417 Magazine | Pickleball is Life | March 2024

417 MAGAZINE

FLOW STATE

THE REMIX

Four nearby trails with gorgeous cascades

We try the revamped menu at Jimm’s Steakhouse

MARCH 2024 PERFECT PORCHES • PICKLEBALL IS LIFE • HIKE TO THE CASCADES

THE TRENDING SPORT TAKING 417-LAND BY STORM—AND THE LOCALS WHO ARE LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

417mag.com MARCH 2024 | Vol. 27 Issue 3 | $5.95 |

Life happens on the f loor. mouerysflooring.com | 417.883.4720 | 2516 W. Battlefield Road | Follow us @mouerysflooring

Everything For Your

Home

Let us make your home uniquely you with our complimentary in-home design services! With our wide selection of furniture styles and hundreds of fabric and leather options, your perfect look for your home will be fun to create. We’re here to help and can’t wait to meet you!

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[ BUSINESS ] LOGAN AGUIRRE Publisher logan@417mag.com

417 Magazine | 417mag.com S astgate Ave , Springfield, a [ EDITORIAL ] KATIE POLLOCK ESTES Editorial Director editor@417mag.com JAMIE THOMAS Digital Editor jthomas@417mag.com JO JOLLIFF Research Editor jo@417mag.com KALI SALAZAR Engagement Editor kali@417mag.com JORDAN BLOMQUIST Custom Publications Editor Staff Writer jblomquist@417mag.com

MEGAN JOHNSON Vice President of Operations and Custom Publications mjohnson@417mag.com AMMIE SCOTT MOTES Vice President of Strategy and Senior Account Executive ascott@417mag.com JAMI WIGHTMAN Senior Account Executive jami@417mag.com JANELLE HAIK Senior Account Executive janelle@417mag.com KAITLYN MESSINA Account Executive kaitlyn@417mag.com BERNADETTE PRY O ce Manager bernadette@417mag.com

EDITORIAL INTERNS Em Blackstone, Lauren Flynn

ERIN PAYNE Operations Coordinator epayne@417mag.com

SARAH PATTON Creative Director sarah@417mag.com

J.J. MASSEY Finance Director accounting@417mag.com

JORDAN DYKSTRA Art Director jordan@417mag.com BRANDON ALMS Senior Photographer & Designer brandon@417mag.com GRACE CHIPLEY-THOMPSON Editorial Designer grace@417mag.com KATY ST. CLAIR Photographer & Designer kstclair@417mag.com EDITORIAL DESIGN INTERNS Hali Patton, Anna Pfaff EDITORIAL & ART CONTRIBUTORS

KATHY GRIEVE Account Services Manager kathy@417mag.com NICKI SHERWOOD Account Coordinator nicki@417mag.com KATIE BATLINER Advertising Designer kbatliner@417mag.com MCKENZIE ROBINSON Advertising Designer mckenzie@417mag.com ELIZABETH VANFOSSON Digital Coordinator evanfosson@417mag.com

Karen Bliss, Mary Ellen Chiles, Tessa Cooper, Todd Dundenhoffer, Elise Abigail Photo, Juliana Goodwin, Sony Hocklander, Ian Kincaid, Josh Kingham, Michael Schlueter

ACCOUNT SERVICES CONTRIBUTOR Jennifer Swenson

[ AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT ]

[ FOUNDERS ]

ANNAH CROW Marketing Director annah@417mag.com MARIYA SERYKH Marketing Coordinator mariya@417mag.com AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT INTERN Taylor Milton

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

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MARCH 2024

[

FEATURES

]

on the cover

Our model Diane Garner brought all the big pickleball energy to Meador Park, and Photographer Josh Kingham snapped the perfect shot.

PICKLEBALL IS LIFE

70

Discover how the pickleball craze has taken over the lives of 417-landers and find the est local spots to hone your skills.

WRITTEN BY TESSA COOPER

ROAD TRIP TO THE SMOKIES 82

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Meador Park is home to 12 pickleball courts.

12

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Look for our “Summer on the Farm” feature in the May issue of 417 Magazine. It highlights local farms that open up their gates to visitors for fruit picking, farm dinners and other unique experiences. To get it delivered to your mailbox, head online to 417mag.com/subscribe.

Photo by Josh Kingham, Cover photo by Josh Kingham

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes for an excellent and easy road trip from Springfield et our insider tips for a less touristy experience.

WRITTEN BY SONY HOCKLANDER

MARCH 2024

[

LIFE

Whether your kids’ latest obsession is board games or video games, these local spots are sure to keep them endlessly entertained.

34 HISTORY IN THE MAKING

et a ay to e erson City to discover some of Missouri’s rich history at the state Capitol and penitentiary

36 MAKE UP YOUR MIND

Alexis Oakley shares about her time in the celebrity makeup artist industry.

39 HELPING HEROES

The Warrior’s Journey strives to help heal veterans invisible wounds.

40 SHOP TILL YOU DROP

]

39

OUTSIDE

28 GAME ON

DEPARTMENTS

61 CHASING WATERFALLS

Find the best trails for wet-weather waterfalls and cascades.

62 SPRING INTO ACTION

nock these items o your spring bucket list to make the most of the warming weather.

64 PORCH IN FULL BLOOM

he Schaffit els plant filled porch has nods to ast Coast style and serves as an oasis for the entire family.

62

Springfield ercantile Co is ack open during regular hours and o ering heirloom-quality goods.

44 MARCH MADNESS

Fill your calendar for the month of March with concerts, festivals and musicals you won’t want to miss out on.

107

TASTE

98 CLASSIC CUISINE

Discover our favorite new dishes on Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub’s newly revamped menu.

Cele rate Pi ay at Prairie Pie ith s eet and savory pies and pi a pie

103 IN GOOD COMPANY

ood Spirits Company ead uarters o ers pop up events and tastings

107 NO SUB-STITUTE

Branson’s new sandwich shop Mythical ‘Wich gives a fun spin to a classic meat all su on their Cyclops sand ich

S BSCR P N RA S issues, isit mag com su scri e Allo eeks for processing orders, payment and changes of address S N SS , N WSS AN ack issues, plus shipping and handling, if availa le No ack issue orders or su scriptions outside the nited States A R SS C AN S nclude oth ne address and mailing la el ith old address aga ine SSN is pu lished monthly y Whitaker Pu lishing, C, S astgate Ave , Springfield, Whitaker Pu lishing, C All rights reserved Reproduction or use in any manner, in hole or in part, ithout ritten permission of the pu lisher is strictly prohi ited Periodical postage paid in Springfield, issouri and additional mailing offices P S AS R Send address changes to aga ine, S astgate Ave , Springfield, he maga ine accepts no responsi ility for unsolicited manuscripts, art ork or cartoons he olume and ssue num ers appear on the front cover of the maga ine Printed in the United States of America.

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Photos y ali Patton, Brandon Alms, courtesy Shutterstock

100 EYES ON THE PIES

PROMOTION

extras

SPECIALADVERTISINGSECTIONS

51

Branson Guide

Grab the family for a Branson getaway filled with top-notch entertainment, dining and more.

89

Kids Camps

Prepare your little one for the best summer yet with nonstop fun, education and play.

COMING SOON Best Self, Product Feature and Encore

May 2024 For information on advertising, call Logan Aguirre at 417-883-7417

Custom homes by Austin Miller Austin Miller, Owner/Operator | President, Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield Brandon Ward, Project Manager

Wise-Built.com | 417.689.4224

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Help them find their light again.

Providing hope and transforming lives for children 6-17 in crisis.

Help is here 24/7/365

IT’S AN EXPERIENCE Spring is the perfect time to appreciate the eauty of

land As the

arks loom, you can oin us

for an outdoor adventure n colla oration North

peditions,

ith

e re o ering a series of

e periences that o er opportunities to truly appreciate the

arks outdoors

n

arch

[

, take a

trip to the upper Bu alo National River that includes insights from kno ledgea le guides, a e inspiring surroundings and more for e perienced hikers and leisurely e plorers alike

ead to 417mag.com/

experience417 for info his event is limited to people, so sign up efore you miss out

INSIDER

INFO

]

On the Web ind these stories and get the scoop on hat s happening in land at 417mag.com.

ST. PATRICK’S PARTY

St Patrick s ay is fast approaching, and e can tell you hen to catch the parade and here to stop o along the ay for drink specials, food and more at 417mag.com/stpatrick.

WELCOME HOME

Want a peek inside local homes, hidden shopping gems, gorgeous gardens and much more Sign up for our ne ouse of ene sletter at 417mag.com/houseof417.

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[ PUBLISHER’S NOTE ]

Welcome Home An update on our quarterly home magazine

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with this March issue, and it will be curated by our 417 Home Editor-at-Large, Heather Kane Kohler.

Here is what this means for you: • Exclusive coverage of home and interior design topics in our new monthly House of 417 e-newsletter launching this month. Sign up at 417mag.com/houseof417.

• Exciting new digital storytelling with expanded home-related content, available at 417mag.com.

• Coming soon: In-person curated events that you can be the first to know about through the House of 417 e-newsletter or on Instagram via @417mag.

Our team is excited to continue to deliver beautiful, compelling stories on local design and décor, fashion and architecture to a wider print and digital audience through this change. Welcome, home!

Logan Aguirre Publisher | logan@417mag.com

Photo by Tessa Cooper

F

or close to 20 years, we have proudly published home and interior design content in a separate quarterly publication, 417 Home.

As interest in original, locally sourced home topics has grown, along Our last issue of Home, with more distribution Winter 2023 options, I see an opportunity to provide that content to a wider audience more consistently in 417 Magazine and expand our digital content offerings. The December issue of 417 Home was its last as a stand-alone publication.

Instead of receiving a separate spring issue of 417 Home this month, you can find home content right here in your monthly issue of 417 Magazine.

This change to a single magazine allows us to continue creating the exceptional home content you have come to expect, while also providing more multi-platform ways to engage with our home related content through digital offerings, in-person experiences and this monthly magazine. Our hyper-local home and design coverage in 417 Magazine begins

[ EDITOR’S NOTE ]

meet me

ON THE COURT

I

t feels like we’ve been saying for years, “Pickleball is really picking up steam right now!” as if it might one day not be picking up steam. As if it might peak. And yet, year after year, it continues to grow.

Right now, this sport has so many 417-land followers that the Springfield Greene County Park Board and Cooper Tennis Complex have both upgraded facilities to include pickleball courts.

Social gathering places around the region, like Classic’s Yard and Sycamore Creek Family Ranch, have added casual courts to their spaces. A new development that’s still in the works for Springfield, Loose Goose, is including pickleball courts in their plans.

It’s everywhere. And if planning this issue’s pickleball-focused cover story has taught me anything, it’s that pickleball fanatics are their own unique, crazy-enthusiastic breed. Our writer, Tessa Cooper, told me that getting in touch with them for interviews was easier than most of the stories she’s worked on—these folks really want to talk about pickleball! Some say it changed their lives. All of them are loving every minute of its rise to popularity.

As for me, I’ve never actually played pickleball.

When I was a kid, I played soccer and softball.

At one point (probably after some grueling and

 MAKE ME BLUSH,

sweaty day spent running around in Missouri humidity wearing a thick polyester softball uniform), I announced to my parents that I would no longer play outdoor sports. In fact, I said, I will only play sports that are (a) indoors, with (b) air conditioning and (c) a concession stand. It was all volleyball and basketball after that.

Maybe I should give (indoor) pickleball a try? I love racquetball, which isn’t the same thing but at least involves a similar piece of equipment. And judging from the enthusiasm of all the sources in this month’s cover story, pickleball seems to be a bringer of joy and friendship. Who wouldn’t want those things? Even if you have to endure a little sweat to get them.

Katie Pollock Estes Editorial Director | editor@417mag.com

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, 39

 HEALING WARRIORS 44

window

SHOPPING

My Favorite Page, 27

Photos courtesy

Shutterstoc

k, by Tessa

Cooper

inside the Take a peek Springfield newly updated you’ll Co. where Mercantile al pieces and find whimsic goods. Read heirloom home 40. more on p.

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MAGAZINE

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On p. 18, Logan Aguirre told you about our plans for expanded home-related content both in and beyond these pages. One of this month’s stories is a look inside the home goods outi ue Springfield ercantile Co , and have to say: This sweet photo is the perfect preview!

Photo by Brandon Alms

 MARCH ALONG,

[ INBOX ]

TALK TO US

feedback To send us feedback or story ideas, email editor@417mag.com

THE VERY BEST We recently celebrated our Best of 417 winners by driving around to their restaurants and throwing them all super-micro-mini parties. We call it the Best of 417 Party Bus, and it’s one of our favorite days of the year Read on to hear what the Best of 417 winners thought of our visits. Editor

WE MAKE GREAT SMILES EASY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Our team makes a special effort to use kid-friendly words to describe each treatment to your child. We want your family to feel at ease from the moment you step into our office.

Dr. Stuart Scott

Board Certified Pediatric Specialist

It’s an honor to be named Best Mexican Food and Best New Restaurant! #SiSeñor Edson Villela, Señor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill Ten years running! Thank you SGF for voting us best of the best in 417 Magazine.

Cafe Cusco We are proud to share we were listed in the top three Best Branson Area Restaurants in 417 Magazine’s Best of 417 issue! Thank you to all who voted for us!

Level 2 Steakhouse

WE LOVE 417-LAND

Photos courtesy Kali Salazar

417 Magazine is 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.

M E M B E R

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1

where’s

417?

Bring 417 Magazine along for the ride on your next adventure— whether you’re traveling or exploring close to home. Take a snapshot with the magazine, and send us a high-resolution 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.

2 3

1. PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

3. DAVAO DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES

Peggy Fitzpatrick, Wendy Fennel, Lynn Quinn and Cathy Kienenberger traveled to Dreams Macao with their copy of the “Cool Down in Ozarks Caves” issue.

Barbara and Joel Hirsh toured the canals of Amsterdam with their copy of the “Cool Down in Ozarks Caves” issue.

David Hardin, Khristie Lyn Hardin and Lord Xymon Ang traveled to Island Garden City of Samal with their copy of the 2023 “Best of 417” issue.

VACATION MODE, ON!

Book your couples retreat or family vacation today.

Local, Family Owned, No hidden Fees Voted Missouri’s Best 5 Years in a row!

5335 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield 417-633-7890 | 417travel.com

1

2

4 3

1. GIZA, EGYPT

2. GOODLAND, FLORIDA

3. GRAND CAYMAN

4. MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA

Janell Meador brought her copy of the “Our Favorite State Parks” issue with her to Giza.

Allen Wolf, Don Bowen, Andi Bowen, Laurie Catour and Jody Wolf brought their copy of the 2023 “Best of 417” issue to Stan’s Idle Hour in Florida.

Mikenzie Beckley, Grant Runde, Trish and Allen Latall, Rusty and Michelle Noel, Taylor and Tyler Sellers, Sydney Noel and Kaden Bruce brought their copy of the “Insider’s Guide to Table Rock Lake” issue to Papagallo Restaurant.

Ann Miller and David Miller brought their copy of the “Insider’s Guide to Table Rock Lake” issue with them to Morro Bay.

where’s

1

417?

1. BRYCE CANYON, UTAH Lauren Kitterman, Ryan, Lynn and Dick Behling traveled to Bryce Canyon, Utah with their copy of the 2023 “Best of 417” issue.

2. WILLIAMSTOWN, KENTUCKY Don, Ben, Mike, Marty, Nick, Darla, Tammy, Ginny, Jaci, Ronda, Jamie, Kyleigh, Kayla, Allie, Deanna and Emmett brought their copy of the 2023 “Top Doctors” issue to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky.

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2

1

2

3

1. KEUKENHOF GARDENS, NETHERLANDS

2. QUEBEC CITY, CANADA

3. VENICE, ITALY

Bill, Will and Katherine Marler traveled to the Keukenhof Gardens with their copy of the “Our Favorite State Parks” issue.

Gary Amstutz and Debbie Carroll traveled to Quebec City, Canada, with their copy of the “Cool Down in Ozarks Caves” issue.

Sammy Penland, Vicki Lamb, Kathy McCrary, Debbie Flood, Robin Hoag and Tammy Owen traveled to Italy with their copy of the “Ciao Down” issue.

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417-840-8525 // HMDentWorks.com // 2647 W. Bennett St. // Springfield

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 MAKE ME BLUSH, 36  HEALING WARRIORS, 39  MARCH ALONG, 44

window

SHOPPING

Photos courtesy Shutterstock, by Tessa Cooper

Take a peek inside the newly updated Springfield Mercantile Co. where you’ll find whimsical pieces and heirloom home goods. Read more on p. 40.

417MAG.COM • 417 MAGAZINE

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best

SPOTS FOR KIDTHEMED FUN Need some kid-friendly entertainment? Lean into their current fun obsessions, and visit one of these local spots.

Village Meeple offers a variety of board games for kids of all ages.

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417 MAGAZINE • 417MAG.COM

Photo by Katy St. Clair

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

1

FOR THE KID OBSESSED WITH BOARD GAMES

Village Meeple 1570 E. Battlefield Road, Suite F, Springfield, Villagemeeple.com A $5 pass gets you access to this sweet little board game café for the whole day. Owners Jess and Sarah Hamlet stock this spot with a huge library of board games for all ages categorized by how light to intense they are to play, how many people can play, and how long they take to play. There are some snacks and drinks available to purchase too, so your kiddo can fuel up between rounds.

2

C U R A T E D

A D V E N T U R E

FOR THE KID OBSESSED WITH LEGOS

Bric s inifigs 1570 E. Battlefield, Springfield If your kiddo has saved up some birthday money and is a non-stop Lego builder, they’ll love strolling through this shop. It features lots of new and used Lego sets for sale, but the best parts are the big ins of loose pieces so they can find the perfect piece to complete their masterpiece) and the minifigures ins to uild their o n custom mini figure

3

FOR THE KID OBSESSED WITH ANIMALS

4

FOR THE KID OBSESSED WITH NERF BATTLES

5

FOR THE KID OBSESSED WITH VIDEO GAMES

WONDERS OF THE OZARKS | MARCH 16

Gooseberry Bridge Farm 1777 Elm Grove Road, Rogersville, gooseberrybridge.com We are absolutely obsessed with the baby animal play dates at Gooseberry Bridge Farm, a spot where you can cuddle a bunny, romp with a baby goat and pick a ou uet of fresh o ers all in one place. Several 417 Magazine families have brought our kiddos there, and we were all enchanted by the rollie pollie piggies, frisky goats and calm little bunnies! Be sure to make a reservation before you go (they limit visitors for the sake of the animals).

The War Zone 3322 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, thewarzonespringfield.com Owned by a local mom with a Nerf-loving son, this spot is the perfect place for kids to let loose and battle it out with a seemingly endless supply of foam darts and balls. Kids choose their weapon from the spot’s wide array of Nerf guns—and then they run amok. And bonus: There’s no dart mess left in your living room.

Contender eSports 3010 S. National Ave., Springfield If you have bigger kids who are big into video games, this is the spot for them. The space is decked out with gaming computers and consoles, comfy gaming chairs and everything they need to get into the game. Kids can come solo to weekly events or come with friends to play together.

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PROFILES |

Transformation

PROMOTION

After

Keystone Creative

K

2332 W. Kingsley St., Suite B | Springfield 417-582-7526 | keystonecreativeco.com 30

417 MAGAZINE • 417MAG.COM

After

Before

Photo courtesy Keystone Creative

eystone Creative transformed this bathroom into an unexpected gem within a larger remodel project. This bathroom was not originally intended to be included in the remodel, but the opportunity to make something great was too hard to resist. Designed with the social homeowners and their guests in mind, this space offers a captivating experience.

The color palette and lighting choices contribute to the distinctive atmosphere, while fixtures, such as the floating toilet and glass sink, elevate the room, maximizing the space. Thoughtful details like a shelf/ tissue holder, rolled hand towels and concealed storage enhance functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. The tile, arranged in a columnlike fashion, surrounds the user with crisp lines and onyx accents, creating a sense of movement in the room.

Despite minimal changes to its size, the bathroom underwent a remarkable transformation through careful selection of details. The backlit mirror not only enhances the visual spaciousness but also reflects the radiance of the large lighted crystals. This small, once-dark powder room is now a spacious, one-of-a-kind oasis designed for guests—a testament to the creative synergy between Keystone Creative and the homeowner.

Among Keystone Creative’s many projects, this holds a special place as a favorite accomplishment.

AN

AB

agenda Grab a set-in-the-Ozarks book, get comfy in a cozy nook, and while the day away.

BY THE EDITORS

READ IT

cozy nooks

FOR RAINY DAYS The season’s blooms are just starting to emerge, but with them comes loads of wet weather. Here are some of our favorite cozy coffee shop spaces to escape the doldrums.

Photo by Elise Abigail Photo

THE WORKSHOP Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, finleyfarmsmo.com his is the est on a rainy day ecause if you find a seat near the fireplace, you get the est of oth orlds a it of hygge style armth from the fire plus a vie out the co ee shop’s large windows onto the drizzly scene outside. If you’re the kind of person who likes to cozy up with a good book to escape into a story while you romanticize the droplets racing down the window glass, this is your spot. While you’re there, order the creamy chicken salad on crackers with a lavender Earl Grey tea latte.

URBAN GROUNDS COFFEE + PLANT LAB 5557 N . 21st St., Ozark, urbangrounds417.com Part co ee shop and part plant shop, this spot is ound to

cheer you up on a dreary day! There is space there to purchase a plant and pot, and then put the two together into your own little green gift to yourself! Keep an eye on their website for fun community events too. As for food and drink, order the Caprese toast and the Momstera latte packed with delicious brown sugar goodness.

ECHELON COFFEE 2407 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, echeloncoffee.com chelon has some of the est co ee shop furniture for those la y, co ee sipping moments here are a couple of soft leather couches, plus plush comfy upholstered chairs around the ta les And ith e cellent food and drink o erings, it s a nice place to work remote for a little bit. Just grab a sofa spot, order The Formation (a honey-vanilla dream that you can hot or blended), and enjoy listening to rain pattering the windows.

ZINC COFFEE

We love a novel set in our home region, and a new one is hitting bookshop shelves this month. Set in the Ozark Mountains 1955, The Devil and Mrs. Davenport is a gothic-style novel about a woman who recovers from a virus, only to discover newfound psychic abilities. It’s written by Paulette Kennedy, an author who hails from the Missouri Ozarks and now resides in southern California. Find a copy at your favorite Springfield reene County Library branch or at a local bookstore— like Pagination Bookshop, who as o ering a pre-order.

1825 S. Main St., Joplin, zinc.coffee We love a cool usiness name that has local significance inc Co ee in oplin is named for the inc mining that as a huge part of the town’s history. The space is spare and modern, but what we love the most is the huge swath of natural sunlight that pours in through the oor to ceiling garage doors indows. On a deary and rainy day, a space like that is about as sunny as you can hope to get he co ee is pretty e cellent too (try the classic cappuccino), but the homemade lavender-mint lemonade is a day brightener for sure.

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CURRENTS

[ BEHIND THE SCENES ]

CONSISTENTLY RANKED IN THE

IT’S A BIG DILL

TOP 1% OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS.

Freelance photographer Josh Kingham (right) photographed our “Pickleball Is Life” feature models at Meador Park.

Jeff Childs

KAITLYN MESSINA Account Executive

JORDAN DYKSTRA Art Director

JO JOLLIFF Research Editor

“I have indeed dabbled into my pickleball era. I have never been more humbled by a senior citizen than at the Meador Park. I have been working on my skills though, so I’m hoping to get a lot more wins!”

“I haven’t personally played but my husband is an avid pickleballer, so I know everything there is to know.

If you have game questions, I have answers. Need a partner for a tournament? I’m probably not your gal.”

“My husband and I love meeting friends for a couple rounds or playing one-on-one at Meador Park. Pro tip: When those are full we use the tennis courts; it may not be up to code but it gets the job done.”

GRACE CHIPLEY Editorial Designer

KATIE BATLINER Advertising Designer Coordinator

KATHY GRIEVE Account Services Manager

t s ell kno n in the office that I’m a major pickle hater. I haven’t dabbled in pickleball, but as long as it has nothing to do with actual pickles, I’m willing to give it a go.”

“I’ve never played pickleball but grew up with a tennis court near my childhood home. Spent countless hours playing tennis with my family, maybe pickleball is next for us.”

“Pickleball has always intrigued me, and it s officially on my must try list While I’ve dabbled in racquetball before, I can’t help but think that my experience with it might make picking up pickleball a breeze.”

SIOR, CCIM

Senior Advisor, invested in 417-land

M. 417.860.5447 jeff.childs@svn.com P. 417.887.8826 ext. 104 Jeff Childs, SIOR, CCIM – SVN/Rankin Company

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417 MAGAZINE • 417MAG.COM

Photos by Sarah Patton, Brandon Alms

staff poll

HAVE YOU DABBLED IN THE WORLD OF PICKLEBALL YET?

what we

LEARNED “When I was eating at Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub for this month’s restaurant review, I learned crab cakes are serious business! Our server told us the restaurant spent a year in R perfecting theirs.” Editorial Director Katie Pollock Estes (read Old Fave, New Tastes on p. 98) “I learned there’s so many places to play pickleball! I didn’t think there’d be many so imagine my surprise when I saw a long list!” Editorial Designer Grace Chipley-Thompson (read Pickleball is Life on p. 82) “As I get ready for spring cleaning season I desperate ant to tr t e c eaning too s at Springfie Mercantile Co. from Bürstenhaus Redecker, a German-based brand that makes brushes from natural and sustainable materials. Something tells me they’d make cleaning fun!” Research Editor Jo Jolliff (read Spring Cleaning at Springfield Mercantile Co. on p. 40) “I learned Pickleball not only has a very devoted following, but also has its own set of jargon and slang.

Words like dink, lob, falafel and chicken wing. For a sport with a funny name, it makes sense!” Creative Director Sarah Patton (read Pickleball is Life on p. 82)

Photo by Brandon Alms

“From talking to celebrity makeup artist Alexis Oakley, I learned how crazy of a schedule makeup artists have. One day, they might be creating an advertisement for a makeup company, and the next, they could e ying to a di erent country to glam a cele — Custom Publications Editor and Staff Writer Jordan Blomquist (read Pickleball is Life on p. 82)

TRENDY SPORT WE CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT

The 417 team is taking our monthly town hall meeting on the road to Classic’s Yard.

We’ll do all our usual monthly celebrations but add in a few happy hour drinks and competitive rounds of pickleball. No one on sta ill e a le to say they haven’t tried it after this!

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getaway to

JEFFERSON CITY Ask many non-Missourians what the state capital is, and they’ll often say St. Louis. But Jefferson City is the seat of this state, and it has a lot to offer. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in Missouri history, carve into a juicy steak, tour a state prison and more.

Jefferson City is a perfect spring break trip or fun quick getaway.

BY JULIANA GOODWIN

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VISIT THE CAPITOL 

First stop should be the Capitol. The building dates back to 1917. The interior is beautiful with arched, painted ceilings, beams of natural light, 134 columns, a 9,000-pound bronze chandelier hanging in the dome, a grand staircase, and Carthage mar le limestone oors throughout. You can take a self-guided tour as there are exhibits tracing Missouri’s history.

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DINE AT MADISON’S CAFE

For dinner, make reservations at Madison’s Café (madisonscafe.com), which has been serving diners since 1982. Start with mussels Milano, try one of their many salads, sip on warm seafood bisque and then move onto one of their hand-cut steaks or pasta dishes for dinner. Here’s something you don’t see often: They have Chateaubriand for two, carved tableside.

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REASON TO GO

State history

Photos courtesy Shutterstock, by Michael Schlueter

While in e erson City, pay homage to the state capitol (left), tour the Missouri State Penitentiary (right) and do a little shopping (above).

TRIP LENGTH

One day—no need to pack a bag!

TRAVEL TIME

2 hours 15 minutes each way

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SHOP LOCAL BOUTIQUES 

Save a little time for shopping because this city has some quaint locally owned shops (visitjeffersoncity.com/things-to-do/shopping). og ood inti ues (facebook.com/dogwoodvintiques) is a vintage consignment shop with everything from housewares to ties and collectibles. Or visit a four-generation shoe store at American Shoe (americanshoeinc.com).

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VISIT THE STATE PENITENTIARY 

The Missouri State Penitentiary (missouripentours.com) is the Alcatraz of the Show-Me State. There are a variety of tour options from a 2-hour ($25) basic tour to paranormal overnight tours ($100). You’ll learn about the history of the building, escape attempts, executions and infamous prisoners. Time magazine referred to it as “The bloodiest 47 acres in America.”

HIGH STANDARDS. HIGH EXPECTATIONS.

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ENJOY A FLIGHT AT PRISON BREWS

After touring the eerie prison, unwind at a local brewery. Prison Brews (prisonbrews.com) is a brewpub with a fun play on the penitentiary. There are about 10 beers on draft, and you can order a tasting ight or a gro ler f you re hungry, try a burger, Reuben or pork tenderloin sandwich. There’s a lot going on at this brewery from trivia to bingo.

IT'S YOUR LUCKY DAY

Scan for Savings!

Hy-Vee offers great savings for all your party needs.

hy-vee.com | 417.881.1950 | 1720 W. Battlefield Road | 417.444.6860 | 2150 E. Sunshine Street 417MAG.COM • 417 MAGAZINE

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PROFILE

417-land native Alexis Oakley now works as a makeup artist to the stars.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME California-based celebrity makeup artist and 417-land native Alexis Oakley finds joy in coming home.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

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he plot for the Oscar-winning movie La La Land follows an aspiring actress and an artist trying to actualize their careers in Los Angeles, California. Alexis Oakley circles back to this movie often, being that the first client she assisted on while chasing her dreams of becoming a celebrity makeup artist in L.A. was none other than La La Land star Emma Stone. It was during the 2017 Oscars—she won Best Actress. “That was one of those pivotal moments for me where I was like, ‘Wow. I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to do,’” Alexis says. This kind of serendipity continues to echo throughout her career.

When Alexis was 18 years old, she moved from Springfield to the City of Angels to attend Make-up Designory—a five-month-long makeup school. Immediately after completing the program, she began assisting celebrity makeup artists. She worked with tons of different artists, networked and perfected her craft. After three and a half years she got her first two solo clients in the same week: Jessica Alba and Paris Hilton.

Now, over seven years later, her portfolio is scattered with big names like Alix Earle, Tate McRae

and Kris Jenner. Alexis even went on tour in 2022 with Avril Lavigne as her makeup artist when Lavigne was opening for Machine Gun Kelly. “Alexis and I always shared a love for music and concerts growing up,” says Wendy Oakley, Alexis’ mom. “Of course, we never dreamed that one day she would be working with some of these people. After Alexis would leave clients like Demi Lovato, Avril Lavigne and many others, she would call me and we would laugh and reminisce about her being a fan while young and how crazy that she was just at their house glamming them.”

In 2022, Alexis posted a TikTok video pitching herself to Brittany Mahomes—wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes—explaining how she would do her makeup and style her for the Super Bowl. Being that Alexis grew up a Chiefs fan and Brittany is as close as it gets to Missouri royalty, she had to shoot her shot. Within hours, Brittany sent Alexis a message through Instagram asking to work together for the AFC Championship Game.

“That was really cool, and it’s been so much fun being able to work with her and do so many looks on her,” Alexis says. “It’s something that my whole family gets excited about.” Since then, Alexis has done Brittany’s makeup for the Super Bowl, a Formula 1 race, the Met Gala, the Quarterback premiere—a Netflix series that stars Patrick—and more.

“Her dad and I are just so proud of her,” Wendy says. “Alexis is a hard worker, and her determination has made her the successful makeup artist she is today. I still get excited every time she gets new clients or opportunities.”

417 Pride Behind the glitz and glam is still a Missouri girl at heart. “I love coming back home,” Alexis says. “I feel

Photos courtesy Alexis Oakley

Alexis Oakley doing touch-ups on Tate McRae at the 2023 JUNO Awards in Canada.

like every time I just need an escape from my reality now, I immediately run away and go back home.”

When she’s in town, she loves relaxing at Table Rock Lake, getting frozen custard from Andy’s and dining at the place where she landed her first job: Texas Roadhouse.

Last summer, Alexis brought a friend from L.A. to show him what it’s like here in 417-land. They tried the ropes courses at Fritz’s Adventure, caught rolls at Lambert’s Cafe and explored Silver Dollar City. “We literally did everything Branson has to offer,” she says. She documented the trip on social media and is now recognized as “Alexis from Missouri.”

All her friends want to visit Missouri now, she says.

What’s Next With more than seven years of industry experience under her belt, Alexis is still dreaming big and setting goals. “Hailey Bieber has been a dream client of mine for such a long time,” she says. While being a celebrity makeup artist remains her career, she has also become a beauty content influencer and spends her free time filming videos for social media.

The beauty industry is anything but consistent.

Some days Alexis is chatting it up while glamming clients-turned-best-friends, and other days she’s waking up before the sun and lugging around a 100-pound suitcase that houses her products.

In many cases, Alexis doesn’t know if she is working with a client until within 24 hours of the event.

“JUNO awards, which are in Canada, that’s the first thing I ever did with Tate McRae—that was the first time I ever met her—I got booked for that a day before and flew to Canada the next day,” she says.

Essentially, anything can happen.

Nonetheless, we’re excited to see who she might glam up this year. “Makeup things are so last minute—you never know,” she says. “Fingers crossed.”

ALEXIS’ MUST-HAVE PRODUCTS BROW GEL Benefit Cosmetics our Bro Setter SUNSCREEN Supergoop Glowscreen CONCEALER Kosas Revealer Concealer BLUSH Patrick a ou le ake Cr me Blush

Po der

LIP LINER Make Up For Ever lip liner in shade Anyhere Ca eine 417MAG.COM • 417 MAGAZINE

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Kevin Weaver, Leana Pritchett, Klay Weaver, Blake Leitch, Carla Blackwell and Ernie Bywater dedicate their time to The Warrior’s Journey.

HEALING FREEDOM’S WARRIORS

The Warrior’s Journey aims to use warrior-to-warrior connection to heal veterans invisible wounds.

WRITTEN BY KAREN BLISS

Photo by Brandon Alms

H

eadquartered in Springfield, The Warrior’s Journey is a nonprofit that was created with the intention of helping veterans and their families through mutual connection.

The Warrior’s Journey has been located in Springfield since its founding in 2016. However, they moved into their renovated building in 2023, at 3003 E Chestnut Expressway, Ste 2001.

Kevin Weaver, co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit, says the goal in founding the group from day one was to help heal invisible wounds, the emotional struggles that tend to be harder for veterans to cope with.

“When we kicked this off, what inspired me was, ‘What if we could create an army of people, or a system that allowed trust and engagement between warriors?”’ he recalls. “It just didn’t exist.”

He says the group has connector veterans that volunteer for the nonprofit, also known as “battle buddies,” who are trained to just listen, be a friend and connect with veterans that have similar experiences or have served in similar military branches one-on-one. Then these connectors work with organizers at The Warrior’s Journey to link each veteran that’s in need with the right services for them.

Veterans that walk in the door, or call for help, Weaver says are usually referred to them by a friend or have heard about them through word-of-mouth. He added that The Warrior’s Journey never does cold calls, as it’s up to each individual to be comfortable to ask for help. The group responds within 24 hours, always warrior-to-warrior and 100% confidential, to help provide support, resources and referrals.

He added that those who serve tend to be conditioned through their military service to be tough, and have trouble asking for help with depression, addiction or suicidal thoughts.

“In military culture, addressing the human element is typically not on the radar,” he says.

“These guys become very protective, and what we would call internally isolated. If there’s an issue they tend to override it and ignore it.”

John Lanier, who was in the military infantry for a total of 12 years, is currently a veteran connector with The Warrior’s Journey. He says he has gone through post-traumatic stress disorder and has some shrapnel in his face. He says he’s lucky and has had a good support system, but some don’t.

“Sometimes veterans will open up to people that have been in similar situations and have walked in their boots a little bit,” Lanier says.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED GIVE You can donate a one-time amount or a monthly contribution to The Warrior’s Journey online.

GOLF TOURNAMENT Business owners can be a Warrior’s Journey golf-tournament sponsor. The tournament usually takes place in the fall.

GALA The 5th annual Warrior’s Journey Gala is coming up at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 4, at the Oasis Convention Center, 2550 N Glenstone Ave. Tables are available for purchase in groups of 10. Sponsorships are also available. This year’s guest speaker is Tim Tebow, a retired NFL player and college football analyst for ESPN. MORE For more opportunities, contact The Warrior s ourney directly at their office, y calling 417-567-4800 or y filling out their contact us form on TheWarriorsJourney.org.

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Springfield ercantile Co features a ide variety of home goods, self care products and colorful handmade clothing

a spring cleaning for

SPRINGFIELD MERCANTILE CO. With Katie Shelton now at the helm, Springfield Mercantile Co. is back open during regular business hours. You’ll find several of the same heirloom-quality home goods on the shelves alongside some new, colorful and whimsical pieces.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA COOPER

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hen Springfield Mercantile Co. opened in 2017, it quickly amassed a loyal band of regulars who were always on the lookout for aesthetic and high-quality versions of utility goods. Wooden brooms, fluffy feather dusters, European linen cloths with high thread counts and eco-friendly cleaning products lined the shelves. But following the COVID-19 pandemic, former owner Molly Brown switched to an 40

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online and by-appointment-only business model.

While the storefront remained beautiful, the doors stayed locked for the most part. But now, when you stroll by Springfield Mercantile on Commercial Street Wednesday through Saturday, you’ll notice a fresh window display and something even more exciting: an open sign.

In September 2023, Brown approached former customer Katie Shelton about the possibility of

purchasing Springfield Mercantile. Shelton was surprised at the offer, but after giving it some thought, her answer was obvious. “Opening a [brick-andmortar] shop was not only not on my 2023 punch card, but not on my life punch card,” Shelton says.

“It was something that I didn’t realize was a dream of mine until it was presented to me, and the more I thought about it, the more excited I got. I just knew I could bring it to life and make it happen.”

Interior Design By

D E N I S E KAY W R I G H T

 ormer customer atie Shelton purchased Springfield ercantile Co from olly Bro n in Septem er

This isn’t Shelton’s first venture into entrepreneurship. She’s been self-employed for about 15 years ever since she started an Etsy business, Skunk Boy, which previously sold soft sculptures. She and her husband, Johnny, are also part owners of Sweet EMOtion and in their free time members of the 90s cover band, The Mixtapes.

Shelton chose to keep the majority of the best-selling mercantile products in stock, such as wool dryer balls, brushes by German-based brand Bürstenhaus Redecker and Meliora Cleaning Products. However, she’s also been adding her own spin to the shop, and you’ll notice home decor dispersed throughout, such as dried flower bouquets by Idlewild Floral, colored glass taper candle holders

by MÆGEN and book nooks featuring intricate diorama scenes by Hands Craft.

The shop is not her only tie to North Springfield either. “We live right around the corner in Midtown, and the place we come the most is Commercial Street,” she says. “There’s so much stuff down here, and everyone has something different to offer.

Just being part of that community already has been amazing. I’m excited to bring offerings that help make people happy, and to also educate people on a cleaner living.”

“When I told [Brown] that I was planning to keep the shop’s name and her vision the same while still making it my own, I could tell she was very excited,” Shelton says. “It was such a beautiful store to begin with, so I didn’t need to come in and just change everything. This shop has been loved by the community for years and years.”

Continued on p. 42

DKW Designs Design Awards Best Dining Space 2022 Design Awards Best Bathroom Winner 2020 Design Awards Best Bedroom Winner 2020 Homes of the Year Winner 2019 dkw.design • 417-350-4520

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A variety of self-care products available for purchase at Springfield Mercantile Co.

Expertise in: Employment Contract Drafting & Negotiating Workers’ Compensation Business Litigation General Litigation Awards: 2023 40 Under 40

by SBJ

Continued from p. 41

TRUSTED BY SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESS OWNERS THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MISSOURI 417-882-4700 EVANS-DIXON.COM 4905 SOUTH NATIONAL AVE., SUITE B

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Sewn With Love You’ll find linen aprons and even some handmade clothing and bags by Shelton in the shop. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to glean some of her skills via sewing and craft classes.

Take Note The shop’s collection of elevated everyday items like Blackwing Pencils with refillable erasers, journals and gum erasers make even ordinary listmaking a task to enjoy.

Home Care Meets Self-Care Springfield Mercantile still stocks cleaning products and tools but also an expanded selection of everything you need for an at-home spa night. Think bath bombs and mineral soaks, satin pillowcases and face masks. Several of the items Shelton carries are from other small, women-owned businesses, such as dry shampoo by Bohemia and candles by Paro Home.

Clear the Air Candles aren’t the only thing meant to be burned in the shop. Lavender and sage bundles make for beautiful decor between uses.

A Nod to the Old When you walk into the store, on your left you’ll notice a display of many familiar mercantile prod-

 he carefully curated selection of home goods includes lavender and sage undles to help clear the air

ucts like dish towels, bars of soap, toothbrushes and small and large brooms. Many of the cleaning tools in the shop are by Bürstenhaus Redecker. This German-based brand has been producing brushes from natural and sustainable materials since 1935.

Cabinets of Curiosity Shelton purchased some of the store’s display furniture from Brown but added her own signature style.

She found this shelf in the store’s closet and added the decorative decal on top to make an artsy backdrop to show off dish towels from Botanica, felt garland and colorful candlesticks.

Dress Up Your Home Opposite the mercantile side of the store, you can peruse a colorful collection of curated new home decor pieces.

SPRINGFIELD MERCANTILE CO. Commercial Street, Springfield Wednesday riday am pm Saturday a m pm springfieldmercantile.com nstagram @springfieldmercantileco

Personalized Window Solutions For Every Taste and Budget BLINDS • SHADES • SHUTTERS • MOTORIZATION SALES • INSTALLATION • ON-SITE REPAIR Contact us today for your FREE estimate! 417.581.1999 · bloominblinds.com A C

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Catch a glimpse of the waterfall at Dogwood Canyon on a scenic waterfall expedition with Experience 417. Learn more about this event on page 48.

MARCH CALENDAR

From live music to music festivals, you won’t want to miss these events happening at some of your favorite spots in 417-land.

BY KALI SALAZAR

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

GARETH REYNOLDS MARCH 1

MARCH 1–3

perience art from local artists, galleries and more at the monthly art alk do nto n his free and self guided tour is availa le to all art lovers looking for inspiration or to en oy local pieces in land Free; 5–10 p.m.; various venues, downtown Springfield. For more information, visit springfieldarts.org/first-friday-art-walk or call 417862-ARTS.

no n for his hit podcast, he ollup, areth Reynolds ill keep you laughing all night long ith his diverse comedic skill set With ap pearances and riting on several hit sho s, Reynolds is no stranger to the spotlight 25–30; 6 30 p.m.; Blue Room Comedy Club, 420 W College St, Springfield. For tickets, visit blueroomcomedyclub.com/events.

oin issouri State heatre and ance for their production of Mr. Burns A Post Electric Play After the po er grid has failed and society has crashed in a post apocalyptic orld, a group of survivors reminisce on the orld and culture they once kne his dark comedy is sure to entertain you as it e plores the role of story telling in shaping culture 12–15; showtimes vary. Coger Theatre in Craig Hall, 1147 Grand St, Springfield. For tickets and showtimes, visit theatreanddance.missouristate.edu.

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MR. BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY

Photo y Brandon Alms

MARCH 1

RV MEGA SHOW MARCH 1–3

t s time to hit the road in style at the Springfield R ega Sho his sho ill have everything you need to take care of your R needs from oy aulers to Pop ps and every thing in et een Pricing at door; 10 a.m.; Ozark Empire cations in Springfield, Ozark and Nixa Fairgrounds, 3001 N Grant Avenue, Springfield. suntancity.com For more information, visit springfieldrvmegashow.com.

COLTON DIXON & JORDAN FELIZ: LOVE AND LIGHT TOUR MARCH 2

Photos courtesy areth Reynolds

ormerly on American Idol, Colton i on has een a ell kno n name since ith more than million streams across multiple plat forms his singer, song riter and producer is ack on the road for his ne tour oined y or dan eli 20–45; 7 p.m.; Aetos Center for the Performing Arts, 514 S Nicholas Rd, Nixa. For tickets, visit nixapublicschools.net.

Six Locally Owned Locations in Springfield, Ozark and Nixa suntancity.com

Stocked for any occasion

8 locations to serve you across the ozarks Harterhouse.com

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DRURY PANTHERS MEN’S BASKETBALL

MARCH 2

Grab your friends and head to Drury to support the Panthers at their last home game of the season against Truman State. $26; game times vary; O’Reilly Family Event Center, 935 N Summit Ave, Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit drurypanthers.com.

JAZZ FESTIVAL MARCH 2

Join Drury University for their all-day Jazz Festival! Hear various forms of jazz performed on many di erent instruments at this musical event 8 a.m.; Clara Thompson Hall, Drury University, 900 N Benton Avenue, Springfield. For more information, visit drury.edu/currentevent and navigate to the Jazz Festival or call 417-873-7291.

DSSO #ITALYTRAVEL

MARCH 2

isten to talian opera s instrumental music as you re transported to pictures ue landscapes in the heart of Italy through the beautiful melodies.

35–50; Show 7 30 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield. For tickets and more information, visit springfieldsymphony.org/tickets.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE: BE RIGHT HERE TOUR

MARCH 2

ead to illio heatre for another set of rock n roll ams from Black erry Smoke ra ing inspiration from Southern rock, lues rock and vintage country, this and is sure to o 40–250; 7 30 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit gillioztheatre.com and navigate to the events tab.

GEOFFREY ASMUS MARCH 2–3

After asting over , on seven college degrees and ecoming a first grade teacher, eo rey Asmus turned to comedy e no headlines at comedy clu s nation ide 20–25; 6 30 p.m.; Blue Room Comedy Club, 420 W College St, Springfield. For tickets, visit blueroomcomedyclub.com/events.

MISSOURI STATE BASKETBALL

MARCH 3

t s time for a fun sports outing ith friends at the issouri State Bears asket all game this month! Don’t miss their last home game of the season and atch the Bears dominate the court 5–45; times vary; Great Southern Bank Arena, 685 S John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit missouristatebears.com.

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CALENDAR

JESSICA KIRSON MARCH 7–9

Jessica Kirson is hilariously relatable and is sure to impress you with her clever content and character impressions. Kirson is a multigenerational comic looking to wow all her audiences. $25–35; 6:30 p.m.; Blue Room Comedy Club, 420 W College St, Springfield. For tickets, visit blueroomcomedyclub.com/events.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG MARCH 7–17

Set in the 1920s, this classic “whodunit” will keep you laughing as these accident-prone thespians fight to make it to their final curtain call.

22–42; showtimes vary; Landers Theatre, 311 E Walnut St., Springfield. For tickets, visit springfieldlittletheatre.org or call 417-869-1334.

KANSAS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR – ANOTHER FORK IN THE ROAD MARCH 8

Enjoy music from 50 years of KANSAS including songs like “Dust in the Wind”, “Point of Know Return” and ”Fight Fire with Fire.”

69–305; 8 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E, Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit gillioztheatre.com and navigate to the events tab.

MARCH 12

Join Pat Metheny for a solo tour where he will feature personal and fan favorite songs from his almost 50-year career. Metheny will also share personal stories throughout the course of the concert to accompany the songs. Sit back, relax and let Metheny entertain you.

30–40; 7 30 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E, Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit gillioztheatre.com and navigate to the events tab.

WONDERS OF THE OZARKS: SCENIC WATERFALL EXPEDITION MARCH 16

Embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Ozarks area, home to some of the most stunning trail scenery. Our expedition with the pros at 37 North begins with a convenient shuttle ride through scenic routes. Be prepared for some light hiking with a beautiful waterfall stop, where you can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring surroundings, capturing mem48

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ories against the ackdrop of the arks finest natural wonders.

175; 7 a.m.; Buffalo National River, shuttle will depart from Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit 417mag.com/experience417 and navigate to the March event.

SHREK: THE MUSICAL MARCH 19–21

Fall in love all ogre again at Shrek The Musical!

Follow the tale of an unlikely hero as he embarks on a life-changing journey with the help of a sarcastic donkey and stubborn princess. This fairytale musical adventure will keep you entertained all evening long.

39–84; 7 30 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall, 525 S John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit hammonshall.com..

CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION MARCH 21–25

As a free-spirited acting teacher leads her adult drama students through a six-week class, they forge paths of self-discovery, healing and hope

Photos by Alex Hart Ciaramitaro, courtesy Shutterstock

PAT METHENY: DREAM BOX TOUR

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through telling and acting out one another s life stories his play ill inspire you to understand the stories of those around you in a deeper ay 12–15; showtimes vary; Balcony Theatre in Craig Hall, 1147 Grand St, Springfield. For tickets, showtimes and more information visit theatreanddance.missouristate.edu.

KRYSTYNA HUTCHINSON

MARCH 22–23

Based in Ne ork City, this internationally tour ing actress, comedian and riter is sure to keep you laughing all evening long rystyna is no stranger to the spotlight and has een featured in Vogue, The New ork Times and in Master of None on Net i 20–25; 6 30 p.m.; Blue Room Comedy Club, 420 W College St, Springfield. For tickets, visit blueroomcomedyclub.com/events.

BABY SHARK’S BIG BROADWAVE TOUR

MARCH 23–24

ra your kiddos and head to Ba y Shark s Big Broad ave our full of fincredi le friends, un dersea adventures, catchy music and more our kids ill love the heart arming characters, fish puns and interactive elements at this Broad ave s imsation 25–90; 7 30 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall, 525 S John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit hammonshall.com.

AN OVERKNIGHT SUCCESS: THE CRAZY LIFE OF AN OPERA SINGER MARCH 24

ead to the illio for a documentary film fo cused on the life of arks yric pera Artistic irector ichael Spyres ilmed for more than a decade, this film rings light to Spyres hum le eginnings and his life since as an operatic star performing as an opera singer on some of the orld s iggest stages 25; 2 30 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E, Springfield. To purchase tickets, visit gillioztheatre.com and navigate to the events tab.

IAN FIDANCE

MARCH 29–30

an idance is an actor, comic and riter in Ne ork City, e regularly performs at the Comedy Cellar in the heart of Ne ork and his ritten ork has een used on ichelle ama s kid s cooking sho is other orks ere pu lished alongside erry Seinfeld and other ig names 20–25; 6 30 p.m.; Blue Room Comedy Club, 420 W College St, Springfield. For tickets, visit blueroomcomedyclub.com/events.

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A Downtown Mural Tribute

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The Muralist

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PROMOTION Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and natural beauty of The Living Garden at Silver Dollar City, where the graceful Lady of the Garden statues enchant visitors with their timeless elegance.

Photo courtesy Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

BRANSON

GUIDE Experience the Ultimate Spring Getaway in Branson! Discover an array of attractions, shows, adventures and endless fun awaiting you.

Explore everything happening in this guide.

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BRANSON GUIDE SPRINGTIME IN BRANSON Plan your next trip when the redbud and dogwood are blooming. Explore Branson’s forest trails and lakeside RV parks as a family. Enjoy Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake or Bull Shoals Lake with pontoon rentals at State Park Marina or Indian Point Marina.

Explore the great outdoors Experience lakes and landmarks from the comfort of a signature Jeep Wrangler with PINK Adventure Tours on an off-road ride that culminates with a mountaintop view of Table Rock Lake.

When night falls in Branson, Ozark Nights comes alive with history and mystery. Round up family and friends for a nighttime encounter through an exploratory walk along an illuminated path in the forest.

Comfort food For those looking for Southern comfort food and hospitality, Local Flavor is a must-visit. To start, try a true Southern treat: fried green tomatoes with homemade jalapeno ranch dipping sauce.

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PROMOTION

Heroes Tastes + Taps embodies Branson’s love for honoring special people, including Armed Forces service members, teachers, farmers and first responders. Enjoy their American cuisine with a wide variety of menu items.

For the whole family Ride the new Fire in the Hole rollercoaster at Silver Dollar City. The groundbreaking $30 million indoor family roller coaster is the largest in the Midwest.

Every vacation needs a world-class live music show. Branson offers entertainment the whole family will love. From country classics like Pierce Arrow and Down Home Country to variety shows such as Hamners’ Unbelievable and Legends in Concert.

Whether it’s an upscale resort, a budget-friendly hotel or a cozy cabin in the woods, travelers can expect a warm welcome wherever they choose to stay in Branson. Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, Grand Country Resort & Waterpark, and La Quinta by Wyndham are perfect choices for the family. Start planning today at ExploreBranson.com.

BRANSON LANDING Indulge in retail therapy and culinary delights at Branson Landing, nestled in a captivating open-air, waterfront setting. Explore a treasure trove of over 100 shops, attractions and restaurants, complemented by the luxury of two Hilton hotels. Brace for a mesmerizing $7.5 million water and fire spectacle, perfectly synchronized to a symphony of light and music. Be sure to check out the new Flaming Margaritas American Kitchen. Join them this summer for their Summer Concert Series. For more information, visit bransonlanding.com.

DOLLY PARTON’S STAMPEDE Billed as Branson’s Most Fun Place to Eat, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a restaurant and show like no other. Thirty-two magnificent horses and a cast of top-notch riders electrify audiences with daring feats of trick riding and friendly competition.

Everyone’s talking about New for 2024, Dolly Parton’s Stampede takes the competition up a notch, high into the treetops! Don’t miss the excit-

BRANSON GUIDE

PROMOTION

ing new feature, “Rumble in the Treetops,” showcasing the strength and agility of skilled lumberjack teams as they climb, chop, saw and log roll their way through a four-event relay.

Know before you go Arrive early and enjoy a leisurely stroll alongside the open-air stables to sneak a peek at the horses. It’s your chance to meet the equine stars of the show up close and discover their flawless beauty.

The whole family will love As the show begins, you are served a delicious four-course feast meant to satisfy those home-cooked, country-style cravings…but the whole experience is more than just dinner and a show. Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a cherished tradition that your family will always remember.

LEVEL 2 STEAKHOUSE Delve into the world of culinary excellence at Level 2 Steakhouse, tucked within the Hilton Branson Convention Center

Hotel. Savor the taste of Kansas City 28-day aged Certified Hereford Beef and fresh seafood sourced from around the world.

Their secret? A 1600-degree radiant oven, sealing in the juices and creating the perfect steak. Try Level 2’s new menu items: G.B.D. Brie Cheese, Green Lip Mussels, Diver Scallops, Beef Short Rib and Chilean Sea Bass. Be sure to secure a table for their Easter Brunch—visit level2stakhouse.com for reservations.

SILVER DOLLAR CITY The new Fire In The Hole roller coaster takes off this spring and Street Fest dazzles with an America’s Got Talent finalist.

Thrills for all Old-fashioned fun blooms at Silver Dollar City this spring with new food, new acts and a new $30 million Fire In The Hole. The record-setting, indoor family coaster—the largest in the Midwest—joins the park’s thrilling lineup of more than 40 rides and attractions. Centered in the new Fire District, Fire In The Hole is sure to be an instant classic for generations of

families to enjoy together. The Fire District will also host two new additions in 2024: dining at Sadie’s Pretzel Cafe and Fire In The Hole merchandise at Flanders Dry Goods.

A taste of fun Shake the winter blues at Silver Dollar City with Spring Break, March 9–24, followed by the Final Year of Street Fest, April 11–29.

The jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring lineup of Street Fest entertainment includes the return of Kristy Sellars, an aerial acrobat who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. Sellars’ exhilarating show will keep guests on the edge of their seats as she takes her act to new heights over the Opera House stage.

Don’t miss the final year The Living Garden returns to Street Fest during its Final Year in 2024 with new Living Marble Statues, the Living Fountain & Topiaries and the new Rock Man. Plus, the Amazing Anastasini Circus and the new 30-foot floral Pompon Parade. Throughout the rest of Silver Dollar City, find a creative mix of talents from around the globe and tastes that are just as unique like Cuban Sandwiches with Mojo,

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PROMOTION

BRANSON GUIDE

Bacon Jammin’ Fries, Cherries Jubilee Funnel Cakes and much more!

Get tickets today For information on tickets, season passes, festivals and operating calendars, visit silverdollarcity.com or call 417-336-7100.

TALKING ROCKS CAVERN Experience this unique vertical cavern from concrete walkways as knowledgeable cave guides share about the rich history and fascinating geology.

World-class living crystal cave formations such as the awe-inspiring Cathedral, a flowstone and drapery mineral deposit that is over 85 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, are viewed up close!

Take home a souvenir The Rock and Gift Shop features hundreds of fossils, minerals and gemstones including amethyst, labradorite, iron pyrite and a variety of quartz. Find one-of-a-kind gifts like gemstone jewelry, stately onyx chessboards and gemstone lamps. Break geodes to reveal the stunning crystals inside.

Explore above ground Pan for gemstones and keep any of the gems found, view amazing specimens in the Fluorescent Mineral and Blacklight Room, hike nature trails to the lookout tower and even conquer the SpeleoBox cave crawls. Find some shade by relaxing at one of the shaded picnic areas or playing Cave Country Mini-Golf. Young kids love exploring the Kids Play Area and young and old alike will enjoy the outdoor Family Games Area.

Talking Rocks Cavern has unique adventures the whole family will love! Hour-long cave tours depart frequently throughout the day. With the cave’s constant 63 degree temperature, this is the ideal attraction to visit any season of the year!

THE BUTTERFLY PALACE At The Butterfly Palace, visitors discover over 1,000 live exotic butterflies from their native countries! This one-of-a-kind, interactive experience is great for all ages.

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THE KEETER CENTER

The whole family will love Feed the butterflies with a nectar-filled flower! Release a butterfly for its very first flight. Pet a lizard during the critter encounter.

Surrounded by beautiful live plants and peaceful live music, families will relish the serenity of the garden. Photo ops abound!

The Keeter Center® at College of the Ozarks® extends an invitation for a spring visit, encouraging guests to explore shopping, fine dining and exceptional accommodations at the award-winning lodge.

Know before you go The Butterfly Palace is open year-round, and wristbands are good for three days.

The aviary is always warm and humid inside, and butterflies love bright colors, so dress accordingly!

Don’t miss out In the enchanting springtime ambiance of College of the Ozarks, visitors can take in the scenic campus from the private balconies of the guest rooms at The Keeter Center. The restaurant offers not only fine dining but also breathtaking views of green pastures and the chapel steeple.

Everyone’s talking about The Butterfly Palace is part of a much bigger story. The business imports butterflies from farms located in rainforests from Costa Rica to Australia. In turn, these farms are provided with a sustainable income that helps the farmers create preserves to protect the rainforest rather than destroy it. Visitors to The Butterfly Palace are helping to keep this industry alive and, in a very real way, helping to save the rainforest.

What’s new Exciting changes are afoot at The Keeter Center as they unveil their fresh and vibrant spring menu. Elevating the culinary experience, the new menu boasts a delightful array of seasonal flavors and innovative dishes that reflect the bounty of spring.

From farm-fresh ingredients to locally sourced produce, the dining room is set to dazzle taste buds with a fusion of colors and tastes. Guests can anticipate a blend of

traditional favorites and novel creations crafted by the talented culinary team. The spring menu promises an immersive culinary journey, ensuring that every dining experience at The Keeter Center is a celebration of the season’s finest offerings.

A tranquil getaway Guests can unwind by taking leisurely walks around the campus, exploring the various points of interest that College of the Ozarks has to offer. From the historically accurate working grist mill— Edwards Mill—to the Stained Glass and Candle Shop showcasing candles and original art-glass creations, as well as the Ralph Foster Museum displaying collections from bygone eras. A stroll around the campus offers an opportunity to feed the swans gracefully swimming in Lake Honor, located at the heart of the campus.

Gift cards are available for those interested in planning a visit. More information can be found at keetercenter.edu or by calling 417-239-1900.

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 CASCADE, 61  SPRING FLING, 62

outside

green

Photo by Brandon Alms

OASIS Discover Mike and Betsy Schaffitzel’s dreamy colonial-style house featuring the perfect outdoor spaces.

Read p. 64 for more.

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EXPLORE

Hercules Glades at Long Creek Falls feature a wide rocky shelf with beautiful cascades.

Spring Cascades Are Calling We love Ozarks area trails that feature waterfalls, especially in the spring. But there’s no need to limit your hiking reward to the main attraction. Many waterfall trails feature gorgeous cascading streams worth stopping to admire. Ready to catch some cascades near 417-land? Try these four great trails.

Photo by Sony Hocklander

BY SONY HOCKLANDER

BLAIR RIDGE TRAIL, HERCULES GLADES WILDERNESS

KINGS RIVER FALLS NATURAL AREA, ARKANSAS

LEATHERWOOD CREEK IN PONCA, ARKANSAS

SMITH CREEK NATURE PRESERVE, ARKANSAS

ro Springfie Less than 90 minutes southeast on Cane Creek Road just east of Forsyth, Missouri Trai 5 miles out and back On ine Search fs.usda.gov or AllTrails.com Take an early spring hike through grasslands and forest to Long Creek Falls, a 10-foot-tall waterfall tumbling over a wide rocky shelf on Long Creek. Plan your outing to include a picnic next to the falls, then pick your way upstream to enjoy Long Creek’s many pretty cascades and pools. It’s usually possible to rock-hop across the creek to explore both sides. Long Creek Falls, combined with its upstream cascades, is a photographer’s playground during its seasonal o Be sure to pack a camera along with your picnic to snap beautiful photos of this wet-weather waterfall.

ro Springfie About 2.5 hours southwest near Witter, Arkansas Trai 2 miles out and back; small parking lot with no facilities On ine Search arkansasheritage.com Kings River Falls is a wide shelf waterfall that spills 10 feet into a beautiful turquoise pool. It’s a popular swimming hole each summer. That’s why early spring is a great time to hike and photograph this trail. The main waterfall is certainly worth the trek. But this trail’s best feature is its rewarding journey. Along the way, the boulder-strewn river is accented by numerous tumbling cascades and smaller falls. Plus, shortly before reaching the primary waterfall, there are onus cascades o ing downhill on your left for even more nature photo-ops. If you’re a hiking photographer, you could explore this trail for hours.

ro Springfie 3.75 hours Trai 1-mile-plus out and back; large parking lot with facilities On ine Search “Balanced Rock Falls” on AllTrails or “Leatherwood Creek” on takahik.com o find this unmarked trail kno n

by Leatherwood Creek or Balanced Rock alls cross the Ponca Low-Water Bridge near Boxley Valley and look for a depression near the Bu alo River rail s south trailhead sign. Not far along the trail you’ll see a bent-trunk tree, and about half a mile upstream, you can cross the creek and climb a steep hill to Balanced Rock Falls.

But we like this trail more for its many pretty cascades and small falls along the way, If you’re adventurous and bushwhack farther upstream, you ll find more eatherwood cascades, a wet grotto and an end-of-the-trail waterfall.

ro Springfie 2 hours south along Arkansas 21, just south of Boxley Valley Trai s QuiVaLa Elise Falls (1.6 miles out and back); boulder cascades (about 2 miles out and back) and a 4-mile loop that includes the Elise Falls and Smith Creek; small parking lot with no facilities On ine Search nature.org and AllTrails.com Spend a day exploring Smith Creek Nature Preserve just south of Boxley. A quarter mile down, a trail to Elise Falls heads left. To explore gorgeous cascades and small falls along Smith Creek, continue along the main trail for a mile until you reach a bridge and picnic area. Either loop back or continue another mile farther to a creek section that features elephant-size boulders, shelf-drop cascades and lots of little surprise waterfalls.

MORE

Want to see beautiful nearby waterfalls without having to plan all the details? We’ve done the work for you with a new Experience 417 event. on ers o t e Ozar s Scenic ater a E pe ition is a professionally planned and guided trip that includes light hiking and incredible waterfalls. Get tickets at 417mag.com/experience417.

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BUCKET LIST

Two Rivers Bike Park offers excellent mountain biking trails for all skill levels.

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springtime’s

MUST-DO LIST There are some outdoor activities that feel the best in the spring—and some you can only do in the spring. Spend your 417-land weekends in the great outdoors, soaking up all the season has to offer.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

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 Hit t e Trai s The chilly air on your face during a winter bike ride can get pretty intense. Now that spring is here, pick a local trail, so you ride the way away and soak up some Vitamin D. There are plenty to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. For something light and leisurely, try the Frisco Highline Trail (ozarkgreenways.org) or Dogwood Canyon Nature Park (dogwoodcanyon.org). Both paths are relatively flat and easy, with lovely views from start to finish. The Frisco spans 35 miles from Springfield to Bolivar with multiple trailheads, and Dogwood Canyon has 6 miles of paved paths. When you’re feeling a bit more daring, try Two Rivers Bike Park

or Dirt 66 in the Springfield area (trailspring.org), or Howler Bike Park near Branson (howlerbikepark. com). All three offer excellent mountain biking trails.

Stoc Yo r Bir ee er This time of year, bluebirds are looking for places to nest and some super-colorful migrating birds (like orioles) are passing through the Ozarks. Your backyard can be the perfect place for them to rest their wings, so use these warming spring days to stock your backyard birdfeeders with seeds. This buffet will likely draw other year-round birds as well, like sprightly chickadees, bright cardinals, the adorably mohawked tufted titmouse and more.

Photo by Brandi Keltner

417PlasticSurgery.com 417.875.3246 3555 S. National

on t forget to fill your ird feeder to see all the eautiful irds utter around your yard this spring

Prep Yo r eggie ar en Do you have the frost date on your calendar? This is the date when the last frost of the season is expected to happen. Once the frost date passes, you should be able to plant seeds and starts in your garden without worrying about a late chill knocking them out.

For Springfield, the 2024 frost date is April 10. That means right now is the perfect time to set up porch pots and prep raised gardening beds to get them ready for planting. Then enjoy harvest after harvest during the Ozarks’ long growing season.

H nt or Spring B oo s Starting in March, 417-land begins to burst with bright color as flowers and trees explode with blooms. To follow the blooming action, we recommend taking regular strolls through the paths at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park (2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield). It’s many themed gardens are maintained by volunteers who are avid gardeners, and they are great places to see a variety of spring color and then summertime blooms. The rose garden and the lily garden explode with fragrant blooms. There are also gardens for irises, peonies and more—each blooming in its own time throughout the season.

9794 State Hwy 13 | Kimberling City, MO 417-779-4060 2701 NE Hudson Rd. | Rogers, AR 479-877-5151

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OUTDOOR LIVING

The Scha els’ colonial-style front porch.

THE ENGLISH PORCH The Schaffitzels’ plant-filled porches have become sweet escapes.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRANDON ALMS

M

ike and Betsy Schaffitzel call a dreamy colonial-style house out in Fair Grove home. In 2003, they broke ground and spent the following six years building their dream home. Imagine cruising along the East Coast and looking at all the regal colonial homes—that’s where Betsy drew her inspira-

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tion. “I’ve never been to the East Coast, but I love the style,” Betsy says. She spent a lot of time scouring through books and magazines looking at pictures of colonial homes.

Their porches—a darling front porch and a screened-in porch on the side of the house— have become sweet oases. In the mornings,

Mike and Betsy sip their coffee on the screened porch where they can see the sunrise and in the evenings, they unwind on the front porch. Both porches are adorned with greenery and the flowers of the season.

The Schaffitzel family includes six children, with three currently in the school-aged range

OUTDOOR LIVING

The Scha t els’ cat, Paws, lounges in the purr-fect spot.

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receiving homeschooling. “The kids utilize that side porch a lot for school,” Betsy says. When the weather is nice, the kids enjoy the fresh air on the porch while learning from their tutor.

From birthday parties to Fourth of July parties to dinner parties, the Schaffitzels are natural hosts. They use the side porch to entertain guests, and it also leads to a beautiful pool—a popular spot during the summer.

Betsy took style inspiration for the porches from Schaffitzel’s Flowers (1771 E. Atlantic St., Springfield), the greenhouse her mother-in-law, Barbara, owns and Mike manages and operates with his brother. The cushions on their outdoor furniture feature black and white stripes. “They were inspired by our black and white awnings at the flower shop,” Betsy says. Their entire family and many friends helped with the house, Barbara helped her stain and paint the entire house, and a lot of the house was built by Mike. “He built all the trim inside, he did all the wiring inside, and he laid all the flooring in the whole house,” Betsy says. “It’s kind of a labor of love.”

• ONE OF THE SOUTH’S FINEST RESTAURANTS • PRIVATE CLUB • TENNIS COURTS • SWIMMING POOL • NATURE TRAILS • CONFERENCE LODGE he sunroom nook is the Schaffit els favorite spot

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Gastons.com he Schaffit els have all the perfect hosting details 417MAG.COM • 417 MAGAZINE

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OUTDOOR LIVING

A lush greenery archway greets you when you enter the Scha t els’ front walkway.

Our Family Serving Yours Since 1977 Experience the comfort and serenity that Missouri Furniture's selection of Caldera and Fantasy Hot Tubs offers. Dive into warm waters and let daily stresses melt away, providing an oasis right at home.

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Mike and Betsy have created a relaxing oasis with lots of greenery and o ers

he vie from the Schaffit els ack sunroom looks over their pool, the perfect summer spot for relaxing or splashing around.

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We Help Your Brain Help You. Cereset® uses a patented BrainEcho® technology. EEG records imbalances and acoustically reflects the information back to the brain. This enables the brain to relax, rebalance and reset. Cereset helps insomnia, stress, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety and depression.

To learn more, call 417-616-7802 to book a consultation today! cereset.com | 2039 Brentwood Blvd, Springfield

Each spring, the All School Exhibition celebrates the extraordinary vision of our community’s student artists. This exhibit features hundreds of works by students in kindergarten through 12th grades in Springfield’s public, private and parochial schools, as well as by local homeschool cooperatives. Support for the All School Exhibition is generously provided by the George & Linda Deatz Family.

1111 E. Brookside Dr. Springfield 65807 417-873-5700 | sgfmuseum.org @sgfmuseum

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Paws guards the front entryway, adorned with lots of greenery and o ers he hydrangeas on either side of the door are blue in early spring and turn a rosy color later in the year. hese o ers, adding right pops of color, are called goldenrod and help the Schaffit els space feel warm and vibrant. The sunroom has plenty of seating, perfect for family and friends to sit together and spend time with each other for holidays or birthday parties.

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Judging by the unwavering passion of its players, the pickleball craze isn't just a phase. It's taken the nation by storm over the past few years, and 417-land certainly hasn't been immune. To gain a little insight into the phenomenon, we went straight to the source and interviewed some key local players. So what's the bottom line? The sport's camaraderie is contagious, and any of us could be the next convert.

WRITTEN BY TESSA COOPER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOSH KINGHAM 417MAG.COM • 417 MAGAZINE

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PLOP! WHACK! THWACK! In a pickleball game, the sound of ball-to-paddle-to-pavement is a bit like a metronome that progressively speeds up as the play intensifies. To a pickleball player, it’s a meditative song that helps them descend into a state of flow. In those few moments on the court, their attention is fully focused on the ball, and nothing else matters.

These are just a few observations gleaned from a morning spent watching Debbie Grega and her friends play one of their routine games on her very own backyard court surfaced by Gerald Perry Tennis Company (gptennis.com, 417-894-9024). Before picking up pickleball, all five of these women were strangers. “It just sort of happened organically over time,” Grega says. “We all met in open play or at tournaments and found that we were of similar playing levels. Now, we try to get together weekly to play. Our games are always very competitive.”

Pickleball is an indoor and outdoor sport that combines elements of several other racquet and paddle sports, including tennis, badminton and ping pong. All you need to play is a court, a partner, a paddle and a pickleball,

which is a plastic ball that resembles a wiffle ball but is slightly heavier.

According to a 2023 report by The Association of Pickleball Professionals, at least 48.3 million American adults have played pickleball at least once in the past year. That accounts for close to 19% of the total adult population. The rapid increase brings a few growing pains, and any local pickleball player knows the sport is also a practice in patience.

On extra busy days at a court, players reserve their turn by lining up their paddles. It's not uncommon for there to be just as many people waiting to play as there are on the courts during peak times.

“Pickleball is growing so quickly it has become hard to find a spot to have your own group of 4 or 5 play without interruption,” Grega says.

“Meador Park is great for open play and meeting new people, but since so many people want to play, you often have to play one game and then rotate off the court so others have a turn. Having my own court has allowed us to play for hours at a time.”

But unless you’ve invested in your own court like Grega, pickleball really isn’t a casual backyard sport like badminton. In fact, that’s a misconception that Matt Battaglia, current president of the Ozarks Pickleball Club, previously had when his neighbor introduced him to the sport a little more than five years ago. “When I first started out, I thought it merely was a backyard-type game played recreationally,” he says. “I didn’t even realize it was a popular sport that people played until I plugged into the community. It’s not uncommon for people to play two to five times per week.”

Photo y odd undenho er

Y O U R O W N B A C K YA R D

Avid pickleballer Debbie Grega enjoys playing in pickleball tournaments at Meador Park. She also has a court of her own in her backyard where she and friends try to get together weekly. Their pickleball games often wind up being even more competitive than official tournament games.

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Pickleball

BY THE NUMBERS

2013 he Springfield reene County Park Board has been o ering pickle all programs at family centers since 2013.

Today, there are dedicated pickleball courts at 10 locations five of hich are indoor and five outdoor

In 2017, the Park Board converted six of the courts at Meador Park to pickleball courts in response to the growing popularity. As of 2023, all 12 of the courts at Meador Park are now pickleball courts.

2023 n , Springfield hosted the USA Pickleball Middle States Regional at Cooper Tennis Complex. This event had 425 participants and an estimated economic spending of , Springfield is hosting the event again in 2024, and the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission is anticipating even more participants in 2024.

2022–2023 The 2022 and 2023 Queen City Open tournaments, presented y Springfield Roofing Systems, arks Pickleball Club and the Park Board, raised close to $100,000 collectively for pickleball improvements at Springfield reene County Park Board facilities.

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DIVE FOR IT

Matt Battaglia, current president of the Ozarks Pickleball Club, plays with his wife and friends on a eekly asis Battagalia first started playing more than five years ago and says one of his favorite things about the sport is its inclusivity. People of all ages and activity levels can easily learn to play and maintain a good backand-forth momentum.

Photo courtesy Matt Battaglia

2017

ANOTHER MISCONCEPTION about pickleball is that it is a new sport; in reality, it’s been around since the late 1960s. So what’s with the seemingly overnight boom? Although pickleball started to rise in popularity slightly before the pandemic, it really took off post-pandemic after the world emerged from isolation. One common theme that arose from our interviews with players is how pickleball is a social sport, so it’s a great way to meet people and make new friends.

As for why the sport has been catching on so quickly, Battaglia has a few theories. “There’s a couple of things that make it so popular and addictive,” Battaglia says.

“The first is that anyone can play. It’s very accessible for any age, any body type and any gender. It’s one of the only true sports that you could see anybody play with anybody. It’s not uncommon to have 70-year-olds playing with 20-year-olds or a husband and wife playing together…The second thing is that it’s relatively easy to pick up. Within a couple of times of playing, you can be adequate enough to hit the ball back and forth several times.” Battaglia notes that even beginners can maintain a good backand-forth momentum.

There are a few factors that make pickleball a good socializing sport. The small court size allows for conversation, and people often play the sport in doubles, which includes four players. “The culture of pickleball is very inclusive,” Battaglia says. “When you go to designated open play, you’re expected to rotate in every game and play with different people.”

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GET THE GEAR If you’re ready to try out the pickleball life for yourself, consider supporting a local business when buying your equipment. Hexa is a Hollister-based company that makes pickleball paddles and distributes them globally, and you can order yours at hexapickleball.com. “In the pickle76

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ball paddle universe where there is a lot of competition, Hexa may initially seem like standard equipment,” explains Roberto Camara, Hexa’s owner. “However, our focus is not on hidden secrets or groundbreaking technology; rather, it revolves around the craftsmanship and attention to detail we pour into each paddle.”

Photo by Josh Kingham

CARY PRATER first picked up a pickleball paddle about two years ago and now plays around five times a week. He’s seen firsthand how the sport has positively changed lives.

“Pickleball is giving people a sense of community again,” he says. “I have introduced people to play, and it has completely changed their social life in more ways than one.

Some of them were depressed and felt isolated, and now they’re finding fulfillment in a community of people who enjoy doing the same thing…

It really helped me through a troubling time when I was going through personal issues. It helped me get out and make great friends that I can call to go play pickleball at any time.

It’s just been a really good feeling to have friends again and not be so isolated sitting at home on social media.”

The social aspect of pickleball has also proven itself useful in the local business scene in a way similar to golf. Sophie Pierpoint, vice president and business development officer at OMB Bank, routinely takes clients to play pickleball. Furthermore, the bank even sponsors pickleball tournaments throughout the Springfield area.

Pierpoint has been a longtime friend of Jackie Stiles, former WNBA player and current owner of NexGen Fitness, and Stiles introduced her to the sport in 2020. When Pierpoint started at OMB, pickleball was starting to take off locally. She noticed that multi-generations of people play pickleball together and realized that it could be useful in connecting with potential bank customers of all ages and walks of life.

“I often play with customers at different places in and around Springfield to keep building good relationships with them,” Pierpoint says. “I love how playing pickleball recreationally allows a way to naturally meet new people and how it's centered around exercise and social engagement. The time between games is great for socializing and networking. I’ve found the pickleball community to be very kind, caring and committed. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people over the last 1.5 years who have become customers and friends… I feel like through sports, you gain another level of trust with people.”

T

Photo Photo bybyBrandon BrandonAlms, Almscourtesy HEXA

here are dozens of local places to play pickleball, but one major hotspot is Pickleball Warehouse in Marionville, where owner RaNay Riffe sits at the helm and hosts five separate pickleball leagues. Riffe started playing pickleball almost nine years ago, but just a few months in, she was fully committed to the sport. “I was a runner at the time and worked out at the gym a lot,” she recalls. “Throughout the course of six months, I dropped gym membership, quit running 5Ks and just focused on pickleball.” Within two years, she had already advanced to a 5.0 skill level, which is a pro skill level rating set by USA Pickleball, the governing body for the sport.

Riffe opened the original location of Pickleball Warehouse in an old warehouse in Marionville owned by

her father. In 2019, the warehouse wasn’t currently in use, so her family decided to convert it into their personal gym, complete with volleyball and pickleball courts. Riffe was hosting pickleball lessons in Springfield and Republic at the time but rarely at the family’s private gym. But come 2020, when everything shut down, that changed. “People started calling and texting me saying, ‘We just want to play pickleball. We want lessons but everywhere is closed. What do we do?’” Riffe remembers. “And I said, 'Well, if you want to drive to Marionville, I have a gym, and I can do lessons with you if you’re willing to come down here.’ People jumped all over it because they were desperate.

That’s really what developed the business. It wasn’t something we did with the intent of making it a business.”

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

n anuary , someone approached Ri e s father a out purchasing the arehouse So in light of the sale, Ri e simply uilt Pickle all Warehouse 2.0 next to the original location in October 2023; it features seven courts.

Camara lives in Hollister but is currently collaborating with individuals in Brazil to establish the Brazilian Confederation of Pickleball. In 2017, he began making visits to Brazil to help introduce the sport to the country. At that time, he was serving as an ambassador for the International Federation of Pickleball, but the decision to ven-

ture into Brazil was a self-initiated and self-funded endeavor While spreading a areness a out pickleball [in Brazil], we noticed that people lacked the necessary equipment to continue playing the sport,” he says. Initially, he started importing paddles from what are now Hexa’s competitors and sold them in Brazil. The demand

was enough for Camara to consider manufacturing his own paddles rather than reselling equipment While the company originally focused on selling paddles exclusively in Brazil, interest grew stateside when people noticed Camara playing with his Hexa paddle. Now, the company’s main markets are both the U.S. and Brazil.

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NOW, PICKLEBALL Warehouse is Riffe’s full-time job, and running the business is a family affair. Her husband is a school teacher, but he fills his summers off by teaching pickleball classes and running tournaments alongside Riffe. Their 13-year-old son, who has almost reached pro-level, also loves assisting Riffe with classes and teaching private lessons, while their 11-year-old daughter helps run the on-site smoothie bar and designs fliers for the business.

Doubles, which involves two players on each side of the court, is the most common way to play the sport. Riffe got her start playing singles, which is a oneon-one match. “Singles is a very different game,” she says. “It requires a different strategy, and it’s a whole other level of cardio. [Singles] was all I did for the first year. I played several tournaments, and I won every tournament I played in. So my skill level just kind of kept rising, and I was being approached everywhere.

People wanted me to play doubles, and I was very resistant for a long time but finally went to doubles. Now I totally prefer doubles. I still love to play singles, but doubles is so much fun.”

While Riffe sees a variety of ages come to Pickleball Warehouse, one major demographic is retirees. David Gibbs first started playing pickleball in 2019, and he instantly became hooked. He was still working at the time, so he had limited time to spend on the court. But once he retired and the pandemic passed, he was able to start playing two times a week. “Pickleball is a game you can start playing at any age,” Gibbs says. “Everyone is welcoming and friendly, and the better players are always willing to help and include new players.”

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Mary Kay Hostler is another player who first started when she was nearing retirement in 2017, and her only regret is that she didn’t start sooner.

Now, she’s known by many locally as “The Queen of Pickleball.” Hostler loves helping beginners of all ages learn the sport, but especially her peers. One thing she likes to remind her students is that “no ball is worth the fall.” However, she notes that the physical and mental health benefits far outweigh the fall risk. “I have met so many people, and my social world has grown immensely because of pickleball,” she says. “I think everybody who routinely plays would tell you that part of the reason why they play is the circle of friends that they made and the relationships that have grown out of the sport.”

While retirees may be the demographic with the most time to play, they’re not the most common demographic of players. USA Pickleball reports that the average age of players is just under 35 years old. However, there are no defined age limits, and Pickleball Warehouse sees children as young as eight years old playing.

“There are so many young people that are up and coming and playing this now,” Prater says. “To see the young people get so involved and become so good at it blows my mind.”

While many people play recreationally, there is a growing professional scene. In fact, Drury University is adding a non-NCAA co-ed pickleball team to its sports offerings beginning in the fall 2024 semester.

Drury’s pickleball team won’t simply be a club sport or student organization. Drury will be the first college to have an official pickleball team with a staff coach. Plus, students will be able to receive pickleball scholarships.

The university is currently adding the final touches to Panther Pad, an outdoor recreation center complete with six pickleball courts plus a tennis and a basketball court.

J

arrod Smith, who also coaches the college’s tennis team, will be leading the team. “My dream has always been to start up a college pickleball team,” Smith says. “It’s what I’m really passionate about right now. I’m passionate about the people, I’m passionate about the sport and I’m passionate about this community. I just felt like this is where I needed to be, and this is my way of giving back to pickleball.”

Smith began playing pickleball nearly a decade ago. He's currently at a 5.5 skill level but rose to 5.8 at one point. In 2021, he won the first-ever indoor mixed doubles National Championship and the Men's 35 and Over National Championship. “It was an amazing experience,” Smith says. “There were thousands of people competing and every year it gets bigger and bigger.”

Battaglia encourages anyone interested in pickleball to request to join Ozark Pickleball Club’s private Facebook group (facebook.com/OzarksPickleballClub). Here, local pickleball players share memes about the quirks of pickleball life, answer questions for beginners, crowdsource information on new places to play and spread the news on upcoming tournaments. Ozarks Pickleball Club also partners with several local municipalities to help grow pickleball. Recently, the club helped host an annual tournament titled The Queen City Open, which has raised close to $100,000 to help fund future renovations and additions to the courts at Springfield-Greene County parks. In 2022, the board was able to expand the number of pickleball courts at Meador Park from six to 12, in part thanks to this event.

“As much as [pickleball] has grown the last five years, I think we're still just on the tip of the iceberg because it's just now catching on on college and high school campuses,” Battaglia says. “Look at what Drury is doing with starting a pickleball team and building six dedicated courts on campus. I think we're going to see it more and more in high schools as not just part of a P.E. class but actually an extracurricular sport that's offered. Locally, our club’s vision is to continue to work with local towns to build more courts and offer more pickleball programs. We’re going to continue to work with them to help grow the sport, publicly but also privately. We’re actively seeking sponsors and partners to build our own indoor facility because that’s what’s needed in the area.”

Photos courtesy Jarrod Smith

PUT ME IN COACH

Jarrod Smith is Drury University’s tennis coach and will be the coach for the pickle all team rury is the first university to have an official pickleall team ith a sta coach Students ill e a le to receive pickle all scholarships and compete on their outdoor recreation center, Panther Pad, which includes six courts. Smith is the perfect person to coach the pickleball team; he’s won in multiple national championships and is currently ranked at a 5.5 skill level.

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Where to Play

Chances are, you don't live too far from a pickleball court. Whether you're interested in structured and serious play or more casual and laid-back, here's where you can master the art.

C A S U A L P L AY If you’re in it for more of the social aspect, here’s where you can bring a group of friends for a laid-back game on a whim.

BOLIVAR RECREATION AND AQUATICS CENTER

CRIBBS FAMILY YOUTH PARK

HICKORY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

SYCAMORE CREEK FAMILY RANCH

1710 W. Broadway, Bolivar bolivar.mo.us/parks-recreation A day pass to the Bolivar Recreation and Aquatics Center costs $5. See the front desk for a pickleball net.

410 W. Madison St., Bolivar he nonprofit riends of Bolivar Parks recently fundraised enough money to help the City of Bolivar install three new pickleball courts at Cribbs Family outh Park he courts officially opened in November 2023.

3909 E. Cherry St., Springfield hickoryhillscountryclub.com The pickleball courts at Hickory Hills Country Club are available daily for open play for members. You can also book one of the club’s courts ahead of time online.

FREMONT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY PARK BOARD OUTDOOR PARKS

2657 Sunset Inn Rd., Branson sycamorecreekfamilyranch.com Sycamore Creek Family Ranch is a venue in Branson that hosts community events year-round, such as barn dances and pizza nights. There’s an outdoor pickleball court covered by a pavilion, so bring your ball sand paddles on your next visit!

CLASSIC'S YARD 1900 W. Sunset St., Springfield classicsyard.com Classic’s Yard is an indoor social sport and game center located at Classic Rock Co ee he site s four pickle all courts are smaller than regulation size but are still perfect for casual and social games. Entry is $5 for ages 21 and up and $10 for under age 21. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

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1953 Fremont Hills Dr., Nixa fremonthillsgolf.com There are six pickleball courts available for use by members.

parkboard.org/662/Pickleball ou ll find outdoor pickle all courts at five parks eador, orace ann, Nichols, Westport and agonyi eador Park is an especially popular pickleball hotspot with 12 pickleball courts.

TWIN OAKS COUNTRY CLUB 1020 E. Republic Rd., Springfield twinoakscountryclub.com There are eight dedicated pickleball courts available to members.

S T R U C T U R E D P L AY These local pickleball haunts are where you'll find open play, lessons and leagues that range from beginner to competitive.

BRANSON RECPLEX

EISERMAN PARK

1501 Branson Hills Pkwy., Branson bransonparksandrecreation. com/778/Pickleball The Branson RecPlex has six indoor courts with various open play times. The drop-in fee is $5 or $35 for a punch pass for 10 visits.

201 Compton Drive, Branson bransonparksandrecreation. com/778/Pickleball Eiserman Park is home to three outdoor lighted courts available, and there is no fee to play. Open play times vary, check the Branson Parks and Recreation calendar.

CHESTERFIELD FAMILY CENTER 2511 W. Republic Rd., Springfield parkboard.org/chesterfield Indoor pen play takes place Thurs., p m and Sat , pm It is free for members but costs for non mem ers

DAN KINNEY CENTER 2701 S. Blackman Rd., Springfield parkboard.org/dkfc Indoor open play takes place Tues. and hurs , am p m and on , Wed , ri , p m ri , p m t is free for mem ers ut costs for non mem ers

DOLING FAMILY CENTER 301 E. Talmage, Springfield parkboard.org/doling ndoor open play takes place Wed , ri , Sat a m hurs , 3:30 p.m. It is free for members but costs for non mem ers

FIELDHOUSE SPORTSCENTER 2235 W. Kingsley St., Springfield parkboard.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Fieldhouse-Sportscenter-127 Matt Battaglia hosts monthly pickleball clinics at The Fieldhouse.

Pickleballs are provided, but participants must bring their own paddles.

MCDONALD ARENA AT MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY 850 S. Kings Ave., Springfield missouristate.edu/Wellness/Pickleball.htm There are three pickleball courts at McDonald Arena. Ozarks Pickleball Club hosts beginner to intermediate classes every Tuesday through April from p m for Missouri State students, employees and employee spouses.

MILLWOOD GOLF AND RACQUET CLUB

PICKLEBALL WAREHOUSE

3700 E. Millwood Dr., Ozark millwoodgolf.com There are several pickleball courts available for use at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club. Each summer, the club hosts a pickleball activity series with tournaments and weekly leagues for members and non-members alike.

515 W. Jonathan Dr., Marionville facebook.com/RaNayPBallPro Pickle all Warehouse is home to seven pickleball courts and hosts five pickle all leagues ou can also attend a monthly beginner class.

O’REILLY-TEFFT GYMNASIUM 1408 E. Pythian, Springfield parkboard.org/318/OReilly-Tefft-Gymnasium ndoor open play at Reilly e t Gymnasium takes place Mon. and hurs , a m p m o get it, the cost is $35 for a 10-visit punch card or $5 for a single day pass.

PAT JONES YMCA 1901 E. Republic Rd. orymca.org/locations/pat-jonesymca The Pat Jones YMCA hosts open play pickleball on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is free for YMCA members, and a guest pass costs $12.

REPUBLIC COMMUNITY CENTER 711 E. Miller Rd., Republic The Republic Community Center hosts frequent pickleball doubles tournaments.

SCHWEITZER CHURCH 2747 E. Sunshine St., Springfield schweitzer.church Schweitzer welcomes visitors to play three days a eek from p.m. Mon. and Tues. are reserved for intermediate players, but beginners are welcome on Sat.

STALNECKER BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB 1410 N. Fremont, Springfield bgclubspringfield.org/locations/ stalnaker-unit pen play takes place on hurs from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.. It costs $5 for a day pass or $45 for a 15play punch card.

COURTS COMING SOON LOOSE GOOSE 1015 S. Grant, Springfield In 2022, GDL Enterprises, LLC received city council approval for Loose Goose, and now the site is expanding. The developers have hopes of a higher-density development at the corner of Grand and Grant including pickleball courts, co ee, cocktails, office space and housing.

PANTHER PAD AT DRURY UNIVERSITY 900 N. Benton Ave., Springfield drurypanthers.com/sports/pickleball rury niversity is orking on the final touches to Panther Pad, an outdoor recreation center for Drury students, complete with six pickleball courts. It might just be ready to go by the time you read this.

THE PICKLE

THE SOCIAL BIRDY

facebook.com/ThePickleSpringfieldMO 3370 E. Montclair St, Springfield With an opening date set for late summer, he Pickle ill o er four year round indoor pickleball courts with state of the art ooring developed just for pickleball. Look for the new facility near Battlefield and igh ay in Springfield

thesocialbirdy.com 1250 Branson Hills Pkwy., Branson The Social Birdy is an entertainment complex that is still in the construction phase in Branson. It will feature four pickleball courts plus an 18-hole putting golf course. At press time, they were planning an opening around mid-April.

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Exploring xploring the Smoky Mountains n ns on the less wild side

Winter is waning and the mountains are calling. The two-state Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes an easy road trip vacation from Springfield. If you go, consider staying on the North Carolina side for a less touristy experience.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY SONY HOCKLANDER

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iving in Springfield means we have easy access to outdoor adventures less than three hours away. But we’re just as fortunate to live within reach of adventure-rich vacation destinations you can drive to in a day.

Count the Great Smoky Mountains National Park among them. If you long for soaring peaks, amazing vistas, tall waterfalls, rivers to raft, incredible hikes and historic culture, put the Smokies on the top of your go-to list.

Covering half a million acres and straddling two states—Tennessee and the western tip of North Carolina—there’s more to see and do inside and around the park than you could get to in a single week. But you’ll have a blast trying.

While Ozarkers tend to book lodging on the Tennessee side, we visited North Carolina’s southern side near Bryson City, about 90 minutes farther, for a less touristy experience.

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River’s End Restaurant

Why Bryson City and Swain County If you’d rather save Branson-style entertainment for, well, Branson, pass on tourist towns near the park in Tennessee and go south. After all, about 40 percent of the Smoky Mountains is in North Carolina’s Swain County, considered the quieter, less crowded side but rich with mountain adventures in and around the national park.

We stayed near Bryson City, a quaint small mountain town of 1,500 just south of national park boundaries. It makes a great central location for searching nearby rentals, and once you arrive, it’s a charming home base for picking up groceries, dining out, enjoying craft breweries and wineries and visiting quaint shops.

Bryson City is also a Smoky Mountains gateway town to enter the park at the Deep Creek Recreation Area. Nearby, explore the Nantahala River Gorge, experience Cherokee and Appalachian culture, view breathtaking vistas, hike to gorgeous waterfalls and drive scenic byways.

The Smoky Mountains’ Southern Border Bryson City is a convenient place to start your first day out. Stop by the 1908 historic courthouse, now a visitor center and heritage museum (swainheritagemuseum.com), where staff can help you plan. Also find maps, brochures and information to take along.

On our first day, we entered the Smokies via the Deep Creek Recreation Area, just north of Bryson City. It was a lovely introduction to the national park with easy hiking trails and three beautiful waterfalls, plus places to fish, camp and picnic. We also enjoyed watching a popular activity: tubing down Deep Creek (on our “next trip” list). Hike a short loop trail to see the Juney Whank Falls, then hike the Deep Creek Trail to

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Fontana Lake, Lakeview Drive

Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. There is plenty to see and photograph.

Not far from Deep Creek is the “Road to Nowhere,” as locals call it. Officially, it’s the scenic Lakeview Drive, which goes six miles into the park and ends somewhat abruptly at the opening of a tunnel. The short scenic drive provides views of Fontana Lake and access to several trails including the Noland Creek Trail (a good place to fish). Like other tourists, we parked and walked through the quarter-mile tunnel, which was good timing since it started to rain. The tunnel area also connects to the Goldmine Loop, Forney Creek Trail, Lakeshore Trail and more.

Road to Nowhere, Lakeview Drive

Adventures Start in Cherokee The main North Carolina Smoky Mountains gateway is the reservation town of Cherokee.

Stop at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to gather maps, information, ranger advice and, if you don’t have one yet, a parking pass ($5, $15 or $40) for stopping in the park. You might even see elk grazing in fields nearby.

Explore a bit of Cherokee before entering the park, or plan to return another day. A few spots of interest include the Museum of the Cherokee People, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, shopping, fountains in the summer, the Oconaluftee Islands Park and painted bear sculptures. Stop at the Cherokee Visitor Center for information (visitcherokeenc.com).

Don’t miss the Smoky Mountain Farm Museum near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The late 19th century farm was recreated by the National Park Service using authentic structures from around the park. Walk the easy Oconaluftee River Trail and, if it’s open, visit the Mingus Mill.

Less than 15 minutes from town at the Mingo Falls Campground is one of the southern mountain area’s tallest waterfalls at 120 feet.

The trail, less than half a mile, is mostly up a long set of stairs. It’s worth the uphill climb to see and photograph these spectacular falls.

Newfound Gap Road Our longest day in the Smokies centered around Newfound Gap Road (a.k.a. US-441). Some of the most scenic areas of the park can be accessed from the 31-mile south-north artery that connects the two states between Oconaluftee and Sugarlands visitor centers.

Plan your priorities before getting too far, you could stop dozens of times and hike a variety of trails. The southern end of the road passes on Fighting Creek Gap Road about four miles to reach Laurel Falls. The paved 2.4-mile out-and-back trail attracts families with kids who love to splash.

Illustration by Jordan Dykstra

Getting There Drive rive Time 11.5 hours

Distance from Springfield 686–715 miles

Directions Take U.S. 60 east out of Springfield to Poplar Bluff and from there, choose from one of two directions that take roughly the same amount of drive time.

The first (683 miles) goes through Nashville to Bryson City. This itinerary includes 11 scenic miles in North Carolina of what’s known as the Tail of the Dragon (a favorite for motorcyclists).

The second (715 miles) goes through Chattanooga, entering North Carolina farther south. Choose this direction to stop at additional scenic recreation areas including the Ocoee River in Tennessee, known for its whitewater rafting.

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Smoky Mountain

National Park

W

Fast Facts Entry Fee: None Parking Passes: Required to stop more than 15 minutes. Purchase online or at visitor centers for $5 (daily), $15 (weekly) and $40 (annual); nps.gov/ grsm/planyourvisit/fees Elevations: 875 to 6,643 feet Main Artery Road: Newfound Gap Road, north to south Miles of Roads: 384 Miles of Streams: 2,900 Black Bears: Roughly 1,900 Most Popular Trails: Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls, Chimney Tops (nps.gov/ grsm/planyourvisit/hiking)

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Nantahala River, Wayah Road

During our return trip south, we made a few more scenic stops including the Morton Overlook for its panoramic views (also known for great sunsets). Just past Newfound Gap, we turned west for seven miles to Clingmans Dome, an observation tower and the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet. We hoped the fog would clear by time we arrived but alas, it did not. We still huffed our way up a steep half-mile trail to reach the 45-foot tower with a 360-degree view. Once in the dome, the clouds broke long enough for a taste of the amazing view.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest The next day we drove back to Cherokee for another day’s adventure, this time starting a portion of the famous 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway (blueridgeparkway.org). We enjoyed several overlooks on the BRP including Lickstone Ridge, Thunder Struck Ridge, Woolyback, Cranberry Ridge, Thomas Divide and the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center at 6,000 feet elevation.

While there were many more sites on the BRP, we jumped off near Waynesville to chase waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest area, starting with the Moore Cove Falls Trail off U.S. 276. The waterfall, somewhat remote, is easy to find at the end of a .7-mile trail that crosses Looking Glass Creek. There’s a viewing platform some distance from the falls but we saw other hikers splashing at the base.

Continuing east on U.S. 276, we came to the crowd-favorite 60-foot Looking Glass Falls. Trailheads for hikes to Looking Glass Rock and John Rock are three miles away, and the popular Sliding Rock recreation area—a natural waterslide experience—is just two miles away.

Photos by Sony Hocklander, courtesy Shutterstock, illustrations by Jordan Dykstra

ith its diversity of terrain and points of interest within half a million acres, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States, according to the National Park Service. Evenly divided between Tennessee and North Carolina, the park preserves historic spots within the ancient Appalachian Mountains including those built between 1933 and 1942 by roughly 4,000 Civilian Conservation Corps workers.

Considered the most biodiverse park in the national park system, it features old growth forests, spring wildflowers and many animals including elk, black bears, white-tailed deer, box turtles, spotted salamanders, barred owls and coyotes. It’s also a cultural adventure: Expect to experience a taste of Southern Appalachian history.

Plan also for temperature variations up to 20 degrees, depending on elevation.

Families can access ranger-led programs for children during spring, summer and fall. And kids between ages 5 and 12 can become junior rangers. Plus the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (gamit.org) offers summer camps, programs, family camps, workshops for kids and more. The Smoky Mountain Field School (nps.gov) has weekend workshops and activities for families.

Moore Cove Falls Description

Photos courtesy Shutterstock, , illustrations by Jordan Dykstra

Clingmans Dome

Nantahala River Gorge We saved river-centric adventures around the Nantahala Gorge for our last day of vacation.

Nantahala means “land of the noon-day sun” in the Cherokee language. It makes sense: The river flows through an eight-mile gorge so deep, some places only get sunlight for a short time each day.

The river, with water levels controlled by a dam, is central to the region’s outdoor scene, especially whitewater adventures via several outfitters. A scenic drive west of Bryson City along U.S. 19/74 goes through the gorge where zip lines, places to dine and stay and more river recreation, including trout fishing, are available.

While exploring the Nantahala, we stopped now and then to fish and take photographs. We

Where to stay The national park has 10 developed campgrounds including several in the southern regions (recreation.gov), plus more than 100 backcountry sites. More campgrounds are available outside park boundaries in surrounding communities including 10 with Bryson City addresses (greatsmokies.com).

Not a camper? Some campgrounds also have cabins and yurts, and there’s a plethora of cabins, rentals and hotels south of the park. In addition to searching VRBO and Airbnb for rentals, check out the list of 15 lodge and cabin companies on the Bryson City website (greatsmokies. com) as we did.

also walked part of the two-mile Nantahala River bikeway near the upper cascades and stopped at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (noc.com) where, in addition to river views and adventures, visitors can also dine at riverside restaurants.

Exploring Wayah Road is a great way to see the river up close at handicap accessible fishing piers and pools near cascading falls. The river and its tributaries, including White Oak Creek, are simply gorgeous. With so many pretty cascades to explore, we could have wandered all day. And the next. And the next.

With all that we saw, there’s so much more to see: It’s a sure bet we’ll go back.

12 Note there are no cabins or lodges within the national park except one you must hike to reach.

LeConte Lodge, open March 25-Nov. 27 in 2024 with dining and a capacity of 60, is accessible via five different trails ranging five to nine miles each. Make your reservation well ahead of time (lecontelodge.com).

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 FRESH OFF THE SKILLET, 98  FEELING FISHY, 100  FROZEN DELICACY, 103

brownie

POINTS

Photos by Brandon Alms

The Jimm’s Brownie from Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub is topped with peanut butter mousse and espresso fudge sauce. Find more on p. 98.

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[ REVIEW ]

OLD FAVE, NEW TASTES Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub’s newly revamped menu offers fresh takes on familiar steakhouse fare—and a new appetizer that knocked our socks off.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRANDON ALMS

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REVIEW The build-your-own salad bar at Jimm’s Steakouse & Pub is a perennial fan favorite.

 The atmosphere at Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub is warm and classic, with light sneaking in through stained glass windows and a bit of a Tudor feel to the building, both inside and out.

Y

ou know those restaurants that you go to over and over again because you know exactly what you’ll order and exactly how it’ll taste? Those places that are familiar, and reliably excellent? Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub has fallen into that category for years, with a stable menu that always delivers. But recently, the restaurant has done a bit of a menu revamp and is now offering a fun mix of those classics plus new options that are all worth exploring.

While several favorites remain on the menu— like the perfectly steamed mussels in a white wine garlic broth, and the delightfully addictive bacon-wrapped peppadews appetizer—the new dishes give longtime Jimm’s patrons a chance to taste something brand new.

It was the new stuff that we were most interested in during our visit, so we started with the crab cakes appetizer. It was, undoubtedly, the right choice. These were probably the best crab cakes I’ve ever had. They were hefty and shareable—and absolutely packed with tender, sweet crab meet. My 7-year-old daughter Eloise wasn’t so sure about trying crab cakes, but my 11-yearold son Oliver tasted them and declared them incredible. Between him, my husband Eli, and me, we devoured them. Our server told us that the crew at Jimm’s had spent about a year perfecting the recipe. Before adding them to the menu, they fiddled with the size of the crab cakes and the flaClockwise from top: build-your-own salad bar, crab cakes appetizer, New York strip steak with broccoli and gratella mashed reds, and lemon pepper encrusted chicken.

vors until they felt they were just right. The effort was well worth it.

In addition to our app, we started the meal with a trip to the salad bar. That’s another of the customer favorites that made the cut when the menu was revamped. As always, every veggie was super-fresh—and who doesn’t love building their own salad?

For my entree, I ordered the new lemon-pepper encrusted chicken. A large chicken breast is lightly breaded and topped with a bright and creamy lemon sauce that added a lovely lightness to a dish that might otherwise feel a bit heavy. It was served over a bed of skin-on mashed potatoes with asparagus on the side.

One thing to know about Jimm’s: They do not skimp on portions. Between the app, bread service, my salad and this enormous entree, I definitely went home with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. So did everyone else in my family.

Eli went the steak route, ordering a New York strip that was cooked perfectly to his preferences.

The new menu’s format lets you customize your steak with toppings like compound butter, mushrooms with Gorgonzola, caramelized onions, lobster tail and more. I’m a compound butter gal myself, but Eli tried the mushrooms and Gorgonzola and loved every bite.

Oliver ordered from the adult menu, getting a delicious plate of cedar plank salmon with lemon buerre blanc sauce. He loved it so much he couldn’t wait until lunch the next day to eat his leftovers; he had them for breakfast!

I love when a restaurant offers more kids’ menu options than just grilled cheese or chicken

M REVIE ORE W 417m S AT ag.co m

fingers. Jimm’s, in true steakhouse form, offers a kids steak. That’s what Eloise ordered. It came with fries and a trip to the salad bar, and the steak was cooked just as nicely as Eli’s.

Shareable side dishes are one of the features of the new menu as well, so we tried the red wine mushrooms that are presented in a piping hot cast iron skillet and are packed with flavor. They were particularly delish alongside Eli and Eloise’s steaks, but honestly I’d eat these with any meal.

I’d eat these as a meal.

We wrapped up our meal with a sweet treat, four boxes of leftovers and plans to return for more of those crab cakes ASAP.

The lemon-pepper encrusted chicken brings right avor to a comfort food favorite

JIMM’S STEAKHOUSE & PUB S lenstone Ave , Springfield, 417-886-5466, jimmssteakhouseandpub.com Open Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. $$$ 417MAG.COM • 417 MAGAZINE

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TRY THIS

[ YUM OF THE MONTH ]

CHICKEN AVOCADO AREPAS

from Caracas House, Located at the Metro Eats Food Truck Park, 2463 W. Sunshine St., Springfield

THE FILLING

A blend of avocado and mayo adds a creamy texture.

THE AREPA

The grilled madefrom-scratch white corn our arepa is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

THE CHICKEN

Boiled with peppers and onion, the shredded chicken packs a punch in the avor department.

[ EAT THIS NOW ]

[ FOODIE FUN]

fish fry

PI DAY AT PRAIRIE PIE

SEASON

BY TESSA COOPER

FOR THE FISH AND CHIPS Farmers Gastropub, farmersgastropub.com The battered Icelandic cod paired with fries and mushy peas is a match made in heaven.

Downing Street Pour House, dspourhouse.com While the Pacific cod is o viously the main dra of this dish, the tartar sauce steals the show.

FOR THE CATFISH Georgia Mac’s, georgiamacs.com rder the fried catfish, served ith fries, alapeno hush puppies and coleslaw, so you’ll leave full.

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FOR THE SHAREABLES Vantage Rooftop Lounge and Conservatory, rooftopvantage.com Trust us when we say you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the smoked fish dip at antage he tuna conserva will also be a hit among your friends with the right avors of lemon and pickled peppers FOR THE FELLOWSHIP Immaculate Conception, ic-parish.org Every Friday through Lent, Immaculate Conception hosts a fish fry from to pm

arch 14 is Pi Day! This is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant Pi, which rounds to 3.14.

But luckily, you don’t have to be a math fan to be a pi(e) fan. There’s no better place to celebrate Pi Day than at Prairie Pie (307 S. Jefferson Ave., prairiepie.com), where you can stuff your pie hole with sweet pie, savory pie pot pies and pizza pie. Prairie Pie will be open for business as usual on Pi Day from 11 a.m.–9 p.m., and Therefore, Pizza will be serving up slices New York and Sicilian style from 5–9 p.m. or until sellout.—Tessa Cooper

Photos by Tessa Cooper, courtesy Prairie Pie

M

The 2024 Lenten Season runs until March 28. If you’re participating in meat-free Fridays, here’s where you can get your fish fix.

CALL ETHEL FOR

417-300-1513 EthelCurbow.com

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Weddings • Birthdays • Brewery Tours • Prom

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TRY THIS

[ TREND ALERT ]

B

S

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W

Good Spirits & Company’s Finest Work Yet The hospitality headquarters behind The Golden Girl Rum Club and Cherry Picker Package x Fare now hosts pop-up events and tastings.

BY TESSA COOPER

Photos by Tessa Cooper, Brandon Alms

T

here are three main factors I pay attention to when reviewing a bar or restaurant.

This includes the quality of the food and drinks itself, but also the ambiance and the service. Very rarely does an establishment completely nail all three categories, but when one does, I’m hooked. This is the case for the Good Spirits & Company Headquarters (1424 E. Cherry St., goodspiritsandco.com), and it’s no wonder considering who is behind the venture. Good Spirits has brought us some of Springfield’s most beloved bars, such as The Golden Girl Rum Club and Cherry Picker Package x Fare. But the hospitality group’s headquarters is what I consider their finest work yet. One of the other main beats I cover is interior design, and I could wax poetic about the beauty of the space (what other local bar has Gucci wallpaper in the bathroom?!). Good Spirits uses its headquarters for internal meetings and client presentations but opens it up to the public several times a month via pop-up events and tastings. The menu for the pop-up cocktail service changes each

time, but come expecting drinks infused with creativity. On my first visit, I tried the Garden Variety Show, which featured Hendricks gin, cucumber citrus cordial, celery, pineapple, lime, coconut water and clarified labneh. It was so light and refreshing, and the dollops of sesame mint oil resting on top gave it a wonderful aroma and presentation.

On the food side of things, the nuts, pickles, olives, chips and pork rinds are all staple items. Your choice should depend on what flavor profile and texture you’re craving. If you want something smoky and crunchy, go with the mixed nuts. The olives come to your table warm, so they have almost a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The pickled veggies with the addition of dill are tangy and fresh, and the chips and pork rinds offer just the right amount of salt to cut through an acidic drink. Overall, the GS&Co HQ is definitely where you’d want to go to celebrate a special occasion or impress a date. Follow their Instagram page at @goodspiritsandco to be the first to know about upcoming pop-ups and tasting events.

LUSCIOUS LAYERS A Filipino dessert hits 417-land. H alo-Halo, which means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, is a frozen dessert that’s popular in the Philippines, and it turns out that it’s now getting some well-deserved attention in 417-land too.

This cold dessert features layers of shaved ice, condensed milk and a melange of ingredients like jackfruit, coconut and even sweetened plantains. Here are two places you can get your hands on one. PURPLE PANDA FILIPINO FOOD 502 N. Third St., Ozark, 417-791-1529, facebook. com/purplepandafilipinofood Purple Panda’s halo-halo features fresh and made-in-house ingredients, down to the caramelized sweet potatoes and plantains. Jackfruit, tapioca pearls, young coconut and hearts of palm provide a ide variety of te tures and avors that will keep your taste buds entertained.

FILIPINO MARKET 3448 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-3680219, filipinomarketllc.com Filipino Market tops its halo-halo with oh-so-delectable ube, which is ice cream made with purple yam jam. White sweet potatoes and tapioca pearls also appear in this version of halo-halo, as well as a few other ingredients like saba banana slices and red beans.

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DINING

GUIDE  Restaurant Listings, 104  7 Good Things, 107

[ LISTINGS KEY ] $= nder $$ ostly $$$ and up B serves reakfast L serves lunch D serves dinner outdoor seating

V live music

M meeting space

serves alcohol smoke free ☎ reservations recommended

heelchair accessi le

WIFI free ifi K o ers kids menu

The 417 Magazine ining uide is a select list of restaurants in south est issouri mplicitly, the maga ine s editors recommend all these restaurants he ining uide is not related to advertising, and 417 Magazine doesn t accept free ies in e change for revie s or listings istings are updated often they appear ased on space availa ility Restaurants that are ritten a out in ining uide items such as restaurant revie s, restaurant update sto ries and ood hings are chosen y edi tors as a service to readers

If you have a foodie story idea, news about a local restaurant, or a correction to one of our Dining Guide listings, we’re all ears.

Please send an email to our editorial team at yum@417mag.com.

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FINE DINING

ARIAKE SUSHI & ROBATA 1110 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, facebook. com/arikake.spfd. Japanese. This restaurant from the owners of Haruno, Kai and Karai o ers e cellent nigiri and sashimi, as ell as small plates and tapas ou have to try the delicious tuna cigars or the hot rock dish that uses agyu eef or dessert, the matcha creme rulee is our favorite Be sure to order from the sake menu $$–$$$ D ☎

AVANZARE ITALIAN DINING 1908 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-567-3463, avanzareitaliandining. com. Northern Italian Pasta is al ays a hit at Avan are Customers love the Bistecca Rosemarino steak and the pasta ith seafood in a spicy tomato ased sauce ndulge in the luscious chocolate torte for dessert pen on ri , am pm on hu , p m ri Sat , p m Sun , p m $$$ L D M ☎ WIFI K

BRUNO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 416 South Ave., Springfield, 417-866-0007.

Sicilian. he ucatini ith panchetta, chili oil and asil is a must try pasta dish et it ith the arugula salad ith pine nuts and Parmesan cheese Also on the menu is pi a, agyu steak and lots of e cellent entree options he ever changing specials al ays sound e tra tasty, like the recent o ering of shellfish arancini pen ues hu , pm ri Sat , p m $$$ D M ☎ WIFI

CHAR STEAKHOUSE & OYSTER BAR 1620 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8238383. Steak and seafood. Char Steakhouse yster Bar o ers Waygu steaks, lam shank and fish dishes up the ante ndulgent lo ster potato puree and crispy ash fried Brussels sprouts round out the side dishes, and ra oysters, ceviche and one marro pi ue the appetite as starters pen on hu , p m ri Sat , p m midnight Sun , pm $$$ D WIFI M ☎

CHATEAU GRILLE 415 N. State Highway 265, Branson, 417-2431777, chateauonthelake.com. Contemporary American Chateau rille o ers gorgeous vie s of a le Rock ake And you really can t go rong ith anything on the menu here t focuses on upscale, seasonal cuisine, fresh seafood and local ingredients pen daily during the regular season $$$ B L D M ☎ WIFI K

CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL 815 W. Seventh St., Joplin, 417-206-3474, crabbysjoplin.com. Contemporary American. his oplin hot spot serves some fantastic seafood he Chilean sea ass is a specialty ry some of the small plates, like porto ello mushroom fries, steamed mussels or a lovely charcuterie oard pen on Sat , am p m $$–$$$ L D M ☎ WIFI K

FLAME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 314 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-862-4444, flamesteakhouse.com. American steakhouse. he restaurant speciali es in dry aged steaks that are truly delicious on t miss the lo ster macaroni and cheese e re serious you have to try this stu he desserts are al ays di vine, and e can t get enough of the appeti er menu ead to Red Room do nstairs for killer happy hour food and drink specials pen for dinner on hu , p m , ri Sat , p m Red Room open p m to ar hours $$$ D WIFI K M ☎

THE GARRISON at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com. Upscale shareable plates ocated eneath the ark ill at inley arms, he arrison features a dark and moody speakeasy vi e, a fine dining menu and a eautiful riverside patio ry the mini pot roast, the forest pan anella salad or the delightful rosemary pound cake Be sure to order one of the delicious cocktails espe cially the refreshing ill Pond that goes great alongside all the dishes e tried pen Weds Sat p m $$$ D M ☎

GILARDI’S 820 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-862-6400, gilardisonwalnut.com. Northern Italian ner ames artin focuses on handmade pasta and fresh ingredients at this charming little talian restaurant that makes a onderful date night spot on t miss the ama ing meat alls in red ine rosemary cream sauce that are served over a ed of creamy goat cheese polenta And e sure to dine in the outdoor seating area hen the eather allo s pen on Sat , p m $$$ D WIFI M ☎

HARUNO JAPANESE SUSHI BAR 3044 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-8870077, harunosushi.com. Japanese he h y od roll and the Se and the City roll are trade marks here f simple nigiri is your style, you ll love the tuna sampler Be sure to venture o the sushi menu and try some of the delecta le entrees as ell on t miss the i im ap or the fresh mango alape o ahi tuna entree on ri , am pm, p m midnight Sat , am pm, p m midnight Sun , a m p m $$–$$$ L D M

K ☎V

HARVEST RESTAURANT 8011 E. State Highway AD, Rogersville.

Contemporary American.

417-830-3656. ining at arvest Restaurant is an e peri ence like none other in land he o ners, Craig and amara on oerster, have created a restaurant focused on hyper seasonal, local cuisine Although the menu is constantly in u , Craig is kno n for his mushroom risotto and scallop trio f either of these dishes is on the menu hen you visit arvest, order them immediately pen hu Sat , pm pen Sunday for runch, am p m $$$ D M☎

DINING GUIDE

JIMM’S STEAKHOUSE & PUB 1935 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-886-5466, jimmssteakhouseandpub.com. American steakhouse.

We love the tasty steaks here. They are always prepared perfectly he stu ed Peppade peppers are a must-try appetizer; trust us, you need to taste those things he peppers are stu ed ith cream cheese, wrapped in bacon with a balsamic glaze. Open Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Mon.–Thu., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. $$–$$$ L D M ☎ WIFI K

KAI 306 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-832-0077, kaiafterdark.com. Contemporary Japanese and Korean. his lounge like restaurant in do nto n 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. Lunch Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Dinner Mon.– Thu., 5 p.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat., 5 p.m.–1:30 a.m. $$– $$$ L D M ☎

LEVEL 2 STEAKHOUSE The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, 200 E. Main St., Branson, 417-243-3443, level2steakhouse. com. Steakhouse. 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. Open daily, 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m., 5–10 p.m. $$$ B L D WIFI M K

METROPOLITAN GRILL 2931 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-889-4951, metropolitan-grill.com. Eclectic fine dining. Known for its delecta le ash 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 and delicious to be excited about—served in a familiar space.

The cocktails are delicious, the wine menu is wonderful and the service is always top-notch. Open Mon.– Thu., 3–10 p.m.; Fri., 3–11 p.m.; Sat., 4–11 p.m. $$$ D M ☎ WIFI K

NICOLA’S RISTORANTE 3631 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-886-3700, nicolasspringfield.com. Italian. This restaurant serves a delicious sea bass. Try the lumache: fresh snails sauteed in garlic utter and aked ith Parmesan cheese Gluten-free pasta and pizza are available. The chicken parmigiano is a highlight definitely orth ordering The Nicola’s pizza here is also super tasty, and the dessert menu is impressive. Open Mon.–Sat., 4:30 p.m.– close. $$–$$$ D WIFI M ☎

OCEAN ZEN PACIFIC RIM RESTAURANT 4117 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-889-9596, eatoceanzen.com. Asian fusion. 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 delicious top-notch steaks. Open Sun.–Thu., 11 a.m.– 10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; bar closes at 11 p.m.; happy hour 3–6 p.m. and last two hours of operation. $$–$$$ L D M ☎ WIFI K

THE ORDER at the Hotel Vandivort, 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-832-1515, theordersgf.com. New American. Step inside the Vandivort Hotel and turn left for a downto n Springfield dining e perience not to e missed The atmosphere is trendy but relaxed while the food is an elevated take on American cuisine prepared in a from-scratch kitchen. Brunch is excellent here too.

Open for dinner Mon.–Sat. 5–10 p.m., Sun. 5–9 p.m.; brunch Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.– 2p.m.; bar open daily 5 p.m.– close. $$–$$$ D M V ☎ K WIFI

OSAGE RESTAURANT at Top of the Rock, 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, 1-800-225-6343, topoftherock.com. American. Take in beautiful views from the dining room at Osage Restaurant, located at op of the Rock, and en oy fine dining that includes steaks and roasted chicken. The fried chicken is stellar, and the cocktails menu always o ers created and delicious options Reservations are recommended. Collared shirts are recommended after 5 p.m. Open Tue.–Sat., 5–9:30 p.m. Wine cellar and Bu alo Bar open later Brunch served Sun , am p.m. $$$ B D K M ☎

Southern

grub Sports S Sp por po ort rts ts Pub P

RETRO METRO 2150 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-720-1708, eatretrometro.com. This throw-back concept brings back decades of old Metropolitan Grill favorites and uite a fe rand ne avors too from o ner Chef Tiny. The aptly named Retro Metro serves some of etropolitan s greatest hits, including ash fried spinach and chicken spiedini. But there are original items on the menu as well, from Chef Tiny himself. During happy hour, come in fro wagyu sliders, crab cake sliders and more. Dishes are available via drive-thru, too.

Open Tues.–Sat. 3–10 p.m. $$$ D WIFI

CASUAL DINING

65 TAPAS 3371 E. Montclair St., Springfield, 417-827-2777, tapas65.com. Spanish. Try a variety of small plates to share with your friends at this Spanish-style spot.

Dishes include things like burrata topped with sauteed mushrooms and marinated tomatoes, chargrilled oysters, charcuterie and lots more. There are larger entrees too, like paella, sea bass and tikka masala salmon. Reservations required on weekends.

This restaurant is located inside the same building as ReRico Brazilian Grill. Open Tues.–Sat. 3:30–9:30 p.m. $$–$$$ D

Your favorite southern style comfort food, made fresh daily. dailyy. dail Feed your soul at Georgia Mac’s.

ANDY B’S ENTERTAINMENT CENTER 1127 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-883-1234; 405 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-213-8631; bowlandybs.com. American fare. 1127 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-883-1234; 405 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-213-8631; bowlandybs.com. American fare. The restaurant at Andy B’s ntertainment Center o ers lane side food service and a menu full of hearty, tasty fare like burgers, pizzas, pasta and more. We love the hot pretzel. There’s a full service ar here, too Springfield open Sun hu , 10 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat., 10–1:30 a.m. Branson open Mon.–Thu., noon–8 p.m.; Fri., noon–10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–8 p.m.$ L D M K

georgiamacs.com | 417.319.5770 1440 E. Republic Road | Springfield

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DINING GUIDE

AVIARY BY LAVENDER FALLS

BLACK SHEEP BURGERS & SHAKES

CIVIL KITCHEN & TAP

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite E120, Springfield, 417881-9736; aviarycafe.com. Crepes and bistro fare. This spot has long een kno n for eing one of the fe places in the area to get freshly prepared crepes hich you can find there in oth savory and s eet varieties But there s so much more esides crepes pen on hu a m p m and p m , ri Sat a m p m and p m Sun a m p m $–$$ B L

209 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-319-5905; 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Springfield, 417-368-0227; 2420 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-351-3595; blaaacksheep. com. Burgers Cho do n on the ood ogi t o grass fed patties are topped ith hite cheddar, lettuce, on ion, pickle and aaad sauce house made housand sland dressing pen on hu , am pm ri Sat , a m midnight Sun , am pm $ L

D ☎ K

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107 and 222 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-5018456, civilkitchenandtap.com. Bar fare. With eers on tap and chicken and a es on the menu, it is easy to see the appeal of this rustic ut comforta le restaurant and ar Speciali ing in upscale comfort food, Civil itchen and ap dra s inspo from Southern and id estern staples pen ue Sat , am a m Sun , a m midnight $ B L D M ☎

BAIR’S SPORTS GRILL

BLACKSTONE GASTROPUB

3821 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-368-5919; 1644 Highway 60 East, Republic, 417-732-5077; 701 N. McCroskey St., Suite 1, Nixa, 417-725-3777; bairsburgers.com. American here are appeti ers and urgers on the menu at Bair s, plus plenty of non urger sand iches, great chicken ings and salads We love the urger that is topped ith ranch and fried pickles ours vary y location $ L D K

1521 E. Broadway St., Joplin, 417-553-0665. Gastropub. amien iregol of Cra y s Seafood Bar rill no has another oplin eatery Blackstone astropu features hand crafted cocktails and eers on tap alongside some great looking eats like the crispy fried chicken, grilled salmon on a ed of gnocchi pen Weds Sat am p m Sun a m p m on am pm $$ LD

DERBY DELI 2023 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-4066.

Cafe fare. ocated inside Bro n er y nternational Wine Center, this eatery features sand iches, salads, a variety of cheese plates and salami plates, a hummus oard and more We love the artin s salad, topped ith oven roasted chicken, or the ocal oat salad topped ith a scoop of chicken salad pen ue ri , am p m for lunch, ue ri , am p m for small plates Sat , am pm $ L D

BEST OF LUCK BEER HALL

BLUE HERON FARM & BAKERY

DEVIL’S POOL RESTAURANT

313-B S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield; 417-522-9009; bestofluckbeerhall.com. American. This downtown eer hall com ines ackyard charm ith killer food and more eers than you can count f suds aren t your thing, try a seasonal cocktail or one of the draft alcoholic punches pen ue hu , a m midnight ri Sat , am a m Brunch Sat Sun , am p m $$ B L D

206 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-701-1130.

Farm-to-table All of the freshly aked pastries and reads are ama ing here any of the ingredients are from Blue eron arm and other local and regional producers We love the sausage roll served ith pick les and hole grain mustard, and the almond crois sant is oh so dreamy pen Weds Sat a m pm, Sun am pm $ BL

at Big Cedar, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417335-2777, bigcedar.com. American. or an appeti er, the smoked trout is fantastic, and so is the corn read topped ith cracked pepper maple utter and smoked acon he entrees change ith the season and are al ays the perfect lend of rustic and upscale Brunch on Sundays pen daily for reakfast, a m lunch, a m p m dinner, p m $$–$$$ B L D WIFI K M ☎ high season

BIG EASY GRILL

BOSKY’S VEGAN GRILL

3641 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-832-0040. Cajun. he am alaya is fantastic, and e like to order it e tra spicy he oyster po oys are customer favorites, and the oudin Ca un sausage alls are not to e missed ry mi and match dishes to create a meal full of your favorite Ca un avors you can order a side of red eans and rice ith a po oy, for e ample pen on Sat , am pm $ LD K

405 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-507-1050, boskysvegangrill.com. Vegan With a meat free kitch en, Bosky s egan rill serves a small ut mighty menu of hearty, filling fare ou can find urgers, a deep fried rat urst, a chicken sand ich, and chicken tenders all in meat free vegan versions pen on Wed a m p m hu ri a m p m , Sat am pm $–$$ L D

BIGSHOTS GOLF

CAFE CUSCO

1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield, 417-427-3040, bigshotsgolf.com. American. Come for the golf ut stay for the good eats here are great urgers like the dou le smash urger ith atch green chilis , pi a, ings and lots of sharea le apps like the crispy red chili cau li o er on t miss the fun cocktails pen on hu am p m , ri a m midnight, Sat a m mid night, Sun a m p m $$ B L D

234 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-868-8088, cafecusco.com. Peruvian. his menu is packed ith fun and une pected dishes that are inspired y the cuisine of Peru and the Andes ountains A fe standouts the lack ean uinoa urger ith avocado spread, the omo Saltado, and a host of delicious entrees Anything that includes the ceviche is a sure et ou can get it as an appeti er, or as a taco filling pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am pm Sun , a m p m $$ L D M WIFI

BIG WHISKEY’S Several 417-land locations, bigwhiskeys.com. American.

Springfield s go to for u alo chicken dip, urgers and the staple pu foods has locations spreading through out the id est ans rave a out the spin dip too a cheesy concoction ith spinach and a little it of heat ours vary y location Ask a out runch service $$

CANYON GRILL RESTAURANT

BISTRO 58

at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 W. State Highway 86, Lampe, 800-225-6343, dogwoodcanyon. org. American. ocated on the grounds of the spra l ing, spectacular og ood Canyon nature preserve, the Canyon rill Restaurant oo es rustic elegance and oasts a menu inspired y its earthy surroundings pen daily, a m p m $–$$ L D M

15038 Business Highway 13, Branson West, 417-7731985, vcellars.com. Bistro fare. his restaurant is o the eaten path and o ers a stellar selection of ine, a tasty lunch menu and a seasonal monthly dinner menu ummy sand iches fill the lunch menu, like the super tasty Steph sand ich t features a cia atta roll topped ith roasted chicken, orgon ola cheese, fig am and acon pen ue Sat , a m p m ri , p m $ L D WIFI

601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-986-5800. Cafe fare What do you get hen you com ine a co ee shop, ar, cafe and li uor store Cherry Picker Package are A small selection of sand iches, soups and salads is served daily We re ig fans of the o Brie or Not to Brie pen on hu , a m p m ri Sat , a m midnight $ B L D

BLD

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CHERRY PICKER PACKAGE + FARE

DOBYNS DINING ROOM 1 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, 417-690-2146, keetercenter.edu. American he smoked tomato soup is knock your socks o delicious College of the arks students gro produce and raise meat to use in the restaurant, so the menu has a very farm to ta le ual ity here s a fried green tomato caprese appeti er that uses pickled tomatoes and a house made mo arella cheese he e tensive runch u et on Sundays is e cellent pen on Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $$ B L D WIFI K M ☎

DOWNING STREET POUR HOUSE 24 Downing St, Hollister, 417-320-6106; dspourhouse. com. Serving elevated ar food and creative, hearty entrees, o ning Street Pour ouse is the rainchild of the a ard inning ar ecue slingers ho o n ettin Basted But there s a lot more than ust ar e cue here ust try dishes include the giant Bavarian pret el appeti er, the ueso smothered tamales and the lackened mahi mahi entree pen in ollister on hu am p m , ri Sat am pm, Sun am p m pen in Springfield Sun hu am p m , ri Sat am p m $– $ $ L D WIFI K

FARMERS GASTROPUB 2620 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-864-6994, farmersgastropub.com. Contemporary British and American. he menu here features locally sourced ingredients herever possi le and changes regularly he entrees are ell priced and satisfying, like the Scotch eggs and the chicken chop salad arugula, kale, ca age, lue cheese, oiled egg, pumpkin seeds, uttermilk dressing Brunch Saturdays and Sundays pen on hu , a m p m ri , a m pm Breakfast served on ri , a m Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $$ B L D M ☎ WIFI K

Experience the

Finest

The Cyclops from Mythical ‘Wich

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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 Branson s ne sand ich shop, Mythical ‘Wich (111 E. Main St., Branson), features a fun take on a classic meat all su he Cyclops sand ich is made ith meat alls, garlic utter, roasted tomatoes, pickled pepper and gooey Provel cheese

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or a comfort food reakfast that really hits the spot, e love the c ic en an a e from JW’s Kitchen (2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B101, Springfield) t features a delightful alape o in fused syrup

Photo y ali Patton

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We recently tried the cachapas from Caracas House (2463 W. Sunshine St., Springfield), and then e tried it again later the same eek So tasty A s eet corn pancake is rapped around traditional ene uelan cheese and sour cream ou can add meat, ut e thought it as per fect ithout it especially ith a it of the food truck s e cellent hot sauce

ne sta er can t get enough of the smoothie bowl from Ec e on Co ee (2407 N. Glenstone Ave, Springfield) t s a satisfying lend of lue erries, stra erries and almond utter that s topped ith homemade granola, coconut, chia seeds, Askinosie cacao ni s, honey and anana he tiny Ott’s Pasta (1437 E. Cherry St., Springfield) has a loyal follo ing, and they love the house casserole t s made ith three cheeses and tender egg noodles, meat sauce and mo a rella cheese for something reminiscent of lasa gna, ut more comfort food ish

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When e ant a filling, healthful meal, e al ays order the Tabbouleh Grain Bowl from RISE (105 Park Central Square, Springfield). Far ro , arley and uinoa are served ith eet hummus, pepitas, cilantro ginger chickpeas and more veggies

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n the other end of the spectrum, the BLT from Springfie Bre ing Co (305 S. Market Ave., Springfield) is irresisti le hey do not go light on the thick cut acon, and it s topped ith sun dried tomato aioli

7 Good Things is chosen by the editors of aga ine as a service to readers. We’ve tried everything on this list, and we like it. To send us your suggestions, click Contact Us on 417mag.com and then submit a letter to the editor. –The Editors

Hours Monday–Saturday: 4:30–11 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

417-501-1675 1110 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield

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FIRE & ICE

NEARLY FAMOUS DELI & PASTA HOUSE

VAN GOGH’S EETERIE

2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-866-5253, oasisfireandice.com. Global cuisine. his spot locat ed inside Ramada asis otel Convention Center speciali es in dry aged steaks and certified Angus eef and has a delicious menu that changes ith the seasons pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , am p m $$ L D M ☎ WIFI K

2708 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-3403, nearlyfamous.net. Deli and Italian Regulars love the eekly specials egg salad on ridays, pear sand iches on hursdays and more he tomato soup is fantastic, and it goes ell ith ust a out any sand ich at this friendly spot t s hopping at lunchtime, and the din ner hours o er a menu filled ith tasty pasta dishes hey re a good stop for a eekend runch as ell pen on Sat , a m p m $$ B L D K M

334 E. Commercial St., 417-344-0085, vangoghseeterie. com. Indo-Dutch. utch pancakes, chicken itlof and other ndo utch and utch inspired cuisine populate the menu at this Commercial Street hotspot from oe idman of Cafe Cusco We love the pancakes espe cially the arm Near Auvers topped ith goat cheese, apples, honey, arugula and thyme pen ue hu , am p m ri Sat , a m p m Sun , a m pm $$ B L D ☎

GEORGIA MAC’S 1440 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-319-5770, georgiamacs.com. Southern sports bar. The food is hearty and comforting ith a southern are at this south Springfield eatery ou can find loaded urgers like the one topped ith alape o ottle caps , fried catfish, country fried steak, loaded fries ith tons of toppings, and lots more pen on Sat am a m , Sun a m midnight $ $ L D

NEIGHBOR’S MILL CAFÉ & BAKERY

THE GROTTO

1435 E. Independence St., Suite 110, Springfield, 417720-4162; neighborsmill.com. his full time akery o ers a hearty menu packed ith sand iches, soups and salads on t miss the honey pecan chicken salad, hich comes on Bron e honey heat read, or the Reu en, hich comes on pumpernickel rye read he daily soups are al ays delish on t forget to gra a loaf of read hile you re there pen on Sat , a m p m $ B L D K

301 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-886-9600 gogrotto.com. West Coast–style American. The menu is accessi le to meat eaters and vegetarians alike he super indulgent arm lue cheese chips are a favorite appeti er Customers like the urgers especially the urger topped ith lots of tangy lue cheese ne of our favorite things to order is the grilled salmon sand ich ith a side of the s eet and yummy s eet potato fries pen on Sat , am p m Sun , am pm $ L D K

at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-2106644, finleyfarmsmo.com. nside the eautifully re stored ark ill, you can order upscale farm to ta le meals that are made ith ingredients gro n right at inley arms or produced in their on site apiary on t miss the incredi le risotto fritters appeti er made ith artichoke, sausage, mo arella and served over a pick led pepper aioli pen daily a m p m $$–$$$ L

HOULIHAN’S 2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-862-7777; houlihans.com. American he fish tacos and urgers are fantastic, and e love the enormous nachos appe ti er along ith the vast salad selection ra some friends and share a fe of the small plates When the eather is nice, e sure to gra a ta le on the patio, here you can gather around a fire pit hile you en oy your meal pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , a m midnight Sun , am p m $–$$ L D M WIFI K

HUEY MAGOO’S CHICKEN TENDERS 3352 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-812-8020, hueymagoos.com. Chicken tenders. he region s first uey agoo s Chicken enders is located in Springfield near Sunshine Street and igh ay his spot o ers chicken tenders oth fried or grilled in platters, sand iches, salads and raps $–$$ L D K

THE OZARK MILL RESTAURANT

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BUCKINGHAM’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ 2002 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-886-9979, buckinghambbq.com. iners love the ri s and the urnt ends at this classic ar ecue eatery We can t get enough of the killer smoked salmon topped ith horseradish sauce pen daily, am pm $ L D WIFI K

CITY BUTCHER & BARBECUE 3650 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-720-1113, citybutchersgf.com. Come early ecause this e as style ar ecue spot, here the meat is smoked in small atches for optimal freshness, is kno n to sell out iller risket, pulled pork and other favorites are sold first come, first served ith a fe simple ut delicious side dish options pen daily a m until sold out $–$$ L D M

QUEEN CITY SOUL KITCHEN

CROSSTOWN BBQ

1626 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, 417-379-8614, facebook.com/QueenCitySoulKitchen. Soul food. The menu changes from eek to eek here, ut the of ferings are al ays delicious ind comforting fare like meatloaf, fried chicken ings, smothered pork chops and more ake sure you leave room for dessert pen hursday Sunday a m p m $–$$ L D

1331 E. Division St., Springfield, 417-862-4646. ry the ri s or the risket he Big Pappa inner is a signature dish, and it features tons of meat including ri s, ris ket 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 ith the crispy fried okra pen on hu , a m p m ri Sat , a m p m $–$$ L D ☎ K

SPLIT SOCIAL KITCHEN 3027 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-755-7155, splitspringfield.com. American. Come for creative and eautifully prepared sharea les, like urrata ith truf e pesto, that are served a teeny restaurant space that packs a lot of good vi es We love the ama ing maca roni and cheese Come on the eekend to try the tasty runch menu pen ues ri am p m , Sat am p m , Sun a m p m $$ B L D

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1720 Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-881-8224; 2150 E. Sunshine St., Springfield; hy-vee.com. t s all a out variety hen it comes to the freshly prepared food at y ee, so it s a great place to find something for every mem er of your family even the picky ones ou have a hi achi grill, a pi eria, hearty com fort food, sushi, Chinese dishes and Wahl urgers urg ers. $–$$ B L D WIFI

301 South Ave., Springfield, 417-865-2315. American. he urgers are top notch, and the huge salads topped ith deliciously seasoned grilled chicken reast are a favorite try the one ith spicy Ca un chicken yum Come hungry enough to order dessert ecause the cakes are stellar pen on Wed , a m p m hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m $–$$ L D

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GETTIN’ BASTED 2845 W. Highway 76, Branson; 606 W. Mount Vernon St., Nixa; gettinbasted.com. Come here for a ard in ning ar ecue in all your favorite varieties risket, ri s, pulled pork and more he seven agyu urgers on the menu are fully loaded, and the apps include homemade pimento cheese, ar ecue nachos and more pen Sun hurs am p m ri Sat am p m $–$$ L D K

HEADY BA B

E CO

573 E. Elm St., Republic, 417-732-4227, headybbq.com. his spot speciali es in ansas City style ar ecue Among stellar ri s, risket and more perfectly pre pared meats, you can find une pected dishes ith a ar ecue spin nachos, salads, a urrito pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , am p m $–$$ L D M K

LA HABANA VIEJA

TEA BAR & BITES

MISSOURI MIKE’S BBQ & MORE

220 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-771-5723, la-habana-vieja.com. Cuban ind great mo itos and a menu full of Cu an fare at this Commercial Street eatery ry the ropa vie a, Cu a s national dish of eef risket, rice and veggies ou can also get an appeti er of yucca fries pen on Sat am p m and p m $$–$$$ L D

621 S. Pickwick Ave., 417-866-7500, teabarandbites. com. verything e ve tasted at ea Bar Bites has een fantastic ry the curry chicken salad or the yummy uiche ith eautiful, aky crust We love any of the menu items that have a editerranean air pen on hu , am p m ri , am p m Sat , a m p m $ B L D M ☎ V

2833 W. Chestnut Expy., Springfield, 417-771-5018, momikesbbq.com. n additional to very ell done clas sic ar ecue options risket, urnt ends, pulled pork , you can also get a handful of great sand iches he yndsey is a smash urger ith pulled pork, risket, ar ecue sauce and cole sla pen on Sat a m p m $–$$ L D K

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BILLY GAIL’S CAFE 5291 State Highway 265, Branson, 417-338-8883; 1882 James River Road, Ozark, 417-582-2600; billygailsrestaurant.com. Billy ail s in Branson has een a e loved reakfast hotspot for ages he ark spot and has ecome ust as popular Come for massive pan cakes and other reakfast fare Branson open daily am pm ark open daily a m p m and ri Sat am pm $ B LD

EARLY BIRD BREAKFAST PUB 1717 E. Cherokee St., Springfield, 417-885-8088. This spot serves up creative reakfast fare and has a full service ar churning out reakfast margaritas and the ilk Bonus hose reakfast margs are made ith orange marmalade for a nod to the day s first meal on t miss the tacos, urritos, traditional reakfast fare and more pen on ri , a m p m Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $ B L

FIRST WATCH 2946 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-889-0601; 3103 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-633-7094; firstwatch.com. o traditional ith a plate piled ith crispy acon, eggs and toast r order something more cre ative We love that many of the dishes come ith a simple lemon and greens salad on the side pen daily, a m pm $ B L K

GAILEY’S BREAKFAST CAFÉ 220 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-866-5500. The s eet potato hash ro ns are super delish here, and e highly recommend ordering them in place of the traditional hash ro ns We also love he Bear ug iscuits and gravy, choice of meat, t o eggs and hash ro ns or s eet ro ns pen Sun ues , a m p m , Wed Sat , a m p m $ B L WIFI K

JW’S KITCHEN 2111 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-306-9997. his runch spot comes from the o ners of armers astropu , Andy and isty ampshire t features e cellently prepared favorites and some fun surprises ou can get iscuits ith chocolate gravy a southern American favorite or a full nglish reakfast lack sausage included and everything in et een pen Weds on a m p m $ $ B L WIFI

RISE 105 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-691-6088, 417rise.com. he large and varied menu is inventive and super ly e ecuted, ith clever dishes like pav lova inspired rench toast, aklava inspired Belgian a ees, oth s eet and savory rice pudding meals, nourishing grain o ls, reakfast sand iches from classic to creative and so much more pen on ri a m p m Sat Sun a m p m $ B L WIFI

SLEEPY OPOSSUM CAFE 1427 E. Cherry St., Springfield, 417-379-9401, danisflourpotbakery.com. ocated inside he Royal, this darling spot serves creative, classic and al ays deli cious reakfast fare We are o sessed ith their hash ro n uiches, and the homemade iscuits topped ith everything seasoning are to die for Any aked s eet is a dream here too pen ues ri a m p m Sat a m p m , runch the first Sunday of the month a m noon $ B L WIFI

VILLAGE INN FAMILY RESTAURANT Multiple 417-land locations, villageinn.com. ry the reakfast skillets, eggs Benedict and, of course, the super tasty pies We love the crepes and other s eet reakfast o erings, too ours vary y location $ B L D WIFI K ☎

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5 SPICE CHINA GRILL 2058 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-799-0215. A modern take on Chinese food iners love the eneral chicken, the s eet and crunchy cra Rangoon and the mango chicken We really love the alapeno asil dishes too pen on Sat , am p m Sun , a m p m $–$$ L D K M ☎

CORNER 21 1369 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-766-6630, corner21us.com. his restaurant o ers a large variety of authentic Chinese dishes ry the raised pork elly ith rice noodles, ri eye and enoki mushrooms in a curry roth, fried pumpkin, spicy Sichuan fish and so much more pen ues hurs a m p m , ri Sat am p m , Sun am pm $ L D

LEONG’S ASIAN DINER 1540 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-887-7500. he eong family serves its original cashe chicken at this tasty eatery, among lots of other yummy stu he cra Rangoon are especially delicious here, and e like to dip them in the old and spicy mustard sauce he egg rolls are made from scratch pen on hu am p m , ri Sat am p m , Sun a m p m $–$$ L D WIFI K

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ARCHITECT COFFEE 1604 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-771-5030, architectcoffeeco.com. his nstagram chic co ee shop on Springfield s south side o ers a right and co y at mosphere ith arm drinks and hearty food, to oot he reakfast urritos are stellar and so filling We love the seasonal drinks too pen on ri , a m p m Sat , a m p m $ B L M WIFI

3-PIECE SUSHI COMBO

NOW OFFERING KOREAN CUISINE!

BIG MOMMA’S COFFEE & ESPRESSO BAR 217 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-865-9911; 1010 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, 417-868-4157; bigmommascoffee.com his spot o ers co ee, espresso and lended frappes Be sure to try the super de licious sand iches that are served here, too pen on ri , a m p m Sat Sun , a m pm $B L D M WIFI

HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY: 10:30 A.M.–2 P.M., 4 –9 P.M. SATURDAY 10:30 A.M.–9 P.M.

THE BLACK LAB CO EE CO 545 E. Elm St., Republic, 417-647-5125, facebook.com/ theblacklabllc 300 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417942-7881, facebook.com/BlackLabDowntown; 3541 S. Lone Pine Ave, Springfield. his casually canine in spired co ee stop is Repu lic s place to e for a piping hot a uccino, and their second location in Springfield serves all the same pup inspired menu items pen on Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $ B L V WIFI

CALL 417.890.1016 TO ORDER VIEW MENU ON OR GRUBHUB 1440 W. REPUBLIC ROAD, SUITE 120

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CAFE CUBANO

ECHELON COFFEE

MUDHOUSE COFFEE

3650 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-887-7777, facebook.com/countrygirlsespresso. Aside from all of the delicious co ee drinks, the real must try item here is the authentic Cu an sand ich pen on Sat , a m p m $ B L D WIFI K

2407 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-374-2739, echeloncoffee.com. his sunny co ee shop has e cel lent espresso drinks, drip co ee, pour over and more We love he ormation frappe hen e re feeling indulgent pen on ri a m p m , Sat a m p m , Sun a m p m B L D WIFI

323 South Ave. Suite B, Springfield, 417-832-1720, mudhousecoffee.com. he co ee is al ays fantastic here, at Springfield s do nto n co ee shop Plus, udhouse also o ers a ide variety of loose leaf teas he muffins here are delicious pen on Sat , am p m Sun , a m p m $ B L D WIFI

CLASSIC ROCK COFFEE 1900 W. Sunset St., Springfield, 417-881-7625, classicrockcoffee.com; 535 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-771-5143, classicrockcoffeedowntown.com. This co ee shop o ers espresso drinks ith rock n roll inspired names ry the S eet motion latte pen on Wed , a m p m hu , a m pm ri , a m midnight Sat , a m midnight Sun , am p m $ B L D V M WIFI

THE COFFEE ETHIC

EURASIA COFFEE & TEA CULTURE CAFE

THE PRESS COFFEE & JUICE BAR

445 E. Commercial St., 417-720-1949, culturecstreet. com his co ee roaster ith a mission also serves some tasty fare in its Culture Cafe n addition to carefully crafted cups of co ee and urkish co ee , there s a great food menu too pen on Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $ B L D M WIFI

2710 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, 417-771-5950.. This hole foods cafe o ers organic dishes ith ingredi ents from local market vendors uices are organic and cold pressed he street tacos are e cellent pen on Sat , a m p m $ B L D WIFI

GREENHOUSE COFFEE & AFFOGATO BAR

5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, urbangrounds417.com. ry clas sics like lattes and cappuccinos, or opt for a avored options like salted caramel to ee or a otanical latte made ith things like eetroot, turmeric and more When you re hungry, munch on one of the loaded toasts pen on ri a m p m , Sat Sun a m pm $ BL

124 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-866-6645, thecoffeeethic.com. he cappuccino is fantastic truly one of the est e ve ever had , and the shop also serves ine, craft eers on draft and a small selection of uality li uors he food game here is strong too pen on Sat , a m p m $ WIFI

431 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, 417-763-8032. This right and sunny spot has all your favorite classic espresso drinks, great seasonal options and one of the yummiest treats a variety of a ogatos sually an af fogato is ust espresso and vanilla ice cream, ut here you can get other avors too pen ues ri a m p m , Sat Sun a m p m $ B L D

DANCING MULE COFFEE COMPANY

KINGDOM COFFEE

1945 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-5114, dancingmulecoffee.com he mochas are great here chocolatey ut not too s eet ancing ule also does a really good authentic cappuccino that s made ust right f you re on the run, s ing through the drive thru pen on ri , a m p m Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $ B WIFI

211 S. Market Ave., Suite 100, Springfield, 417-3501234; 2896 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield; kingdomsgf. com. he co ee menu features classic espresso drinks, like cappuccinos, macchiattos, mochas and more he seasonal drinks are al ays a treat here ry a cheddar and chive scone and ask them to arm it up pen daily, a m p m $ B L D WIFI

URBAN GROUNDS COFFEE & PLANT LAB

THE WORKSHOP AT FINLEY FARMS 840 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com. he Workshop is a co ee shop and gathering space he menu includes classic co ee and tea o erings plus suped up toasts on t miss the deli cious creamy chicken salad it s e cellent As for drinks, e love he Workshop Shake, a shaken iced latte ith vanilla ean syrup, cinnamon and honey pen on Sat , a m p m $ B L WIFI

Your next adventure is waiting for you

David’s Famous Homemade Eggrolls

calendar.417mag.com 1540 W. REPUBLIC ROAD · 417-887-7500 ORDER ONLINE: LEONGSASIANDINER.COM 110

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LUCKY CAT BOBA TEA & TAIYAKI 3424 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-351-3136. here is a hefty menu of u le tea options e like the passionfruit mo ito u le tea that comes ith fresh lime and mint leaves plus s eet snacks like mitarashi dongo ske ers, red ean filled mochi, and darling slices of cake pen Sun hu am pm, ri Sat a m p m $ WIFI

1647 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-887-1148, queencitydeli.com. his spot serves up pasta, soups, salads and some super delicious sand iches on t miss he Burnes eef tenderloin on garlic read or the talian eef sand iches pen on Sat , am pm $ LD

Multiple 417-land locations, eatandys.com. on t miss the rotating seasonal toppings ry the arks urtle sundae, a classic concoction ith caramel, hot fudge and toasty pecans pen Sun hu , am p m ri Sat , a m midnight $

MYTHICAL ‘WICH

BOX TURTLE CREAMERY

PRAIRIE PIE

1458 E. Cherry St., Springfield. rom ani unnell, the o ner of Sleepy possum Cafe, this cute little cream ery in the Rountree neigh orhood serves handmade scoops in avors ranging from familiar to adventurous We loved the lemon cran erry and the anana hon eycom ice creams the most pen pm $

307 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, prairiepie.com. Prairie Pie makes stellar all utter crust pies in avors that range from classic to inventive he caramel apple pie is an elevated take on a classic Stop y the store front for other o erings as ell, such as savory pot pies, cookies and cra y good mashed potatoes pen hurs Sun a m p m $–$$ L WIFI

113 E. Main St., Branson, mythicalwich.com. This sand ich shop comes from the o ners of another Branson favorite ettin Basted t o ers a large selection of old lunch and reakfast sand iches, like the oly and renade topped ith pastrami hash and a fried egg pen daily a m p m $ B L D

THE SANDWICH SCENE 208 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-685-9682, thesandwichscene.com. his little spot started out inside S eet Boy s Neigh orhood Bar and has no found a home of its o n on c aniel Street his spot slings some seriously good sammies pen am pm onday Saturday $ L D

THE SUB SHOP 1721 E. Seminole St., Springfield, 417-887-3804; 456 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-831-8077. The ighter Pilot sand ich comes fully loaded ith salami, pepperoni, cheese, anana peppers, lettuce and su sauce Seminole location open on ri , am p m c aniel open on ri , am pm $ L

EUROPEAN CAFÉ 207 Park Central East, Springfield, 417-569-6702, 417europeancafe.com. Along ith co ee drinks, this little akery serves up lovely croissants, eautiful des serts, perfect pastries and more heir macarons are to die for, and the pretty little mousse cakes are almost too lovely to eat We love the uiche here as ell pen on hurs , am p m ri , am p m Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $ WIFI

HURTS DONUT 320 Park Central West, Springfield, 417-719-4119; 1111 E. Republic Road, Suite 164, Springfield, 417755-7574; wannahurts.com utside the o and super delicious doughnuts are availa le hours a day in do nto n Springfield $ B L D WIFI

SOCIETEA 1653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-720-4094, facebook.com/societea. Bu le tea is the name of the game at this authentic spot here the matcha milk tea and the matcha roll cake are oth must try o erings pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , a m p m $ WIFI

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3628 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-881-7515; 3012 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-882-1718; 1415 W. State Highway J, Ozark, 417-425-7885; stgeorgesdonuts.net. ots of luscious doughnuts are made fresh daily here pen daily, a m p m National location closed Sunday ark closed onday $ B

1/2 W X 1/2 V PAGE AD p. 111

Brunch Sat and Sun: 9am–2pm Dinner Mon–Sat: 5pm–10pm Sunday: 5pm–9pm Breakfast Mon–Fri: 7am–10am

Feast on the freshest flavors in the Ozarks at The Order. Our seasonal menu features a modern take on Missouri cuisine showcasing locally sourced ingredients and crafted cocktails.

Be sure to plan ahead for complimentary valet with dinner reservations.

305 E. Walnut St., Springfield 417-851-5299 | theordersgf.com

Hours 5–9pm: Tues.–Thurs.

5–10pm: Friday Hours vary: Saturday 12–6pm: Sunday Closed: Mon. Happy hours every day!

Never-ending summer vibes with beachy dishes, and elevated bar bites at a local bar and grill. Warning: the cocktails & atmosphere will be hard to leave!

1198 W St. Hwy NN, Ozark, MO 65721 417-771-9330 | volleyballbeachozark.com

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CASPER’S 937 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. his local favorite is filled ith right colors and a kitschy vi e that s oth Casper s familiar and also rand ne he spot serves over o ing o ls of great chili and a fe other options like urgers and hot dogs pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am pm $ B L D K

AVANZARE, please see listing p. 104 BAMBINO’S CAFÉ 1141 E. Delmar St., Springfield, 417-862-9999; 2810-D E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-881-4442; bambinoscafe.com. his little talian eatery serves hearty helpings of tasty talian fare that on t reak the ank, availa le at t o land locations pen on Sat , am p m Sun , noon p m $ L D WIFI K

BASILICO ITALIAN CAFE

DRUFF’S 331 Park Central East, Springfield; 417-719-1719, yumdruffs.com. ru s rings glorious cheesiness to diner fare ith a menu of grilled cheeses, soups and creative sides ru s also o ers a ro ust runch and reakfast menu pen ue Wed , a m p m hu Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m $ L D

306 Commercial St., Springfield, 417-873-9224, basilicoitaliancafe.com. on t miss the delicious tortel lini car onara here, or the penne pesto cream ith chicken a dreamy com o of alfredo and pesto sauces pen p m Weds , am p m hurs Sat , a m p m Sun $$ L D WIFI K

BRUNO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, see p. 136 GILARDI’S, please see listing p. 104

INDIAN

THE HILL

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 ndian fare We loved the karahi lam and the mushroom aloo matar Stop y for lunch on ridays and Saturdays for the u et pen daily, am pm, p m $$ L D

600 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-920-8850, thehilldining.com. Come hungry to he ill, chef Angel im s all you can eat destination o ering a ide vari ety of talian fare in a fine dining atmosphere pen for lunch on ri , a m p m pen for dinner on hu , p m ri , p m Sat , pm Sun , p m Brunch served Sat Sun , am pm $–$$ L D M WIFI ☎

NAWAB’S INDIAN CUISINE TANDOOR BAR

NICOLA’S RISTORANTE, see listing p. 117

INDIA CLAY OVEN & GRILL

3654 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-844-5050. Find your favorite classic ndian dishes here the tandoori chicken and the makhni paneer are e cellent along ith some you might not have seen around to n efore pen Weds on am p m hu Sat p m Sun , on , Weds p m $$ L D

TAJ MAHAL INDIAN RESTAURANT 1250 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-719-4573. ou can find all your ndian favorites here on the large menu here is a variety of naan read and it s so, so soft and perfect , many types of curry and rice dishes and fun desserts like rice pudding and gula amun donuts soaked in syrup pen for lunch and dinner daily $$ L D

ZAYKA INDIAN CUISINE 311 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, 417-351-4400, zaykaspringfield.com. he vegeta le korma, chicken tikka masala and malai kofta are ust a fe of our favorite dishes f you re ne to ndian food, try the pre set com o meals that feature a lot of di erent avors he lunch u et is also killer pen ue Sun , a m p m open for dinner ue hu , p m ri Sat , p m Sun , p m $–$$ L D M

A AN

ARCHIE’S ITALIAN EATERY 1410 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-720-1763, archiesitalian.com. here are di erent types of fet tuchini on the menu plus a uild your o n option , along ith classic talian dishes on t miss the home made cheesy toasted ravioli pen on Sat , a m p m $$ L D K 112

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NONNA’S ITALIAN CAFÉ 306 South Ave., Springfield, 417-831-1222, nonnascafe. net. Italian. he seafood lasagna is a must try dish, and the spicy arra iata lasagna is cra y good And then there s that drool orthy deep fried lasagna Basically, if the dish has lasagna in its name, you kno it ll e good at Nonna s pen Sun hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Sunday Brunch is am– pm $$ L D K M ☎

PICCOLO 107 West Aldersgate Drive, Suites 1 and 2, Nixa, 417374-7291, eatpiccolo.com. When you re craving indul gent talian fare, Piccolo delivers ith a range of piled high pastas, pi as, steak and chicken entrees pen ue hu , p m ri , p m Sat , am p m Sun , a m p m $–$$ L D WIFI ☎ M

APAN S

ARIAKE SUSHI & ROBATA, please see p. 104 CRAFT SUSHI 251 E. Sunshine St., Suite 116, Springfield, 417-3195887, facebook.com/craftsushi. At Craft Sushi, you re in control of your meal as you customi e your o n sushi and poke o ls And the est part t on t reak the ank ry a salad o l topped ith marinated tofu, as paragus, mushrooms, alapenos, edamame and spicy asa i sauce t s our favorite pen on Sat , a m p m $$ L D

HARUNO, please see listing p. 104

HINODE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 4301 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-877-1777.

Come to see the sho at the hi achi grills inode is kno n for onderful hi achi meals ith perfectly cooked proteins and all the e tras rice, stir fry noo dles, veggies and that luscious seafood sauce pen daily, am p m Sun hu , p m ri Sat , p m $$ L D K M ☎

KAI, please see listing p. 105 KARAI RAMEN + HANDROLL 640 W. Republic Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417-319-5225. With arai, o ner oung un, of aruno, ai and oriya, takes ramen seriously, and it sho s in her food he arai Ramen ith a avorful and spicy house made roth is incredi le, and e like to get it ith pork and a seasoned soft oiled egg added pen on ri , am p m on hu , p m Sat am p m ri Sat , pm $ L D NAKATO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 2615 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-881-7171, nakato.com. Performance style hi achi dining is hat Nakato is kno n for And they are super good at it All of the sushi is top notch here as ell on t miss the enny Roll pen on ri , p m Sat , p m Sun , am pm, p m $$ L D

KM☎

NIJI SUSHI 3938 S. Lone Pine Ave., Suite 100-B, Springfield, 417851-1707. n addition to a large variety of sushi rolls e love the Cherry Blossom Roll and the Spicy ummy Roll , this menu also oasts rain o right cocktails and seven types of ramen soups Come ith friends so you can share and sample lots of rolls or dessert, try the u y apanese cheesecake pen Sun hu , a m p m ri Sat , am p m $$ L D

SAKURA 3230 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-882-8000. here s a solid sushi menu the Sam s Roll never dis appoints if you like a roll ith a lot going on , and you can order a sushi don uri o to really get some ang for your uck if you prefer to keep your sushi meals simple and refreshing pen ue Sun , am p m $$ L D WIFI M ☎

SUSHI VILLAGE 1440 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-890-1016, facebook.com/springfieldsushivillage. his co y sushi spot has a arm date night atmosphere ith cherry lossoms and plants around every corner All the sushi is fresh and avorful, ut some custom creations pack fun ingredient com os pen on hu , am pm, p m ri , am pm, p m Sat , am p m $$ L D WIFI

R AN

BAWI KOREAN BBQ 4121 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-886-2777, bawikbbq.com. Ba i orean BBQ rings an authentic orean dining e perience to Springfield, here you ll pay a at fee of for an all you can eat meal ou cook the meat on ta letop grills pen on hu , p m ri Sat, p m Sun , p m $$ D

DINING GUIDE

GOLDEN KOREAN RESTAURANT

CANTINA LAREDO

PRIMA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1406 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-832-1093. This spot serves up delicious and authentic orean food he eef ulgogi and dolsot i im ap are est sellers here We also love the fried dumplings and kim op ry the tasty kimchi fried rice or spicy octopus stir fry f you re in the mood for something really comforting on a cold day, opt for the kimchi chigae pen Wed on , a m p m $ L D WIFI ☎

1001 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-334-6052, cantinalaredo.com. Cantina aredo is a great option if you re e ploring Branson and have a hankering for e ican food ocated on Branson anding, it has a great vie of the choreographed fountain and of ake aneycomo pen Sun hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m $$ L D

2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Springfield, 417-823-7180; 3662 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-890-1212; 5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, 417-582-2776; primasmexicangrill.com. iners love the pollo a ovado, an ounce chicken reast topped ith homemade chori o, hite ueso and tomatoes ry the asada tacos pen on hu , a m p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , a m p m $–$$ L D WIFI K M ☎

KORIYA

4610 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-771-5031; 300 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-885-9097. The menu is huge at Casa Bella, hich has t o Springfield locations ry the tasty ceviche, any of the street ta cos, or the spicy camarones a la dia la he Battlefield restaurant location is huge too, so there s plenty of room to ring your hole cre for some e ican eats pen Sun am p m , on hu am pm, ri Sat am p m $$ L D

4121 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-882-0077. This spot serves create your o n i im ap dishes, and you can choose et een chicken, eef ulgogi, tofu and shrimp for your protein ne of our favorite dishes is the apchae, made ith slippery and s eet stir fried potato starch noodles and lots of veggies it s fun to eat and so satisfying on t miss the aru so a if you re in the mood for something lighter pen on Sat , am pm $ L D

MEDITERRANEAN

GREEK BELLY 320 E. Walnut St., 417-597-3382, greekbelly.com. We love everything e ve tasted here ry a tasty pork or chicken gyro topped ith creamy t at iki, tomatoes, onions and rench fries on a soft pita ur favorite, though, is the loukaniko rap t s an orange spiced pork sausage served in a pita ith spicy feta dip, fresh veggies and rench fries pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Brunch served the sec ond Sunday of each month, am pm $ L D ☎ WIFI K

THAT LEBANESE PLACE 338 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-536-6677. The ki eh is fantastic if you like her aceous and satisfy ing eats, and any of the delicious and meaty ke a s is a great choice We love the stu ed grape leaves appeti er, served ith a delicious tahini dipping sauce he falafel mushakal sand ich is great too, ith falafel, a a ghanou , rench fries, fresh veggies, pickled tur nips and tahini pen ue Sat , am p m $–$$ LD

VASKEN’S DELI 3200 Gretna Road, Suite D, Branson, 417-334-9182, vaskensdeli.com. he gyros are fantastic here ake sure you get them ith traditional gyro meat, and don t skip the t at iki sauce verything s etter ith t at iki sauce, right We are nuts for the eef sha erma too, though t makes for a super delicious and satisfying meal and tastes ama ing ith tahini pen on Sat , a m p m Sun , a m p m tended summer hours. $ L D WIFI K

CAN

CABOS BONITOS GRILL & CANTINA 406 South Ave., Springfield, 417-221-3490. Come to this do nto n Springfield spot for all your e ican favorites plus some fun and uni ue dishes like the fried avocado appeti er t has eer attered avoca do halves filled ith your choice of meat and topped ith sour cream and chipotle ranch sauce pen Sun am p m , on hu am p m , ri Sat am p m $$ L D

CASA BELLA MEXICAN CUISINE

CATRINA’S MODERN MEXICAN 2925 Battlefield Road, Suite 105, Springfield, 417-3501006, catrinascantina.com. his spot serves authentic sharea le dishes and full entrees ook for hand crushed guacamole that can e loaded up ith chich arron he grilled plaintains are a treat he cocktail menu is e cellent here too pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m , Sun , noon p m $$ LD

CESAR’S OLD MEXICO 2627 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 17-881-8252. ndulge in authentic e ican food at incredi ly reasona le prices We love the irria taco, hich is filled ith succulent shredded eef on t miss the Salvadorian pupusas stu ed ith eans and cheese they are delightful he carnitas torta is also e cellent pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am pm $ L D

IGUANA ROJA 107 W. Church St., Ozark, 417-485-8585; 12051 MO13, Kimberling City, iguanaroja.net. here are delicious margaritas at this little eatery located on the s uare in ark on t miss the one made ith alape os it has a kick that s so much fun to drink he chips are e cel lent here, ith a yummy seasoning sprinkled on top of every one pen ue hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m $–$$ L D K

LA PALOMA 3041 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-719-4484, dienlapaloma.com; 1425 W. Battlefield St., Springfield, 417-889-2985, thelapaloma.com. his spot o ers a huge range of e ican dishes including fish tacos, hich are e cellent Battered and fried fish is topped ith fresh pic de gallo, ca age and a creamy chipo tle sauce and then served ith e ican hite rice pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , am p m $–$$ L D

MEXICAN VILLA Multiple 417-land locations, mexicanvilla.net. his spot is a favorite among longtime Springfield locals, and it is kno n for its s eet sauce served ith tortilla chips Also popular is the Sancho nchilada Style a huge urrito that is completely s imming in red enchilada sauce ids love the chicken fingers, and you can even purchase the s eet salsa in a ar to go ours vary y location $ L D K

PURPLE BURRITO 1700 S. Campbell Ave., Suite A, Springfield, 417-8636688. We love the street style tacos he pastor taco ith onions and cilantro is great And the fish tacos are some of our favorite fish tacos any here A dinner fa vorite is the carne asada urrito ry the super cheesy chili relleno urrito pen on Sat am pm, Sun a m p m $ B L D WIFI K M

SEÑOR JULIAN MEXICAN BAR & GRILL 3405 E. Battlefield Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417240-2120. his tiny restaurant packs ig avors, ith a menu of traditional e ican soups, handmade to or der our tortillas, uesa irria tacos, massive uesa dillas, fa ita aked potatoes and more pen on am p m , Weds hu am p m , ri Sat am p m , Sun a m p m $–$$ L D K

TEAM TACO 1454 E. Cherry St., Springfield, teamtacosgf.com. et the little ru y red uilding near Pick ick Avenue and Cherry Street e your guiding eacon to a vor packed tacos, nachos and rice o ls his tiny cafe serves ma or avors in its taco menu We re fans of the lo etrotter pork elly taco, and e al ays have to taste test the Ringer, the shop s rotating special taco pen on Sun , am pm $ LD

TINGA TACOS 308 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-831-8007, tingatacossgf.com. his do nto n taco shop is open late slinging shells of its ildly creative com inations We are partial to the u u made ith super avorful mar inated tofu or the ruity Piggles ith uicy pork and fig am for a salty s eet com ination pen ue Wed , a m p m hu Sat , am am $LD

TORTILLERIA PERCHES 1601 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-864-8195. This tiny little authentic e ican restaurant makes its o n tortillas and chips fresh every day ry a e ican soda, a traditional e ican soup or a tamale hen you visit on t miss aco uesdays and amale hursday pen ue ri , am p m Sat , a m p m Sun , am pm $ B LD

PIZZA

ARRIS’ PIZZA 1332 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-881-7260, arrispizzaonline.com. hin crust pi as have a reek air at Arris Pi a Be sure to order the Athena a pi a made ith feta, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms and green peppers if you ant to try one that ursts ith avor he ruschetta is a great appeti er, and it s unlike ruschetta e ve had other places pen ue hu , a m p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , am pm, p m $–$$ L D M A C

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DINING GUIDE

THE BIG SLICE

ROCCO’S PIZZA & SUBS

HARRY’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE & BAR

1450 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-720-1928; 4126 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, 417-720-4108; thebigslicespringfield.com. ou can get ig Ne ork style rick oven pi a y the slice here r uy a hole pie if you prefer, ut either ay make sure to try to the chicken acon ranch pi a or an app that s oh so addictive, try the pepperoni rolls pen daily, am pm $–$$ L D

Multiple 417-land locations; roccospizzaandsubs.com. his talian eatery speciali es in Ne ork style pi a that has any ody ho s een to the east coast s oon ing t s legit Also on the menu are hot su s, like meat all or eggplant Parmesan, plus salads, cal ones and a handful of pasta entrees $–$$ L D

at Big Cedar Lodge, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417-339-5200, bigcedar.com/dining. his chic cock tail spot is located do nstairs at the Worman ouse on the Big Cedar odge property t s a great place to stop y for a drink they have e cellent cocktails and a great ine and hiskey selection , and they also o er a rotating menu of small plates and appeti ers uesday hursday p m , riday and Saturday p m $–$$ L D K

GARBO’S PIZZERIA

P BS,

2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Suite C101, Springfield, 417883-9010, garbospizzeria.com f you love a loaded St ouis style pi a, try the toppings packed randiose r try the Bavarian pi a for something a little di er ent it is topped ith Canadian acon and sauerkraut Customers are ig fans of the ar o s house salad pen Wed , hu , Sun am p m ri Sat a m p m $–$$ L D M

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BARS

ANDY B’S TIKI BAR

MASO PIZZA BAR

433 Promenade Way, Branson, 417-213-8631, bransontikibar.com. Big ne s for lovers of island style evs and casual hangout spots Andy B s iki Bar has opened on Branson anding, and it s an e tension of Springfield s Andy B s Bo l Social Andy B s iki Bar has a vie of ake aneycomo, here guests can or der tiki drinks, eer and other drinks pen on Sat noon p m , Sun am pm $

3653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-720-1047. Maso Pi a Bar is o ned y Nicola ilardi and located ust a fe door do n from his other restaurant, Nicola s Ristorante And ust like at Nicola s, everything on the menu is delish We can t ait to try options like the Nic Rise and Shine, talian Stallion and vegetarian friend ly onica ealthy pies he menu also spans salads, panini, pasta, soups and more pen on Sat , p m close $$ D WIFI

2040 E. Independence St., 417-887-0100. his re pu has its o n eer plus local eer that can e hard to find else here ere the menu is vast and the food is tasty We en oyed the urgers, and the apps menu included some super tasty options pen on hu , am p m ri , a m midnight Sun , am p m $$ WIFI L D

THE CELLAR

MCSALTY’S PIZZA CAFÉ 1550 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-883-4324.

A mainstay in Springfield, cSalty s serves delicious pi a and has een part of the Springfield landscape forever he Bear Pie is a tasty supreme that s loaded up ith lots of toppings here are also su sand iches pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m $ L D WIFI M ☎

PAPPO’S PIZZERIA 221 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-866-1111; 900 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-306-9091; pappospizzeria.com. ry the spicy chicken Cholula pie topped ith a mi ture of red sauce and olive oil, grilled chicken marinated in Cholula sauce, garlic, mo arella cheese, red onions, cilantro We like the salads here as ell pen on Wed , am p m hu Sat , a m a m Sun , a m p m $–$$ L D

THE PITCH PIZZA & PUB 2924 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-368-0277. With a menu full of pi a, pastas, salads, sand iches and pu fare and a killer eer selection, there s something to please everyone We love to uild our o n pi a ith alfredo sauce and a ton of mushrooms ry the Brussels sprouts appeti er it s dreamy Restaurant open on Sat , am p m Sun , am pm pu open later $ $ L D M WIFI K

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507 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-351-2824, thecellar.springfieldbrewingco.com Created y the team ehind Springfield Bre ing Company and located ust around the corner from it , he Cellar is a casual setting for small ites and creative cocktails unch on house made porto ello erky hile you sip on a craft cocktail and en oy a rotation of live music pen Weds Sun pm $D

CELLAR+PLATE 2916 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, 417-368-1739, cellarandplate.wine. At Cellar Plate you can get e cep tional ine and tasty food in a comforta le and invit ing atmosphere Customers love the steak medallions and the seafood ravioli on t miss the Cellar Board ith meats, cheeses and fruits Cellar Plate has a great ine menu pen ues Weds p m , hurs Sat p m $$ D

CLEAR LOUNGE At Hilton Branson Convention Center, 200 E. Main St., Branson, 417-243-3433. ust across the street from Branson anding at the ilton Branson Convention Center is Clear ounge, a great place to gra a cock tail ith friends his spot is home to tasty food, good music and fun drinks ours vary open p m at press time D

COYOTE’S ADOBE CAFÉ & BAR

PIZZA HOUSE 312 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-881-4073. This restaurant has een a tradition in Springfield for more than years, and the pi a they serve is super thin and cut into super tiny pieces t s a classic that s not to e missed and is a favorite of lifelong locals ur fa vorite thing there any pi a that includes acon pen ue hu , am p m ri Sat , am pm $ L D WIFI

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BRICKTOWN BREWERY

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1742 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-889-7120; 807 N. Main St., Nixa, 417-725-6803, coyotes4wings.com. his spot is kno n for its avors of chicken ings, from common u alo to une pected tandoori spice here are also tons of apps, sammies and entrees pen on hu , a m midnight, kitchen until p m ri , am a m , kitchen until p m Sat , a m a m , kitchen until p m Sun , a m pm, kitchen until p m $ B L D WIFI K

THE GOLDEN GIRL RUM CLUB 137 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-425-5162, thegoldengirl.com. his rum ar on the south est cor ner of Park Central S uare serves handcrafted cock tails and a made from scratch, eclectic, internationally inspired menu he pi a specials are particularly cre ative and deliciously sharea le As for drinks, every thing on the menu is relia le ell done ur favorite r uava ava, hich is oth fruity and spicy pen ue Sat , p m a m $ L D WIFI

LINDBERG’S TAVERN 318 W. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-868-8900, lindbergsbar.com. orget a out asic ar food his storied atering hole goes a ove and eyond ith creative takes on hearty comfort food classics he urgers are delicious, ut honestly everything e ve tried has een impressive he Sunday runch is one of the est around pen ue Sat , am am Sun , p m midnight $ L D M WIFI V

THE ROYAL 1427 E. Cherry St., Suite B, Springfield, 417-351-3029, theroyalmusichall.com. his tiny and eautiful spot in the Pick ick and Cherry area serves ell crafted cocktails, ottled cocktails and a small menu of simply delicious finger foods like arm olives or rosemary and itters gla ed nuts Be sure to visit hen there is live music the intimate setting at he Royal makes for a great e perience pen ues hurs p m ri Sat p m midnight $

SPRINGFIELD BREWING COMPANY 305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-832-8277, springfieldbrewingco.com. ry the fish and chips paired ith the eers that are re ed on site Also delicious are the urgers and the mac and cheese he runch menu is a great eekend treat ive music ue Sun kitchen open Sun , am p m on ri , am p m Sat , a m p m ar close daily at p m $$ B L D WIFI K M V

SWEET BOY’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR 310 South Ave., Springfield, 417-719-4224, sweetboysbar.com. Come for pin all, a laid ack atmosphere and a small ut very ell done cocktail list or something more like dessert, try the ellBoy, a fro en rish co ee ith a at Boy s ice cream sand ich pen Weds Sat p m close Sun noon close $

VINO CELLARS WINE SHOP & LOUNGE 2137 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-773-1985; 15038 Business Highway 13, Branson West, 417773-1985, vcellars.com. Small plates, snacks and tapas make up the menu at this comforta le spot Springfield open on hu , am p m or later ri Sat , am p m or later Branson West open ue hu , am p m or later ri Sat , am p m or later $ L D WIFI

DINING GUIDE

CODY S 3138 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-887-8083. The cheese urgers are a specialty at this restaurant, and they are enormous on t miss the ham and cheese sand iches, another customer favorite pen on Sat , am a m Sun , a m midnight kitchen open on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , am p m $ L D WIFI K M

S A

S

CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL, please see

ry kinds of meat for dinner, all sliced ta leside inner comes ith eef soup, soft rolls and unlim ited trips to the cold ar ith things like fresh cheese, pasta salads and more pen daily at a m Closing time varies seasonally $ L D WIFI K M ☎

WILDER’S STEAKHOUSE 1216 S. Main St., Joplin, 417-623-7230, wilderssteakhouse.com Come to oplin s Wilder s Steakhouse to find steaks in all si es and varieties, all of hich are certified lack Angus eef and free of hormones and anti iotics he restaurant s menu also has a variety of other items like seafood and chicken pen on hu , p m ri Sat , p m $$$ D ☎

listing p. 104

ROCKBRIDGE RESTAURANT Call for directions to the ranch in Rockbridge; 4297 County Road 142, Rockbridge, rockbridgemo.com. This fishing lodge is home to a restaurant that speciali es in all things trout he super fresh fish dishes are made ith trout that are caught on the property We love the trio appeti er, hich comes ith trout salad, smoked trout and a trout dip that is so cravea le or an entree, try the lackened trout dish here s also an on site ar, he rist ill located in a historic former riverside mill pen daily a m p m $ B L D WIFI

KM☎

VANTAGE ROOFTOP LOUNGE & CONSERVATORY 260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-851-1768; rooftopvantage.com. his rooftop ar at otel andivort has a reathtaking vie of do nto n Springfield and even o ers dining igloos in the inter so you can en oy the scene all year long he cocktails are re freshingly creative and classically ell done, and the menu of sharea les and snacks ring the concept of ar food up several notches ith items like the pork rillette tartine ake sure you try something from the super fresh, eautifully prepared ra ar he pickled shrimp and scallop ceviche are t o of our faves pen ues Weds p m midnight, hurs Sat p m a m $$

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BETH’S BAKE SHOPPE & TEA ROOM 1645-D W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-866-5533, bethsbakeshoppe.com. ry a chicken salad sand ich served on cinnamon raisin read And e love the spinach salad served ith arm acon vinaigrette, and the gigantic couscous salad loaded ith fresh veggies and eta ea room is open on Sat , a m p m akery open am pm $L KM

S IL O E S TEA OO AND VINTAGE SUITCASE 211 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-886-7000, robinsvintagesuitcase.com. he daily specials and desserts are the star of this tearoom and pastry shop on Commercial Street here is al ays a uiche and soup of the day, plus great desserts pen on ri , am p m Sat , am p m Bakery is open on ri , am p m Sat , am pm $ L WIFI M

SPRING CREEK TEA ROOM 107 S. Third St., Ozark, 417-582-1331. The homemade desserts are to die for Be sure to order them uickly efore they run out like you might ant to order them efore you order entrees on t miss the veggie sand ich, the stra erry soup or the chicken salad pen ue Sat , am pm $ L K

THAI EXPRESS 2113 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-865-0101, 417thaiexpress.com. When you visit this friendly spot, don t miss the agic Noodle, mango curry chicken and volcano shrimp dishes hey are all tasty he green curry is delicious, ith a sauce so divine you might ust ant to drink it We admit We ve een tempted pen on hu , am p m ri , am pm Sat , am pm $L D

THAILAND STATION 1730 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-350-1001, thailandstation.net. ind all your favorites a variety of curries, stir fried noodle dishes and soups plus some surprises like crispy duck and stir fried pork elly We re super e cited a out the salad options, like the som tum papaya salad and the laa ground chicken salad All of the curries are e cellent, ut the panaang is our very favorite rder it ith shrimp When it s in season, order the mango sticky rice dessert pen on Sat , am pm $L D

TONG’S THAI RESTAURANT 3454 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-889-5280. This spot serves up a menu packed ith tasty hai avors, and the sarn lettuce raps are a longtime customer favorite he fried asa ith your choice of one of ong s yummy sauces is another fan fave e like to order it topped ith asil sauce on t forget a out the hairito, a dish that s uni ue to ong s ull ar pen on ri , am pm on Sat , p m $–$$ L D WIFI ☎

THE WHEELHOUSE 1845 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-430-0400, wheelhousefood.com. he pineapple fried rice is a fan favor ite at this hai e ican fusion spot, ut you really can t go rong ith anything on the menu We al ays go for the kimchi falafel tacos hey are ursting ith great tastes and pack some seriously spicy heat thanks to the homemade kimchi Another drool orthy choice is the crispy tofu in hai asil sauce he smell alone ill make your mouth ater pen on hu , a m p m ri Sat , a m p m Sun, a m p m $ B LD V

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S A THAI

CHAR STEAKHOUSE & OYSTER BAR, please see listing p. 104

FLAME STEAKHOUSE, please see listing p. 104 JIMM’S STEAKHOUSE, please see listing p. 105 LEVEL 2 STEAKHOUSE, please see listing p. 105 RED OAK STEAKHOUSE Downstream Casino Resort, 69300 E. Nee Road, Quapaw, Oklahoma, 1-888-396-7876, downstreamcasino.com. ry aged prime steaks are served in this restaurant s fine dining atmosphere he sides are delicious too, ith options like garlic potato puree and tru e creamed corn pen Sun hu , pm ri Sat , p m $$ D ☎

RERICO BRAZILIAN GRILL 3371 E. Montclair St., Springfield, 417-881-8882, rericogrill.com. Are you a huge fan of all things meaty

RAMA THAI CAFÉ 1129 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-865-3204. This restaurant, located inside a charming old house on istoric Walnut Street, features a menu full of deli cious hai tastes in a co y atmosphere ith a shady patio out ack Start your meal ith the avocado spring rolls hen dig into the entrees ith an order of delicious curry noodles or a spicy curry option pen on hu , am pm, p m ri Sat , am pm, p m Sun , noon pm, p m $–$$ L D K

THAI THAI CUISINE 1615 W. Highway 76, Branson, 417-334-9070, thaithaibranson.com. hai hai Cuisine o ers really great hai food and a s eet sta he panang curry is delicious, and it s served on a little ed of fresh spinach pen on Sat , am pm, p m Sun am pm, p m $–$$ L D K

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BAMBU 1338 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-881-9881. he pho is a specialty here ou can add spice, her s, alape os and sprouts to customi e it ur favorite se all of the her s, a couple of alape os and a s uirt of Sriracha on t miss the refreshing un o ls too he one made ith lemongrass eef is a avor om he pineapple chicken stir fry entree is another cus tomer favorite pen on hu , am p m ri Sat , am p m Sun , am p m $ L D WIFI

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PHO KIM 3433-C S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-883-9999, phokimspringfield.com. ere you can fill up on ietnamese staples like pho, spring rolls, a variety of ahn mi sand iches and more he chicken fried rice is e tra crispy, and the chicken pho is ust as tasty as the classic eef variety here We love the fresh spring rolls too f you aren t afraid of heat, try the spicy eef noodle soup pen on and Wed Sat , am p m Sun , am p m $ L D WIFI A C

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PROMOTION

PROMOTION

Giving back to the community is one of 417 Magazine’s highest priorities, and each month we support local non-profit organizations that keep 417-land thriving. These organizations and events contribute to the betterment of 417-land. 417 Magazine is proud to support these events hosted by charities and organizations that create TIMES for a CAUSE.

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[ PEOPLE PICS ]

HOOKED ON DANCE Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks’ annual Hooked on Dance event included dinner, a live auction, silent disco and pink carpet to complete the “Night in Hollywood” themed evening. All proceeds for the event went toward providing help for families facing breast cancer in the Ozarks.

Debbie & Dustin Gerleve

Dr. Mark & Dr. Jami Skrade, Dr. Zack Webb

Nicole Lovelace, Michele Meewes, Sarah Balazs

Hannah Ruder, Emily Laurie

Lenka Hales & Amelie Hales

Scott & Kylie Short, Molly Greenwade, Chris Bodine

Susie Cummings, Jeanie Stark, Jenny Carnahan

Jane & Rick McElvaine

Date October 6, 2023 Benefiting Organization Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks Location Oasis Hotel and Convention Center

Sponsors 417 Magazine, Advertising Plus, Affinity Wealth Partners, Bass Pro Shops, Bolivar Insulation/ G3 Enterprises Inc, Brent & Barbie Davis, Corwin, CoxHealth, Downstream Casino Resort, Dynamic DNA Laboratories, Elevate Dental Studio, Guaranty Bank, John & Beth Raidel, L & W Industries, Larry O’Reilly Family Foundation, Material Handling Exchange/ Coal Pick Distillery, Maxon’s Diamond Merchants, Mercy, Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group, Missouri Trust and Investment Co, Murney Associates, Realtors, O’Reilly Auto Parts, O’Reilly Development Company, O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC, Oncology Hematology Associates, Ozarks Lunkers/OzAir/Burgess Aircraft Management, Pathology Services of Springfield, Physicians for Breast Health, Pinnacle Family Advisors, Reliable Superstore, Rick’s Automotive, Simmons Bank, Springfield Nissan Kia, SRC Holdings Corporation, Tal & Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten Family Foundation, The Breast Surgeons at CoxHealth, The Center for Plastic Surgery, The Charlie and Mary Beth O’Reilly Family Foundation, Westward Alliance, Women Connect 4 Good 118

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Photos by Mariya Serykh

Attire Semi-formal

[ PEOPLE PICS ]

CASA BLANCA Isaac & Rebecca Weber

Jeremy Rabe, Dana & Steve Burnich

CASAblanca included live music, dinner, raffles and a casino after-party to benefit CASA of Southwest Missouri’s mission to ensure every child in foster care in the community has a trained volunteer advocate and brighter future.

Date October 13, 2023 Benefiting Organization CASA of Southwest Missouri

Vanessa Scavuzzo, Brandon Moore, Hanna Moore

Andrea & Jason Korte

Location Oasis Convention Center Attire Semi-formal

Photos by Mary Ellen Chiles

Sponsors 417 Magazine, Associated Electric, Bass Pro Shops, Bee Payne Stewart Foundation, CoxHealth, Cronkhite Homes, FORVIS, Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub, Kitchenland, Mid-Missouri Bank, Nancy O’Reilly Family Foundation, O’Reilly Automotive, Queen City Roofing, Regent Bank, Risdal Enterprises, SRC, Synergy Executive, Tal & Rosalie O’Reilly-Wooten, Volt Credit Union, zBuyer

Stephanie & Telly Jenkins

Barry & Beth Atkins, Brenda Owens

Mike & Dawn Cosby, Susan & David Yaktine

Laura & Andrew Farmer 417MAG.COM • 417 MAGAZINE

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YOUR BEST SHOT

Starry Eyed PHOTO BY IAN KINCAID | @THEIANKINCAID Bolivar resident Ian Kincaid specializes in landscape and nature photography. While traveling with family he stopped at John Gardner Lake in Mindenmines. “It was a beautiful, peaceful evening with the sun setting and the stars just beginning to appear,” Kincaid says. “I happened to have my camera with me, and I snapped this photo of my sister sitting at the end of the dock stargazing.”

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