small ceramic vase filled with foraged blooms and leaves.

In lieu of a traditional printed menu was

Kaycee & Travis

a list of ingredients they were using that night, handwritten on what appeared to be handmade paper.

The first treat to arrive at our table was an amuse-bouche that looked just like a dish you’d expect to see at a MICHELIN-starred restaurant in Scandinavia; It was an absolute work of art. It featured a quail egg on a bed of crispy potatoes that looked like a nest. Framing it all was local arugula coated in dijon aioli and an olive-toned ceramic plate that we would all get to take home as a keepsake.

Each of the following courses was just as lovely and flavorful as this starter. Next came out a dosa-fried mulberry leaf topped with brie, aronia and fennel chutney, followed by a corn and sweet potato muffin with local shiitake mushrooms that Barry grew himself on logs.

For the main course, we enjoyed a beef short rib with a hand-ground local native corn polenta and parmesan. And for dessert, an elderberry cheesecake with honey whipped cream, chocolate strawberry crisp and juniper berries left a lingering sweetness that stayed with us the entire drive home.

Visit goodspiritsandco.com/events to see which upcoming pop-up event will be the one you pick.

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Let’s Go to a Pop-Up at Good Spirits & Co. HQ

Handmade pottery by Ty Illgen Ceramics is featured during a pop-up at Good Spirits & Co.

The Setting Is the Experience Here’s where you can embrace your main character energy and enjoy a meal or drink in a stunning atmosphere.

Dining at Cellar 417 15038 Business 13, Branson West Picture It: You’re indulging in made-in-house pasta as a live band serenades you and your love. Your seat has the perfect view of the rolling Ozark Mountains and a glimpse of Table Rock Lake.

Lady Liberty Dining Cruise at Camp Long Creek 1368 Long Creek Rd., Ridgedale Picture It: You’re enjoying a tasty meal on a private yacht cruising Table Rock Lake that features an upper deck, cozy furniture and gorgeous wood accents.

Bat Bar at Top of the Rock 1220 Ridgedale Rd., Ridgedale Picture It: You just took a leisurely golf cart ride among the trees, and now you’re sipping a cocktail inside a cave next to a waterfall.

Igloo Rentals at Vantage 260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield Picture It: It’s snowing outside, and you’re staying warm on a date by sipping an old-fashioned inside an igloo overlooking the city lights in downtown Springfield.

Dining at Lavender Falls Farm 3016 State Hwy. M, Clever Picture It: You’ve been dreaming about this night ever since you snagged reservations before they sold out months ago. Now, you’re gathered around a table full of your closest friends, sipping cocktails. The breeze is carrying the scent of the hundreds of lavender plants your way, and you can hear a gentle waterfall flowing in the distance between breaks in the live music.

Pop-Up Dinners at Cassidy Station at Estes Farms 5176 N. Fremont Rd., Nixa Picture It: You’re savoring a delicious meal by the talented Metropolitan Grill crew, only this time you’re dining al fresco on a farm.

There are bright flower arrangements galore, and the warm glow of sunset is putting on an extra gorgeous show.

French Dinners by Roland Parny at Cassell Vineyards 1103 Lucky Rd., Mansfield Picture it: 417-land’s very own born-andraised French chef prepared you a wonderful multicourse meal with excellent wine pairings. Between the property’s gorgeous stone building, the winding grapevines and the live accordion music, there was a moment where you forgot you were in Missouri and not Provence.

Pizza Night at Millsap Farms 6593 N. Emu Lane, Springfield Millsap Farms turns Thursday nights into an experience with a wood-fired oven and a setting perfect for summer evenings.

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Metropolitan Grill brings its cuisine to Cassidy Station for a special pop-up dinner.

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Meet the Magic Makers

Aaron and Meg Rozeboom Aaron Rozeboom creates memorable wine tastings at Brown Derby Wine Center and collaborates with his wife, Meg, to execute private wine-pairing dinners together.

Just as a solid wine-and-food pairing must have good chemistry, so must the chef and wine expert collaborating on the selection.

Husband-and-wife duo Aaron and Meg Rozeboom have what it takes to put together the private in-home wine-pairing dinners, tastings and cooking classes they offer. Aaron is the director of fine wine at Brown Derby Wine Center, and Meg comes from a family whose passion for cooking and communal meals runs deep.

“We’re a really good team,” Aaron says. “While I have the hospitality professional experience, she is extraordinarily passionate about food.

When it comes to the research and the execution, she’s world class at that.”

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Aaron & Meg One thing that sets the Rozebooms’ experiences apart is their highly customized nature.

For example, they recently designed a private dinner to celebrate a client’s 50th birthday.

Many of the attendees had a shared experience in Sicily, so Meg and Aaron centered it on food

and wines from the Italian island. Meg was busy working behind the scenes on the food, while Aaron served as the face of the event and guided the guests through tasting notes.

Aaron has built relationships with customers, wine distributors and growers all around the world. He also leads tastings for Brown Derby and collaborates with Derby Deli’s kitchen manager, Matt Middleton, to host wine-pairing dinners there. If you’ve ever left one of Brown Derby Wine Center’s events feeling like you’ve just made a new friend, you can thank the intentional seating arrangement designed by Aaron and the rest of the crew for that. “Wine and food are so inherently social,” Aaron says.

“If the social element is on point, it transforms the entire experience.”

You can book a private wine-pairing dinner with Aaron and Meg by sending an email to 417wineguy@gmail.com, and stay in the loop on Brown Derby Wine Center’s events by following @brownderbywinecenter on Instagram.

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Behind every wonderful food and beverage experience in 417-land is a local working hard behind the scenes. We sat down with a few of them to learn about their passion for enchanting our taste buds.

John Jung

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Master sushi chef John Jung brought elevated sushi to 417-land with Haruno and continues the tradition at Ariake with omakase experiences.

When John Jung and his wife, Young Jung, opened Haruno Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill in 1999, there wasn’t a local distribution center for seafood. But determined not to serve his patrons frozen fish, he came up with a creative workaround. He ordered fresh catches from New York and Los Angeles that were then flown into Springfield. Three times each week, he’d drive to the Springfield-Branson National Airport in the early hours of the morning to pick up the haul.

Today, all the sashimi and nigiri he serves continues to travel by air from both the east and west coasts to Springfield, but now it’s delivered straight to Haruno and his other business, Ariake Sushi & Robata.

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, John came to Missouri to attend the University of Missouri before eventually settling in Springfield, where he earned a degree in computer science from Missouri State University.

As he and Young became more connected to the community, they realized there was a major void in authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine in the area. Rather than seeing it as a problem, he saw it as an opportunity. He made a major pivot with what he planned to do with his life and set out to bring the flavors and dining traditions from across the Pacific Ocean to Springfield.

John Jung After winning the loyalties of Springfield’s taste buds with Haruno Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill, John and Young opened Kai After Dark to appeal to the younger crowds who frequented downtown Springfield in 2007.

Next came Koriya in 2011, Karai Ramen + Handroll in 2018 and, most recently, Ariake Sushi & Robata in 2023. Although they’ve since sold Koriya and Kai, both Young and John are still always on standby to offer guidance for these businesses.

The omakase John offers at Ariake is a multicourse tasting menu. It’s a series of more than a dozen small, individual plates of nigiri, sashimi and various cooked offerings that he prepares right in front of you and serves one by one on stunning plates sourced

by Young from Korea and Japan.

This culinary experience is the culmination of John’s lifetime of sushi research; he is entirely selftaught. He learned how to make sushi through reading books, watching shows, visiting sushi restaurants around the world and gathering decades of hands-on practice. If you find yourself enjoying his omakase someday, you’ll realize one thing as you watch him shape nigiri rice, brush salmon with soy sauce, and delicately top it all with freshly grated wasabi root with tweezers: Providing this traditional-tasting experience is his dream come true.

Katie Kring Katie Kring Katie Kring is the owner of Pickwick & Cherry, where she offers highly engaging cooking classes inspired by her world travels.

In 2014, a 417 Magazine staff writer asked baker Katie Kring if she offered any hands-on classes. Kring was still new to the local baking scene and eager to get the word out about her business. But she actually didn’t, in fact, offer any cooking classes. Yet, that is.

“I said, ‘Yes, of course, I do,’” she recalls. “’Would you like to come?’ And then I put together a class. We had some random members of the public sign up, and I also asked some friends to attend. Your lovely magazine documented it, and that was how I got started doing cooking classes.”

We’re extremely proud to have played a small role in the origin story of Pickwick & Cherry’s cooking classes, which have become so popular that Kring now hosts multiple on a weekly basis.

Although she offers several types, her Date Night Cooking Experience series is definitely her signature event. Each one centers around a theme, and it’s often food from a specific region she’s visited. In addition

to being a talented baker, this true Renaissance woman is also a highly successful opera composer who has been able to travel the world thanks to her work composing.

Take her Georgian Supra Date Night Cooking Experience, for example. She was inspired to start offering this class after one of her opera colleagues introduced her to Georgian food while in Vienna.

“He ordered a bunch of things that I could not pronounce, and it was all terrific,” she says. “And I thought, ‘Okay, great. We are putting a Georgian class on our schedule. I am not sure if the people of Springfield, Missouri, will sign up for it, but I’m doing it anyway.’ And you know what?

That one always sells out.”

Kring is a performer at her core, so you can always bet to stay engaged during the entire class and leave with new culinary skills and a few witty jokes to steal. You can buy tickets for one of Kring’s cooking classes at pickwickandcherry.com/events.

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Class Acts One of the best ways to make a memory is to keep your skills sharp by brushing up on your culinary knowledge. Enroll in hands-on workshops, classes and tours that will teach you a thing or two.

Sourdough Classes at Blythe & Co. blythecobakery.com Blythe & Co. Bakery owner Crysta Pogue isn’t one to gatekeep her baking secrets. She regularly hosts beginner and advanced sourdough classes at local joints like Architect Coffee Co. and Lightbox, where you can learn how to make basic loaves or even cinnamon rolls with your starter.

Mixology Classes at 417 Cocktails Downtown Springfield, 417cocktails.com 417 Cocktails offers on-site mocktail and cocktail classes at venues like the History Museum on the Square and Hold Fast Brewing and even live online workshops. No matter the route you take, Mandi Fritz will be your friendly instructor ready to teach all about bitters, spirits and how to peel the perfect garnish.

Baking Classes at Blue Heron Farm & Bakery

Factory Tours at Askinosie Chocolate Historic Commercial Street, askinosie.com Take a tasty field trip to Askinosie Chocolate and learn about the cocoa bean’s journey to becoming a bar. You can cap off the experience by sampling chocolate and purchasing a haul to take home. They offer these tours on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and select Saturdays.

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Historic Commercial Street, grownraisedmade.com If you’ve ever had a treat from Blue Heron Farm & Bakery, you don’t need us to tell you that co-owner Jennie Boosey has baking down to a science. She offers classes where you can glean knowledge on puff pastry, cinnamon buns and sweet-filled croissants.

Metropolitan Grill’s Pizza Party School teaches guests to craft the perfect pie, from dough tossing to topping.

Pizza Party School at Metropolitan Grill South Springfield, metropolitan-grill.com This one is just as fun as it sounds. Once a month, owner Patrick Duran partners with his daughter, Katrina Duran, to offer a pizza-making workshop. Katrina attended pizza school in Staten Island, New York, so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about the perfect slice.

Vino Cellars University at Vino Cellars

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South Springfield, facebook.com/VinoCellars Each month, 417-landers gather to learn more about fine wine at Vino Cellars. The theme varies by wine type and region, but you can always come expecting to taste five to six wines and engage in relaxed group and individual discussions about what you’re sipping during each tasting.

Date Night Cooking Experiences at Pickwick & Cherry Rountree Neighborhood, Springfield, pickwickandcherry.com If you possess a love for both travel and good food, you’ll enjoy these cooking classes hosted by Katie Kring. They often center around a specific region’s cuisine, and you’ll get to enjoy all the delicious fruits of your labor as a sit-down meal at the end of the night.

Bachata Dance Classes Multiple locations Bachata, a Latin dance style that originated in the Dominican Republic, is gaining popularity around town with classes hosted at spots like OXO Bar & Grill and 14 Mill Market.

Follow SGF Bachata Beats on Facebook for details on upcoming classes and locations.

Wine Tastings at Brown Derby Wine Center and Marketplace

Workshops at Finley Farms

Temporarily located at The Frisco Building, brownderby.com/events The folks over at Brown Derby almost always have a wine tasting complete with delicious food pairings on the calendar. Past events have included memorable stunts like flying a vineyard owner from Napa Valley to lead the tasting event.

Ozark, finleyfarmsmo.com/happenings No matter what your niche culinary interests are, you can bet there’s a class at Finley Farms for that. We’re talking beekeeping, pizza making, mixology and foraging, just to name a few. They host these experiences primarily at The Workshop, but also all across the property.

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Farmata concert

You can never go wrong with dinner and a show. But here are some ideas that give this timeless pairing a whole new meaning.

Hire the Missouri State University Chorale to Sing at a Private Dinner missouristate.edu/Music/choral.htm For the right price, the MSU Chorale will come sing at your private dinner or celebration. In the past, they’ve partnered with wine expert Aaron Rozeboom and his wife, Meg Rozeboom, to offer pairing dinners complete with a short live performance. Contact Dr. Cameron LaBarr, director of choral studies, at CameronLaBarr@missouristate.edu for more information.

Hop Aboard Silver Dollar City’s Showboat Branson, silverdollarcity.com/showboat-branson Two things are for certain about this experience: There won’t be a dull moment, and you’re going to leave full. Enjoy a meal of 88

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herb-encrusted chicken breast or a center-cut pork chop, all while cruising Table Rock Lake and enjoying live entertainment.

Gather Your Friends for Dolly Parton’s Stampede Branson, dpstampede.com/branson We’re convinced there’s no other experience in the world quite like Dolly Parton’s Stampede, but the best way we can describe it is a Southern-themed circus. Feast on four courses while you watch wild stunts like a horse and its rider jumping through a ring of fire and acrobats gliding through the air.

Feel the Vibe at Gillioz Jazz Café Downtown Springfield, gillioztheatre.com Every April during the Gillioz Jazz Festival, the theatre transforms its lobby into a jazz

Gillioz Jazz Café cafe. You’ll get to kick back and enjoy local bites and a premium cocktail while the sound of live jazz music fills the air in this beautiful historic space.

Soak up the Sounds at Farmata Concerts Fair Grove, farmata.org/concerts Steuart and Michelle Pincombe invite guests to their off-grid farm, Farmata, in Fair Grove for intimate concerts on a regular basis.

They pair each performance with a culinary component that highlights ingredients grown on their farm. To give you an idea of what to expect, one of these recent events featured a solo cello performance of virtuosic pieces with a reception that featured food and drinks made with elderberries.

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY M I S S O U R I S TAT E C H O R A L E , G I L L I O Z T H E AT E R , FA R M ATA

Dinner and a Show

Missouri State University Chorale

A taste of Asia featuring Purple Panda Filipino Food.

Cultural Immersions If a culinary world tour isn’t in the cards for you right now, setting the goal to try all of these international food experiences will leave you just as cultured.

Omakase at Ariake Sushi & Robata South Springfield, ariakesushirobata.com Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “I leave it up to you.” During this tasting experience, you’ll get to watch one of Ariake Sushi & Robata’s talented sushi chefs prepare a series of nigiri, sashimi and various cooked offerings personally selected for you and presented on beautiful servingware. A manager will also be on standby to walk you through the tasting notes. Ariake offers this experience upon request.

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My Big Fat Greek Night at Greek Belly

Attend Drury University’s International Food Festival Midtown Springfield, drury.edu Once a year in the spring semester, Drury’s International Student Association invites its students and the general public to enjoy an evening of delicious international cuisine.

The university’s international students and their friends team up to cook dishes from their home countries for you to sample.

Challenge Your Appetite at Bawi Korean BBQ

Downtown Springfield, greekbelly.com This recurring event offers you the chance to enjoy a four-course family-style meal paired with a belly dancing show. The experience caps off with plate-breaking and lots of “opas!” It’s the kind of night where you’ll leave with a full stomach and maybe a new favorite tradition.

South Springfield, bawikbbq.com This all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue puts you in the chef’s seat. Choose from proteins like beef bulgogi, pork jowl or shrimp, and watch it all sizzle as your appetite grows. Be sure to turn your attention to the instructions side of the menu, which will teach you helpful tips for how to enjoy Korean barbecue the traditional way.

Feast on a Boodle Fight at Purple Panda Filipino Food

Go Hard With the Add-ins at Shabu Hot Pot

Ozark, facebook.com/purplepandafilipinofood This authentic Filipino communal dining tradition involves a massive spread of delicacies like pork belly, garlic shrimp, grilled okra and eggplant all laid out on banana leaves. And don’t worry; you can wear your nice clothes.

Contrary to how the name sounds, this isn’t an actual food fight, but it does involve eating the feast with your hands. Boodle fights are available upon request, and you can send the business a direct message on Facebook to schedule one.

South Springfield, shabuhotpot417.com Making hot pot is always a memorable experience. But the fact that you get to pick your unlimited add-ins off of a conveyor belt here really ups the novelty and fun factor.

Bring the Hibachi Experience Home Downtown Springfield, hibachiexperience@ gmail.com While the Hibachi Experience has now settled into its new brick-and-mortar, they still offer in-home hibachi experiences that are sure to impress.

Bawi Korean BBQ

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Bring on the Whimsy These food and beverage experiences feature the hallmarks of whimsy: They’re playful, magical and beautiful.

Stunning Picnics by Private Picnic Co.

Kangaroo Fun at Joey’s Frozen Custard

privatepicnicco.com Think of the Private Picnic Co. crew as your fairy godmother.

Just say the word, and they’ll show up to your location of choice and deck it out with a

Seymour, joeysfrozencustard.com You’ll come for the delicious frozen treats at Joey’s Frozen Custard, but you’ll stay for the pure joy of getting to watch kangaroos hop about. One extra tasty offering is the strawberry cheesecake custard, and we love that it comes in a mini one-scoop size for the littles.

Private Picnic Co. sets the scene for a memorable picnic with games, food and friends.

Whisper Mill’s Pop-Ups at 14 Mill Market Nixa, 14millmarket.com Nestled behind a bookcase at 14 Mill Market is Whisper Mill.

The speakeasy pop-up theme varies depending on the season.

And we’re happy to report that whatever the theme, they fully commit to it with a unique food and beverage menu and decorations galore.

Crème de la Crème Victorian Teas by Canyon’s Edge Farm Hosted at Sugar Leaf Bakery in Branson, canyonsedgefarm.com This is a quintessential tea party, down to the finger sandwiches and fine china. Canyon’s Edge Farm hosts this high tea at Sugar Leaf Bakery on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and you’re encouraged to wear your favorite dress or tie.

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Unique (and Sometimes Outlandish) Pop-Ups at Good Spirits & Co. HQ Rountree Neighborhood, goodspiritsandco.com Being inside this beautifully designed space decked out with Slim Aarons pictures and Gucci wallpaper is a memorable experience in itself. But it’s the food and beverage experiences that happen here that you’ll reminisce on years down the line. Think an oyster and champagne pairing or a Spritz Society pop-up where you can order an Aperol spritz the size of your head.

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stunning picnic spread complete with fringe umbrellas, flowers galore, candles and beautiful tea cups. They also take care of everything on the food and drink front, so all you and your friends have to do is just show up.

Walk on the Wild Side Learn how to identify and enjoy edible plants of the Ozarks through these experiences by local foraging experts and chefs.

Bo Brown

Bo Brown bobrownforaging.com About the Forager: Bo Brown is a wilderness survival instructor and author of Foraging the Ozarks and Foraging Central Grasslands. He regularly hosts nature walks at places like Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and Springfield Botanical Gardens, where he offers insightful information about edible and medicinal plants that could be growing wild in your own backyard.

Dyllan Dale

Dyllan Dale

wildfoodsbydyllan.com About the Forager: Dyllan Dale is the owner of Wild Foods by Dyllan, where he offers popup dinners, foraging walks, catering, private dinners and general foraging advice. He holds a culinary degree and received mentorship from Rob Connoley of Bulrush in St. Louis.

This now-shuttered restaurant was known for its Ozarks cuisine made with contemporary techniques and foraged and hunted foods.

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Rachael West

Rachael West

eatingtheozarks.com About the Forager: Rachael West offers edible foraging hikes through local partners like Finley Farms. She also helps raise money for Springfield Community Gardens through her ongoing dinner series hosted inside Crystal Cave, north of Springfield. Each one features a 30-minute cave tour and a multicourse dinner made with foraged ingredients and locally sourced produce.

Let the Experience Come to You These private chefs and caterers will create a custom menu and serve you a plated dinner at your venue of choice, even if that’s your own home.

Lorenzo Antiganano LORENZO’S whatsalfredo.com Specialty: Authentic Italian food (he’s a Milan, Italy, native after all.)

Note: Look out for a new website (lorenzositalianexperience.com).

Sarah Kraber PINO & TINKS instagram.com/pinoandtinks Specialty: Flavor-packed dishes made with colorful produce and beautiful flower garnishes

Kevin Lane KEVIN LANE’S CATERING kevinlanescatering.com Specialty: Elevated versions of your favorite comfort food

Paul Allen ALLEN EVENT GROUP alleneventgroup.com Specialty: Fine dining delicacies like smoked beef tenderloin and seven-layer chocolate cake

Patty Wingo SIMPLY DELICIOUS CATERING simplydeliciousllc.com Specialty: Appeasing large crowds with filling tried-and-trues

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Taste This

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

DIG IN!

Aged to Perfection This year marks the 25th anniversary of Gilardi’s Ristorante. The pasta and wine are as delicious as ever, and the quarter-century celebrations have sparked a renewed excitement for this Walnut Street gem.

B Y T E S S A C OOPE R PHOT OG R A PHE D B Y B R A N D ON A L M S

Gilardi’s Ristorante is known for Italian staples like tiramisu.

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TasteThis

I

n 2013, james martin was trying to strike out on his own as a restaurateur. He was working at Nicola’s Ristorante for Nicola and Monica Gilardi, who also owned Gilardi’s Ristorante. Martin amassed years of industry experience by working at Gilardi’s and other restaurants. Although he had a great resume and a business plan, he had been turned down for loans by 17 banks.

“We were having a cocktail after a shift one night, and Nicola turned to Monica and said, ‘Why don’t we just sell him Gilardi’s?’”

Martin says.

That’s the short story of how Martin became the owner of Gilardi’s. Fast forward to today, and he’s still leading the business as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. In light of the landmark year, Martin has hosted garden parties and given back to the community with fundraisers over the past few months.

Because of the renewed enthusiasm for Gilardi’s, I headed there to enjoy dinner with my husband, Chandler, for this review.

It had been more than 10 years since we had been to Gilardi’s, and we had forgotten about the romantic interior with its flickering candlelight and gorgeous stained glass.

But since it was a lovely day, we opted to enjoy our meal on their spruced-up patio.

To make up for lost time, we came prepared to indulge in cocktails and four courses. I ordered the Garden Party martini. True to its name, this was a floral and herb-forward cocktail, and I love that they incorporated herbs and cucumber grown on-site in

Gilardi’s Ristorante 820 E. Walnut St., Ste. A, Springfield, 417-862-6400, Tues.–Sat., 5 p.m.–9 p.m., $$$

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T RY I T

it. Chandler got the limoncello spritz, which centered around their house-made limoncello. I tried a sip, and it tasted perfectly sweet and tart like a lemon drop hard candy.

For our appetizer, we went with the polpette al vino marinara. This Sicilian meatball starter would have been amazing on its own thanks to the house-made marinara, but it was the bed of polenta that featured Terrell Creek Farm goat cheese that made it so addictive. We completely cleaned the dish.

Next up, we prepped our palates by splitting the Insalata Caesar. Thanks to the balsamic drizzle made with local honey, there wasn’t a bit of romaine left on our plates.

With the exception of the tortellini, they make all of the pasta noodles in-house and infuse them with additional flavors, so you really can’t go wrong with any order. I chose the pesto limonata. Between the lemon and pesto cream sauce and vegetables like zucchini, this is an ideal pasta for late summer.

Chandler got the Pollo de Parmesan. According to his tasting notes, the chicken was juicy and well-cooked, the marinara was bright and cut against the Alfredo nicely and the noodles were perfectly al dente.

We wrapped up our meal with the tiramisu, which contained the perfect sweet-tobitter ratio with the balanced espresso and was topped with a fresh sprig of lavender. On my walk past the stunning Victorian home and gardens on the grounds, I spotted the bright purple blooms again on the plant they plucked this garnish from moments earlier.

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TasteThis

PERFECT PAIRING | BY TESSA COOPER

Bitter Meets Sweet ext time you need a pep in your step, here’s what you’re going to do. Head on over to El Cafecito and order a shot of espresso with a Nutella concha. Chase each fleeting sip of your espresso with a bite of this made-in-house Mexican sweet bread. Your taste buds will be treated to the perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes. You can use the next hour to cross something important off your to-do list as you ride that sugar and caffeine high.

N

The Secret’s in the Sauce The Miller’s Breakfast Sandwich from Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Cafe is delicious in its own right, but there’s one request you can make that really makes it something worth writing home about.

Simply ask for them to add a little chipotle mayo, and then remember to thank us later. There’s just

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something about the way this smoky condiment cuts through the egg, cheddar cheese and tomato that makes for an excellent way to start the day. The best part is that this yummy hack tastes great whether you choose the bacon, ham, sausage or turkey as your protein.

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TASTY TIP | BY TESSA COOPER

Good Things These seven dishes or drinks have passed our taste buds this month and made us rave.

They are ranked by level of yumminess.

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days when it’s simply too hot to turn on 1 On the oven, placing a takeout order from Su-

shi Village (1440 W Republic Rd., Springfield) is always a good idea. The Hawaiian Roll is like a little luau in sushi form. On top of the roll is white tuna and a delightful chili-tay sauce. Inside, there’s a spicy tuna and avocado combo.

of Cherry Picker Package + Fare’s 2 One (601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield) most

underrated offerings is their cereal milk lattes.

Sipping the Fruity Pebble version iced will make you feel like a kid again.

We sampled a variety of dishes at Amore

3 Italian Restaurant (853 N. Glenstone

Ave., Springfield), and the Tortellini Michael Angelo was by far our favorite. It’s cheese tortellini, sautéed with perfectly tender artichokes and mushrooms. However, it was the pink vodka sauce that really won us all over.

HOMETOWN HIT

An Ode to an Old Faithful The Davis family has been operating Farmhouse Restaurant in downtown Branson for 50 years. In honor of this milestone anniversary, here’s a brief look at its history.

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BY TESSA COOPER

W

hen roger davis May 2019, his wife, Joey, has kept the bought Farmhouse restaurant running. Multiple of their Restaurant in 1976, employees have even stayed along for he was betting on the ride for decades. Amy McKenzie Branson. At the time, joined the business as a prep cook the town wasn’t the big tourist destiin 1978, and she’s still doling out her nation it is today. But then came the famous soups, chicken and dumplings music shows and droves and fan-favorite blackberry of family-friendly attraccobbler. The times may Staples at tions. As the town began to have changed over the past Farmhouse include cobbler flourish, so did Farmhouse half-century, but the charm and chicken Restaurant. Although of this neighborhood cafe and dumpRoger passed away in has remained a constant. lings (above).

The lobby at the Ozarker Lodge (995

4 Historic Hwy. 165, Branson) is a charm-

ing place to refuel during a day of Branson fun.

Order non-alcoholic Lodge Limeades for the family. The combination of ginger beer, lime, honey and soda water is a pure delight.

If you’re a fan of sipping kefir, you’ll be

5 a fan of the cucumber-and-mint laban

from Middle Beast Cafe & Market (715 W. College St., Springfield). Challenge your palate a bit and order this refreshing, fermented milk drink the traditional way with a hint of garlic.

The Figgy Toast from The Table (610 N.

6 Prospect Ave., Springfield) is full of con-

trasting ingredients that taste great in unison.

It comes with pistachios, prosciutto, fig jam and goat cheese. The hot honey and candied jalapeños further up the sweet-and-spicy factor.

Miss Boston’s Cocktail Lounge (3401 E.

7 Old Stone Rd., Brookline) is most known

for its refreshing cocktails, but its food menu really packs a punch too. The Southwest Salad makes a filling dinner if you opt for the chicken add-on, and the made-in-house chipotle ranch dressing makes every bite a hit.

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BITE SIZE REVIEW / BY TESSA COOPER

Well-Rounded

R

ight before joe and Lora Still welcomed their daughter Lucy into the world in December 2025, they knew they needed to make a change. As owners of Skully’s, they were spending extensive time on prep work (making the broth for the ramen was a 20-hour process alone). So the couple racked their brains on a way they could swap late nights for early mornings. They 98

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came up with the idea for an offering that Springfield was seriously lacking: boiled bagels. Thus, Big Baby Bagels was born just a few months after Lucy. By narrowing their focus on bagels, they’ve been able to keep their quality standards high. They make everything in-house and from scratch, even down to curing the salmon for the lox. On my first visit, I tried the everything bagel, and the seasoning definitely had a familiar umami flavor I recognized from the offerings at

Skully’s. They also have a few breakfast sandwiches on the line-up, but the bagels and spreads are so flavorful on their own that I’d actually suggest trying them without all the added toppings first. I’ve been several times in the short span they’ve been open already, and I’ve landed on two favorite combos. I recommend the poblano cheddar bagel with garlic cream cheese if you’re in the mood for savory, or the chocolate chip with honey walnut cream cheese if you’re craving something sweet.

P H O TO S BY T E S S A C O O P E R

Big Baby Bagels is a new concept by the former owners of Skully’s.

They’re now serving made-from-scratch fermented bagels out of the same spot, all made with the same love and care.

COCKTAIL HOUR

Wet Your Whistle

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

BY TESSA COOPER

The Garden District Punch from La Roux Bistro is available on the menu yearround, but something about sipping it on a sweltering, humid August day hits different. This vodka-based drink is incredibly light and refreshing, thanks to the addition of French sparkling wine and lemon juice that balances it all out. And true to its name, the rest of its ingredient list sounds like garden bounty. We’re talking elderflower tonic, honeysuckle syrup, fresh berries, cucumber and mint.

We suggest pairing it with the shrimp and grits for the full NOLA experience.

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

KEY

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

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

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BIG EASY GRILL 3641 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-832-0040 Cajun. The jambalaya is fantastic, and we like to order it extra-spicy. The oyster po’boys are customer favorites, and the boudin (Cajun sausage balls) are not to be missed.

Try mix-and-match dishes to create a meal full of your favorite Cajun flavors (you can order a side of red beans and rice with a po’boy, for example). Or you could just keep it simple and dig into the peeland-eat shrimp. $   dK

BAIR’S SPORTS GRILL Multiple locations; bairsburgers.com Burgers. There are 22 appetizers and 50 burgers on the menu at Bair’s, plus plenty of non-burger sandwiches, great chicken wings and salads. We love the burger that is topped with ranch dressing and fried pickles. You can get other sammies too, like fried pork tenderloin and Philly cheesesteaks. For an appetizer, dig into a plate of fried green beans or spicy cheese curds. The sweet corn nuggets are also excellent. $   d

BIGSHOTS GOLF 1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield, 417-4273040, bigshotsgolf.com American. Come for the golf but stay for the good eats. There are great burgers (like the double smash burger with Hatch green chilis), pizza, wings and lots of shareable apps like the crispy red chili cauliflower. Don’t miss the fun cocktails. We loved the Bee Sting, made with tequila, agave, grapefruit, lime juice and jalapeño. So good! Be sure to stop by for brunch on the weekends. $$    d

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BLACK SHEEP BURGERS & SHAKES Four Springfield locations; blaaacksheep.com Burgers. This swanky but comfortable burger joint is located in downtown Springfield, with outposts in Chesterfield Village and on East Sunshine Street. Chow down on the Good Yogi; two grass-fed patties are topped with white cheddar, lettuce, onion, pickle and baaad sauce—house-made Thousand Island dressing.

The shakes are great here too, with both kid-friendly options and grown-up versions with alcohol. $   BLUE HERON FARM & BAKERY 206 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-701-1130 Farm-to-table. All of the freshly baked pastries and breads are amazing here.

They do some creative things with pastry, from tender galettes filled with loads of luscious lemon curd to flaky pot pies filled with savory meats and veggies. We love the sausage roll, and the almond croissant is sweet and oh-so-dreamy. $  

➽

ANDY B’S ENTERTAINMENT CENTER 1127 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8831234; 405 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-213-8631; bowlandybs.com. American fare.

The restaurant at Andy B’s Entertainment Center offers lane-side food service and a menu full of hearty, tasty fare like burgers, pizzas, pasta and more. If you have any pint-size bowlers, get the hot pretzel. It’s a kid-pleaser. $  

AVIARY BY LAVENDER FALLS 2144 E. Republic, Suite E120, Springfield, 417881-9736; aviarycafe.com Crepes and bistro fare.

This spot has long been known for being one of the few places in the area to get freshly prepared crepes—which you can find there in both savory and sweet varieties. But there’s so much more besides crepes. There are also beautiful salads and delicious entrees that have a little bit of French flair. $–$$ B   d

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

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

CAFE CUSCO 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8688088, cafecusco.com Peruvian. This menu is packed with fun and unexpected dishes that are inspired by the cuisine of Peru and the Andes Mountains. A few standouts: the black bean quinoa burger with avocado spread, the Lomo Saltado, and a host of delicious entrees. $$   d CANYON GRILL RESTAURANT at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 W. St. Hwy. 86, Lampe, 800-2256343, dogwoodcanyon.org American. Located at Dogwood Canyon, Canyon Grill Restaurant has a menu inspired by its surroundings. Try the bison burger with bacon and caramelized onion topped with fire-roasted poblano peppers and pepper-jack cheese. $–$$   d CELLAR 417 15058 Business Highway 13, Branson West, cellar417.com Bistro fare. With a great wine list and a huge deck overlooking the gorgeous Ozarks hills, this is a great spot to sip and eat with friends. A lot of the dishes have an Italian flare. Start with the hummus and whipped feta shareable to munch on with your friends, or order an entree like cacio e pepe or confit chicken. $$–$$$   d CELLAR+PLATE 2916 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, 417-3681739, cellarandplate.wine Wine bar. At Cellar+Plate you can get exceptional wine (the wine menu here is great) and tasty food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Customers love the steak medallions and the seafood ravioli.

Don’t miss the Cellar Board with meats, cheeses and fruits. $$  d

CHATEAU GRILLE 415 N. State Highway 265, Branson, 417-243-1777, chateauonthelake.com Contemporary American.

Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center, Chateau Grille offers gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake. And you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. The restaurant focuses on upscale, seasonal cuisine, flying in fresh seafood and sourcing local ingredients. $$$   d CHERRY PICKER PACKAGE + FARE 601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-986-5800 Contemporary American.

What do you get when you combine a coffee shop, bar, cafe and liquor store?

Cherry Picker Package + Fare. A small selection of sandwiches, soups and salads is served daily.

We’re big fans of the To Brie or Not to Brie sandwich. $    d

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CIVIL KITCHEN & TAP 107 and 222 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-501-8456, civilkitchenandtap.com American. There are 28 beers on tap. Specializing in upscale comfort food, Civil Kitchen and Tap draws inspo from Southern and Midwestern staples.

Some favorite dishes include salmon with fruit pico de gallo, crispy charred Brussels sprouts, huge salads and truly indulgent and gigantic battered onion rings. $    d CLUB 609 609 South Main Street, Joplin, 417-623-6090, club609.com American. The menu is large at this Joplin mainstay, and it offers everything from sandwiches to delicious steaks. Don’t miss the pecan-encrusted chicken or grilled ahi tuna entrees with a side of flash-fried spinach. $$  

DERBY DELI Temporary location: The Frisco Building, 3253 E. Chestnut Expy., Springfield, 417-883-4066 Bistro fare. Come for sandwiches, salads, salami plates, a hummus board and more. We love the Simply Green salad topped with a scoop of tarragon chicken salad, or the Parisian sandwich with rosemary ham, President’s butter and Gruyere on a baguette. $   

FARMERS GASTROPUB 2620 S. Glenstone Springfield, 417864-6994, farmersgastropub.com Contemporary British and American. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and changes regularly. The Scotch eggs never disappiont, and the burgers and fish and chips are always delicious. $$    d

DEVIL’S POOL RESTAURANT at Big Cedar, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd., Ridgedale, 417335-2777, bigcedar.com American. Here you can enjoy a tasty meal while watching a gorgeous view of Table Rock Lake. For an appetizer, the smoked trout is fantastic, and so is the cornbread topped with cracked pepper maple butter and smoked bacon.

Entrees change with the season. Brunch Sundays. $$–$$$    d

FIRE & ICE 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8665253, oasisfireandice.com Global cuisine. This spot (located inside Oasis Hotel & Convention Center) specializes in dry-aged steaks and certified Angus beef and has a delicious menu that changes with the seasons. Be sure to try the Fire & Ice Whiskey Burger with a Maker’s Mark whiskey glaze and crispy fried onions. $$   d

DOBYNS DINING ROOM 1 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, 417-690-2146, keetercenter.edu American. College of the Ozarks students grow produce and raise meat to use in the restaurant, so the menu has a very farmto-table quality. The Keeter Center also has a creamery that offers delightful homemade ice creams and sorbets. $$   d DOWNING STREET POUR HOUSE 24 Downing St., Hollister, 417-320-6106; dspourhouse.com American. Serving elevated bar food and creative, hearty entrees from the team behind Gettin’ Basted. Must-try dishes include the giant Bavarian pretzel appetizer, the queso-smothered tamales and the blackened mahi mahi entree. Don’t miss the wagyu burgers. $–$$  

THE GARRISON at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com Shareable fine dining.

Located beneath the Ozark Mill at Finley Farms, The Garrison features a dark and moody speakeasy vibe, a fine dining menu and a beautiful riverside patio. Try the mini pot roast, the forest panzanella salad or the delightful rosemary pound cake. Try the the refreshing Mill Pond cocktail. $$$  d THE GROTTO 301 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-886-9600 gogrotto.com West Coast–style American. The menu is accessible to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The super-indulgent warm blue cheese chips are a favorite.

Customers like the burgers and the steak-gorgonzola salad. $   d

HACKETT HOT WINGS 520 S. Main St., Joplin, 417-6251333, hacketthotwings.com American. The wings at Hackett Hot Wings are fantastic and we’ve heard rave reviews from readers and staffers alike. There are 13 hot wing flavors (ranging from tame barbecue sauce to super-fiery hot sauces and more). $   HARVEST RESTAURANT 8011 E. State Highway AD, Rogersville, 417-8303656, harvestmo.com Farm-to-table. Owners, Craig and Tamara Von Foerster, have created a restaurant focused on hyper-seasonal, local cuisine. The menu is always in flux depending on what is in-season. Our tip: Order whatever seafood option is currently on the menu. It’s always expertly prepared. $$$  d

LA ROUX BISTRO 300 E. Commercial St., Springfield, larouxbistro.com Cajun/French/Ozarks cuisine. The menu at this unique spot is a fusion of flavors from Louisiana with a French influence and southwest Missouri roots—all in a restored 1885 building brimming with character. Don’t miss the blue crab beignets or the shrimp and grits.

Reserve a seat in the Phenix Vault room downstairs. $$– $$$  D MAMA G’S KITCHEN 2463 W. Sunshine St., Ste. 124; 210 S. Market, Ste. 124; Springfield; mamagkitchen.com Southern. Come here for comforting dishes like fried pork chops, catfish, meatloaf and more. Sides are great too, with options like collard greens, hush puppies and cheesy potatoes. $$ L 

HY-VEE Two Springfield locations; hy-vee.com American and more. It’s all about variety when it comes to the freshly prepared food at Hy-Vee, so it’s a great place to find something for every member of your family—even the picky ones! You have a hibachi grill, a pizzeria, hearty comfort food, sushi, Chinese dishes and burgers. $–$$ B  

METROPOLITAN GRILL 2931 East Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-889-4951, metropolitan-grill.com Eclectic fine dining.

Known for its delectable flash-fried spinach, this restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood. The salads are always fresh and delicious. And we love that the menu is always changing, giving us something new to be excited about—served in a familiar space. $$$  d

JW’S KITCHEN 2111 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-306-9997 British and American Southern. This tasty spot comes from the owners of Farmers Gastropub. It features excellently prepared brunch options, like biscuits with chocolate gravy (a southern American favorite) or a full English breakfast. For dinner, try the roasted Scottish salmon. $$   D

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

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NEARLY FAMOUS DELI & PASTA HOUSE 2708 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8833403, nearlyfamous.net Deli and Italian. Regulars love the weekly specials: egg salad on Fridays, pear sandwiches on Thursdays and more. t’s hopping at lunchtime, and the dinner hours offer a menu filled with tasty pasta dishes.

Weekend brunch. $$    NEIGHBOR’S MILL CAFÉ & BAKERY 1435 E. Independence St., Suite 110, Springfield, 417-720-4162; neighborsmill.com Deli and bakery. This full-time bakery offers a hearty menu packed with sandwiches, soups and salads. Don’t miss the honey pecan chicken salad, which comes on Bronze honey wheat bread, or the Reuben, served on pumpernickel rye. $    OCEAN ZEN PACIFIC RIM RESTAURANT 4117 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8899596, eatoceanzen.com Asian fusion fine dining.

Try Chilean sea bass or the macadamia nut chicken.

We particularly love ordering the Hawaii Five-O sushi roll; with seared rare tuna and a pineapple salsa, it’s a tasty combination of savory, sweet, spicy and refreshing. Don’t miss the steaks. $$–$$$   d THE ORDER at the Hotel Vandivort, 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8321515, theordersgf.com New American. The atmosphere is trendy but relaxed while the food is an elevated take on American cuisine prepared in a from-scratch kitchen.

Try Executive Chef Calvin Davis’s spin on cashew chicken or the market fish specials that change daily.

Brunch is excellent here too. $$–$$$  102

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

THE OZARK MILL RESTAURANT at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com Farm-to-table. Inside the beautifully restored Ozark Mill, you can order upscale farm-to-table meals that are made with ingredients grown right at Finley Farms or produced in their on-site apiary. Don’t miss the incredible risotto fritters appetizer served over a pickled pepper aioli. $$–$$$   d PALM & PADDLE GRILLE 2515 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. 400, Springfield, 417605-7500, palmandpaddlegrille.com Caribbean. Everything has an island flair here. The coconut shrimp is a must-try, and so is the mango-habanero chicken. Their tasty jerk chicken is a filling option for the tiki tacos, along with jerk shrimp and carne asada. If you can’t decide what you want, you can go for an Island Combination to try a couple flavors. $$–$$$   d

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PIER 28 PIZZA & GRILL 344 Nautical Circle, Kimberling City, 417-5271580, pier28pizzagrill.com American. Come for lakeside views and a menu filled with pizza, burgers, tacos and more. If you love fried pickles, get an order of the spicy pickle chips to share. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, the menu offers several salad options. $$   REBAR KITCHEN & TAP ROOM 2902 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-5974569, rebar-taproom.com.

American. This spot features elevated takes on taproom fare. A few menu highlights include charbroiled oysters, duck bacon wontons, pizza, wings and more. There are several burgers, like the Hoglager BBQ Burger topped with Yuengling-infused barbecue sauce. $$    RED ONION CAFÉ 204 East Fourth Street, Joplin, 417-623-1004, redonioncafe.com American and Italian The Tuxedo Chicken is a customer favorite. Diners also love the bacon-wrapped shrimp, the blackened tuna sandwich or Dave’s fried chicken salad. There’s even a section of the menu with keto-friendly options that are low-carb and gluten-free. $$   RETRO METRO 2150 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7201708, eatretrometro.com Contemporary American.

This throw-back concept brings back decades of old Metropolitan Grill favorites and quite a few brand-new flavors too from owner Chef Tiny. Some of Metropolitan’s greatest hits served here include faves like flash-fried spinach and chicken spiedini. At happy hour, come in for wagyu sliders, crab cake sliders and more. $$$ 

Swing by the Farm If you’re planning a trip to Silver Dollar City soon, Lera Family Farm is just a half-mile detour that will make a fun add-on to the day. They’ve got several food trucks and stands on the property, a colorful playground and several hammocks for lounging. You can find tasty eats from Chubby Cactus Taco Shop, Kimoji Ramen, Nectar Juice Bar and lots more.

There’s even a food truck that focuses on Alpha-Gal friendly options.

—Tessa Cooper

SHOW ME CHUY 1410 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7715357, showmechuy.com Italian-Mexican fusion.

This fusion spot offers Italian options like pasta carbonara, Mexican options like bright-and-fresh shrimp aguachile and combos of the both cuisines. For example, the penne poblano features rigatoni pasts in a poblano sauce with Mexican cheese. Brunch is served on Sundays. $    SPLIT SOCIAL KITCHEN 3027 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7557155, splitspringfield.com American. Come for creative shareables and hearty entrees, served in a restaurant space that packs a lot of good vibes.

We love the macaroni and cheese (get fried chicken with it as your protein).

The menu changes with the seasons, but recently we’ve loved the Ooo Mami Tacos with seared sashimigrade tuna. $$  

ST. MICHAEL’S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE 301 South Ave., Springfield, 417-865-2315 American. The burgers are top-notch, and the huge salads topped with deliciously seasoned grilled chicken breast are a favorite (try the one with spicy Cajun chicken—yum!).

Come hungry enough to order dessert because the cakes are stellar. Our favorite is the dreamy banana cake (nothing can beat it!) but the blueberry-lemon is a close second. $–$$   THE TABLE 610 Prospect Ave., Springfield, thetable. restaurant Bistro fare. This beautiful eatery features lovely decor, a nice patio area and great eats all day. For breakfast, try the Figgy Toast. Later in the day, don’t miss the street corn dip appetizer or the brown sugar cured salmon entree. $–$ $    d TEA BAR & BITES 621 S. Pickwick Ave., 417-883-2462, teabarandbites.com.

Bistro fare. Everything we’ve tasted at Tea Bar & Bites has been fantastic.

Try the curry chicken salad or the yummy quiche with beautiful, flaky crust. We love any of the menu items that have a Mediterranean flair. The menu features plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

There are tasty baked goods too. $    d VAN GOGH’S EETERIE 334 East Commercial Street, 417-344-0085, vangoghseeterie.com Indo-Dutch. Dutch pancakes, chicken witlof and other Indo-Dutch and Dutch-inspired cuisine populate the menu. We love the delish Farm Near Auvers pancake topped with goat cheese, apples, honey, arugula and thyme. $$   

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VOLLEYBALL BEACH OZARK 1198 State Highway NN, Ozark, 816-838-1664, volleyballbeachozark.com American. You probably already know you can play sand volleyball year-round at Volleyball Beach Ozark.

But did you know you can grab dinner and drinks too? They offer chicken wings with several sauce options (including some fun ones like apple-habanero barbecue or Korean barbecue), pizza, burgers and more. $–$$ 

BARBECUE BUCKINGHAM’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ 2002 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8869979, buckinghambbq. com Diners love the ribs and the burnt ends at this classic barbecue eatery. We can’t get enough of the killer smoked salmon topped with horseradish sauce.

And don’t miss the jalapeño bottle caps. If you’re extra hungry, get the baked potato that’s covered with everything. $   d CITY BUTCHER & BARBECUE 3650 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-7201113, citybutchersgf.com Come early because this Texas-style barbecue spot, where the meat is smoked in small batches for optimal freshness, is known to sell out. Killer brisket, pulled pork and other favorites are sold first-come, first-served with a few simple but delicious side dish options. If you’re in a sandwich mood, try the City Smokestack, piled high with brisket, pulled pork, pork belly and your choice of sausage (we recommend Texas hot links).

The smokehouse beans are delish, and the smoked chocolate chip cookies are super-fun. $–$$   d

CROSSTOWN BBQ 1331 E. Division St., Springfield, 417-862-4646 Try the ribs or the brisket.

The Big Pappa Dinner is a signature dish, and it features tons of meat including ribs, brisket and hot links. We loved the smoked chicken salad for something that feels healthy and indulgent at the same time. And as for sides, you have to go with the crispy fried okra.

Another customer favorite (that’s oh-so-beloved even though it’s not barbecue) is the always-tasty and oh-so-crispy fried catfish. $–$$   GETTIN’ BASTED 2845 W. Highway 76, Branson; 606 W. Mount Vernon St., Nixa; gettinbasted.com Come here for award-winning barbecue in all your favorite varieties: brisket, ribs, pulled pork and more.

The seven wagyu burgers on the menu are fully loaded, and the apps game is strong with homemade pimento cheese, barbecue nachos and more. We can’t get enough of the pork tacos appetizer, featuring pulled pork tacos on grilled tortillas with slaw and pineapple. The house salad topped with chicharrones is a hit too. $–$$   HEADY BAR-B-QUE CO. 573 East Elm Street, Republic, 417-732-4227, headybbq.com This spot specializes in Kansas City–style barbecue. Among stellar ribs, brisket and more perfectly prepared meats, you can find unexpected dishes with a barbecue spin: nachos, salads, a burrito.

The sandwiches are all packed with ingredients, liked the Hogwallop that has pull pork, hot link, pickled jalapeños, pepper-jack cheese, sautéed onions and a special sauce.

Whew! That’s a lot of toppings! $–$$  

Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant + Cantina has become a 417-land favorite, expanding to multiple locations across the Ozarks.

Experience vibrant flavors, festive ambiance and authentic Mexican cuisine!

Hours: Sun.–Thurs: 11:00am–9:30pm Fri.–Sat: 11:00am–10:00pm

Carthage, Joplin, Republic & Springfield habanerosmexicancantina.com

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Dining Guide

BREAKFAST BILLY GAIL’S CAFE 5291 State Highway 265, Branson, 417-338-8883; 1882 James River Road, Ozark, 417-582-2600; billygailsrestaurant.com Billy Gail’s in Branson has been a beloved breakfast hotspot for ages, and it’s still going strong.

The Ozark spot and has become just as popular.

Come for massive pancakes and other breakfast fare. The Ozark location serves dinner on the weekends. $    THE BRUNCHEONETTE 424 N. Main St., Joplin, 417-781-3447, thebruncheonette.net We love the creative takes on eggs Benedict that we’ve found at The Bruncheonette, whose menu changes weekly but is always interesting. Don’t miss your chance to order a plate of poutine, handcut fries topped with gravy, shredded cheese and a poached egg. The carrot fries are wonderful too.

This restaurant is small but mighty, and it’s worth the wait for a table. $   FIRST WATCH 2946 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8890601; 3103 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-6337094; firstwatch.com Go traditional with a plate piled with crispy bacon, eggs and toast. Or order something more creative.

At First Watch you can find breakfast power bowls, lemon-ricotta pancakes, avocado toast, a superfood bowl with chia pudding and fruit and lots more.

There are a few different varieties of eggs Benedict (we love the one topped with bacon and avocado), and we love that many of the dishes come with a simple lemon-and-greens salad on the side to brighten it all up. $   104

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GAILEY’S BREAKFAST CAFÉ 220 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-866-5500 The sweet potato hash browns are super-delish here, and we highly recommend ordering them in place of the traditional hash browns. We also love The Bear Hug: biscuits and gravy, choice of meat, two eggs and either hash browns or sweet browns.

Gailey’s is known for breakfast, but the restaurant also has a tasty lunch menu. $   THE EUROPEAN 105 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-986-4646, theeuropean417.com The pastries are picture-perfect and taste just as good as they look.

The breakfast and lunch dishes are inventive and superbly executed. We love the mousse cakes, the macarons and the strawberry pancakes—or the shakshuka for something savory. $   d SLEEPY OPOSSUM CAFE 1423 E. Cherry St., Springfield, Ste. 101, 913-730-6224, sleepyopossumcafe.com This darling spot serves creative, classic and always delicious breakfast fare. We are obsessed with the hashbrown quiches and the homemade biscuits topped with everything seasoning. $  

CHINESE CHINESE CHEF 3029 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8834770, facebook.com/ chinesechefcampbell Owner Joe Fong has been serving Springfield for over 40 years. Customer favorite dishes include Kung Pao chicken, cashew chicken, crab rangoon and egg rolls. $  

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CORNER 21 1730 E. Republic Road, Ste. A, Springfield, 417-771-5666, corner21sgf.com This restaurant’s menu offers a large variety of authentic Chinese dishes, including several Szechuan-style meals. Try the braised pork belly with rice noodles, ribeye and enoki mushrooms in a curry broth, crispy fried pumpkin or spicy Szechuan fish.

We’re obsessed with the pork buns. $   d LEONG’S ASIAN DINER 1540 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-887-7500 The Leong family serves its original cashew chicken at this tasty eatery, among lots of other yummy stuff.

The crab Rangoon are especially delicious here, and we like to dip them in the bold and spicy mustard sauce. The egg rolls are a classic. (Dip those in the spicy mustard too!) The General Tso’s chicken has a rich and spicy sauce and lots of veggies. $–$$   LUCY’S CHINESE FOOD Multiple locations, lucyschinesefood.com Don’t miss the cashew chicken combo special that gets you an entree, a side and fried rice for an incredible price. We like the sweet and sour chicken here. But if you’d rather eat something mega-spicy than something fried, order the hot chicken. It’ll have you reaching for your water glass with every bite. $   TRIPLE EIGHTS 1710 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, 417-832-8889 While you can find Springfield Chinese favorites like cashew chicken on the menu at Triple Eights, you can also dig into more traditional Chinese fare. The mapo tofu is a must try, with its rich and spicy sauce. The Sichuan Maocai stew is worth a taste too. $  

COFFEE SHOP FARE ARCHITECT COFFEE 1604 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7715030; 1300 E. Battlefield; architectcoffeeco.com This Instagram-chic coffee shop on Springfield’s south side offers a bright and cozy atmosphere with warm drinks and hearty food, to boot. The breakfast burritos are stellar and so filling. We love the seasonal drinks that change every so often, especially when they offer some version of a refreshing espresso tonic. So good! Battlefield Road location is drive-thru only. $   D BIG MOMMA’S COFFEE & ESPRESSO BAR 217 East Commercial Street, Springfield, 417-865-9911; 1010 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, 417-868-4157; bigmommascoffee.com This spot offers coffee, espresso and blended frappes. But there is more on the menu than just drinks. Be sure to try the super-delicious sandwiches that are served here, too. The Juliette is one of our favorite sandwiches here (topped with apples and provolone). $    d THE BLACK LAB COFFEE CO. 545 E. Elm St., Republic, 417-647-5125, facebook. com/theblacklabllc This casually canine-inspired coffee stop is Republic’s place to be for a piping hot Labbuccino.

Try the Black Lab, which includes toffee nut and chocolate, or the Goldendoodle, a signature combination of caramel and brown sugar. Sips aren’t the only draw here, either. The shop serves full lunch and breakfast menus too. Indulge in a Nutella toast with strawberries along with your brew. $  

CAFE CUBANO 3650 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8877777, facebook.com/ countrygirlsespresso Aside from all of the delicious coffee drinks, the real must-try item here is the authentic Cuban sandwich, served pressed on Cuban bread. Cafe Cubano’s’ signature is its Cafe Con Leche with scalded milk. We also love the guava pastry, a treat that costs less than $2 and is filled with tropical sweetness. For breakfast, the bacon and cheddar burritos have crisp, thick-cut bacon. Come by Tuesday, when you can Cuban tacos. $    CLASSIC ROCK COFFEE 1900 West Sunset Street, Springfield, 417-881-7625, classicrockcoffee.com This coffee shop offers espresso drinks with rock ‘n’ roll–inspired names.

Try the Sweet Emotion latte (with chocolate and caramel) and a ham and cheese puff pastry breakfast pocket to start your day. Another perennial favorite drink: The Dirty White Boy. Don’t miss the delightful chocolate muffin—and order it warmed up for an extra-tasty treat. $d THE COFFEE ETHIC 124 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-8666645, thecoffeeethic.com Try the single-origin coffee, brewed one cup at a time, or any of the creative and delicious seasonal drinks. The cappuccino is fantastic (truly one of the best we’ve ever had), and the shop also serves wine, craft beers on draft and a small selection of quality liquors. The food game here is strong too, with loaded oatmeal, freshly baked muffins and more.

We love the bottled lattes too. $ d

DANCING MULE COFFEE COMPANY 1945 South Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, 417-883-5114, dancingmulecoffee.com The mochas are great here—chocolatey but not too sweet. Dancing Mule also does a really good authentic cappuccino that’s made just right. Try the Peanut Butter Fandango Frappe. $  ECHELON COFFEE 2407 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-3742739; 2510 S. State Highway MM, Republic, 417-494-2739; echeloncoffee.com This sunny coffee shop (with a drive-thru!) has excellent espresso drinks, drip coffee, pour-over and more. The cortado is always well done. And we love The Formation (espresso with vanilla, cinnamon and honey) prepared as a frappe when we’re feeling indulgent.

Don’t miss the delish breakfast and lunch fare too. $    d EURASIA COFFEE & TEA CULTURE CAFE 445 E. Commercial St., 417-720-1949, culturecstreet.com This coffee roaster with a mission also serves some tasty fare in its Culture Cafe. In addition to carefully crafted cups of coffee, there are excellent lunch items. Try the miso caramel latte. $    d KINGDOM COFFEE 211 S. Market Ave., Suite 100, Springfield, 417-3501234; 2896 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield; kingdomsgf.com The coffee menu features classic espresso drinks, like cappuccinos, macchiattos, mochas and more. We love the classic cortado the most, and the not-toosweet and super-creamy iced matcha latte is truly delicious. $    d

MUDHOUSE COFFEE 323 South Ave. Suite B, Springfield; 5401 N. 22nd St., Ozark; mudhousecoffee.com The coffee is always fantastic here, at Springfield’s OG downtown coffee shop. Plus, Mudhouse also offers a wide variety of loose-leaf teas. The cheesecake here is a musttry—so decadent! $    THE PRESS COFFEE & JUICE BAR 2710 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, 417-771-5950 Asian fusion. This wholefoods cafe offers organic dishes with ingredients from local market vendors.

Juices are organic and cold-pressed. The real draw here is the MexicanKorean fusion menu, featuring gogi nachos, kimchi fried rice and street tacos. $d URBAN GROUNDS COFFEE & PLANT LAB 5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, urbangrounds417.com This spot specializes in drinks made with locally roasted coffee. Try classics like lattes and cappuccinos, or opt for a flavored options (like salted caramel toffee) or a botanical latte made with things like beetroot, turmeric and more. This spot doubles as a plant store. $   THE WORKSHOP AT FINLEY FARMS 840 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com The menu includes classic coffee and tea offerings plus super-sized suped-up toasts (get one topped with bacon!). Don’t miss the creamy chicken salad.

As for drinks, we love The Workshop Shake, a shaken iced latte with vanilla bean syrup, cinnamon and honey. Their take on a London Fog, featuring pH lavender syrup, is delicious too. You can also sign up for handson workshops. $   d

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

DESSERTS ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD Multiple 417-land locations, eatandys.com Frozen treats. Don’t miss the rotating seasonal toppings (our staffers love the key lime pie and blackberry in the summer, and the apple pie and pumpkin pie in the fall). Try the Ozarks Turtle sundae, a classic concoction with caramel, hot fudge and toasty pecans. There are several sundae and concrete options, plus root beer floats and Italian ice pops. $ d BUTTERMILK 1458 E. Cherry St., Springfield, instagram. com/buttermilkrules Ice cream. Pastry chef Kyle Davis has brought made-from-scratch ice cream to the Rountree neighborhood. Come to the walk-up window for an ever-changing menu of incredible flavors, like espresso ice cream, blood orange sorbet, homemade ice cream sandwiches and lost more. $ d

HURTS DONUT 1231 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-3680279; 1580 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-5983474; wannahurts.com Donuts. Outside-the-box toppings cover these super-delicious doughnuts, available 24 hours a day.

A customer favorite is the maple-bacon bar, a huge, salty-sweet concoction that is oh-so-delish. You can also get shakes, cookies, apple fritters and more. $ LUCKY CAT BOBA TEA & TAIYAKI 3424 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-351-3136 Boba tea. There is a hefty menu of bubble tea options (we like the passionfruit mojito bubble tea that comes with fresh lime and mint leaves) plus sweet snacks like mitarashi dongo skewers and darling slices of cake. The taiyaki are fish-shaped waffle-like cakes with tasty fillings that come in a variety of flavors like sweet red bean or Nutella. For something savory, try the pork-filled steamed buns. $

ON T HE HOR IZON

Some News from Nonna’s We’ve been curious about what would fill the void at 307 S. Jefferson Ave. ever since Wheelhouse closed in January, and we finally have some answers for you. We noticed two signs pop up above the doorway, hinting at a test kitchen for Nonna’s Kitchen and a new home for Meals

by Monica. Shawn Kraft is the entrepreneur behind both of these ventures, so we reached out to him to get more info. He confirmed that he is now using the space primarily as a hub to make his weekly rounds of prepped meals that he sells through Meals by Monica. But when he’s not making mandarin-glazed pork loin or old-fashioned meatloaf here, he will be using it as his personal Italian recipe test kitchen, where he will dream up tasty new offerings for Nonna’s.

But he also has some more exciting plans for the space in the works, some of which involve opening it up to the community. That’s all we can say for now, so stay tuned!—Tessa Cooper

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PARLOR DOUGHNUTS 1109 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. A, Springfield; 82 Branson Landing Blvd., Suite 105, Branson; parlordoughnuts.com Donuts. This spot is known for their “layered donuts,” which have a unique textures, are super-indulgent and come in a dozens of flavors. Our favorite is the coconut cream donut. You can also get keto-friendly, vegan and gluten-free donuts. $ B   PRAIRIE PIE 621 South Pickwick Ave., Springfield, prairiepie.com Pie and cookies. Prairie Pie makes stellar all-butter-crust pies in flavors that range from classic to inventive. The caramel apple pie is an elevated take on a classic and is quite popular. Any pie here that’s made with rhubarb is superb. $–$$

SOCIETEA 1653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7204094, facebook.com/ societea.

Boba tea. Bubble tea is the name of the game at this authentic spot where the matcha milk tea and the matcha roll cake are both must-try offerings.

Whether you’re a bubble tea veteran or looking to try something new, this is your place. We love that you can customize the sweetness level of your drinks and top them with options we don’t see often (like big pieces of coffee jelly, or creamy cheese foam). $ ST. GEORGE’S DONUTS Multiple 417-land locations, stgeorgesdonuts.net Donuts. Lots of luscious doughnuts are made fresh daily here. We love the glazed blueberry and the oh-so-fresh chocolate cake donuts. $ d

DINERS BILLY BOB’S DAIRYLAND 1901 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-337-9291 Burgers. Billy Bob’s is a greasy-spoon institution on the strip in Branson. There are 24 flavors of fried pies here, cheeseburgers (pro tip: top them with grilled onions), foot-long hot dogs with chili and cheese and more. $   CASPER’S 937 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-2277377, caspersdiner.com Chili. This local favorite is filled with bright colors and a kitschy vibe. The spot serves overflowing bowls of great chili and a few other yummy diner options (like burgers and hot dogs).

Don’t forget to order some luscious chili cheese fries while you’re there. $   

DRUFF’S 331 Park Central East, Springfield; 417-7191719, yumdruffs.com Grilled cheese. Druff’s offers a menu of grilled cheeses, soups and creative sides. For a little heat, try the Good Doctor, made with cheddar, cream cheese, bacon and jalapeño. Druff’s also offers a robust brunch and breakfast menu. We love the breakfast bowls, especially the Swipe Right with eggs, hash browns, jalapenos, avocado, bacon and cheddar. $  

INDIAN INDIA CLAY OVEN & GRILL 2005 W. Highway 76 Country Blvd., Suite 209, Branson, 417-973-0044, indiaclayovenandgrill.com Come to this yummy little spot on the Branson strip to indulge in some tasty Indian fare. We loved the karahi lamb and the mushroom aloo matar­­. $$   INDIA PALACE 1908 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-771-5270 The huge menu here offers Indian favorites and fun flavors you may not have tried. We love the pani puri appetizer, the samosa chaat and the lamb rogan josh. Be sure to pop in for lunch on the weekends, when they offer a stacked buffet. $$  

TRY IT NOW

Dreaming of Matcha If you haven’t paid a visit to the Farmers Market of the Ozarks recently, here’s an excuse to head there this Saturday. Cold Call is a new matcha stand that serves this popular drink in rotating flavors on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Think creative combinations, like lychee rose and banana cream. But we’re crossing our fingers that they will be whipping up the ube one on our first visit. We can already picture how stunning the purple ube will look against the green matcha, and how its vanilla-like flavor will complement the earthiness of it all. Be sure to follow them on Instagram at @coldcallsgf if you want to be the first to know about what they’re serving each week.—Tessa Cooper

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NAWAB’S INDIAN CUISINE TANDOOR BAR 3654 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-844-5050 Find all your favorite classic Indian dishes here (the tandoori chicken and the makhni paneer are both excellent) along with fun options like the gol gappay (crispy little hollow fried balls filled with chickpeas, potato, onion and spices).

We love the ras malai dessert. $$  

TAJ MAHAL INDIAN RESTAURANT 1250 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-719-4573 You can find all your Indian favorites here. There is a variety of naan bread (and it’s so, so soft and perfect), many types of curry and rice dishes and fun desserts like rice pudding and gulab jamun (donuts soaked in syrup). We are obsessed with the lamb rogan josh and the chicken jalfrezi, and the bhindi masala (an okra dish) is a favorite too. Be sure to try their lunch combos, which are a steal and always taste so good. $$   d ZAYKA INDIAN CUISINE 311 South Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, 417-351-4400, zaykaspringfield.com There’s a lot to love about this downtown Springfield Indian restaurant. The vegetable korma, chicken tikka masala and malai kofta are just a few of our favorite dishes. If you’re new to Indian food, try the pre-set combo meals that feature a lot of different flavors. For dessert, you can’t beat a bowl of warm gulab jamun sweet pastry balls. $–$$ d

ITALIAN AVANZARE ITALIAN DINING 3240 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-567-3463,avanzareitaliandining.com Pasta is always a hit at Avanzare, a longtime Springfield favorite. Veal dishes are top-notch at this Italian eatery, but you’ll have to pick the right night, as they’re only served once or twice a week. Customers love the Bistecca Rosemarino steak and the pasta with seafood in a spicy tomato-based sauce. Indulge in the luscious chocolate torte. $$$   d

PA RT Y T IM E

BAMBINO’S CAFÉ 1141 E. Delmar St., Springfield, 417862-9999; 2810-D E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8814442; bambinoscafe.com This little Italian eatery serves hearty helpings of tasty Italian fare that won’t break the bank, available at two 417-land locations.

The Poppa is a popular pasta dish: It comes with penne pasta, Italian sausage, mushrooms and a spicy tomato-cream sauce.

Another fave: the portobello mushroom ravioli with a to-die-for sauce. The side salads here are so fresh, with excellent homemade dressings. $   d BRUNO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 416 South Ave., Springfield, 417-866-0007 The bucatini with panchetta, chili oil and basil is a must-try pasta dish. Get it with the arugula salad with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Also on the menu is pizza, wagyu steak and lots of excellent entree options. The ever-changing specials always sound extra-tasty, like the recent offering of shellfish arancini. $$$  GILARDI’S 820 East Walnut Street, Springfield, 417-862-6400, gilardisonwalnut.com Owner James Martin focuses on handmade pasta and fresh ingredients at this charming little Italian restaurant that makes a wonderful date-night spot.

Don’t miss the amazing meatballs in red wine rosemary cream sauce that are served over a bed of creamy goat cheese polenta. And be sure to dine in the outdoor seating area when the weather allows.

And it’s all super-fresh.

Many ingredients come from the on-site garden that grows tasty herbs and more. $$$  d

NICOLA’S RISTORANTE 3631 East Sunshine Street, Springfield, 417-886-3700, nicolasspringfield.com This restaurant serves a delicious sea bass. Try the lumache: fresh snails sauteed in garlic butter and baked with Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free pasta and pizza are available.

The chicken parmigiano is a highlight definitely worth ordering. The Nicola’s pizza here is also super tasty, and the dessert menu is impressive. $$–$$$  d

SALVATORES FRESH RISTORANTE ITALIANO 1932 W. Retail Lane, Ozark, 417-485-3838, salvatoresfresh.com The menu here is packed with handmade pastas.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of them making the fresh pasta—you can see it from the dining room. The menu also boasts everything from a fried artichokes appetizer to a Tuscan T-bone steak entree. Plus there are burgers, pizzas and sandwiches too. $–$$   d

NONNA’S ITALIAN CAFÉ 306 South Ave., Springfield, 417-8311222, nonnascafe.net. The seafood lasagna is a musttry dish, and the spicy arrabbiata lasagna is crazy-good. And then there’s that drool-worthy deepfried lasagna. Basically, if the dish has “lasagna” in its name, you know it’ll be good at Nonna’s. The Tuscan pappardelle ragu is excellent, and the pesto linguine is a delight. For dessert, we particularly love the delectable chocolate torte and the rich and delicious tiramisu. Nonna’s also does a Sunday brunch with regular menu items. $$  

JAPANESE ARIAKE SUSHI & ROBATA 1110 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, facebook. com/arikake.spfd This restaurant from the owners of Haruno, Kai and Karai offers excellent nigiri and sashimi, as well as small plates and tapas. You have to try the delicious tuna cigars or the hot rock dish that uses wagyu beef. For dessert, the matcha crème brûlée is our favorite. Be sure to order from the excellent sake menu. Order a sushi roll alongside some sake. $$–$$$   d

PICCOLO 107 West Aldersgate Drive, Suites 1 and 2, Nixa, 417-374-7291, eatpiccolo.com When you’re craving indulgent Italian fare, Piccolo delivers with a range of piled-high pastas, pizzas, steak and chicken entrees. Start things off with the Italian Nachos (fried wonton chips, homemade Alfredo sauce and toppings), or the Balboa balls, juicy meatballs stuffed with mozzarella and finished with goat cheese and marinara. Leave room for dessert because you won’t want to miss the incredible cannolis. $–$$ d

CRAFT SUSHI 251 E. Sunshine St., Suite 116, Springfield, 417319-5887, facebook.com/ craftsushi At Craft Sushi, you’re in control of your meal as you customize your own sushi and poke bowls. And the best part: It won’t break the bank. Try a salad bowl topped with marinated tofu, asparagus, mushrooms, jalapenos, edamame and spicy wasabi sauce. It’s our favorite! Anything with the raw salmon or the spicy pork is always a hit as well, and there are a ton of topping and veggie options.

There’s a menu of some pre-designed poke bowls and sushi rolls too. $$  

Happy Birthday to a Classic Mark your calendars! Joe’s Route 66 Diner in Strafford is turning 54 this summer, and to celebrate this milestone along with the Mother Road’s centennial, they’re hosting a Cruise-In & Craft on August 15. Come expecting plenty of old car eye candy, local vendors and great food. And if you’re feeling lucky, make sure to swing by at 6:30 p.m. for bingo on the patio for a chance to win fun prizes.

—Tessa Cooper

HARUNO JAPANESE SUSHI BAR 3044 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-8870077, harunosushi.com The Oh My God roll and the Sex and the City roll are trademarks here. If simple nigiri is your style, you’ll love the tuna sampler. Be sure to venture off the sushi menu and try some of the delectable entrees as well. Don’t miss the bibimbap or the fresh mango-jalapeño ahi tuna entree. If you love a spicy bite, try the seafood soup. Pair it with a little bit of nigiri or one of the spot’s tasty maki rolls. $$– $$$   HINODE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 4301 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-877-1777 Come to see the show at the hibachi grills. Hinode is known for wonderful hibachi meals with perfectly cooked proteins and all the extras: rice, noodles, veggies and seafood sauce.

And don’t forget to try something from the sushi menu. $$  

KAI 306 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8320077, kaiafterdark.com This lounge-like restaurant in downtown Springfield has fantastic sushi. It has the same owners as Haruno, which is famous for their incredible rolls—so you know it’ll be delicious! Don’t miss the restaurant’s black cod or sea bass entrees with delicious wasabi risotto. $$–$$$   KARAI RAMEN + HANDROLL 640 W. Republic Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417-319-5225 With Karai, owner Young Jun, of Haruno, Kai and Koriya, takes ramen seriously, and it shows in her food. The Karai Ramen with a flavorful and spicy house-made broth is incredible, and we like to get it with pork and a seasoned soft-boiled egg added. Don’t miss the tasty hand rolls or the steamed buns filled with shredded pork, spring onions and teriyaki sauce. The Tonkatsu pork cutlet is a house special. $   NAKATO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 2615 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8817171, nakato.com Performance-style hibachi dining is what Nakato is known for. And they are super-good at it! A little entertainment plus a great meal. All of the sushi is topnotch here as well. $$   NIJI SUSHI 3938 S. Lone Pine Ave., Suite 100-B, Springfield, 417-851-1707 In addition to a large variety of sushi rolls (we love the Cherry Blossom Roll and the Spicy Yummy Roll), this menu also boasts rainbow-bright cocktails and seven types of ramen soups. For dessert, try the fluffy Japanese cheesecake. $$  

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OMO JAPANESE SOUL FOOD 2215 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Springfield The ramen and udon soups are some of the tastiest items on the menu here, and they come with lots of fun toppings. We like to order it with spicy broth and either chasu pork or chicken katsu for the protein. There are also sushi rolls, bento boxes and fun desserts. $$   SAKURA 3230 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-882-8000 There’s a solid sushi menu (the Sam’s Roll never disappoints if you like a roll with a lot going on), and you can order a sushi donburi box to really get some bang for your buck if you prefer to keep your sushi meals simple and refreshing. The bento boxes are great too, packed with your choice of entree and lots of sides. $$   SUSHI VILLAGE 1440 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8901016, facebook.com/ springfieldsushivillage This cozy sushi spot has a warm date-night atmosphere with cherry blossoms and plants around every corner. All the sushi is fresh and flavorful, but some custom creations pack fun ingredient combos. $$  

KOREAN

AUGUST 2026

KORIYA 4121 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0077 This spot serves createyour-own bibimbap dishes.

One of our favorite dishes is the japchae, made with slippery and sweet stir fried potato starch noodles and lots of veggies. You can also find ramen, stir fried noodles, bulgogi dishes, steamed dumplings and much more. $   d KUICK NOODLES 3165 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-901-1803 Get the Korean ramen shop experience here, where you can choose from a variety of instant ramen and make it yourself using special self-serve machines. $  

MEDITERRANEAN

BAWI KOREAN BBQ 4121 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8862777, bawikbbq.com Bawi Korean BBQ brings an authentic Korean dining experience to Springfield, where you’ll pay a flat fee for an all-you-can-eat meal.

You cook the meat yourself on tabletop grills. Try their to-go lunch options too, including bowls with rice, noodles, veggies, protein and sauce. $$  108

GOLDEN KOREAN RESTAURANT 1406 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-832-1093 This spot serves up delicious and authentic Korean food. The beef bulgogi and dolsot bibimbap are best sellers here.

We also love the fried dumplings and kimbop.

Try the tasty kimchi fried rice or spicy octopus stir fry. If you’re in the mood for something really comforting on a cold day, opt for the kimchi chigae. You also get a variety of Korean side dishes alongside your meal, which adds a lot of fun and flavor to the meal. $

CRAVE MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 1111 E. Republic Road, Ste. 164, Springfield, 417-306-9749, cravemediterraneancafe.com Come for shareable dips like hummus and baba ganoush, shawarma, kabob, gyros, falafel and more.

Don’t miss the manakeesh flat bread with toppings like sumac chicken. $$– $$$  

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GREEK BELLY 320 E. Walnut St., 417597-3382, greekbelly.com We love everything we’ve tasted here! Try a tasty pork or chicken gyro topped with creamy tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and French fries on a soft pita.

Our favorite, though, is the loukaniko wrap. It’s an orange-spiced pork sausage served in a pita with spicy feta dip, fresh veggies and French fries. $   THAT LEBANESE PLACE 338 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-536-6677 The kibbeh is fantastic if you like herbaceous and satisfying eats, and any of the delicious and meaty kebabs is a great choice.

The falafel mushakal sandwich is great, with falafel, baba ghanouj, French fries, fresh veggies, pickled turnips and tahini. There are plenty of options for diners with vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets. $–$$  

MEXICAN CABOS BONITOS GRILL & CANTINA 3637 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-2213490, cabosbonitos.com Come to this east Springfield spot for all your Mexican favorites plus some fun and unique dishes like the fried avocado appetizer: beer-battered avocado halves filled with your choice of meat and chipotle ranch. $$   CASA BELLA MEXICAN CUISINE 4610 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-7715031; 300 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417885-9097 Everyone in your crew can finding something like they because the menu is huge at Casa Bella, which has two locations. Try the tasty ceviche, any of the street tacos, or the spicy camarones a la diabla. $$  

CESAR’S OLD MEXICO 2627 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-881-8252 Indulge in authentic Mexican food at incredibly reasonable prices. We love the birria taco, which is filled with succulent shredded beef. Don’t miss the Salvadorian pupusas stuffed with beans and cheese; they are delightful.

The carnitas torta is also excellent. $   EL PARAISO MEXICAN KITCHEN 610 W. College St., Springfield, 417-7715641; 305 E. Chestnut St., Suite C, Strafford, 417-736-0019; elparaisokitchen.com This Strafford-based Mexican restaurant now has an outpost in Downtown Springfield too.

They are known for a great lineup of margaritas and all your favorite Mexican dishes. For an app, try the flaming cheese or the ceviche.

For an entree, try the piña a la parrilla—a fresh pineapple bowl filled with proteins and veggies. $$   HABANERO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT + CANTINA Locations in Springfield, Republic, Carthage and Joplin; habanerosmexicancantina.com Orginally in Carthage, this popular Mexican restaurant has expanded to three other Ozarks cities.

Don’t miss the tender quesabirria tacos with rich consomme for dipping. Try one of the hand-crafted margaritas. $$   LA PALOMA 3041 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7194484, dienlapaloma.com The fish tacos are excellent. They come with battered and fried fish that’s topped with fresh pic de gallo, cabbage and a creamy chipotle sauce and then served with Mexican white rice. $–$$   d

LUNA MODERN MEXICAN 2925 Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-3501006, dineluna.com This spot serves delicious Mexican options like guacamole made tableside, fried plantains, quesabirria tacos, spicy Yucatan shrimp (our fave!) and lots more—including plenty of classic faves like enchiladas, quesadillas and more. $$   d MEXICAN VILLA Multiple 417-land locations, mexicanvilla.net This spot is a favorite among longtime Springfield locals, and it is known for its sweet sauce served with tortilla chips.

Also popular is the Sancho Enchilada Style—a huge burrito that is completely swimming in red enchilada sauce. $   d OXO BAR & GRILL 2550 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-3069808, oxospringfield.com Try modern takes on Mexican street food, like pork belly street tacos, chorizo burritos, chilaquiles, aquachile, elote and more.

Come on Saturday for Latin Night for Latin dancing. Brunch available on Sundays. $$    d SEÑOR JULIAN MEXICAN BAR & GRILL 3405 E. Battlefield Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417-240-2120 This tiny restaurant packs big flavors, with a menu that features traditional Mexican soups, handmade-to-order flour tortillas, quesabirria tacos, massive quesadillas, fajita baked potatoes and more.

The tacos especiales are a favorite, filled with carne asada, cilantro, onions, queso fresco and avocado.

If you like pozole, come on the weekends when they it (and also menudo). Don’t miss the huge margaritas menu. $–$$  

TEAM TACO 1454 East Cherry Street, Springfield, teamtacosgf.com Let the little ruby-red building near Pickwick Avenue and Cherry Street be your guiding beacon to flavor-packed tacos, nachos and rice bowls. This tiny cafe serves major flavors in its taco menu. We’re fans of the Globetrotter pork belly taco, and we always have to taste test the Ringer, the shop’s rotating special taco. $   d TINGA TACOS 308 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-8318007, tingatacossgf.com This downtown taco shop is open late slinging shells of its wildly creative combinations. We are partial to the Fu Yu made with super-flavorful marinated tofu or the Fruity Piggles with juicy pork and fig jam for a salty-sweet combination. $   TORTILLERIA PERCHES 1601 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-864-8195 This tiny little authentic Mexican restaurant makes its own tortillas and chips fresh every day. Try a Mexican soda, a traditional Mexican soup or a tamale when you visit. Don’t miss Taco Tuesdays and Tamale Thursdays, where the dishes are only a dollar. $   

PIZZA ARRIS’ PIZZA 1332 East Republic Road, Springfield, 417-881-7260, arrispizzaonline.com Greek-influenced. Thincrust pizzas have a Greek flair at Arris’ Pizza. Be sure to order the Athena (a pizza made with feta, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms and green peppers) if you want to try one that bursts with flavor. The bruschetta is a fun change from what you might expect. $–$$  

THE BIG SLICE 1450 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7201928; 4126 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, 417720-4108; thebigslicespringfield.com New York–style. You can get big New York–style brick oven pizza by the slice here. Or buy a whole pie if you prefer. Either way make sure to try to the chicken bacon ranch pizza and the pepperoni pinwheels. $–$$   CHERI’S HAPPY PLACE located at Metropolitan Grill, 2931 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417889-4951, metropolitan-grill.com Wood-fired. It’s all about perfect pizza paired with champagne at this spot.

Cooked in a wood-fired oven, this pizza is something like a mix between New York–style and Neapolitanstyle. Try the Hotter Than Jacquez pizza with smoke mozzarella, bacon, pepperoni and fresh jalapeños.

So, so good! $$  GARBO’S PIZZERIA 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Suite C101, Springfield, 417-8839010, garbospizzeria.com St. Louis–style. If you love a loaded St. Louis– style pizza, try the toppings-packed Grandiose.

Or try the Bavarian pizza for something a little different; it is topped with Canadian bacon and sauerkraut. Customers are big fans of the Garbo’s house salad with homemade dressing. $–$$   d MASO PIZZA BAR 3653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-720-1047 Wood-fired. Maso Pizza Bar offers pies that are so delish. We love the Nic Rise and Shine, Italian Stallion and vegetarian-friendly Monica Healthy pies. The menu also spans salads, panini, pasta, soups and more. $$  d

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

Experience the

Finest

PAPPO’S PIZZERIA 221 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8661111; 900 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-306-9091; pappospizzeria.com Stonebaked. Try the spicy chicken Cholula pie topped with a mixture of red sauce and olive oil, grilled chicken marinated in Cholula sauce, garlic, mozzarella cheese, red onions, cilantro. We really like the salads here as well. $–$$   PIZZA HOUSE 312 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-881-4073 Thin-crust. This restaurant has been a tradition in Springfield for more than 50 years, and the pizza they serve is super-thin and cut into super-tiny pieces. It’s a classic that’s not to be missed, and it’s a favorite spot of lifelong locals. $   ROCCO’S PIZZA & SUBS Multiple 417-land locations; roccospizzaandsubs. com New York–style. This Italian eatery specializes in New York–style pizza that has anybody who’s been to the east coast swooning.

It’s legit. Also on the menu are hot subs, like meatball or eggplant Parmesan, plus salads, calzones and a handful of pasta entrees. $–$$  

Hours Monday–Saturday: 4:30–11 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Lunch Hours

Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

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

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TasteThis

Dining Guide

PUBS & BARS BEFORE & AFTER BREWING 2940 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, beforeandafterbrewhouse There are excellent beers, espresso drinks and cocktails on the menu here, along with zero-proof cocktails. The loaded hot pretzel is an indulgence, and they serve tasty boards (with all the accouterments) that feature high-end tinned fish as the centerpiece. $$   BLACKSTONE GASTROPUB 1521 E. Broadway St., Joplin, 417-553-0665 Damien Tiregol of Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill now has another Joplin eatery.

Blackstone Gastropub features hand-crafted cocktails and 16 beers on tap alongside some great-looking eats like the crispy fried chicken, grilled salmon on a bed of gnocchi. Keep an eye out for Blackstone’s super-creative daily specials. $ $   GEORGIA MAC’S 1440 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-3195770, georgiamacs.com The food is hearty and comforting with a southern flare at this south Springfield eatery. You can find loaded burgers (like the one topped with jalapeño bottle caps), fried catfish, country fried steak, loaded fries with tons of toppings and more. $ $   HARRY’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE & BAR at Big Cedar Lodge, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417-339-5200, bigcedar.com/dining Here they have excellent cocktails, wine, whiskey and a rotating menu of small plates. Try the short rib sliders or the strawberry-infused Paper Plane cocktail. $–$$   d 110

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THE GOLDEN GIRL RUM CLUB 137 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-4255162, thegoldengirl.com This rum bar on the southwest corner of Park Central Square serves handcrafted cocktails and a madefrom-scratch, eclectic, internationally inspired menu. The pizza specials always come topped with creative ingredients for a seriously delicious and shareable pie. As for drinks, our favorite: Mr Guava Lava, which is both fruity and spicy. $   d GOOD SPIRITS & CO. 1424 E. Cherry St., Suite A, Springfield, goodspiritsandco.com The owners of Good Spirits & Co. are behind some great local food and drink concepts (like The Golden Girl Rum Club, Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar, Cherry Picker Package & Fare and Best of Luck Beer Hall), and their chic headquarters on Cherry Street is home to fun foodand-drink events. Check their website fro things like monthly Supper Club dinners, seasonal cocktail events and more. $$–$$$ J.O.B. PUBLIC HOUSE 319 E. Walnut St., Springfield, job417.com This spot is known for its excellent bourbon selection and elevated bar food.

Longtime favorites include the Full Ride burger and the pepperoni pizza balls.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try the Office Crush. $$   LINDBERG’S TAVERN 318 W. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8688900, lindbergsbar.com Forget about basic bar food. This storied watering hole offers creative takes on hearty comfort food classics. The burgers are delicious, the specials are creative, and the Sunday brunch delish. $   d

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THE ROYAL 1427 East Cherry Street, Suite B, Springfield, 417-351-3029, theroyalmusichall.com This tiny and beautiful spot serves well-crafted cocktails, bottled cocktails and finger foods like warm olives or rosemary and bitters glazed nuts. Be sure to visit when there is live music; the intimate setting makes for a great experience. $  SPRINGFIELD BREWING COMPANY 305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-8328277, springfieldbrewingco.com Try the fish and chips paired with the beers that are brewed on-site. Also delicious are the burgers and the mac and cheese.

Live music. $$    d

SEAFOOD & FISH CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL 815 W. Seventh St., Joplin, 417-206-3474, crabbysjoplin.com This Joplin hot-spot serves some fantastic seafood, and we’ve enjoyed everything we’ve tried there.

The Chilean sea bass is a specialty. Try some of the small plates, like portobello mushroom fries, steamed mussels or a lovely charcuterie board. $$–$$$   ROCKBRIDGE RESTAURANT 4297 County Road 142, Rockbridge, rockbridgemo.com This fishing lodge is home to a restaurant that specializes in super-fresh trout dishes made with fish caught on the property.

We love the trio appetizer, which comes with trout salad, smoked trout and a trout dip that is so craveable! There’s also an on-site bar, The Grist Mill located in a historic former riverside mill. $   

VANTAGE ROOFTOP LOUNGE & CONSERVATORY 260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-8511768; rooftopvantage.com This rooftop bar at Hotel Vandivort offers cocktails that are refreshingly creative. The menu of shareables and snacks bring the concept of bar food up several notches with items like the pork rillette tartine.

The start of the show: The super-fresh, beautifully prepared raw bar. The pickled shrimp and scallop ceviche are two of our faves. $$ d

STEAK CHAR STEAKHOUSE & OYSTER BAR 1620 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-823-8383 Don’t miss the beloved bacon-wrapped dates, or the Waygu steaks, lamb shank and fish dishes. Indulgent lobster potato puree and crispy flash-fried Brussels sprouts round out the side dishes. $$$  d

LEVEL 2 STEAKHOUSE The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, 200 E. Main St., Branson, 417-243-3433, level2steakhouse.com This Branson restaurant specializes in steaks, but its gooey butter cake dessert is gaining a following.

Try the Kansas City strip steak and the egg noodles with cheese. If you like to start your meal with greens, the Caesar salad is a must-try; it comes topped with delicious fried anchovies. $$$   WILL’S CHOP HOUSE 2058 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8696947, willschophouse.com The menu here features wagyu and Japanese A5 steaks, along with a variety of seafood dishes inspired

by New Orleans and South Texas. The Gulf Flounder Opelousas features blackened flounder and Creole cream sauce with shrimp, crab and oysters. $$$  D

TEA ROOMS

FLAME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 314 West Walnut Street, Springfield, 417-862-4444, flamesteakhouse.com The restaurant specializes in dry-aged steaks that are truly delicious. Don’t miss the lobster macaroni and cheese. The desserts are always divine, and we can’t get enough of the appetizer menu. $$$ 

BETH’S BAKE SHOPPE & TEA ROOM 1645-D W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-866-5533, bethsbakeshoppe.com Try a chicken salad sandwich—served on cinnamon raisin bread. And we love the spinach salad served with warm bacon vinaigrette, and the gigantic couscous salad. $ 

JIMM’S STEAKHOUSE & PUB 1935 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8865466, jimmssteakhouseandpub.com The steaks here are always prepared perfectly. The stuffed Peppadew peppers are a must-try appetizer!

And if you love a salad bar, Jimm’s has one of the best, with loads of fresh toppings. $$–$$$  

MS. GILMORE’S TEA ROOM AND VINTAGE SUITCASE 211 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8867000, robinsvintagesuitcase.com The daily specials and desserts are the star of this tearoom and pastry shop on Commercial Street.

There is always a quiche and soup of the day, plus desserts. $ 

SPRING CREEK TEA ROOM 107 S. Third St., Ozark, 417-582-1331 The homemade desserts are to die for. Be sure to order them quickly before they run out—you might want to order them before you order entrees! Don’t miss the veggie sandwich, the strawberry soup or the chicken salad. $ 

RAMA THAI CAFÉ 2808 S. Campbell Ave.; 1129 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-865-3204 This restaurant, located inside a charming old house on Historic Walnut Street, features a menu full of delicious Thai tastes in a cozy atmosphere with a shady patio out back. Start your meal with avocado spring rolls. $–$$   d

THAI SQUARE 307 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-7715300, facebook.com/ Thaisquare307 From the folks who owner Rama Thai (and located just around the corner from it), Thai Square offers an excellent menu of Thai food favorites. Our favorite dish is the salmon choo chee. $$  

THAI THAI CUISINE 1615 W. Highway 76, Branson, 417-334-9070, thaithaibranson.com Thai Thai Cuisine offers really great Thai food and a sweet staff. The panang curry is delicious, and it’s served on a little bed of fresh spinach. $–$$  

THAI

THAI GARDEN 3454 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8895280, thaigardenspringfield.com There are so many great Thai options here, like nam tok beef, shareable bowls of noodle soup, stir fry and curry options and lots more. Get the fried bananas or Thai custard for dessert. Fun little extra for your sweet tooth: They bottle their Thai iced tea and Thai iced coffee. $  

THAILAND STATION 1730 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-3501001, thailandstation.net Find all your favorites (a variety of curries, stir fried noodle dishes and soups) plus some surprises like crispy duck and stir-fried pork belly. We’re super-excited about the salad options, like the som tum (papaya salad) and the laab. When it’s in season, order the mango sticky rice dessert. $  

BÁHN MÌ & ME 3405 E Battlefield Road, Suite 124, Springfield, 417-590-8500 This tasty spot is owned by a mother-and-daughter duo from Vietnam. Their banh mi sandwiches (in both classic and unexpected varieties) are the star of the show, but we love all the coffee drinks just as much. They are made using a Vietnamese phin, and the one with ube cold foam is to-die-for. $– $ $ B  

EVERYDAY THAI 220 West Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-770-0147, myeverydaythai.com This spot serves consistently delicious Thai dishes. Some of our favorites are the tom kha gai soup, the comforting yellow curry with chicken and the mango sticky rice dessert. $–$$  

VIETNAMESE

HONG YEN 301 W. Battlefield., Springfield, 417-3513915, facebook.com/ hongyenrestaurant.

Come to Hong Yen when you’re in search of excellent beef pho or some truly delicious banh mi sandwiches. The menu has several clear noodle soups and egg noodle soups in addition to the pho selection. $   d PHO KIM 3433-C S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, phokimspringfield.com Here you can fill up on Vietnamese staples like pho, spring rolls, bahn mi sandwiches and more. The chicken fried rice is extra crispy, and the chicken pho is just as tasty as the classic beef variety. If you aren’t afraid of indulging in a little heat, try the spicy beef noodle soup. $  

Cashew Chicken

Crab Rangoon

1540 W. REPUBLIC ROAD · 417-887-7500 ORDER ONLINE: LEONGSASIANDINER.COM

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Midwest Goodbye the

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

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

Rendezvous en Pointe Springfield Ballet marked 50 years with an elegant evening at the eighth Rendezvous en Pointe.

Pictured: Sarah Jenkins and Nate Black Continued on p. 114 >>

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PROMOTION

The Midwest Goodbye

People Pics

Date: May 29, 2026 Benefiting Organization: Springfield Ballet Location: Savoy Ballroom Sponsors: 417 Magazine, Peter LaiEdward Jones, glOh Studio, Elegant Linens & Rentals, Ozarks Creative Productions, Parkcrest Dental Group, Maxon Fine Jewelry, Chris and Krystal Sexson, David and Aaron Mrad, Dr. Ellen Ratcliff and Scott Dibben, Lala Collective, At Home, Chuck Fugate State Farm, Ron Penney, Griffin Industries, Adams Funeral Home, ADsmith, Weston and Caitlin Kissee, Carolyn Esparza, Faria Resorts, Sarah Prange

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Rendezvous en Pointe 1. Chris and Krystal Sexson, Stephanie and Michael Hampton 2. Kyler Dibben, Jennifer Cotner-Jones

Springfield Ballet’s eighth Rendezvous en Pointe transformed the Savoy Ballroom into a stunning sea of gold as guests gathered to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary. The festive evening combined sophistication, entertainment and community spirit in honor of this milestone year.

3. John and Kris Twitty, Linda and Chuck Fugate

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5. José Soares, Maria Velázquez, Jeremy Rabe 6. Sara Walraven, Sarah Hampel, Ashley Harris 7. Jennifer and Brian Swenson, Kellie and Joe Dills

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

4. Kristy Paddock, Stuart Coutchie, Ken and Kim Taylor

PROMOTION

American Cancer Society Golf Classic The second-annual ACS Golf Classic was a premier golf tournament held in Ozark, Missouri, bringing together community leaders, supporters and golf enthusiasts for an exceptional day on the course. The event was a tremendous success, raising funds and awareness in support of the American Cancer Society.

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Date: June 1, 2026 1

Benefiting Organization: American Cancer Society

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Location: Millwood Golf & Racquet Club Sponsors: 417 Magazine, Next Level Solutions

1. Kayla and David Pfitzner 2

2. Kevin and Hailey Kolstad, Jack and Bailey Earhart

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3. Charity and Troy Underwood

P H O TO S BY RYA N KO W A L S K I

4. Reth and Tricia Yim 5. Barrett and Brooke Gouger, Delilah Gouger 6. Scott and Rochelle Puryear

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7. Scott Tjaden, Lauren and Casey Woods, Brad Schrock

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PROMOTION

Confident

from day one.

When students have what they need — essentials, support, and a sense of belonging — they’re not just ready for school. They’re ready to succeed.

Help make a big impact this school year by: Scanning the QR Code, making a gift online at caretolearn.org, or calling 417-862-7771.

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The Midwest Goodbye

WHERE’S 417?

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

4 1. Kansas City, Missouri Erik, Phillip, Páll and Kristian Hansen

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2. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland Erik Kiser, Leah Kiser and Carmen Green

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3. Gulf Shores, Alabama Brooke Taylor, Eric Taylor, Emille Taylor, Mary Taylor, Greyson Foresee, Ryan Taylor, Chelsea Foresee, Artie Taylor and Jamie Taylor

4. Istanbul, Turkey Andy and Roxanne Trosper 5. Denali National Park Alaska Jayden Janoyan, Robert Orr, Cynthia Orr, Sherry Finley, Andrea Janoyan, Jack Janoyan and Brian Orr

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6. Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada Josh and Erin Kingham

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7. Mt. Fuji, Japan Tim and Charlotte Karr 8. Reykjavik, Iceland Grace Chalfant 9. Paris, France Marcia and Kirk Hansen

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10. La Cabana Resort, Aruba Linda Becker, Lydia Rubalcaba, Jeanny Emily, Ronald Brosig and Sharyn Davis

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

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Oh, One More Thing Before he considered leading the Bears, Casey Woods experienced Missouri State University the way fans do: on a game day, with a packed stadium and something on the line. Now, he has a plan for leading the Bears to victory.

B Y M E G A N PR IC E

On Early Experiences That Paved the Way: As a coach’s son, Woods says he has been preparing for this role his entire life, and his resume reflects it. He has coached for 18 years, appeared in nine championship games and won six championships across four different conferences.

Along the way, he helped rebuild programs at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, the University of Missouri and SMU in Texas.

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Get your tickets now: The Missouri State Bears’ 2026 football season starts next month, with a season-opening game at Texas A&M on September 5. The team’s first home game is on September 12 at Robert W. Plaster Stadium.

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

“WE’RE IN THE EARLY STAGES OF BUILDING MOMENTUM AND SEEING HOW BIG WE CAN TAKE THIS.” —CASEY WOODS

On Leading the Bears: Woods’ leadership style is value-driven and goal-oriented. “I live by five core values that are reflected in our program: salvation, loyalty, toughness, hard work and impact,” he says. “Those are the principles that motivate and drive me.”

Looking at his first year, he’s focusing on four main goals. “First, we want to compete for a championship,” he says. “Second, we want to recruit [for] this place better than it’s ever been done before. Third, we want to maximize Plaster Stadium as a true edge in this conference. We’ve got a great community and a fan base that cares.

Now it’s about engaging the student body and the city, creating an atmosphere people want to be part of. And finally, we want to have an impact. That means being visible, accessible and invested in this community. It takes all of us to build something that feels like home.”

L I G H T I N G

R U G S

H O M E

F U R N I S H I N G S

A R T

G I F T S

D E S I G N

S E R V I C E S obeliskhome.com

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

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(417) 616-6488

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