Springfield Chamber Guide | 2022

THE COVER

FINDING HOME

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Photos courtesy Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium,

A PLACE TO THRIVE

Meet one local musician who jams out across the U.S. but chooses to call Springfield home.

A BIG WELCOME

Get the scoop on why people in the greater Springfield area are excited about growth and new development in town.

FUN AROUND TOWN

Check out the to-do list at all the nearby towns and destinations just a short drive away.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Find downtown living, historic charm, private communities and more in Springfield.

THE DOCTOR IS IN

Our region’s award-winning health systems provide quality care right at home.

THEY MEAN BUSINESS

Meet three business owners who are putting Springfield on the map.

FESTIVAL SEASON

The Springfield area is home to a long list of festivals. Just open the calendar and find the nearest one.

OPT OUTSIDE

There are plenty of ways to explore the outdoors on foot, a bike or watercraft.

A CREATIVE COMMUNITY

With

PLAYTIME

SCHOOLED

ART AROUND TOWN

Photos by Colby Moore Photography, Aaron J. Scott, Jenn Fortner

202 S. JOHN Q. HAMMONS PARKWAY SPRINGFIELD, MO 65806

PHONE: 417-862-5567 / FAX: 417-862-1611 SPRINGFIELDCHAMBER.COM

PRESIDENT Matt Morrow

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Vicki Pratt MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER Rachael Mhire 2111 S. EASTGATE AVE. / SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809

PHONE: 417-883-7417 / FAX: 417-889-7417 417MAG.COM

EDITOR Ettie Berneking

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Katie Pollock Estes

CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS ART DIRECTOR Annah Crow

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Brandon Alms PHOTOGRAPHER Leah Stiefermann

DIGITAL EDITOR Jamie Thomas CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sarah Patton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS

Ren Bishop, Karen Bliss, Mary Ellen Chiles, Juliana Goodwin, Evan Greenberg, Jessica Hammer, Rose Marthis, Susan Atteberry Smith, Savannah Waszczuk

PUBLISHER Logan Aguirre

FOUNDERS Gary & Joan Whitaker

VP OF OPERATIONS & CUSTOM PUBLISHING Megan Johnson

VP OF STRATEGY & SENIOR ACCOUNT EXEC. Ammie Scott Motes STYLE & ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Colin Denniston

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jami Wightman

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Janelle Haik

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Jennifer Massey-Brown

CLIENT COORDINATOR Nicki Hodges

ACCOUNT SERVICE MANAGER Kathy Grieve RESEARCH EDITOR Jo Jolliff

MARKETING COORDINATOR Mariya Serykh

ACCOUNT SERVICE MANAGER Kathy Grieve

FINANCE ASSISTANT Michelle Martens

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Bernadette Pry

ADVERTISING DESIGN COORDINATOR Katie Batliner

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Rin Colwel

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Josh Beecher, Tessa Cooper, Tyler Hines, Linda Huynh, Heather Kane, Ryan Saunders, Aaron J. Scott, Starboard & Port, Vivian Wheeler

Springfield is the thirdlargest city in Missouri, behind only St. Louis and Kansas City.

TO THE LIFE YOU WANT IN SPRINGFIELD

Springfield’s cost of living is nearly 14% lower than the national average.

Community members gather at more than 40 annual festivals throughout the region.

Springfield metro residents spend an average of 23 minutes commuting to work.

Springfield’s revitalized downtown continues to grow and is home to restaurants, shops, performance centers and much more.

Photo

Welcome to TOWN

Musician Shaun Munday could live and work just about anywhere, but he chooses Springfield. His answer to why couldn’t be simpler.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

For Shaun Munday, Springfield has always been the sweet spot.

Raised in a musical family, he was playing ukulele “as soon as I could crawl,” and eventually moved on to the electric bass as a pre-teen. He played by ear until attending Central High School.

“I think band and choir gave me more of the formal application and the group dynamic elements,” Munday says. “It also introduced me to what was possible.” After high school he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston where he was introduced to a whole new group of

musicians. “I was around a ton of very different people,” he says. “I definitely grew as a musician and performer.”

Munday stuck around Boston for a bit after graduation, and he considered moving to New York but decided he was ready to return home. “I had my fill up there in the Northeast and then came back here,” he says.

With a chance to live anywhere, why did Munday choose Springfield? It’s a question a lot of Springfield residents have asked themselves, and many came to the same answer as Munday. It comes down to quality of life.

For Munday, his quality of life includes space. Lots of space. “I like nature a lot,” he says. “I enjoy having a yard. I got into gardening, roses and lawn care.” He also appreciates the low cost of living here. “It just makes the most sense for me. I don’t like having to work 16 or 18 hours a day just to scrape by,” he says.

As a full-time professional musician, Munday says he gets paid the same here as he does in bigger cities, and thanks to technological advances, he can collaborate with other musicians without even leaving town. “I get calls from Nashville, and LA, and New York and Brazil to record and collaborate, but without having to deal with that traffic, or that rent or that cost of living,” he says.

Finally, Munday says living in Springfield has helped him develop as a person. “You have this space to grow and thrive,” he says, “as opposed to just having to constantly be moving and constantly just trying to survive.” In other words, Springfield is home sweet home.

Shaun Munday travels all around the country performing, but his home base is here in Springfield.

Photo by Starboard & Port

Why I Moved Back

There’s a reason David Cameron is so excited about the future of the greater Springfield region, and he’s not alone.

BY SUSAN ATTEBERRY SMITH

When Republic City Administrator David Cameron takes walks at J.R. Martin Park, friendly greetings from the people he meets remind him of one reason he moved back to the Ozarks. “When I’m going down the trail, I say good morning when I’m passing by,” he says. “That just does something to your psyche.”

That’s the small-town charm even the not-so-small cities have in the Ozarks. Springfield is Missouri’s third largest city, and it still somehow feels like a know-your-neighbor, front-porchsitting kind of town. Whether you’re in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa or Republic, this corner of the state has a real sense of community. It’s the community Cameron grew up in, and he says open-air events like the annual Have-A-Blast Patriotic Celebration in Republic or the annual Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield do a lot to bring even more residents together.

Now, as some of the neighboring communities around Springfield grow, efforts are underway to expand those connections. Construction on a $1.7 to $2.2 million bike and pedestrian trail to link Republic’s Shuyler Creek Trail to the Ozark Greenways system should begin in 2023 or 2024, Cameron says. The 7-mile trail will reach the Wilson’s Creek Greenway at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. It’s all about connecting communities “by trails versus just highways,” he says.

Of course, you couldn’t talk about the Ozarks without talking about highway traffic, or the lack thereof. Even with so many residents from Ozark, Nixa and Republic commuting to work in Springfield each day, traffic jams are a rarity here. Maybe it’s all those morning “hellos” that put drivers in a good mood, or maybe it’s the improvements to infrastructure. Either way, morning traffic is rarely part of life in the Ozarks.

In 2024, Route MM will widen to five lanes from I-44 to James River Expressway. The next year, that expansion will reach Farm Road 160 and U.S. 60. Intersection improvements and a bridge over Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks should abate traffic congestion for some 1,800 employees headed to work at the new Amazon Fulfillment Center, Cameron says.

For those headed out to have fun or even just some peace and quiet, several lakes are only a short drive away. It’s just one of the many perks to Ozarks living, Cameron says. “I can drive 30 minutes down to Stockton Lake and just stand by the lakeside—no noise, no traffic.”

What else makes the Springfield area so special to Cameron? Public safety and strong school systems are two big pluses for this father of three. “And then just the beauty of the Ozarks,” he adds. “It’s like looking at a painting. It’s a special place, and it should never be taken for granted.”

David Cameron is the city administrator for Republic, and he’s excited about all the growth in the Springfield region.

Photo by Leah Stiefermann

Fun Across

THE REGION

Springfield is only the beginning. Here are our favorite weekend (and weekday) adventures for fun in the region.

BY REN BISHOP

Branson ▼

Branson is just 40 minutes south of Springfield, and while it’s best known for live shows and access to Table Rock Lake, there’s so much more to do than hear country’s greatest hits. Step back in time at Silver Dollar City, an award-winning theme park with high-flying roller coasters and down home comfort food and some of the best Christmas lights around. For an indoor escape, stop by the Aquarium at the Boardwalk for an upclose look at deep-sea creatures. Swing by Big Cedar for some of the best views of the Ozark Mountains, enjoy a private cabin retreat or hit up one of the award-winning golf courses at Top of the Rock. Even if you play terribly, you can end the day with a great meal, a whiskey and one of the most scenic sunsets in the Ozarks, capped o with a canon salute of course.

Ozark ▲

Down Highway 65, Ozark is full of small-town charm with an upscale flair. Grab a co ee and attend a workshop at Finley Farms where the spacious patio overlooks a working farm. Wander around the idyllic town square and then go antiquing on Elm Street. You’ll find treasures at Camp Flea Antique Mall + Vintage Market, Boomland Square Gifts and Home Decor and nearby Little Bluebird Vintage Boutique. Then, end a charming day in Ozark where the town began, with a picnic at Finley River Park. Before it’s all over, toast to a near-perfect small town with upscale cocktails at The Garrison, where you can take in the sunset along the shore of the Finley River. Linger into the night with apps and a whiskey nightcap at The Finley.

Nixa ▼

Take Campbell Avenue and keep going south to find Nixa, a thriving community for families to play. Start your day with brunch at Morning Day Cafe where you can devour a breakfast chimichanga and one of six specialty bloody marys. Then, dive into the great outdoors with Eric’s Elite Guide Service, a fishing guide that will show you the secret spots and best places to fish in the Ozarks. Or explore the prehistoric at the Missouri Institute of National Science, the oldest known Ice Age fossil cave in North America. Henry the Triceratops is the star of the museum. End your day with America’s favorite pastime at Rotary Park, featuring three baseball fields families have enjoyed for more than half a century.

Republic ▼

To find Republic, just head west. The booming town outside of Springfield is where history and modern life meet. Start your day at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, a lush space that shows the Ozarks’ impact on one of the Civil War’s largest early battles. Then, grab your family and pick strawberries at Boz’s Berry Farm, the sweetest place to be during strawberry season. Indulge your cravings and creativity at Village Pottery Cafe, a paint-your-own pottery studio that serves sweet treats and hosts cooking classes for junior chefs. On hot days, there might not be a better place to make a splash than the Republic Aquatic Center. This water park was designed to provide family fun until the sun goes down.

Photos courtesy Silver Dollar City, Finley Farms, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Morning Day Cafe, Boz’s Berry Farm

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Boz’s Berry Farm

Morning Day Cafe

Big Cedar Lodge

Silver Dollar City

Springfield’s housing costs are 22% lower than the national average.

THE LIFE YOU WANT IN SPRINGFIELD

Local airports provide nonstop service to cities such as Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Las Vegas and several cities in Florida.

Five health systems, including nationally recognized CoxHealth and Mercy, provide top-notch medical care.

Springfield is kicking o its Forward SGF plan, which will guide the city forward with a focus on improving growth, development and a sense of community.

Photo by Brandon Alms

Springfield o ers a diverse array of housing options across a variety of neighborhoods.

Putting Down Roots

No matter what you’re looking for, Springfield has the right neighborhood for you. Learn about the city’s historic districts, deep-rooted neighborhoods and private golf communities to decide where your next home is.

BY ROSE MARTHIS

 HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Springfield is steeped in rich history, evident in places like Walnut Street and in neighborhoods such as Phelps Grove, Rountree and Midtown. Here you can find bungalows, ranches and two-story homes, with cottages and Victorianstyle houses mixed in, all near downtown and Missouri State University.

Phelps Grove has a large community park with walking trails, pavilions, grills and a tennis court. It’s also right by the Springfi eld Art Museum. With its central location, Phelps Grove has a diverse mix of college students, young families and long-time Springfi eld residents. Both Rountree and Walnut Street are home to fun annual celebrations, such as parades for Independence Day and Halloween in Rountree, and Artsfest and Cider Days festivals on Walnut Street. A little farther north is Midtown, near Central High School and Drury University. Cox North Hospital and Washington Park are also close.

Sale Price Range of Homes 2021–2022

Walnut Street: $90,000–$135,000

Phelps Grove: $165,000–$565,000 Rountree: $55,000–$690,000 Midtown: $18,000–$500,000

 DEEP-ROOTED NEIGHBORHOODS

You can find ranches and two-story homes in Ravenwood, Vintage Hills, Southern Hills, Lakes at Wildhorse and Emerald Park. Ravenwood is close to Twin Oaks Country Club with quick access to Highway 65 and nearby dining and retail. Vintage Hills is close to Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, a popular autumn destination for pumpkin patches and fall-themed festivals. Southern Hills boasts mature landscaping, a pool and a tennis club. Lakes at Wildhorse is near Hickory Hills Country Club and has brick homes with easy access to Highway 65. Close by is Emerald Park, home to French Provincial houses, a pool and tennis courts.

Sale Price Range of Homes 2021–2022

Ravenwood: $140,000–$499,000

Vintage Hills: $251,000–$428,000 Southern Hills: $170,000–$750,000 Lakes at Wildhorse: $305,000–$599,997

Emerald Park: $299,250–$712,000



PRIVATE AND GOLF COMMUNITIES

Springfield is home to many private communities with memberships to top-rated golf courses. Settle into a French Provincial home, a ranch or a one-and-a-half or two-story home. Located in northeast Springfield, Cooper Estates includes a chipping green, a pickle ball court and a fishing pond. Millwood, in southeast Springfield, has a pool, tennis court and fitness center. Residents of Rivercut in southwest Springfield enjoy bike rides on nearby trails. East of the city limits is Highland Springs, with tennis courts, a threestory clubhouse and more.

Sale Price Range of Homes 2021–2022

Cooper Estates: $162,000–$625,000

Millwood: $429,900–$940,000

Rivercut: $309,100–$925,000

Highland Springs: $437,500–$1,300,000

Photos by Colby Moore Photography, Brandon Alms; courtesy Murney & Associates

 The picturesque Rountree neighborhood is near downtown Springfield and Missouri State University.

Phelps Grove

Lakes at Wildhorse

Rivercut

WON’T YOU BE OUR NEIGHBOR?

BY ROSE MARTHIS

JUST DOWN THE ROAD

1. Nixa ▲

Located 12 miles south of Springfield, Nixa is a fast-growing community of more than 21,000 people. The award-winning public school district excels in both academics and athletics. There are many opportunities for residents to come together, including Movies in the Park and the Nixa Community Center, which has kids’ camps, training programs, an aquatics center and more.

2. Ozark

Nature and city life collide in Ozark, a town south of Springfield with more than 19,000 people. The square is filled with local businesses, and at Smallin Cave, guests explore natural features on a guided tour or dive into history with a Civil War Lantern Tour. Residents also bike and walk the Finley River Greenway Trail and disc golf at Neal & Betty Grubaugh Park. Ozark is also home to Johnny Morris’ latest project, Finley Farms, which is located along the Finley River and is restoring and reimagining the historic Ozark Mill property.

3. Republic

About 10 miles southwest of Springfield is the city of Republic. The 16,000 residents here enjoy the convenience of having the big city nearby in addition to having the luxury of having almost everything they need in one place including six city parks. Republic is also home to Amazon’s new E-Commerce Fulfillment Center.

4. Battlefield

History bu s love Battlefield, home to 6,000 residents and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Children and adults can learn about the second major battle of the Civil War by touring the grounds and stopping by the visitor’s center. A section of the historic Trail of Tears is also nearby.

5. Willard

About 10 miles northwest of Springfield sits Willard, a fast-growing town with more than 5,000 people. The Willard school district is known for both excellent academics and athletics. Residents stay active with the sports complex, parks, community center, recreation center and the Frisco Highline Trail.

6. Rogersville

A quick drive east on U.S. Highway 60 will bring you to Rogersville, home to more than 3,000 people. The town thrives with more than 100 businesses and an award-winning school district. The close-knit community is still close enough to enjoy Springfield’s attractions.

7. Stra ord

Stra ord is located along Historic Route 66 and has 2,000-plus residents. Relax at the two city parks: Howard Smith Community Park, which has entertaining water features, and Croxdale Park. Stra ord is also home to Wild Animal Safari, a drive-through animal reserve that gives you the chance to get up close and personal with several exotic species.

LIVE NEAR THE LAKE

8. Branson

Shopping and recreation abound at this summer family vacation destination, but the bustling town of more than 11,000 people is thriving all year long. Relax on Table Rock Lake and at one of the award-winning spas in Branson.

9. Hollister

Hollister keeps small-town charm alive in Taney County. Every year, the Grape & Fall Festival takes over Downing Street, bringing locals and out-oftowners together to celebrate the town’s history and another year of hard work.

10. Forsyth

Home to more than 2,000 people, Forsyth touches both Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake and is near the Boston Ferry Conservation Area. While here, treat your taste buds to a filling meal at Fat Daddy’s Family Bar-B-Que.

11. Kimberling City

Just south of Branson West sits Kimberling City, a quiet lake town nestled on the shores of Table Rock Lake. The 2,000-plus residents here love the multiple boat docks, marinas and places to fish, not to mention nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

WIDE OPEN SPACES

12. Marshfield

Population: 7,000+ 28 miles northeast of Springfield

13. Monett Population: 8,000+ 49 miles southwest of Springfield

14. Mt. Vernon Population: 4,000+ 33 miles west of Springfield

15. Aurora Population: 10,000+ 30 miles southwest of Springfield

16. Bolivar

Population: 10,000+ 30 miles north of Springfield

17. Cassville

Population: 3,000+ 59 miles southwest of Springfield

Plenty of people call Springfield’s nearby towns home. These communities all have their own feel and easy access to everything Springfield has to o er.

DALLAS

Photo by Leah Stiefermann

HERE TO THERE

Located in the heart of the country, Springfield makes traveling easy. Just ask Austin Elliott, co-founder of Locke and Stache Media, whose workweek often takes him on the road.

BY KAREN BLISS

Traveling domestically or internationally for work can be difficult, but Austin Elliott, co-founder of ocke and Stache Media, says Springfield is a good place to be when your ob requires regular travel.

ocke and Stache is a video production house that films documentaries, commercials and music videos. One of the company’s main clients is Convoy of ope, a Springfield-based nonprofit that provides food and resources to those impacted by natural disaster, famine and poverty. ocke and Stache’s work with Convoy of Hope has taken Elliott around the world. “We’ve been to eastern Africa multiple times, Ethiopia, Tanzania and enya,” he says. “Our crew also shot in Iraq a few years ago.”

Even though the team is based in Springfield, Elliott says their work takes them outside of the city at least 40 of the time. When they have to pack their bags, the Springfield-Branson ational Airport is there to help. The airport has 15 direct flights to places like Denver, Dallas, os Angeles, as egas and Atlanta, and if you

ask a local how long it takes to get through security, don’t be surprised if they tell you 20 minutes. ines are not a common issue here. “It’s pretty breezy going in and out,” Elliott says. “It’s nice to have ma or airlines that we are connecting to already. The option to go anywhere we need to go is great. Whether it’s a direct flight to os Angeles every week or an international shoot, we can get there pretty seamlessly.”

Another benefit of flying out of a regional airport is its size. Elliott says the airport in Springfield has a small-town feel to it, which means the Locke and Stache team has gotten to know a handful of the airport employees. When the team passes through the airport, staff now recognize their luggage and know that it’s media equipment that needs to be treated carefully.

When they’re on a tight schedule, they know they can get through security and to their gate in under an hour. If they need coffee or some food, there are options ready for them in the airport, and if something goes wrong, they more than likely know at least one friendly face who can help them out.

BY THE NUMBERS

17 4 15 1

Minutes: The average commute to work for Springfield metro residents.

Airlinesat Springfield-Branson

National Airport: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Allegiant Air (flyspringfield.com)

Nonstop destinations: Atlanta; Charlotte; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Fort Myers; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orlando; Phoenix; Houston; Tampa Bay; and Ft. Walton Beach

Private commercial airport in Branson: O ers low-cost, scheduled service to major cities across the central U.S. including Houston, Chicago, Denver and many others (flybranson.com)

GETTING THERE BY CAR

Kansas City St. Louis Chicago Tulsa Dallas

166 mi. 216 mi. 512 mi. 181 mi. 418 mi.

2 hours, 39 min. 3 hours, 19 min. 7 hours, 46 min. 2 hours, 47 min. 6 hours, 49 min.

Locke and Stache has to fly gear all across the world for shoots.

Photo courtesy Locke and Stache Media

PLAYING IT Safe

Citizens and city o cials alike consistently work together to make Springfield a safe place. In fact, residents have recently made it a priority by funding public safety initiatives through the level property tax, and the city continues its commitment to being prepared and bringing residents together to create safe spaces.

BY ROSE MARTHIS

GREENE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

It’s no secret that the Midwest on occasion faces severe weather like tornadoes, but the good news is the $20 million Greene County Public Safety Center provides resource and support coordination to help save lives should disaster strike. Citizens are familiar with the sound of the severe weather outdoor warning sirens managed by the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management (OEM). During an emergency, the center becomes the area’s operations center, providing the strategic tools and resources first responders need to save lives and protect and stabilize the community.

Inside the operations center, a massive screen capable of showing up to 16 separate informational feeds provides real-time updates from news outlets, traffic cameras and more to provide situational awareness to first responders. The Safety Center is designed to withstand virtually every kind of disaster and has amenities designed to house workers during initial stages of a crisis.

Emergency 911 operators find a yearround home on the second floor, and as many as 200 people can work in the

facility during a disaster activation. “Our vision is to become the most disasterresilient community in America,” says Larry Woods, director of the SpringfieldGreene County OEM. “A focus on personal, family and community preparedness ensures that we are more equipped to face Mother Nature.”

POLICE AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Springfield City Council members and local voters also hold public safety as a priority. In November 2017, voters approved a no-rate-increase renewal of the level property tax. This tax provides

long-term funding for Springfield’s public safety including for new community services and projects, such as new fire stations, new equipment and hiring police officers dedicated to domestic violence and human trafficking.

The Springfield Police Department also teamed up with leading mental health providers in Springfield starting in 2022 to create a Mental Health Mobile Response Team. This unit of mental health professionals works alongside police officers to evaluate and assist nonviolent subjects.

To breakdown barriers between the police department and the Springfield

Photos by Tyler Hines, City of Springfield

The Greene County Public Safety Center o ers infrastructure and services to help keep Springfield safe should disaster strike. The center is also home to 911 operators and a disaster command center.

Events throughout the year give community members a chance to meet the o cers behind the uniforms.

community, events like the annual National Night Out give local residents a chance to meet the people behind the uniform and focus on safety and crime prevention. Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) holds the event each year, and families can tour safety vehicles and visit informational booths with activities for kids. “This event has impacted Springfield by providing a positive, friendly and safe opportunity for families to have a more personal experience with the police department, the fire department and other organizations,” says Amy Murphy, PO’s deputy director of community and neighborhood development.

In addition to National Night Out, the Springfield Police Department offers a variety of programs and services to engage citizens. Residents can take part in Neighborhood Watch, join Chief Paul Williams at Coffee with the Chief, request a ride-along with an officer and interact with the department on social media. The police department also hosts events such as Coffee With A Cop where residents can grab a cup of coffee with an officer and talk about public safety issues. Other programs like Bears, Badges & Kids bring community members together through shared interests such as basketball. To learn more about what the local police department is up to, follow along with The Blotter blog on the department’s Facebook page.

Ozark Greenways is the driving force behind a 200+ mile planned system of multi-use trails. A dynamic network of connected streams, parks, businesses and neighborhoods which provides for the enjoyment and economic development of our community. Trails play a crucial role in our community's quality of life and make this an awesome place to live, work and play. With 110 miles of trail built, there's something for everyone regardless of age, abilities or interests.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE:

The police department hosts community events to connect o cers with residents.

Bears Badges & Kids brought MSU and the Springfield Police Department together.

Photos by Tyler Hines, City of Springfield

Caring e Community

Springfield might be Missouri’s third-largest city, but the region’s two major health systems have garnered the kind of acclaim you’d expect from a much larger metropolitan area. Between CoxHealth’s cutting-edge research capabilities and Mercy’s long history of innovative faith-based care, Springfield residents have their pick of some of the nation’s most prestigious medical professionals. Even more impressive is that CoxHealth and Mercy work together to better the community alongside smaller operations including Jordan Valley Community Health Center and Ozarks Community Health Center. Between innovative pediatric facilities, advanced cardiac care and ever-growing options for rural Missourians, Springfield’s hospital systems are revolutionizing local medicine.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

MERCY

Founded locally in 1891 by the Sisters of Mercy, the faith-based operation is the region’s longest-serving health care provider. Mercy’s main Springfield campus houses a evel I Trauma Center and Burn Center, a dedicated Cancer Center, a evel III eonatal IC and the region’s most advanced eart ospital. Mercy is known for its dedication to young patients, with Mercy Kids Children’s ospital and a nearly complete .5 million, 6,300-square-foot Mercy Kids Emergency Room. Just south of Springfield, Mercy Orthopedic ospital Springfield brings in patients from across the nation for hip and knee replacements through partnerships with

large employers like Walmart and Lowe’s.

Mercy employs nearly 8,500 hospital coworkers and physicians.

Mercy has one of eight St. Jude’s Children Research affiliates nationwide. Mercy also runs the region’s first neonatal intensive care unit and the region’s only burn unit.

Exciting New Additions: Mercy Kids ER, a 6,300-square-foot specialized emergency pediatric care unit with a kidfriendly feel to help calm fears of the littlest patients and their loved ones. Mercy eart ospital includes services like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ECMO enables the heart and lungs to rest by oxygenating blood outside the body. ECMO isn’t offered elsewhere in the area.

Photos courtesy Mercy Hospital

The Mercy Kids ER has its own cafe.

COXHEALTH

As the region’s only locally owned, notfor-profit health system, Cox ealth serves patients across dozens of departments including immunology, behavioral health, neuroscience and endocrinology. Cox eath is the only Springfield hospital system named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional ospitals list for seven years. In terms of research, Cox ealth’s Center for Research and Innovation also develops a wide variety of clinical trials, investigator-initiated research and academic research for area medical professionals.

Cox ealth now boasts six locations in the area, including two in Springfield. It also has the Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation ospital, more than 80 clinics and five emergency departments.

Cox ealth employs 12,358 people company-wide with 11,376 in Springfield.

The hospital’s largest campus, Cox Medical Center South, features more than 600 beds and houses the hospital’s main service lines including a evel 1 Trauma Center, evel 1 STEMI Center, evel 1 Stroke Center and the ulston Cancer Center.

Exciting New Addition: Four new super clinics in Ozark, ixa, Monett and Republic that are open until p.m. every day of the week. “Our goal with the super clinic is to provide one-stop shop primary care resources that include laboratory services, radiology services, urgent care, therapy services, plus all of your primary care needs,” says John Throckmorton, administrative director, Cox Medical Group operations.

BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Burrell Behavioral ealth is a growing Community Mental ealth Center that serves more than 40,000 clients across 18 counties in Missouri. Its provider base has more than 400 clinicians who offer a full continuum of care. atients can be seen virtually or in-person, and care ranges from therapy and counseling and addiction recovery to crisis intervention. Burrell also launched Be Well Initiatives in 2020 to help enhance the emotional health and well-being of individuals, organizations and communities.

Burrell’s Be Well Initiatives take place inperson or virtually, and participants learn about and experience the benefits of self-care, mindfulness, connection and hope.

Burrell’s team has grown to include more than 2,000 team members.

Burrell has 17 locations providing services in Springfield and reene County, including walk-in access points and specialty clinics for needs including substance-use recovery, developmental services, Autism, AD D, crisis services and more. Additional Burrell clinics in southwest Missouri are located in Republic, ixa, Bolivar, Marshfield, Branson and Branson West.

There are seven kinds of behavioral therapy treatments at Burrell specifically aimed to help children and their parents.

Exciting New Addition: A lot happened for Burrell in 2020. “Burrell opened its walk-in Behavioral Crisis Center Rapid Access nit, a 24 365 facility for those experiencing crisis-level mental health or substance-use needs. Those who visit are stabilized for up to 23 hours, assessed, and connected to the appropriate next level of care,” says Matt emmon, ice resident of Communications.

CITIZENS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL/ CITIZENS MEMORIAL HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION

CM is located in Bolivar and serves eight counties. Citizens Memorial ospital is a fully integrated health care system named among the Top 10 Rural ospitals in America. CM is dedicated to managing underserved populations through its cardiac care, a cancer center and multiple locations, ensuring patients have access to treatment. CM is a evel III Trauma Center, evel II STEMI Center and evel III Stroke Center.

CM employs more than 2,000 team members in the Bolivar area.

It has 34 primary care and specialty care physician clinics, rehabilitation services and ambulance services in four counties.

The CM oundation owns and operates six long-term care facilities and one residential care center.

Exciting New Additions: In the past two years, CM has grown significantly and opened a new dermatology clinic, the Willard Rehabilitation Clinic, the Willard Medical Center and Walk-In Clinic and a urology clinic.

Photos courtesy CoxHealth, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, by Brandon Alms

CoxHealth Labor & Delivery unit.

CoxHealth’s north campus

JORDAN VALLEY COMMUNITY

HEALTH CENTER AND OZARKS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Jordan Valley Community Health Center’s recently expanded clinic specializes in comprehensive care including dental, optometry, pediatrics and behavioral health, and provides a school telehealth program and mobile unit services. Dr. Nick Pfannenstiel, vice president of Oral Health Services, says Jordan Valley is fortunate to also have two dental residency programs. “What makes Jordan Valley unique is the ability to integrate the patient’s whole care,” says Dr. Matthew Stinson, vice president of Medical and Behavioral Health Services.

Locally, Ozarks Community Hospital and Jordan Valley cater to uninsured populations and Medicaid patients. Jordan Valley has locations throughout 417-land, and OCH has opened clinics in several small communities, often utilizing closed and unconventional buildings.

SRIKANT NANNAPANENI MD, HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY COXHEALTH

Many people visit New York or LA the first time they visit the United States. But Srikant Nannapaneni, MD, headed straight to Springfield. “Missouri State had a very good international program, and out of all the admissions that I got, that was the most a ordable one,” he says.

After completing his studies abroad, Nannapaneni completed medical school in Vijayawada, India, and then headed to New York for his residency and subsequent fellowship programs. Once that was finished, his growing family nudged him to move back to Missouri in 2016, so he called CoxHealth. “After I had my second kid, within a month, I called and said, ‘I’m coming back to town,’” Nannapaneni says. “I was the first one to sign up as a medical oncologist for CoxHealth.”

The move was no surprise to his colleagues in NYC. “They heard me talk about Springfield too many times,” Nannapaneni says. “Everybody knew that once I finished my training, I was going to go back.” Springfield’s attractiveness came down to three factors for Nannapaneni: It was a good place to raise a family, it o ered short commute times, and it provided the Nannapaneni family the quality of life they wanted.

“I think the quality of life here is more optimal,” Nannapaneni says. “You may get paid a little bit more somewhere else but that goes into cost of living and everything else. So, this is the best bang-for-the-buck.”

MAAME OTABIL MD, FAMILY MEDICINE MERCY

Maame Otabil was raised in Accra, Ghana. Raised in a devoutly religious family, her parents wanted her to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. Her faith is what led her to Mercy, where she is a family medicine physician.

“Mercy allows the physicians to be able to express themselves, and what their interests are,” she says. “Every family medicine physician is di erent, and Mercy allowed me to tailor my practice to what I wanted.” For Otabil, her focus is on women’s health, and she sees patients as young as newborns and up until end of life.

After attending Kentucky for medical school and completing her residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Otabil and her family wanted to move to a smaller city. “We are drawn toward smaller, quieter places where you can still get a bit of everything but not feel so overwhelmed all the time,” she says.

Now, she and her husband raise their two children in Nixa and get to enjoy the relaxing pace they were looking for. The slower pace gives Otabil extra time with her family, and it also gives her time to dream of her next big adventure, which she hopes is a move back to Ghana. She hopes that one day, she can return to her hometown to serve her community with what she has learned at Mercy. “At some point I want to move and be a blessing to the people back home,” she says.

Jordan Valley is building a new clinic in Republic.

Photos courtesy CoxHealth, Mercy Hospital, Jordan Valley

Future Plans

Springfield has big plans for the future, and placemaking is at the heart of what’s in store for the Queen City.

BY SUSAN ATTEBERRY SMITH

Amulti-use parkway that will connect two of Springfield’s major attractions and bring new life to neighborhoods along its path is well under way, and it’s best known as the Grant Avenue Parkway or GAP for short.

Along Grant Avenue, the $21 million project promises a long list of upgrades. It will provide more green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy life outside. It will include public Wi-Fi along the route. It aims to increase investment in the area and will connect some of Springfield’s largest attractions including Bass Pro and Wonders of Wildlife with the downtown district.

Groundbreaking for the ambitious project began in May 2021, but the vision for the project began long before that. More than 2,000 residents spent about two years helping the city with the visioning process that has guided GAP. The project’s estimated completion isn’t scheduled until 2026, so the City has plenty of time to make sure GAP accomplishes all it set out to do. Once it’s done, tourists and residents alike will be able to bike or walk a scenic 3 miles between the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and

Aquarium and attractions at the heart of Springfield. If the city’s vision develops as planned, they’ll also find new destinations along the way.

“So far, the project is right on schedule, and there’s been no unpleasant surprises,” says Tim Rosenbury, the city’s director of quality of place initiatives. A retired architect, Rosenbury might be the only civic leader with that title for hundreds of miles, and as his title suggests, the city hopes to provide an active, connected lifestyles through neighborhood revitalization projects like GAP.

Imagine more than 200 shade trees lining a parkway dotted with drinking fountains. Picture bicycle repair stations like the ones Rosenbury was designing last July. They’re all “just things that make living and recreating along a parkway like this a better experience,” he says. Slower tra c is also one of the things that should make GAP more pedestrian friendly. As trails on both sides of the street are built, Grant will eventually narrow to two lanes. Raised crosswalks and a roundabout will also slow tra c down the corridor.

For the city, slower tra c is part of a much larger vision where bike and pedestrian tra c make up a greater part of everyday life in Springfield. “We

go from a street that probably has more width and lanes than is necessary. We reduce that and replace the amount we reduce with a lot of green space, shade trees and pedestrian components,” Rosenbury says.

Think of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Nashville, Tennessee, where similar redevelopment has happened. “People are going to see more urbanstyle development, probably fewer parking lots–certainly fewer empty ones–and you’re going to see more pedestrian and park-like amenities,” Rosenbury says.

He hopes those amenities will be connection points for people, which is how the GAP project really got started. Rosenbury says it’s interesting that much of GAP’s visioning took place at the height of the COVID pandemic, when residents taking part in the project were stuck at home and the idea of being able to get outdoors and in public space was really appealing to them.

“It kind of taught us to have a better appreciation for the kind of things that make living in a community worthwhile,” he says. To learn more about GAP and see construction updates, go to grantavenueparkway.com.

Photos courtesy City of Springfi eld, by Leah Stiefermann

Tim Rosenbury

The parkway will include free public Wi-Fi access.

Plans for the Grant Avenue Parkway include lots of pedestrian walkways.

The Springfield region is home to Fortune 500 companies, global employers, national headquarters and small businesses.

HOW YOU WANT IN SPRINGFIELD

Springfield was named one of U.S. News and World Report’s 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S for 2021-2022

Amazon chose the greater Springfield area for a new fulfillment center, which opened in the summer of 2021 and brought more than 200 jobs to Republic.

In 2022, Ozarks Technical Community College opened its center for advanced manufacturing, a $40 million facility where student train on emerging industry fields.

Photo courtesy John Deere Reman

When John Deere Reman needed to expand operations, it chose to do so in Springfield.

Getting Down to BUSINESS

Springfield is the economic hub for more than 27 counties in Missouri and Arkansas, as well as home to giants such as Bass Pro Shops and O’Reilly Auto Parts. But small business drives the local economy, accounting for 95 percent of all establishments in the city. Meet the entrepreneurs behind three local mainstays that have flourished in 417-land.

BY REN BISHOP AND JULIANA GOODWIN

IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY

Since 2020, long-time Springfieldian avel Bosovik has been building on a dream making luxury, customized, all-terrain vehicles for adventure seekers. Bosovik and his wife, ina, had the opportunity to open the business anywhere but chose Springfield for one main reason the business community.

Bosovik was born and raised in kraine, but his family moved to Springfield in the early 2000s after falling in love with the access to the outdoors and sense of community. When Bosovik started his own company, he knew he would use Springfield as his launchpad. “The heart of Springfield is community,” Bosovik says. “When we went to open a bank account, my banker connected me to an insurance agent who connected us to a leasing agent for a space. Every time we had a barrier, our network helped us to overcome it. In a big city, it’s hard to raise a company, but in Springfield it’s like a small family.”

On June 22, 2020, the company began as The R irm, splitting off to become Everest on ov. 2, 2021. In 2022, it re-branded as 2 orth. In two years, the company reached 5.5 million in sales, selling 36 custom vans and three adventure trucks, ranging from 250,000 to 00,000 per vehicle. In 2022, the company was pro ected to earn 10 million in units sold.

Every luxury vehicle 2 orth makes is built and manufactured here in Springfield, with customers flying in from Australia, Dubai and ermany. Many 2 orth customers are orsche enthusiasts, and the luxury vehicle giant has taken notice. The American orsche president and top orsche executives visited the 2 orth in late 2022. Most 2 orth customers don’t know where Missouri is when they call to schedule a viewing of their build, but they will, says Bosovik. “Springfield is going to be known around the world as a manufacturing and retail capital,” he says. “We’re not ust a leader in the

.S., we’re looking at the potential for Springfield to be a manufacturing leader and destination. Companies like ours close that gap, and those companies are going to bring a lot of success into my hometown.”

27North builds luxury on wheels.

Photo courtesy 27North

Jonathan Bell was 15, and he wanted to earn some money. He looked for a job and couldn’t find any opportunities for a 15-year-old. He turned 16, and he still wasn’t getting interviews.

Then the world shut down. Bell became a full-time virtual student and was home, scrolling on social media 24/7. Then he got an idea: What if he started a business from home? What if he made money creating content online?

As a sophomore at Parkview High School, Bell began Bells Marketing Consultant. He had a clear vision for the brand: a Gen-Z digital marketing agency that developed innovative, low-cost solutions for business owners.

In 2020, he made $8,000, serving small business owners with social

media management, web design and search engine optimization. In 2021, Herbal Remedy became a client, selling exclusively on Facebook Marketplace. By designing a simple e-commerce website and activating search engine optimization tactics in strategic geographic markets, Herbal Remedy went national in less than 24 hours, with sales generated across the United States.

Bell could take BMC anywhere. But the Springfield business community invested in him as a startup, and he wants to help fuel innovation in Springfield by engaging in the business community now as a CEO and board member for Springfield’s Multicultural Business Association.

“We serve medium-sized companies in Los Angeles, Dallas and Florida now, but

100% of the businesses we serve locally are small,” Bell says. “That’s my calling. I want to help other small business owners get off the ground and launch, because so many of my early clients believed in me and helped me to be successful.”

Now, BMC has three team members (two other entrepreneurial teens) and $50,000 in projected sales in 2022. But Bell is not done: he’s looking to start a nonprofit to help other young entrepreneurs in Springfield launch businesses that thrive.

“I would love to see more culture here: more experiences, more attractions, more inclusion,” he says. “That all comes from innovative businesses opening, and the more we support business owners, the better Springfield is as a place to be.”

When he couldn’t find work as an ambitious high schooler, this young entrepreneur decided to launch his own company. Just like that, Bells Marketing Consultant got its start.

Photo courtesy BMC

SAVED BY THE BELL

After years of selling online, Culture Flock decided to set up its brick and mortar storefront in Springfield. The woman and LGBTQ-owned retailer was welcomed with happy customers and a supportive business community.

HERE FOR GOOD

In 2006, Springfield natives Brittany Bilyeu and Summer Trottier met at Missouri State University and discovered a mutual love of puns and positivity. After years of friendship and a couple of college degrees, the pair decided to take a chance, change careers and sell their conversation-starting T-shirts online.

“We both were looking for a career change, and we were really focused on how much we enjoyed the arts and being creative,” Trottier says. “Brittany has a graphic design degree and did some screen-printing, and together, we have a weird brain. We had these crazy ideas for T-shirts, so that’s what we did.”

Since 2013, Culture Flock has been selling greeting cards and T-shirts with fun

designs, buttons with bold political statements and pro-voting apparel in all sizes. Being inclusive is kind of their thing, Bilyeu says. “We love having fun, but we also want to be culturally relevant. We want people to be more involved in things that are important, like our earth, nature, local elections, but we want to make sure the message is also positive and always welcoming.”

After years of testing, showcasing and selling their products online, Culture Flock opened up shop in 2018. A physical store was possible because of low startup costs in Springfield, which made their hometown the right fit for a storefront.

The Springfield business community and their Galloway Village neighbors cel-

ebrated the store’s arrival, and customers soon started swinging by the store. They purchased items from minority-and women-owned businesses and attended classes in the Flock’s workshop, and then, those customers kept coming back. The 2,000-square-foot space is welcome to everyone, and the Flock is in Springfield for good, Trottier says.

“Springfield is a place that continually surprises us,” she says. “The way that Springfield responds to new businesses is amazing, and the community is very welcoming to new people and ideas. We really appreciate the support we got from the beginning and we continue to get. If you engage with the community, they’ll support you.”

Photo by Linda Huynh

REACHING BEYOND THE REGION

With a dynamic workforce and a central location, Springfield is the perfect spot for companies with national and global reach.

BY SAVANNAH WASZCZUK

BASS PRO SHOPS (HEADQUARTERS) basspro.com

Specializing in a variety of gear for hunting, fishing, camping and more, Bass Pro Shops operates 180 retail stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada. Bass Pro Shops employs more than 2,500 people in its hometown of Springfield.

FORVIS forvis.com

FORVIS is a national CPA and advisory firm providing solutions to clients in all 50 states and internationally. Headquartered in downtown Springfield, the firm o ers insights, specialized skills and expertise to individuals and business clients in a variety of industries. FORVIS attracts both recent college grads and experienced professionals to its team.

CHASE CARD SERVICES

chase.com

With more than 1,400 employees, Chase’s Springfield operation houses customer support functions for the company’s credit card division. The company prides itself on its customer and employee focus, its diverse workforce, premier benefits and a culture prioritizing philanthropy.

COXHEALTH (HEADQUARTERS) coxhealth.com

CoxHealth, headquartered in Springfield, employs more than 12,000 people in six hospitals and 80-plus clinics in southwest Missouri. CoxHealth encourages active lifestyles for employees through its wellness program, which o ers fitness challenges and health-related incentives.

EXPEDIA GROUP expediainc.com

The world’s leading travel company, Expedia Group, employs more than 22,000 people globally and approximately 1,000 in Springfield, making it one of the company’s largest locations outside of its corporate headquarters in Washington. The local o ce supports many areas of the company including customer service, IT, sales and financial operations.

FRENCH’S FOOD CO. mccormick.com/frenchs

For more than 48 years, French’s Food Co. has been producing sauces, condiments and fried vegetables, such as French’s Crispy Fried Onions, at its Springfield factory. The company has more than 450 local employees.

JACK HENRY & ASSOCIATES INC. jackhenry.com

Headquartered in nearby Monett and with a sizable location in Springfield, Jack Henry & Associates provides technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for the financial services industry. The company’s products and services support approximately 9,000 financial institutions and corporate entities across the country.

JOHN DEERE REMAN–SPRINGFIELD (DIVISION HEADQUARTERS) deere.com

John Deere Reman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deere & Co. The company employs 390 people and specializes in the remanufacturing of engines, engine components and fuel systems.

⊳ Springfield is home to several headquarters for national companies. Other nation-wide operations, including Amazon, have o ces in town.

KRAFT HEINZ CO. kraftheinzcompany.com

A major employer in the region for more than 75 years, Kraft-Heinz employs approximately 950 people at its Springfield facility. This plant makes the popular Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in boxes and microwavable cups, Kraft American Singles, Kraft Natural Cheese and Cracker Barrel cheeses.

MERCY SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITIES mercy.net Mercy Springfield Communities employs more than 9,000 people in the metro area. Its main location is the hospital in the middle of Springfield, but Mercy also has several clinics around town.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS (HEADQUARTERS) oreillyauto.com

Started as a single store in 1957, O’Reilly Auto Parts is an auto parts wholesaler and retailer with roughly 5,500 locations across the United States. Headquartered in Springfield, the company has stores in 47 states and employs more than 74,000 team members.

PAUL MUELLER CO. (HEADQUARTERS) paulmueller.com

Paul Mueller Co. is proud to have Springfield roots and a global reach. The stainless-steel manufacturing company builds processing equipment that cools, heats and stores products that are used every day, including food, beer and medicines.

PRIME INC. (HEADQUARTERS) primeinc.com

Prime is a top-50 national transportation company o ering refrigerated, flatbed, foodgrade tanker, intermodal and logistics services. Headquartered in Springfield, the company o ers its associates and drivers a familyfocused, high-energy workplace.

SRC HOLDINGS CORP. (HEADQUARTERS) srcholdings.com

The birthplace of open-book management, SRC is a leading remanufacturer in the automotive, construction, mining, trucking, marine and agricultural industries. The company educates, engages and empowers its employee-owners at all levels. Founded in Springfield in 1983, the remanufacturer has grown to more than 13 companies with 1,600 employee-owners and $500 million in sales.

3M SPRINGFIELD 3m.com

A global company, 3M has an Industrial Adhesives and Tape Division located in Springfield. 3M Springfield o ers its eligible salaried employees annual incentive plans and a long list of benefits including insurance, retirement and more.

Photo by Colby Moore Photography

Starting Strong

Over the past several years, the efactory in downtown Springfield has established itself in and outside of the area as an invaluable resource for startup entrepreneurs and small business owners.

BY EVAN GREENBERG

The efactory, an entrepreneurship and innovation center in the heart of downtown Springfield, has made quite an impact since its inception in 2013. A program of Missouri State University, its objective is to serve businesses in varying stages of development, from fledgling startups to established companies. More than 40 companies work from the efactory in private offices and coworking spaces.

“The goal when the efactory opened was to be that one-stop shop for entrepreneurship and small business,” says Director Rachel Anderson. To that end, the efactory provides office space, programming and, since 2016, an accelerator program, which provides startups with access to capital, mentors and other resources to foster growth.

So far, more than 15 portfolio companies have graduated the accelerator in four cohorts. Software communications company Eagle Speak was part of the first cohort, and co-founder Myke Bates says the experience was invaluable. “[It’s] a three-month crash course in how to run a business,” Bates says. “If you’ve got a business idea in mind, or maybe you’ve got a small business that

you’ve had for a little while and maybe you want to take it to the next level, the accelerator is a program in which you can receive funding for your idea. Basically, it’s a business degree all rolled up.”

The efactory’s increased renown with each passing year has encouraged businesses to stay in the area and has brought an influx of out-of-state hopeful entrepreneurs to town. “The simple fact that you can operate as a business and have space for your business, that’s huge,” Bates says. “Just being able to have that space to operate your business, and by extension… having access to all of the people in there is a huge resource.”

Coupled with Springfield’s affordable cost of living and its growing national reputation as a nurturing place for business, it’s no wonder the efactory is brimming with excitement and energy. “I truly believe Springfield is positioned to become the city of choice for entrepreneurs, innovators and trailblazers,” Anderson says. “Our community has a rich history of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic vitality. Whether a lifelong Springfieldian or a recent transplant, we have all the resources and programs at the efactory to help people start and grow their business.”

The efactory provides o ce space and programming for the local business community.

Photo by Starboard & Port Creative

REASONS

Why Springfield is Good For Business

1“People in Springfield value you for what you bring to the table in enthusiasm, e ort, and ideas above all else. It makes for a very rewarding place to have a career.” —Christina Angle, Chief Financial O cer and Vice President of Group Services at Erlen Group

2

“From the natural beauty to the vibrant downtown arts culture, numerous college campuses and great public schools, Springfield has a great deal to o er as a place to live… which provides employers a distinct edge in attracting and retaining great talent.” —Gary Schafer, CPA CMA, Managing Partner at FORVIS Southwest Missouri

3

“Springfield has allowed us to tap into a talented workforce of both seasoned professionals as well as the next generation of workers from local colleges. Combine these benefits with being in the backyard of the Ozarks, it makes Springfield one of the best kept secrets for employers in the Midwest. —Ryan Kluttz, Director of Production at Paddio

4

“Springfield provides an unparalleled environment for young professionals. We have a seat at the table, our voices are sought out and heard, and we are actively shaping the future of our community. Harnessing the passion of young professionals is powerful for our businesses and community as a whole.” —Kristin Carter, CPA, Vice President and Tax O cer at Central Trust Co.

5

“It is the perfect place for individuals to grow their career and raise a family. Springfield is a community that nurtures and provides opportunities for both professional and personal success. —Shari Reaves, Vice President of Human Resources at O’Reilly Auto Parts

6

“There is a spirit of collaboration here. From startups to established companies, everyone is in it together, and we’re working to enhance that culture of innovation. That’s the great thing about Springfield, we support one another.” —Scott Rogers, System Director of Performance Integration and Innovation at CoxHealth

7

“The employee base works hard and values family, and there are the amazing benefits of the Ozarks! Plus, the location and logistics hub are conducive to local, national and global business need —Jena Holtberg-Benge, General Manager at John Deere Reman – Springfield

8

“The environment in Springfield is unlike any other. There is such support and sense of community. The people make all the di erence. We have a rich non-profit presence and a business landscape that allows for the benefits of a metropolitan area with a hometown feel. —Marie Moore, Chief Nursing O cer at Mercy Springfield Communities

9

“The cost of doing business is low, and leaders have prioritized economic vitality and quality of place. Likewise, our citizens have approved investments in transportation, education and public safety. Springfield is well-positioned for business expansion, economic growth and talent attraction.” —Matt Morrow, President of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

10

“Our firm would not exist today if we didn’t start in Springfield. Collaboration and engagement are present here, as are resources for new businesses and mentorship inside and outside the industry. It’s really a fantastic place to start a business.” —Brad Erwin, AIA, LEED-AP, President and founder of Paragon Architecture

Springfield is home to a ballet, a symphony and an opera, plus historic and state-of-the-art venues.

WHERE YOU WANT IN SPRINGFIELD

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board boasts more than 100 parks and 100-plus miles of trails.

Downtown Springfield is bustling with more than 20 retail shops, 60 restaurants and four live theaters.

The region’s rolling hills, woods and waterways provide ample opportunity for biking, boating and more.

Photo by Brandon Alms

Lake Springfield has a short hike with a great view of the lake below.

Festivals GALORE

Take your pick of annual festivals and events celebrating art, music, history, food and more that are fun for the whole family.

BY SAVANNAH WASZCZUK

February

SERTOMA CHILI COOKOFF

A savory aroma fills the air at the Springfield Expo Center during this annual fundraiser. Bowls of hot chili and cold beverages abound. The best part: All profits go to local children’s charities.

March

ST.

PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Get your Irish on at the annual Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This family-friendly afternoon event rolls, marches and dances from C-Street to downtown with contests, prizes, food and plenty of laughs and smiles.

May ARTSFEST

Historic Walnut Street springs to life as hundreds of regional artists show o their work at this juried art fair. Come for the shopping and stay for live music, activities for kids, good food and entertainment.

June TASTE OF SOMO

This downtown foodie event brings out the region’s favorite local restaurants, o ering samples of their most popular fare. Those of age can enjoy adult beverages.

JUNETEENTH

Celebrate freedom and commemorate the emancipation of enslaved individuals with food, music and fun at this annual festival organized by the NAACP’s Springfield branch and held the third Saturday in June.

OZARKS BBQ FEST

Barbecue fans can rejoice because the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds hosts this two day que-fest. There’s live music, adult beverages, endless samples and even a kids barbecue contest.

July and August

OZARK EMPIRE FAIR

Thousands of visitors flock to the fairgrounds each summer for rides, live music and tasty treats. There’s a petting zoo for the kids, plus livestock shows, photo contests, chainsaw carving and more.

August

BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL

Attendees pack downtown Springfield for this annual event. Celebrate Springfield’s role in

the history of the Mother Road with a classic car show, live music, local food and local craft vendors.

September

⊳ JAPANESE FALL FESTIVAL

This festival at Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park features children’s activities, performers, storytelling and authentic arts and crafts. For more than 20 years, the Springfield Sister Cities Association has hosted this three-day event to showcase Japanese culture and Springfield’s sister city, Isesaki, Japan.

CIDER DAYS

Historic Walnut Street welcomes cooler temperatures with a fall-themed juried art fair at Cider Days. You’ll also find tons of fun kidfriendly activities, yummy food and, of course, warm apple cider.

October OZARKS PRIDEFEST

The region’s largest Pridefest is all about celebrating the LGBTQ community. In addition to live music, a parade and drag shows, vendors sell crafts, pride flags and merchandise downtown.

THRILLER ON C-STREET ⊲

Every October, dancers decked in zombie costumes head to Springfield’s historic Commercial Street to perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Come cheer them on and enjoy music, circus-style games and more. If you want to join in the festivities, become a member of the C-Street Zombie Corps by contacting Dance With Me.

Japanese Fall Festival

Head to the downtown square to enjoy craft beer from around Missouri. This annual event is all about good times, which is why you’ll find a DJ, outdoor games, food trucks and more. Proceeds benefit the HOPE Foundation, which assists families with everyday bills when they have a child who is seriously ill.

November WINGAPALOOZA

Each year, wing lovers rejoice as local restaurants compete in hopes of being crowned the best wings in town. There’s plenty of beer to wash down those spicy wings, local bands, and all the money goes to help local youth charities including the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ▼

Downtown Springfield is set aglow with thousands of beautiful lights during this annual holiday celebration. There are free cookies and hot chocolate, a kids’ story time at the library, horse-drawn carriage rides and selfies with Mr. and Mrs. Clause.

December

DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD CHRISTMAS PARADE

Welcome the Christmas season with this yearly parade, which travels around Park Central Square. Guests enjoy floats and even a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Ongoing

BASS PRO SHOPS FITNESS SERIES

This outdoor fitness festival hosts events throughout the year. After a kids run in the spring, most activities—including bike rides, a wellness conference, a trail run, a marathon weekend and more—take place in the fall.

Photos by Brad Zweerink; Illustrations by Heather Kane, Ryan Saunders, courtesy Shutterstock, Springfi eld-Greene County Park Board, Springfi eld Regional Arts Council

CRAFT BEER BASH

Artsfest

Night Out

Looking for a place to take a date? Here are a few local places that o er more than just a traditional dinner and a movie.

BY KAREN BLISS

PLAY

Moxie Cinema

417-429-0800, moxiecinema.com

The Goods: As Springfield’s only independent movie theater, this downtown venue has a loyal following. Check out the free FilmStubs series or see the newest indie film or a true classic.

Must Try: Become a member and get $3 o ticket prices plus $.50 popcorn.

BigShots Golf

417-427-3040, BigShotsGolf.com

The Goods: Feel like a big shot playing on the driving range at BigShots Golf. Here you can get together with a group for a double date where you can book a private tee-box and play your heart out. Big Shots is a low pressure golfing environment where you can get a drink, some food and have some fun.

Must Try: BigShots’ drink menu includes handcrafted cocktails such as the watermelon mojito; fairway classics such as a Mimosa; a wine menu to class it up; beer; and boozy popsicles.

DRINK

The Golden Girl Rum Club

417-425-5162, TheGoldenGirl.com

The Goods: Summer never ends at this downtown rum bar. The glassware is a hoot, the pizzas are homemade, and the Korean barbecue tacos are a must.

Must Try: Try the Golden Girl’s best seller, the Son of Banana Man. It’s made up of a 151-proof rum blend and banana liquor, blended with fresh banana, coconut, pineapple, cinnamon and lime.

Vantage Rooftop Lounge and Conservatory

417-851-1768, RoofTopVantage.com

The Goods: Want to enjoy a drink, but tired of dark bars? Try out Vantage, located at the top of the Vandivort Hotel. You can catch a drink by the twinkling of the stars, or at sunset.

Must Try: Make it an extra special date night or group date by reserving a cabana on the rooftop during the warmer months. When it’s colder, the cabanas transform into warming 8-person igloos.

MudLounge

417-368-8298, mudlounge.net

The Goods: MudLounge is a great spot for cozy conversation in a laidback atmosphere. Its extensive menu has a standout craft beer selection, tasty co ee cocktails and more. So grab a seat on a sofa and unwind.

Must Try: Warm up with an Irish Cognitive, a delicious blend of Mudhouse espresso, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream.

EAT

Flame Steakhouse and Wine Bar 417-862-4444, flamesteakhouse.com

The Goods: This downtown Steakhouse and wine bar runs great happy hour food specials, and the menu includes salads, steaks and fresh seafood. Must Try: The steak is fabulous, but so is the lobster mac and cheese.

Progress

417-799-9388, SpringfieldProgress.com

The Goods: Whether you go for brunch or dinner, this southside spot guarantees a classy atmosphere for a true fine dining experience. Make sure you make a reservation and get ready to enjoy a menu that changes with each season. Must Try: Any of the carrot dishes. Each time Progress releases a new menu, it comes up with a seasonal way to enjoy carrots.

SWEETS

Pineapple Whip 417-207-3975, PineappleWhip.com

The Goods: Craving a cool treat? Pineapple Whip is one of Springfield’s original sweet treats. With multiple locations around town, this is a great spot to sit outside and enjoy a true Springfield creation. Must Try: Although pineapple is the original flavor, each Pineapple Whip location o ers various seasonal flavors. The company updates its Facebook page with the flavors o ered at each location. Additional fruity flavors include grape, strawberry-kiwi, lemon berry and mango peach.

Andy’s Frozen Custard

Several locations around town, EatAndys.com

The Goods: With its sweet frozen custard, Andy’s has made its mark. You can sit in your car, eat outside or take home a pint of a variety of frozen custard treats. Be sure to try the seasonal specials.

Must Try: Whether it’s summer, fall, winter or spring, you can take your date to try a seasonal custard concrete at Andy’s. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to get a blackberry, blueberry or peach concrete. If you’re there when the key lime pie concrete is on the menu, get it!

STAY

Hotel Vandivort 417-832-1515, hotelvandivort.com

The Goods: Hotel Vandivort is Springfield’s first Four-Diamond boutique hotel and provides an active cultural hub for locals and travelers alike.

Must Try: For some added sophistication or to just unwind after a long day traveling, head to Vandivort’s in-house bar and restaurant The Order, and grab a smoked old fashioned.

Vantage Rooftop Lounge

BigShots Golf

Golden Girl Rum Club

Progress

Pineapple Whip

Photos courtesy Progress, Pineapple Whip, Vantage Rooftop Lounge, Big Shots, Golden Girl Rum Club

Shop UNTIL YOU

DROP

Whether you’re a mom, dad, college student, teen or anywhere in between, you can find your new favorite threads at local shops. Plus, some of Springfield’s best stores have home decor and gifts.

BY JESSICA HAMMER & SUSAN ATTEBERRY SMITH

FOR HER

STAXX

2630 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-866-2900, shopstaxx.com

Well over a dozen boutique brands from The Salty Blonde x Billabong to Spell tempt shoppers at this upscale Brentwood Center women’s clothing store. The vibes here are casual, youthful and always fun. Beach Riot swimsuits and BaubleBar jewelry are also part of STAXX’s eye-catching inventory.

MODERN

Society

2652 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield 417-831-0775, modernsocietyapparel.com

MODERN Society is known for its contemporary style and has racks stocked with staples like denim, dresses (party or casual), tops and all the latest accessories, hats and posh loungewear. You’ll feel stylish just window shopping.

FOR THE THRIFTER Camp Flea Antique Mall + Vintage Market

1900 W. Elm St., Ozark 417-581-2575, campflea.com

Tucked away o of U.S. Highway 65 in Ozark, this 26,000-square-foot mall and market houses more than 200 booths and aisle upon aisle of farmhouse primitives, industrial relics and vintage kitsch–and even some not-so-vintage finds of all kinds.

Relics Antique Mall

2015 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-885-0007, relicsantiquemall.com

For your latest vintage find, head to Relics Antique Mall, the largest antique mall in Missouri. There you’ll find more than 400 booths filled with furniture, accessories, jewelry and artwork—and a tasty café and event center to boot.

FOR HIM

Town & County Men’s and Women’s Clothing

2660 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield 417-883-6131, shoptownandcounty.com A fixture on Springfield’s retail scene since 1957,

this family-owned fine clothing store outfits customers in everything from stylish business suits to swimsuits. Classy is the vibe, and classic customer service is a point of pride. Its newly renovated store now boasts a specialty wine shop: The Reserve.

HIM

2636 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield 417-771-5166, him-gift-shop.business.site

This gift and lifestyle shop sells the stu men crave. There’s upscale casual apparel, not to mention accessories: Check out HIM’s cool eyeglasses and signature socks. Barware, watches, leather du e bags and Duke Cannon grooming products are also in stock, to name some of the goods.

5 Pound Apparel

412 South Ave., Springfield 417-368-6401, 5poundapparel.com

Look good and feel good after shopping at 5 Pound Apparel. The store carries a nice collection of henley shirts, v-necks and button downs as well as hats and cologne. Five pounds of food is donated to Ozarks Food Harvest for each branded item sold.

FOR THE KIDS

Jellybeans

2632 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-889-2117, tinytotstweens.com

This boutique sells toys, clothes and accessories for ages newborn to 24 months, tots sizes 2T to 6X and tweens sizes 7 to 14.

Little Uptown Kids

111 S. Main St., Nixa

In addition to having a great selection, 5 Pound Apparel donates five pounds of food for each branded item sold, so you can feel good about your shopping habit.

417-494-5008, LUKboutique@gmail.com

Look no further than Little Uptown Kids for your custom graphic tee fix. With sizes ranging from newborn to adult 2XL, you and your child can look stylish together.

Jade Tank

1316 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-708-1424, shopjadetank.com

Bright colors and trendy patterns (like leopard and tie-dye) line the racks at this boutique, ready for tween shoppers to pick and choose their favorites. Jade Tank carries tops, bottoms, dresses and even pajamas in sizes 7 to 16. Plus, the shop is passionate about giving back—a portion of each sale supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

FOR YOUR HOME

Obelisk Home

214 W. Phelps St., Springfield 417-616-6488, obeliskhome.com

O ering stylish home furnishings and accessories, Obelisk Home is one of Springfield’s best-known furniture stores. It also o ers design services.

Harrison House Market

1717 E. Cherokee St., Suite 103, Springfield 417-351-3122

Harrison House Market is the best of both worlds for your home goods needs. The market carries a nice array of vintage and modern items to touch up your home.

Photo by Vivian Wheeler, courtesy STAXX, Obelisk Home

Harrison for and

Adventure

Get o the couch and hit the trail—or water, or rock wall—at these 417-land hot spots that have thrills to satisfy leisurely joggers and mountain-climbing masters.

BY ETTIE BERNEKING

HIKING BOATING AND WATER SPORTS BIKING

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Lampe, dogwoodcanyon.org

Easy

This nature reserve is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll and some nature watching along the 6.5-mile trail. Check out the waterfalls, limestone blu s, wrought iron bridges and wildlife, and be sure to spend some time at the Dogwood mill, restaurant and treehouse, all of which are accessible with the entry fee.

Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area

Located in southern Christian County near Highlandville, mdc.mo.gov

Moderate

This 2,700-acre area winds through grassy fields, clear streams, woodlands and glades. The woodsy park has 18 miles of mixed-use trails for hikers, horseback riders or mountain bikers who want a little more of a challenge than other trails might o er.

Bu alo National River Ponca, Arkansas, nps.gov/bu

Moderate to Advanced

The Bu alo National River area is a hiking and camping hot spot so beautiful it was named the first national river in the United States. Most trailheads in the region are situated just two hours from Springfield. To get a flavor of the area, take in the views or hike the popular Lost Valley Trail to see breathtaking waterfalls and the massive Cob Cave. As you head through the Boxley Valley there, be on the lookout for wild elk.

Bent Hook Marina and Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina Ridgedale, bigcedar.com, bassproshopslongcreekmarina.com

Easy to Moderate

Big Cedar Lodge’s Bent Hook Marina o ers a scenic outdoor retreat with boating, skiing, stand-up paddleboarding and other water activities for the lodge’s overnight guests or members of the Wilderness Club. The nearby Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina o ers guided fishing, boating, water-skiing and more to the public.

The Ski Shack Springfield, theskishack.com Beginner to Advanced

If you’re not ready to hit the open water, practice your wakeboarding skills at this cable park. Instead of a boat pulling you along, you are propelled forward by a cable that runs the length of the small 630-by-100-foot lake. Once you get your footing, test your skills with a variety of jumps and obstacles.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Eminence, Missouri, nps.gov/ozar Beginner to Moderate

This unit of the National Park Service includes two waterways, the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. Both are terrific spring-fed floating rivers, perfect for an afternoon in an inner tube or a multi-day adventure. Campgrounds and gravel bars present great opportunities to get o the grid, and the Current River is even floatable year-round.

Frisco Highline Trail Springfield, friscohighlinetrail.org

Easy to Moderate

This 35-mile trail includes 16 former railroad trestles, 12 miles of pavement and 23 miles of crushed limestone. Don’t miss the wildflowers at La Petite Gemme prairie near mile marker 32.

Two Rivers Mountain Bike Park Highlandville, facebook.com/trailspring

Easy to Advanced

This mountain bike park o ers steep downhill runs, plenty of jumps and a skills course that’s perfect for beginners. Check the park’s Facebook page for updates on trail conditions.

Greene County Farm Roads

Throughout Easy to Advanced

The Ozarks is crisscrossed by country roads cyclists love. There are also Springfield cycling clubs to check out like the Springfield Brewing Company bike club for advanced riders.

Dirt 66: Fellows Lake Trail Springfield, ozarkgreenways.org

Beginner to Advanced

All 25 miles of trail surround Fellows Lake and o er riders natural surface trails that crisscross through the woods. Find the trail map online.

Sac River Mountain Bike Trail Springfield, ozarkgreenways.org

Beginner to Advanced

This mountain biking destination covers 300 acres and 14 miles of single-track routes.

Two Rivers Mountain Bike Park is one of several mountain biking spots in the area.

Photo courtesy Two Rivers Mountain Bike Park

CLIMBINGCLIMBING

Zenith Climbing Center ⊲ Springfield, zenithclimbing.com

Beginner to Advanced This state-of-the-art climbing studio is a fitness junkie’s dream. With multiple climbing walls, a workout area, a yoga studio, a gear shop and various courses for beginners and advanced climbers alike, Zenith o ers a thrilling challenge and family-friendly atmosphere.

Sam’s Throne Recreation Area Mount Judea, Arkansas, exploretheozarksonline.com

Moderate to Advanced Besides being a scenic setting for hiking and camping, Sam’s Throne is well known as a premier rock climbing destination. The area looks out over Big Creek Valley. There are numerous routes that o er climbs for all skill sets at this popular weekend getaway.

Missouri State University Climbing Wall Springfield, missouristate.edu

Beginner to Moderate If you’re looking to rock climb closer to home, members of Missouri State University’s recreation center and their guests can learn rock climbing basics there. The climbing wall, which you can rent, is also perfect for birthday parties.

n e en e

Reserve a spot on one of 37 North Expeditions’ day-long guided excursions that typically include a hike and one additional activity, such as stand-up paddleboarding or a visit to a local brewery. Head to 37northexpeditions.com for details.

The Ozarks is home to some terrific fishing.

Photos courtesy Zenith Climbing Center, Springfi eld CVB, Shutterstock

Zenith Climbing Center has both adult and children’s climbing plus yoga.

Root

FOR THE HOME TEAMS

Whether on the diamond, on the links or on a court, Springfield has no shortage of sports for residents to take in. From minor league baseball to professional tennis, Springfield residents don’t have to travel far to watch professional athletes.

BY JESSICA HAMMER

Tiger Woods designed his first public golf course, Payne’s Valley, down the road from Springfield.

Baseball

Hammons Field is a second summer home for baseball fans who turn out to watch Springfield Cardinals games. At this minor league a liate of the St. Louis Cardinals, you might spot major league players on the diamond–pitcher Adam Wainwright has played in Springfield, as has catcher Yadier Molina. Kid-centered experiences, theme nights and fireworks are also a regular part of ballpark festivities. For tickets visit milb.com/ springfield/tickets.

Golf

Local, award-winning golf courses o er plenty of ways to hit the links. But the biggest draw when it comes to golf is Big Cedar Lodge, where du ers can enjoy a variety of courses designed by some of the best-known names in golf. The newest course, called Payne’s Valley, was designed by Tiger Woods. Discover more at bigcedar.com/golf. Springfield is also home to the Price Cutter Charity Championship each July, where golf greats play alongside locals to benefit local charities. Organizations benefited include Camp Barnabas and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. Learn more about the charity championship at pricecuttercc.org.

Basketball

Missouri State University is the home for NCAA Division I basketball action each year. The Bears have brought home NCAA and conference championships. Season tickets and family packs of tickets are available each season to see the Bears and Lady Bears, and theme nights are a regular occurrence at Great Southern Bank Arena. Get your tickets at missouristatebears. com. Want more basketball? Be sure to watch the Drury University Panthers compete in Division II ball.

High school basketball stars from across the country have also congregated in Springfield since 1985 for the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. College coaches and scouts attend the tournament each year looking for top talent, and some players have even gone on to be NBA draft picks. See this year’s upcoming tournament dates at tofc.weebly.com. On top of that, Springfield hosts the Missouri High School Basketball Championships each March.

Tennis

The Springfield Lasers have their own claim to fame as World Team Tennis champions. Each March, the new Lasers team is drafted and includes professional players from around the world. Andy Roddick, Anna Kournikova, and Martina Navratilova have all served on the Lasers roster. Games are played in the 2,500-seat Cooper Tennis Complex, which boasts 12 indoor and 17 outdoor courts. Find the season lineup at springfieldlasers.com.

Photo by Jason Connel

EXHIBITING Exce�ence

Diversity and variety define Springfield culture, and the arts scene is no exception. In addition to monthly events, you can find creativity on the regular at a few unique spots, galleries and museums in the city.

BY JESSICA HAMMER

First Friday Art Walk ( aw.org) o ers a free stroll through downtown art galleries, restaurants and businesses with a revolving display of local art and live music each month. Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6–10 p.m. in downtown Springfield.

The Gillioz Theatre (417-863-9491, gillioztheatre. com) has been entertaining Springfield audiences since 1926 and was restored to its original beauty in 2006. The Gillioz serves a plethora of functions, including Broadway productions, theater, movies, religious gatherings, arts education, school programs, banquets, concerts, film festivals, conventions and television broadcasts.

Springfield Art Museum (417-837-5700, sgfmuseum.org) is home to more than 10,000 works of art. Special collections include 19th, 20th and 21st century American paintings, watercolor, sculpture and prints. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.

Local photographer, filmmaker, humanitarian and speaker Randy Bacon’s studio home (417-8688179, randybacon.com) is in Springfield and displays his passion for capturing humanness. He’s a co-founder of 7 Billion Ones, a project that documents stories to help connect and empower people. Additionally, “The Road I Call Home” project is another of Bacon’s that features photos of the homeless and includes a narrative from photo subjects in their own words. The exhibit is currently on display at the Springfield Art Museum and the Brick City Museum of Art at Missouri State University.

Springfield Ballet (417-862-1343, springfieldballet.org) o ers superior dance training rooted in classical ballet for ages 3 to adult. All classes—ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, pilates and creative movement—are held at the Creamery Arts Center. In addition, Springfield Ballet brings three pre-professional ballet productions to the Ozarks each year, enhanced by professional guest artists.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre (417-8318001, springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org) performs an array of productions year-round,

▲ Embrace your cultural side at the Springfi eld Art Museum, which has a variety of art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

and has performed Hair, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Nine: The Musical and The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? SCT produces theater through a contemporary view utilizing intimate staging and guest professionals throughout the season.

Springfield Little Theatre (417-869-1334, springfieldlittletheatre.org) is a volunteer-driven organization that strives to entertain, educate and involve the community in live productions and in the preservation of the historic Landers Theatre. The theater brings the best of Broadway to Springfield with classics including Les Miserables, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof and Beauty and the Beast. The theater also hosts a wide range of children’s performance classes.

The mission of the Springfield Regional Opera (417-863-1960, sropera.org) is to create lasting memories by presenting, promoting and developing the art of opera, music and theater. The opera has performed Carmen and hosted the Voices of Christmas event SRO Lyric Theatre seeks talent in Springfield but is also

known for casting well-known opera singers from New York City and abroad to bring the best and brightest to the stage in Springfield.

Springfield Improv (417-872-2658, springfieldimprov.com) guarantees you will laugh louder and laugh more! While Springfield Improv closed its theater, it is continuing to o er online performances, trainings and workshops.

Spring Vegas Sketch Show Director Shannon Sherrow says the show is a cross between comedy and theater (springvegassketchshow. com). The show’s fifth season runs September 2023–June 2024, and the show’s venue changes frequently. You might want to snag tickets early. Sherrow says Spring Vegas shows have sold out every year since it started in 2018.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra (417-8646683, springfieldsymphonyorchestra.org) concerts feature classical music as well as fun and familiar pops concerts. A favorite is the annual Christmas-themed concert in December.

For more than 60 years, Missouri State University has entertained locals at its openair Tent Theatre (417-836-4400, tenttheatre. missouristate.edu), located on campus grounds. Each summer, students and professional actors perform in three outdoor productions at the John Goodman Amphitheater.

As one of USA Today’s Best New Attractions in 2019, the Springfield History Museum on the Square (417-831-1976, historymuseumonthesquare.org) delivers regional history through an interactive experience. With six permanent galleries and occasional traveling exhibits, visitors can learn all about the Civil War’s impacts on the area, interactions between pioneers and natives, and the infamous duel Wild Bill Hickok had while on Park Central Square.

The Broadway performance of Hamilton is coming to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield.

Photos by Joan Marcus, Heather Kane

Kid Around

Whether you enjoy festivals, parks, trails or attractions, there is always something family-friendly to enjoy. Here are a few spots you should explore.

BY KAREN BLISS

THE ARTS

Help your kiddos unleash their artistic side at the Springfield Art Museum (417-837-5700, springfieldmo.gov/art). It o ers classes in fall, winter and spring—but come summer there are weekly art camps. Speaking of summer. Springfield Pottery (417-864-4677, springfieldpottery.com) o ers week-long Kid’s Camps for elementary, middle and high school students. Kids can even take a class at Art Zone (417224-9816, artzonenixa.com) and try out pottery, painting and more.

At Firehouse Pottery (417-881-8381, firehousepottery.com) kids pick pottery to paint and take home. You can also book a kids party.

Another great way for kids to unleash their artistic side is through woodworking at AR Workshop (417-429-0803,arworkshop.com)

From family afternoon workshops to youth summer art camps, there’s always a woodworking project for kids of all ages at the workshop.

From picture frames to bowls, Artistree Pottery (417-368-0004, artistrypottery.com) has a lot of pottery projects perfect for a family night out.

BOWLING

Andy B’s (417-883-1234, bowlandybs.com) is Springfield’s bowling destination. With a funky atmosphere and an impressive food and drink menu, it’s the perfect place for the kids, and those just young at heart, to let loose.

DANCE

Ann’s Performing Arts Centre (417-881-1211, annsdancers.com) is a multi-studio complex o ering recreational and competitive classes for ages 3 and up. Dance styles include ballet, lyrical dance, modern dance, jazz, tap and hip-hop.

Children as young as 3 can plié their way into classical ballet training at Springfield Ballet (417862-1343, springfieldballet.org). Students can also take jazz, tap, modern dance and creative movement classes.

For something di erent, send your dancer to Pat’s Clogging Studios (417-833-4827, itap2. com) to learn the art of clogging or Irish dancing.

DIVING

For a taste of underwater adventure, kids can learn to scuba dive at DiVentures (417-883-5151, diventures.com). Swimming lessons are available for children of all ages, including babies.

FARM-STYLE LEARNING

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park (417-837-5949, parkboard.org) is a 207-acre farm perfect for a day outside with the family. Enjoy farm animals, pedal tractors, catch-and-release fishing and a farm-themed playground. Enjoy the egg hunt during Easter and Harvest Fest each fall.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Young equestrians can learn the ropes at the Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center (417-8338647, parkboard.org). The HorseSHOE Program teaches basic skills on horse safety, grooming, saddling and riding. Serious horse lovers can attend a summer camp, where they’ll enjoy riding lessons, obstacle courses and even horse soccer games!

The Libby Ferguson Training Center (417894-8221, libbyfergusonhorsetraining.com) has been a staple in Springfield’s equestrian scene since 1988. The center o ers private lessons, semi-private lessons, day camps, horse training and birthday parties.

INDOOR FUN

Kids of all ages love Incredible Pizza (417-5010826, springfieldincrediblepizza.com). Grab a bite at the pizza bar and play with laser tag, go karts and a slew of classic arcade games. Fitness meets fun at Urban Air Adventure Park (417-210-7889, urbanairtrampolinepark. com). Aside from fantastic trampolines, there’s rock climbing walls, ropes courses, virtual reality games, a zipline, obstacle course and more. For your imaginative youngster, Itty Bitty City (417-202-2025, ittybittycity.com) o ers loads of creative play opportunities. Kids can roam around The Village and pretend to be veterinarians, firefighters and chefs. They can put on a show on the little stage, build with foam blocks or stop at the Waterworks water table.

MUSIC

Young musicians can check out Ernie Williamson Music (417-881-1373, erniewilliamson.com). Known for its comprehensive private music lesson programs, this music shop o ers lessons in guitar, bass, piano, vocals, violin, drums and some specialty instruments.

PERFORMING ARTS

Springfield Little Theatre (417-869-3869, springfieldlittletheatre.org) o ers acting classes for all ages and skill levels, including musical theatre, tap dancing, ballet, acting and voice. For that jokester in the family, Springfield Improv (417-872-2658, springfieldimprov.com) o ers online improv training.

SCIENCE

The Discovery Center of Springfield (417-8629910, discoverycenter.org) blends education with fun through science experiments, anatomical models, summer camps and more.

SKATING

The indoor Jordan Valley Ice Park (417-8667444, parkboard.org) o ers open skating sessions, figure skating lessons and kids hockey leagues. At Skateland (417-881-8011, springfieldskateland.com) roller skating is fun for all ages with youth and adult hockey leagues.

STUDYING THE ANIMAL WORLD

Dickerson Park Zoo (417-833-1570, dickersonparkzoo.org) is a great family outing, and in between visits, kids can tap into their wild side with education classes featuring live animal encounters, crafts, stories, games and snacks. Wild Animal Safari (417-859-5300, animalsafari. com) is a drive-through animal park that’s great in any season, including the holidays with its Christmas light displays. From the comfort of your vehicle, behold bison, African water bu alo, zebra and more as the animals roam free. Feed ostrich, camels and antelope from your window.

SWIMMING

Even in the dead of winter, families can enjoy splashing around at Chesterfield Family Center Indoor Aquatics (417-891-1616) or Doling Family Center Indoor Aquatics (parkboard.org/aquatics). The centers o er swim lessons, and each summer, Republic, Ozark, Nixa and Springfield have great outdoor community centers.

The Dickerson Park Zoo has several interactive exhibits where kids can feed the animals.

Photo courtesy Springfi eld Area Chamber of Commerce

learn

WHAT YOU WANT IN SPRINGFIELD

Springfield Public Schools is the largest fully accredited district in Missouri.

More than 300 students from 23 area school districts participate in GO CAPS, a career exploration program.

Nearly 3,500 students attend private schools within the Springfield area.

The Springfield region is home to more than a dozen colleges and universities.

Nearly 25,000 students, including a large population of international students, enjoy learning at Missouri State University.

Innovative Education

Ditch what you know about the traditional classroom experience. Springfi eld and the surrounding cities o er innovative learning solutions for students through robotics, kayaking and more.

BY JESSICA HAMMER

AGACADEMY

Age: 4-6th grades

Number of Students: 150

Inside the Classroom: The Darr family foundation gifted Springfield Public Schools a new building for a magnet school focused on agricultural education. The school is a partnership with Missouri State University and provides students with an immersive learning experience centered around plant and animal sciences, service learning and exposure to the robust industry of agriculture.

ACADEMY OF EXPLORATION

Age: 5 th and 6 th grade

Number of Students: 88

Inside the Classroom: Students who attend Academy of Exploration learn through the lens of science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM. AOE places a heavy emphasis on engineering. Students immerse themselves in a learning environment centered around design thinking, building and constructing, iteration and problem-solving. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, AOE will expand to include 5th and 6th graders.

HEALTH SCIENCES ACADEMY @ MERCY

Age: 8 th grade

Number of Students: 50

Inside the Classroom: Health Sciences Academy is housed at Mercy Hospital Springfield for 50 of Springfield Public Schools’ eighth-grade students. Students spend their year at Mercy using health care as the lens for problem-based learning. Students explore di erent careers, learn from professionals in the medical field and implement projects to impact the health of our community.

DISCOVERY SCHOOL

Age: Pre-K-8th grade

Number of Students: 50

Inside the Classroom: Discovery School is all about encouraging creativity and curiosity through hands-on experiences in STEM. Students experience a di erent style of learning than a traditional classroom o ers, with classes limited to 10 students, and students are encouraged to have in-depth conversations and explore di ering opinions. Curriculum focuses on fine arts, science, math, languages, computer coding, engineering and more.

Age: 5th grade

Number of Students: 46

Inside the Classroom: This learning experience is a collaboration between Springfield Public Schools, Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro, and it gives kids a chance to experience the classroom through the lenses of environmental and conservation science. Mixed in with reading, writing and math are lessons on snorkeling, fishing, rock climbing and archery. Classes are held at the John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Education Center, located at Bass Pro’s Springfield flagship store. Applications for the magnet school lottery are accepted in November for the following year.

ACADEMY OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Age: 5th grade

Number of Students: 50

Inside the Classroom: Springfield Little Theatre (SLT) and Springfield Public Schools have collaborated to create this magnet school centered around arts integration. The school is housed on the second floor of the historic Judy building, which also houses SLT’s education programs, youth performance troupes and rehearsal spaces. The new school welcomes 50 fifth graders selected through a lottery system, and once those tiny thespians and artists are in their seats, they get to enjoy an immersive artistic learning experience. Curriculum includes a mix of dance, vocals, drama, visual arts, fine arts and performance art. Plus, these 50 students have access to all of the stages, practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and creative getaways located inside of The Judy.

Photo courtesy GO CAPS

WONDERS OF THE OZARKS LEARNING FACILITY (WOLF SCHOOL)

Medicine and Health Care is one of the program strands of GO CAPS, a career exploration course for high school juniors and seniors.

CONTINUED FROM PG 58

JOHN THOMAS SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY

Age: Kindergarten through 6th grades

Number of Students: 487

Inside the Classroom:

An extension of the Nixa Public School district, John Thomas School of Discovery (JTSD) focuses on a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (or STEAM) curriculum. Teachers encourage students to ask questions and work to weave all of the STEAM elements into learning. This learning approach helps students develop problem solving and critical thinking skills while the teachers and program facilitators help instill lifelong learning. Enrollment at JTSD opens each February for the following school year.

GREATER OZARKS CENTERS FOR ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (GO CAPS)

Age: High school juniors and seniors

Number of Students: 150

Inside the Classroom:

Whether students have a specific career path in mind or want to explore their options, GO CAPS is a great way for students to test drive their future. GO CAPS provides students the practice they need to sharpen their professionalism skills, gain confidence, and grow their professional network.  The year begins with guest speakers, tours and interactions with industry partners through a variety of activities. Once students demonstrate the expected professionalism skills within the classroom, they go on to explore medicine and health care, business and entrepreneurship, and engineering and manufacturing through a series of job shadowing visits that occur outside of the classroom.  If work-based learning in real situations is what students are looking for, GO CAPS is the program for them.  The application window opens each November for the following school year.  Students are encouraged to discuss GO CAPS with their school counselor to ensure the program will fit their schedule. For information, visit gocaps.yourcapsnetwork.org.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

Age: 9th through 12th grades

Number of Students: Available to all students

Inside the Classroom:

Project Lead the Way is available to high school students who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Specific areas include biomedical science, computer science and engineering and students get the opportunity to work on collaborative, real-world projects in their respective areas of interest. Through these experiences, teens get to develop critical thinking skills in addition to technical skills. This program is open to students at at Central, Glendale, Hillcrest, Parkview and Kickapoo and students at Carver, Cherokee, Hickory Hills, Jarrett, Pershing, Pipkin, Pleasant View and Westport Middle Schools. For information, call 417-523-5558.

LAUNCH

Age: Kindergarten through 12th grades

Course Enrollments: 1000,000 annually

Inside the Classroom:

Launch Virtual Learning from Springfield Public Schools o ers students online learning opportunities. Nichole Lemmon, director of virtual learning and strategic planning for Springfield Public Schools and Launch Virtual Learning, says o erings include a 280+ course catalog. Serving more than 270 school districts in Missouri, Launch offers K-12 programming and meets the needs of students including special education, gifted, Advanced Placement and Dual Credit opportunities. Workforce development is a focus for the future of Launch. Thanks to a collaboration with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Launch is developing courses in 11 careers including business, information technology and healthcare. “Thanks to Launch Missouri’s Workforce, students can see possibilities for their future in a flexible way that meets students where they are,” Lemon says.

THE PHELPS CENTER FOR GIFTED EDUCATION

Grades: K-8

Number of Students: 835

Inside the Classroom:

The Phelps Center for Gifted Education has been providing gifted education services for 40+ years. Gifted programming includes WINGS (Working with Individual Needs of Gifted Students) and Springfield Scholars. WINGS is a pull-out gifted program serving students one day a week at the Phelps Center. WINGS students explore areas of interest and develop critical and creative thinking skills. The WINGS student body includes grades K-8 and represents all SPS elementary and middle schools, as well as private and homeschooled students.

Springfield Scholars is a full-time gifted program for students in sixth–eight grade. Scholars students are immersed in a high school educational setting and learn at an accelerated pace. Scholars is housed at Central High School and serves up to 45 students per grade level.

▲ The Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) program gets fifth graders learning about conservation and self-esteem—all under the guise of some good old-fashioned outdoors exploring.

HITTING

Academic excellence, faith formation and preparing future community leaders are central at Springfield Catholic Schools, which includes three elementary schools and Springfield Catholic High School. High schoolers can participate in international mission trips and community service. Competitive sports are also o ered.

In the 3-year-olds program through 10th grade, students experience daily Spanish instruction. Through the Soar program, high schoolers take college courses at regional institutions and pursue exciting internships. Summit’s curriculum of inquiry- and project-based learning facilitates collaboration, critical thinking and deeper learning.

Located on the Missouri State University campus, Greenwood Laboratory School lets students take college classes for credit. Greenwood encourages civic engagement, community service and service learning with its Public A airs Honors Diploma, and through coursework, clubs and much more. All students participate in a senior-level capstone project.

New Covenant o ers a college preparatory program that integrates Christian faith and emphasizes character growth. Students can take part in extracurricular activities, including an award-winning fine arts program and sports teams. Many students perform community outreach, service projects and international or cross-cultural mission trips.

Springfield’s multiple faith-based and college preparatory private schools o er students a distinct approach to education. BY STEPHANIE TOWNE BENOIT

Springfield Catholic Schools The Summit Preparatory School Greenwood Laboratory School New Covenant Academy

Year-Round LEARNING

BY JABET WADE

SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPLORE!

Springfield Public Schools flips the script on summer school with its Explore! program, designed to engage students in project-based summer learning. O ered at multiple locations, students in grades K-12 participate in these exciting learning opportunities in June and July. Students can choose from in-person and virtual classes on a wide variety of subjects like coding, outdoor exploration, fine and performing arts and agriculture.

DRURY UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR GIFTED EDUCATION

Each summer, more than 700 eager beavers head to the Center for Gifted Education at Drury University. Middle and high school students attend Summerscape and Drury Leadership Academy, where they live in student dorms, eat in the cafeteria and take classes each day, as well as attend lectures and workshops. When they aren’t in class, participants enjoy activities with their peers. Leadership Academy students can earn college credit. Elementaryschool kids attend Summer Pals and Summer Quest day camps.

BARNABAS FOUNDATION

Since 1994, individuals with special needs and di ering abilities have swarmed to Camp Barnabas when the weather heats up. At week-long summer camps, kids as young as 7 and some adults enjoy the great outdoors and experience life-changing adventures through this Christian-based organization. Barnabas Prep provides a two-year, faith-based collegiate program, and every year, the organization also hosts Snow Ball, a dance for people with disabilities.

SPARC: SCHOOLS, PARKS ARE REACHING COMMUNITIES

A long-standing partnership between the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and Springfield Public Schools, SPARC o ers fun, a ordable and accessible programming throughout the year. Thousands of kids benefit from SPARC annually, whether it’s through the before- and after-school programs they attend or one of the exciting summer camps at locations such as Ritter Springs Park, where campers spend most of their time outside doing archery, fishing, canoeing, hiking and other activities.

OZARKS REGIONAL YMCA

Youth programs at the YMCA—including sports leagues, swim lessons and before- and after-school care—serve more than 15,000 kids each year. Teaching them about healthy living and social responsibility is at the heart of it all, while having fun is always a priority. During the summer, day camps run every week with themes, activities and field trips varying by week and location. The Y also operates Camp Wakonda in Halltown, a residential camp home to a farm, a lake, a 40-foot climbing tower and ropes courses.

LIBRARIES

For even more year-round learning opportunities, be sure to check out the array of programs available at the 10 Springfield-Greene County Library District branches. Activities include a monthly concert series, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs and reading groups for all ages. Learn more at thelibrary.org.

Gateway to Success

Students are hitting the books and furthering their careers thanks to the many colleges and universities in the area o ering world-class degree and certification programs.

BY JENNIFER ADAMSON AND CLAIRE PORTER

Missouri State University 417-836-5000, missouristate.edu

Although Missouri State University (MSU) has campuses in West Plains, Mountain Grove and across the Pacific in Dalian, China, Springfield is home to the main campus. Missouri State is the second largest university system in the state, and the student body represents every Missouri county, all 50 states and 88 foreign countries. MSU has seven academic colleges, including the College of Business—the largest business school in Missouri—and has on graduate college and more than 85 majors. Fall 2022 enrollment: 23,307 Tuition and fees for 2022–2023: $9,620 (undergraduate Missouri resident)

Accolades: MSU has received numerous awards and accolades, including the 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, a Best in the Midwest distinction from The Princeton Review and was one of four Springfield businesses on Forbes 2022 list of best employers by state s.

Ozarks Technical Community College 417-447-7500, otc.edu

In 2015, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) ranked fifth on a list of the nation’s fastest growing community colleges. Today, OTC is the third largest community college in Missouri. Workforce training is the heart of the school’s mission, so students pursue certificates and associate degrees in fields such as dental hygiene, culinary arts and welding technology.

Learning doesn’t stop at the Springfield city limits. OTC has five other locations in the area and multiple online learning options. Fall 2022 enrollment: 10,912students Tuition for 2022–2023: in-district tuition started at $122 per credit hour

Accolades: Ozarks Technical Community College has placed in the top 50 finalists—one of only two Missouri colleges to do so—for the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program honoring outstanding student outcomes. This fall OTC opened the first advanced manufacturing training facility in the state with the Plaster Manufacturing Center.

Drury University

417-873-7879, drury.edu

This liberal arts college o ers more than 55 majors and 45 minors along with small class sizes, boasting a student-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1. Drury University’s new undergraduate curriculum, Your Drury Fusion, is a careerbuilding, academic experience that guarantees students will graduate knowing the power that comes from blending passion and profession. They will also graduate with at least three hands-on experiences that demonstrate they can apply what they’ve learned.

Fall 2022 enrollment: 1,417 Tuition for 2022–2023: $29,900 (full-time undergraduate, U.S. students)

Accolades: Drury was ranked No. 1 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Value Schools 2016. The Princeton Review named Drury as

one of the best colleges in the Midwest for its 2016 Best Colleges Region by Region, and 2015 was Drury’s sixth year on the publication’s Guide to 353 Green Colleges.

Evangel University 417-865-2811, evangel.edu

The Assemblies of God–a liated Evangel University opened in 1955, and the AG Theological Seminary was added to the Evangel campus in 2013. The university o ers 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master’s and doctoral degrees. Evangel also has accelerated degree-completion programs for in business management, behavioral health, church ministries and general studies.

Fall 2022 enrollment: 1,999

Tuition for 2022–2023: $35,726

Accolades: In a partnership with Convoy of Hope, Evangel developed The Center for Compassion, where students engage in compassionate service and research. The Better Business Bureau recognized Evangel with a 2020 BBB TORCH AWARD for exceptional service and high ethics. Evangel was recognized again as a 2020 COLLEGE of DISTINCTION, with special focus on the Departments of Business and Education.

Southwest Baptist University 417-328-5281, sbuniv.edu

Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is a private, Christian liberal arts university a liated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. SBU fuses liberal arts, career preparation and faith throughout more than 80 areas of study and four campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem and Springfield.

Fall 2022 enrollment: 400 (at Springfield) Tuition for 2022–2023: cost varies

Accolades: SBU received an A rating for general education curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. It was also recognized as one of America’s Best Christian Colleges since 1997.

OTC opened the Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing in 2022.

THE LIFE YOU WANT IN SPRINGFIELD

Ozark Greenways Inc. has created more than 150 miles of urban trails and on-street bike routes around Springfield.

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium was named the best aquarium in the country in 2018 and 2020.

There are six lakes—perfect for swimming, fishing and boating—within an hour drive of Springfield.

Enjoy local spirits and good times at one of the area’s many breweries, wineries and distilleries.

Downtown Springfield has plenty of bars, restaurants and live music to check out.

Settle In

Whether you’re looking for a house with a backyard oasis or a center city loft, the Springfield region has many neighborhoods and houses just waiting to welcome you.

BY ETTIE BERNEKING

A MIDCENTURY PROJECT

Alex Regalado Yerian and his husband Damon bought their midcentury ranch in Phelps Grove practically sight unseen in 2021. A few months later, they moved in and started renovations.

Alex and Damon were living in Seattle before moving to Springfield to be closer to Damon’s parents. Besides one short visit in April to house-hunt, the couple had spent very little time together in the Queen City. When their realtor called to let them know a five-bedroom ranch in the tree-lined Phelps Grove neighborhood was about to go on the market, they jumped on it.

“We moved here in August, started remodeling in September and were done in December,” Alex says. It was a remarkably quick turnaround considering

Alex and Damon basically gutted the home, but they were careful to remodel in a way that honored the house’s original style and architecture. To bring in some of the Ozarks natural elements and color palette, Alex—an interior designer— added stone to the fireplace and used plenty of greys and soft blues. The toneddown color scheme also worked well with the couple’s impressive collection of artwork and antiques.

Alex has been collecting for 20 years, and now that collection is on display around the couple’s spacious ranch. “Every single piece I remember,” he says. “I picked up many of these pieces from friends or on trips or from Round Top Antiques Show in Texas.” Since he’s moved to Springfield, Alex has already added several new antique pieces to his

collection, and he’s discovered several favorite new antique shops. “There’s great antiquing here,” he says. “And the estate sales in the area are great.”

Now that they’re settled into their new home, Alex and Damon say they’re ready to explore the hiking and floating in the area. They’ve already made a nice dent in the local bar and restaurant scene, which Alex says has an impressive amount of Mexican food. He can already list off his favorite spots for tacos and pozole. Then there are the wild numbers of drag shows in town. “There’s more drag here than what we found in Houston,” Alex says. “In some ways, Springfield is more progressive to me. It’s just easy living, and the people are so nice.”

▲ Damon and Alex gave their midcentury ranch a modern facelift.

Photos by Ettie Berneking

Alex and Damon are big collectors of art and antiques, and they include their favorite pieces in their home decor.

A COUNTRYSIDE RETREAT

If Lauren or Bud Petit ever invite you on one of their “Missouri safaris,” get ready to add to the family’s bug collection. You might also end up with a pocketful of elderberries or blackberries. It’s all part of the country charm out here.

Lauren and Bud met and lived in Chicago for several years before the couple moved back to Lauren’s hometown of Nixa. They didn’t have kids at the time, but they knew they wanted a family, and Nixa’s school district was a big draw for the newlyweds. By the time their first daughter turned 3, they were ready to build their own home out on Lauren’s family farm.

For years, Lauren had been eyeing properties in California for design inspiration. With some Midwest, modern farmhouse vibes mixed in, she and Bud designed a single-story ranch farmhouse the family could enjoy for decades. Inspired by the natural light she loved so much in many California homes, Lauren ditched the upper cabinets in her kitchen in place of large windows that look out over the rolling hills.

When the family hosts friends and loved ones, there’s plenty of room to entertain everyone, especially on the outdoor patio. The scenic outdoor space is part of what this young family loves most about their new home. “Two years ago, we planted a 10-acre elderberry farm,” Lauren says. “My kids grew their own strawberries, and we have a blackberry farm now, and we got really into gardening.” On sunny days, the kids go on “Missouri safaris” to search for wildlife, rocks, flowers you name it.

Not shockingly, their bucolic retreat has attracted more than just the occasional visitor. Lauren’s photos on social media

even prompted one of her friends to relocate from alm Springs to the Springfield area. “They moved out here pretty much sight unseen,” Lauren says. “They just knew they wanted a change in lifestyle.” Like so many of the friends and family the Petits have welcomed to their home, Lauren’s friend was shocked to find so much natural beauty in the heart of the Ozarks—a hidden gem Lauren grew up knowing and loving.

▼ The Petit’s kitchen o ers great views of the countryside property.

Photos by Brandon Alms

▲ The Petit family spends a lot of time enjoying the outdoors when they’re home.

The home’s living room leads to a covered back patio.

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Amanda and Mitch Jenkins both grew up in Springfield, and never had plans to leave. Their families both live in town their network of friends are in the ueen City, and they have built their careers here. “We ust love everything Springfield has to offer,” Amanda says. “We really can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Early on, the couple lived in an apartment in the cozy alloway neighborhood where greenway trails are within walking distance and craft breweries have taken hold. rom there, they transitioned to a small home in Rountree. “We always had our eye on Rountree,” Amanda says. “As soon as we bought a house there, we knew it was home.” or the Jenkins, it was the walkability and the community that drew them to the historic neighborhood. Rountree is known for its block parties and massive alloween parade, and it’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other and where friends gather on front porches as kids race down the street. It was the perfect place for the Jenkins to start their new family.

As a young mom, Amanda found it easy to get some adult time in during the day even when she was watching her daughter, Stella. “I need to see other adults,” she okes. “I have that here. or instance, my neighbor had a garage sale, and my daughter and I hung out there for three hours. I ust drank my coffee and chatted.” On warm days, Amanda and Stella will walk around the neighborhood and check out the cats that live nearby. They’ll play on a neighbor’s front yard swing, and say hi to everyone who passes by. Amanda describes Stella as a social butterfly, so she fits in perfectly with all the chatty neighbors. “Everyone knows Stella,” Amanda says.

▲

As the Jenkins prepared to welcome their second daughter, they moved down the street to a slightly larger home. They’re still unpacking and making the space their own, but Amanda says she can picture raising her family here. She loves that the house, like many of the homes in Rountree, has a real history. She even stays in touch with the previous owners. “I love that they raised daughters in this home, and now we’re raising our daughters in it,” Amanda says. “So many people have made memories here. It’s not ust a house. It’s a home.”

Amanda and Mitch moved into Rountree to start their family.

Their home was lovingly updated before the bought it.

Stella loves playing inside but really loves getting outside.

Photos by Ettie Berneking

A HISTORIC RENOVATION

There are a few neighborhoods that almost every Springfield resident knows about. There’s Rountree with its shaded bungalows and massive Halloween parade. Then there’s Southern Hills with its midcentury ranches and well-stocked ponds. Then there’s Midtown and Grant Beach area. Located near Drury University,

these historic neighborhoods have some grand Victorian homes. That historic time stamp also means this neighborhood has a smattering of houses waiting to be lovingly renovated, which is exactly what Mick and Paige Whitcomb have done.

Both Mick and aige are artists, and they have two true loves—design and history. Mick creates custom light fixtures inspired by 19th century inventions, and Paige is a tintype photographer. Neither one of them is from Springfield originally, but they found themselves in town after living abroad. When they found the Midtown neighborhood, they knew they were home.

“Our neighborhood is a mix of professors, artists, musicians and entrepreneurs,” Mick says. “There’s diversity here both in economic diversity and diversity in thought.” Soon, the couple turned their love of the arts and home design into a passion renovating historic homes. “We approach this from an artistic motive,” Mick says. “It’s about preservation not flipping.” Mick says a lot of the home owners in Grant Beach have played an active role in renovating and updating their homes. “That means they’ve played a role in the creation of this community,” he says.

Today, the Whitcombs have renovated three historic homes and are currently working on a church and an old industrial building they’re turning into a studio and gallery space. “We can do this for a fraction of what we would pay for a 1-bedroom condo somewhere else,” Mick says.

The affordable lifestyle Springfield affords also means the couple can travel as needed for work. That’s good news since these two are on the road 275 days a year. Their love of travel seems to have increased since moving to town, but as Mick says, “We’re in urban centers 35 weeks a year, so it’s nice to come home to $1 beers and the lifestyle we enjoy here.”

The Whitcombs restored this historic home in Grant Beach.

▲ Mick Whitcomb loves antiques, and he and Paige have incorporated them into their decor.

Photos by Tessa Cooper

▲ When the Whitcombs find antiques and other relics on their travels, they bring them home and find a new life for them.

Foodie

BUCKET LIST

Drool over these nine tasty treats from local Springfield eateries.

BY KAREN BLISS

1Cashew Chicken

Available at numerous restaurants in Springfield. Springfield-style cashew chicken might seem weird to some people, but we love every bite of this recipe that appeared in the 1960s thanks to David Leong. Tender white chicken is coated in a seasoned breading, fried and drowned in a savory sauce. You can still enjoy the original recipe at Leong’s Asian Diner, but most Asian restaurants in Springfield have this staple on the menu.

2Tamales at Tortilleria Perches

1601 W. Sunshine St., tortilleriaperches.com

This family owned restaurant has carved out a niche in Springfield’s Mexican food scene. Everything here is made with love and that includes the pork and chicken tamales. To spice up this classic dish, order the Tamales A La Diabla where three tamales of your choosing are smothered in spicy red garlic sauce and served with a side of rice.

3Sweet Potato Wa e Sandwich at Culture Counter

607 S. Pickwick Ave., culturecountercommons.com

Yes, you can stock up on fresh, local produce, eggs, cheeses and homemade soups, but you can also have lunch here. This neighborhood grocery store and ice cream counter whips up a mean sweet potato wa e that easily turns into a sandwich. Just order the Whole C.C. with scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, pesto, melted cheese and bacon smooshed between a hot sweet potato wa e.

4Banana Cake at St. Michael’s 301 South Ave., stmichaelsspringfield.com

This corner eatery is known for its massive salads and its banana cake. This stu is addictively delicious. It’s so moist and so full of banana goodness, and you get a massive slice. On top of that, it’s crowned in a cream cheese frosting, so here’s the deal. Go for the salad, stay for the cake.

5Pasta Nicola at Nicola’s Ristorante 3631 E. Sunshine St., nicolasristorante.com

Restaurateur Nicola Gilardi has been wowing 417-landers with his Italian cuisine for years. The Pasta Nicola is a true classic. Homemade ricotta noodles are drenched in a tomato cream sauce that has just a hint of heat. Add in some crumbled sausage and tender mushrooms, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s pure amore!

potato wa e.

6Pad Thai at Everyday Thai

220 W. Battlefield Road, myeverydaythai.com

This authentic taste of Thai food is one of Springfield’s international dining gems. Everyday Thai made Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat list in 2019, and its Pad Thai is one of the restaurant’s specialties. Take your pick of chicken, beef, pork or tofu and crown it with bean sprouts, egg, green onion and roasted peanuts. All dishes at Everyday Thai are made to order, so you can choose how spicy you want it.

7Dinner Burger at Progress

2144 E. Republic Road, B101, springfieldprogress.com Yes, Progress is best known for its creative and seasonally changing menu, but it also has a stellar burger. The dinner burger will get your taste buds watering. This smash-style burger is placed between a brioche bun with Newman Farm bacon, American cheese, smoked mayo and caramelized onion. So simple. So good.

8Almond Butter and Banana Toast at Architect Co ee Co.

1604 E. Republic Road, architectco eeco.com

You might be going for the co ee, but don’t miss the menu at Architect Co ee Co. If you are looking for something sweet that includes some protein, the Almond Butter and Banana Toast is a quick bite that will have you asking for more. Made on sourdough bread, this toast is topped with banana, almond butter, honey and cinnamon.

9Cinnamon or Caramel Rolls at Tea Bar & Bites

621 S. Pickwick Ave, teabarandbites.com

The caramel rolls at Tea Bar are so popular, they almost always sell out when they’re on the menu. For that reason, get there early. These are made in house, and each oversized roll is slathered in a (not-so) healthy amount of caramel sauce. If the weather allows, grab a seat on the patio and enjoy.

Photos courtesy Tea Bar & Bites, Culture Counter

The Whole C.C. wa e at Culture Counter can be ordered with a sweet

LET’S GET Crafty

Welcome to the Queen City where we’re never short on craft breweries.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILE

MOTHER’S BREWING CO.

Springfield, 417-862-0423, mothersbrewing.com

This brewery is the place to be for spending time with people of all ages outside. You can play cornhole on the lawn, and there’s a playground for the little ones. There’s also live music inside and outside, and Springfield’s wi e ball league plays here every Wednesday in the summer.

Try This: Lil’ Helper Midwest Coast IPA

Best For: Yard games and a drink when you have the kids in tow

HOLD FAST BREWING

Springfield, 417-761-2318, h rewing.com

This open-air tap house is perfect for enjoying the outdoors while you’re around downtown Springfield. This versatile brewery o ers regular trivia nights and the “Books and Brews” reading club. Plus, food trucks and live music are often on the calendar.

Try This: Patio Pleaser Golden Ale

Best For: Drag brunch complete with queens and breakfast food trucks

TIE & TIMBER BEER CO. ⊲

Springfield, 417-429-9131, tieandtimberbeerco.com

Located in the Rountree neighborhood, this brewery is home to regular live music. Sit in the beer garden or outdoor patio, and enjoy the dog watching. This spot is pet-friendly, and you’re welcome to bring food from neighboring eateries to the spacious beer garden.

Try This: any of the seasonal releases… Life’s A Kolsch is peachy perfection in the summer.

Best For: Live music

Photo by Brandon Alms

⊳

PINEY RIVER BREWING CO.

Bucyrus, 417-967-4001, pineyriverbrewing.com

This Ozarks-style brewery is worth the drive east. It’s housed on a 160-acre farm where you can enjoy homemade pizza and soft pretzels at the converted BARn Taproom. Stop here after a float trip or just for a day in the country. There are plenty of lodging options nearby, too.

Try This: The Black Walnut Wheat Best For: A refreshing beverage on beautiful farmland

WHITE RIVER BREWING CO.

Springfield, 417-207-0383, whiteriverbrewingco.com

Located on historic Commercial Street, this is a friendly neighborhood bar where you can meet a friend before dinner. This eclectic place o ers live music, trivia nights, game nights and even yoga classes. The brewery doesn’t serve food but allows guests to bring their own.

Try This: Table Rock Red Ale

Best For: A quick drink while you shop on C-Street

GREAT ESCAPE BEER WORKS

Springfield, 417-824-4043, greatescapebeerworks.com

This is a laidback brewery o the Galloway Creek Greenway Trail that feels like a mountain town hangout thanks to the second-story balcony.

Try This: Full Quiver Lager-Munich Dunkel

Best For: Patio seating

4 BY 4 BREWING CO.

Springfield, 417-861-6400, 4by4brewingcompany.com

Check out this brewery’s original location across from Sequiota Park. It’s a fun-loving spot that features live music, trivia and Laptop Fridays. The brewery opened a second location in Fremont Hills.

Try This: Java the Kolsch

Best For: Relaxing after a bike ride or walk at Sequiota Park

WIRE ROAD BREWING COMPANY

Battlefield, 417-512-7391, Wireroadbrewing.com Not only does this brewery serve beer, it has Copper Canyon co ee and an early morning call time. Need a bite to eat? You can find food trucks

here every day. You can even join a yoga class in the beer garden—a drink is included!

Try This: Spirit Horse IPA

Best For: Visiting with pals and dogs on the covered patio

SPRINGFIELD BREWING CO. ▼

Springfield, 417-832-8277, springfieldbrewingco.com

This is a great place to hear live music and to catch a game while enjoying classic pub fare and a great local beer (or root beer).

Try This: The award-winning Bull Creek Brown Best For: When you want a flight of great beer to go with your meal

▼ The creamy mac and cheese is a dinner classic on the Brew Co. menu.

Tie & Timber Beer Co. opened in 2018 and has become a Springfield gathering place.

Photos courtesy Tie & Timber Brewing, Springfi eld Brewing Company

A CUP OF SWMO

Grab a mug and settle in. This is your guide to the best co ee in 417-land.

BY REN BISHOP

COFFEE ETHIC

124 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-866-6645

Known For: The Co ee Ethic is for sophisticated co ee lovers, who love exposed brick paired with a simple, sublime seasonal menu and homemade cookies.

Best Sip: Honey Lavender Latte or Summer Solstice are can’t miss seasonal sips, but our favorite is the simple and strong Remedy Cold Brew Co ee.

CHERRY PICKER PACKAGE X FARE

601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-986-5800

Known For: Cherry Picker is a neighborhood bar and co ee shop where locals linger long past breakfast to enjoy the outdoor seating, wine selection and cocktails after dark. This corner shop also hosts events throughout the year including the popular Rose Day each summer.

Best Sip: Try the Spice Oddity latte. It has vanilla cardamon syrup made in house with some fresh lime, espresso and milk.

ARCHITECT COFFEE

CO.

1604 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-771-5030

Known For: Need a work-appropriate spot to grab lunch, meet a colleague or work remotely? This coffee lounge and cafe is it.

Best Sip: The Honey Coconut latte is a sweet and smoky blend of espresso, wildflower honey and coconut syrup.

KINGDOM COFFEE

Two locations: 211 S. Market Ave., 2896 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, 417-350-1234

Known For: This is where you go to work and munch on a burrito trailside or downtown. Kingdom Co ee is earth tones and warm oatmeal with premium co ee served hot or as a satisfying cold brew.

Best Sip: The cortado, a 1:1 milk and espresso to jumpstart a busy day.

▲ Echelon Co ee has a seasonal espresso menu.

ROOTS COFFEE BAR

1645 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-877-6889

Known For: A boho modern vibe, chalkboard menu and all, Roots is where you can get a Raspberry Tru e latte and local Kombucha.

Best Sip: A dirty chai latte

CLASSIC ROCK COFFEE

Three locations: 1900 W. Sunset, Springfield, 535 W. Walnut, Springfield, 1230 US Highway 60 E, Republic, 417-232-0835

Known For: So good it’s global, Classic Rock Co ee began in Springfield in 2011. With locations literally around the world, this java house made it big with a mix of black co ee, flavorful lattes, smoothies and fraps. Oh, and there’s plenty of rock and roll vibes to enjoy here, and that includes live music.

Best Sip: The Sister Hazelnut Latte is one of the most popular flavored drinks, inspired by, you know, classic rock songs.

ECHELON COFFEE

2407 Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-374-2739

Known For: Echelon has it all: an Instagrammable interior, quick access to I-44 and a drive thru. It also has quick menu items you grab when you’re on the go, so try the smoothie bowls.

Best Sip: The Formation, a perfect combination of espresso, vanilla, cinnamon and honey.

DANCING MULE

1945 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-5114

Known For: A convenient, center-city drive-thru and specialty lattes… 49 flavor combinations to be exact.

Best Sip: No two mules are alike, but we enjoy the yin and yang latte, a white and dark chocolate pairing that is dessert-level sweet.

GREEN HOUSE

431 S. Je erson Ave., Springfield, 417-763-8032

Known For: Co ee, a ogato and plant shopping. This downtown spot is a Gen-Z paradise, unironically living its hybrid plant-co ee-shop fantasy.

Best Sip: The honey lavender latte has staying power, lingering on seasonal menus almost all year.

MUDHOUSE COFFEE

323 South Ave., Springfield, 417-832-1720

Known For: Signature frozen drinks and worn leather couches, Mudhouse might be the granddaddy of downtown co ee shops.

Best Sip: The Mud Puddle, a better-than-frappe chocolate smoothie drenched in whipped cream. It’s an icon, just like this downtown co ee shop.

BLACK LAB COFFEE CO.

300 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-647-5125

Known For: Hot, iced or frozen, Black Lab serves signature co ee drinks that go great with the big straws and extra large cinnamon rolls. This is also a cozy spot for studying.

Best Sip: Try the Black Lab latte with to ee nut and chocolate.

Photo courtesy Echelon Co ee

WELCOME to Springfield

– David O’Reilly

We’ve never lost sight of who makes this company what it is. Our team members, our customers and the communities we serve have always been at the heart of our business.

Where Community Grows

Shop, play, eat and discover at the area’s local farmers markets.

BY KELSEY BROWN

FARMERS MARKET OF THE OZARKS

2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield; Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (year-round); loveyourfarmer.com

The Farmers Market of the Ozarks has been around since 2012 and boasts an eclectic mix of vendors. In addition to the traditional market staples like eggs, meat, vegetables and fruit, you’ll find non-traditional food items like Japanese eggplant and moringa, grown by local Hmong farmers. Local musicians, arts and crafts activities and educational booths also fill the market with fun. lus, you can do all your shopping and then end the morning with some grub from one of the bustling food trucks that set up shop during the market.

C-STREET CITY MARKET

321 E. Commercial St., Springfield; Saturdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and Thursdays 4–8 p.m. (April–October); facebook.com/ sweetestlittlemarket

Farmers Market of the Ozarks o ers family fun, locally grown produce and meat, plus handmade goods.

TINY SHOPS

GREATER SPRINGFIELD

FARMERS’ MARKET

2951 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield; Saturdays 8 a.m.—noon year-round; Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.—noon April through October; inside the Battlefield Mall parking lot; springfieldfarmersmarket.com

The reater Springfield armers’ Market has been thriving for nearly 40 years. This yearround market has an ever-growing list of vendors, special events, nonprofit community groups and local artisans that always keeps things interesting. Don’t miss the booth of long-time vendor Dan Johnson of Johnson ardens, where you’ll find some of the most gorgeous summer squash, zucchini, okra and more. This spacious market is pet-friendly and family-oriented, and these vendors even support local food pantries by donating unsold goods.

The C-Street City Market has grown exponentially to feature more than 40 vendors each Saturday. This market brags some of the best baked goods in just about every category, including cinnamon rolls, pies and sweet breads gluten-free and vegan options included. This market is also known for painters, crafters, weavers and other artists, in addition to the SDA DAapproved dog treat vendor Sassy’s Goodies.

OZARK FARMERS MARKET

844 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark; Thursdays 3–7 p.m. May through September, ozarkfarmersmarket.com

oad up mid-week on locally grown fruits and vegetables and locally raised meats at the Ozark Farmers Market at Finley Farms. You can grab dinner at a food truck and listen to live music. The market also offers special events like beekeeping demonstrations and an artisans market, so be sure to check the calendar to see what’s coming up.

Keep shopping local at farm stands and local shops.

Culture Counter Commons

607 S. Pickwick Ave., Suite A, Springfield

Great for: Homemade ice cream and vegan and gluten-free lunches and sweets plus seasonal produce from local farmers along with locally raised eggs, meat and cheeses.

Urban Roots Farm Stands

823 W. State St., Springfield

Great for: Restocking your supply of farm-fresh produce even when no one is at this urban farm thanks to an honor system check-out.

MaMa Jean’s Natural Market

1110 E. Republic Rd.; 3530 E. Sunshine St., 228 W. Sunshine St.

Great for: Organic produce and bulk goods plus craft beers and wines and a deli at each location.

Photo by Josh Beecher

Mirowski Inspections, located in Springfield, Missouri, is a recognized leader in the inspection industry.

Whether you're a home buyer, seller, investor or industrial customer, we can help protect your time, your family and your investment. Call us today!

We are ready to earn your trust through integrity, excellence and to be your property inspector for life.

n Ex e e

Since 1991, the leaders of Ozark Greenways have co-created some of the most beloved outdoor spaces around Springfield. The Greenways Guru Mary Kromrey shares her love for the trail ahead.

BY REN BISHOP

Being able to tap into the beauty of the Ozarks is one of locals’ favorite parts of life in Springfield, and ever since 1 1, Ozark reenways has developed pathways to access some of the most scenic stretches in the region. “I think everybody loves the reenway trails because they are easy they’re accessible, approachable, and they really provide a way for folks, especially those new to the area, to easily access the outdoors,” says Mary romrey, executive director of the nonprofit.

With a focus on building quality trails, Ozark reenways has developed 0 miles of paved trails throughout the Springfield metropolitan area. These well-maintained trails for walking, biking and ogging wind through Springfield and include the 35-mile risco ighline Trail that connects the west side of town to Bolivar and is popular with cyclists.

Walkers can stroll and soak in some education along the James River reenway Trail of onor or the Springfield- reene County African American eritage Trail. amilies with strollers frequent the alloway Creek reenway, which passes the Sequiota ark and its historic cave and alloway illage’s trailside restaurants and shops. The greenway trails are already popular amongst locals, and the city has plans to add to the

number of trails. The latest addition came in 2020 when a new 1.44-mile section of the ulbright Spring reenway was opened to the public.

The new section of trail means the ulbright Spring reenway now stretches miles and connects east and west reene County. Beginning at Ritter Springs ark and ending at Truman Elementary School, the ulbright Spring reenway trail winds along the South Dry Sac River and shows off some of the best local terrain lush trees, thriving meadows, quiet creeks, dark caves and rolling, gentle hills.

en e

nOzark Greenways Inc. 417-864-2015 ozarkgreenways.org

Springfield-Greene County Park Board 417-864-1049 parkboard.org

“When you ride or walk on any reenway trail, it gives you a sense of place,” romrey says. “The outdoors show us the history of a place as well as what it could be. When you’re walking or wheeling on a trail, when you have the sun on your face and you hear the water of a creek, that’s where we find our center as people and fall in love with where we are.”

Hop on your nearest greenway trail for a run, walk or bike ride.

Photo by Josh Beecher

Many of the greenway trails are near waterways, providing even more to explore.

5

CAN’T-MISS STOPS ALONG THE OZARK GREENWAYS

1

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield 417-837-5949

See growing crops, interact with some of the farm animals or bring your rod and reel to the fishing pond at this site on the Wilson’s Creek Greenway—the visitor’s center can point you in the right direction.

2

Galloway Grill

4211 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield 417- 882-5300

Cold beer flows and burgers fill the grill at this neighborhood watering hole, located along the Galloway Creek Greenway. It’s a great way to fuel up before heading out or a nice reward following a morning or afternoon on the trail.

3

Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield 417-891-1515

This park, located along South Creek Greenway, is packed with things to see and do. After circling Lake Drummond, hop o the trail and head to the Springfield Botanical Gardens, the Dr. Bill Roston Native Butterfly House or the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.

4

Classic Rock Co ee Co.

1900 W. Sunset Ave., Springfield 417-881-7625

Grab a protein shake or an espresso along the South Creek Greenway on your way to or from Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.

5

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, 417-888-4237

The 80-acre area features educational exhibits in its Visitor Center, plus 3 miles of accessible trails. Along the boardwalk, find blinds for bird watching and picnic tables for lunches or connect to the 5-mile Galloway Creek Greenway Trail.

The Galloway Park Greenway passes by two craft breweries.

Photos courtesy Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lake.

WAYS TO ENJOY OUR LAKES

BY HAILEY JO HOPKINS

1. TRY OUT SUP

Ozarks SUP Yoga is the first mobile floating studio in Southwest Missouri. Located inBranson, the Hawaiian sport of stand-up paddleboarding, gives you the chance to get in a workout on the lake in the beautiful, great outdoors. The best time of year for this is in the summer months, where cooling o by the lake is a must do. Find out more information at OzarksSupYoga.com or by calling 417-230-7551.

2. KAYAK AROUND

Explore Branson’s waterways by kayaking, canoeing or trying a stand-up paddleboard. Even down on Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake, kayaking is a great way to hit the water. You’ll even see fishing kayaks dipping in and out of coves. Book a kayak through Kayak Branson, but plan in advance as the lakes get very busy this time of year. Check out KayakBranson.com or call 417-336-2811.

3. FLOAT DOWNSTREAM

Ozark River Walkers is giving people a new way to enjoy the nearby rivers through SUP. Not only does the group in Ozark o er paddleboard rentals, but it also can create a custom adventure for you. You can start with a 2-hour paddleboard float on a local river or take a multiple-day float. It also has kayaks, canoes and paddleboards for rent. Visit OzarkRiverWalkers.com for more information.

Lake

Although Missouri is far from a coast, glistening shorelines and a day in the water are just a hop, skip and jump away at the many popular lakes 417-land has to o er.

BY KAREN BLISS AND JABET WADE

TABLE ROCK LAKE

Drive Time: 1 hour

Ah, Table Rock Lake. This spot is a gem for folks in and around the Springfield area, but that wasn’t always the case. It all started in 1958 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the White River to create what is now the lake. Today, the Corps still manages Table Rock Dam and the lake. The 758 miles of shoreline and thousands of acres of pristine water provide a natural playground that lies practically in your very own backyard

4.

HEAD TO THE BEACH

It’s easy to relax on the popular and sandy shores at Moonshine Beach on Table Rock Lake. Families can enjoy various activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking and sand volleyball.

5.

PLAN A GETAWAY

Located 10 miles south of Branson, Big Cedar Lodge (800-225-6343, bigcedar. com) o ers rustic, family-friendly cabins beside Table Rock Lake. It has been ranked the No. 1 resort in the Midwest by Travel + Leisure for two consecutive years.

6.

TEST THE WATERS

The Stockton State Park Marina (417-2764259, stocktonparkmarina.com) houses a nationally recognized sailing school and has boat rentals for public use.

7. GO FISHING

Reel in a great catch or two at several regional lakes. Enjoy this widespread pastime at Table Rock Lake, Lake Springfield, Stockton Lake, Fellows Lake and Lake Taneycomo.

Paddle your way across the shimmering waters of Table Rock

Photo courtesy 37North

Spend the weekend lounging at one of the lakes near Springfield.

BULL SHOALS LAKE

Drive Time: About 2 hours

The largest lake in the White River system, Bull Shoals Lake stretches from Forsyth in central Taney County through Ozark County, all the way to southeastern Marion County in Arkansas. You can boat from Forsyth to Bull Shoals, Arkansas, and rack up about 80 miles on your boat’s odometer—and that’s just one way. Because its levels can fluctuate so much, Bull Shoals’ shoreline is undeveloped, allowing it to remain one of the most beautiful and untouched lakes in our region. This means the water is clean and clear, perfect for a refreshingly cool swim near Powersite Dam in Forsyth when lake levels are high. Or take a peek at the lake critters swimming below by getting scuba certified at the Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock. Call 870-445-4424 or visit bullshoalslakeboatdock.com for a list of local dive sites.

STOCKTON LAKE

Drive Time: 1 hour

Stockton Lake is one of the top 10 sailing lakes in the country and has almost 300 miles of shoreline. About 450 sailboats are docked at three marinas on the lake. There are sailboat regattas and even a world-renowned sailing school. But don’t let that fool you. Sailing isn’t the only activity

folks enjoy at Stockton. There is plenty of recreational boating, swimming, water sports and fishing to be had. Did you know Stockton is known for walleye fishing, too?

FELLOWS LAKE

Drive Time: 25 minutes

Fellows Lake is located north of Springfield near Highways 65 and AA, and at about 820 acres, it’s the largest of the urban lakes. Motorboats up to 40 horsepower are allowed on the lake, as well as canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and sailboats. There is a public boat ramp and courtesy dock for launching, as well as picnic areas and pavilions, playground equipment, a fishing dock and hiking trails. Call the marina at 417833-2058 for more information.

LAKE TANEYCOMO

Drive Time: 1 hour

Like its sister lakes, Table Rock and Bull Shoals, Taneycomo was originally part of the White River, yet it’s the only one in the chain that still looks and feels like a river. Its water comes from the bottom of Table Rock Lake, and the average temperature is less than 60 degrees. For those brave enough to face the chills, the best way to take in the lake’s views is by stand-up paddleboard, which can be rented from Kayak Branson (417-336-2811,

kayakbranson.com). Many of the millions of travelers to Branson each year visit Lake Taneycomo for fishing adventures sure to inspire a few stories about “the one that got away,” as the lake is stocked with about 750,000 trout each year.

LAKE SPRINGFIELD

Drive Time: in town

Lake Springfield, near Highways 60 and 65 o of Kissick Avenue, is located on the James River with easy access to the waterway. This shallow lake laps the shore at Lake Springfield Park (417-891-1550, parkboard.org), managed by the SpringfieldGreene County Park Board. There’s parking by Lake Springfield Boathouse and several spots around the lake, making it easy to jump out of the car and onto the bank for a day spent fishing. If reeling ’em in isn’t your thing, head to the marina for canoe and kayak rentals or rent out the Boathouse Community Room, which is available yearround for private functions. It seats up to 80 and has a spacious deck. Lake Springfield Park also includes numerous hiking trails, including a section of the paved James River Greenway path.

Photo by Sherri Holloway

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium has all kinds of underwater displays where you can see sea life from a new perspective.

How to WOW Your Family

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium has an adventure for everyone. Below, we share our six favorite elements that will WOW families.

BY REN BISHOP

There are tourist attractions, and then there are discovery destinations, which is exactly what Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife ational Museum and Aquarium is. Dubbed SA TODA ’S “America’s Best Aquarium” and “Best ew Attraction in America,” the aquarium is located in and beside Bass ro Shops’ Springfield flagship store (5 . Sunshine St., Springfield, ondersof ildlife.org). The 350,000-square-foot immersive attraction is layers of fun for the whole family. or two hours of delight, head to the aquarium, or take the afternoon and experience the full attraction by starting at the Wildlife alleries before winding through the aquarium. Wherever you begin, lace up your sneakers, unfold the stroller and grab your camera this destination is full of wonders.

Close Encounters

After checking into the deep-blue lobby of the Aquarium Adventure, pass the historic fishing boat owned by Ernest emingway and enter the reat Oceans all. Sea turtles am and Izzy and hundreds of fish fly by guests in the 300,000-gallon circular open ocean habitat. ollow the marked path, and soon you’ll be eye-to-eye with an octopus and mere inches away from a -foot sand tiger shark in the Out to Sea gallery.

Photos courtesy Bass Pro Shops

Big Moments

Part of the draw at WOW is the grand scale of exhibits. Steps from the entrance of the aquarium, you’ll find a swirling school of 6,000 herring fish moving in sync. If you peer upward, you’ll see shimmering fish native to the coral reefs. Spot the two long eels in the same exhibit and take a minute to be amazed by the aura of the to-scale humpback whale that flies overhead.

Layers of Fun

Be transported to the Bayou with hanging vines, hooting owls and haunting creatures in The Swamp at Night exhibit. The dark but delightful two-story display features layers of creatures native to the swamp. Turn a corner and find a rare white American alligator who crawls across from Bucky the Beaver and a small flock of flamingos. What you see is your own experience. Children and toddlers in strollers are likely to see a different world, with frogs, turtles and even a snake exhibit right at their eye level.

Hands-on Learning

Start a quest and explore the seas at Shipwreck Reef. Colorful saltwater fish circle the mast of a decommissioned ship that serves as the center of a circular stingray bay. Anyone can feel a stingray fly under their fingertips at the Reef’s stingray touch station.

Or stay dry and get close to coral reef creatures in one of three tanks that encourage little ones to pop inside the habitat of fish in a circular viewing window. These pop-up bubbles offer an up-close view of life under the sea.

Art and Adventure

At every turn, art brings exhibits to life in the aquarium and nearby Wildlife Galleries. Majestic murals and painted backdrops bring texture to habitats to make these curated ecosystems seem even more realistic.

In the Cave, bats fly by as a crafted waterfall crashes beside carved stalagmites under darkened lights. After they explore the great outdoors with their five senses,

inspired artists can even make their own colorful fish to pro ect onto a digital aquarium screen to end their journey.

More to Explore: Wildlife Galleries

Located in the main Bass Pro Shops facility, the Wildlife alleries offer even more to explore. Towering taxidermy bring to life creatures the world over. Cold, fresh air blows in Sheep Mountain, and sounds of the Savannah echo near proud elephants in the reat African all. Conclude your visit to the museum with a visit to enguin Cove, home to a colony of live penguins. Watch them splash and play to end your day or upgrade your ticket to an annual membership to experience the Wonder again and again.

The octopus is one of the popular exhibits at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

Wonders of Wildlife was voted America’s best new attraction and best aquarium.

Photos courtesy Bass Pro Shops

Art

ON THE GO

Looking for art in Springfield? You’ll find it indoors and outdoors, and just around the corner. Here are five ways to enjoy the city’s art, no matter where you find it.

BY SUSAN ATTEBERRY SMITH

Taking a Walking Tour

Slip on comfy shoes and check out Sculpture Walk Springfield. This is your window to an outdoor art museum of sorts where you can be guided by an online map and audiocast tour as you start a scavenger hunt for more than 40 sculptures in downtown Springfield, Jordan Valley Park and the Rountree neighborhood near Missouri State University. For more information, visit sculpturewalkspringfield.org.

Make a Night of Gallery-Hopping

Since 2001, arts lovers have looked forward to Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk, when galleries in the city’s downtown arts district open their doors to the public. From 5 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, you can walk from venue to venue to view the work of a wide variety of local artists, all while listening to live music.

First Friday Art Walk’s website has a map and information about upcoming exhibitions and performances. Visit aw.org.

Hit All the Selfie Spots

Looking for some artsy selfie backdrops to show o new favorite places? Colorful murals abound in the Queen City. Start with the postcard-like “Greetings from Springfield” mural at the Discovery Center (438 E. Saint Louis St.) or head downtown and look for the bright Route 66 painting of classic cars at Bud’s Tire & Wheel (701 W. College Street) or spot the fantastical scenes lining the Systematic Savings Bank tunnel (318 South Ave.)

On historic Commercial Street, stand under vibrant coneflowers or, on your day o , lean with Ferris Bueller against his red Ferrari. At Dickerson Park Zoo (1401 W. Norton Road), spread your wings with a butterfly or eagle–or feel even smaller under a gigantic bee at Farmers Park (2144 E. Republic Road)

Turn Your Love of Art into a Festival

Each fall, artists get to work painting murals on downtown buildings during the two-day Overlay mural art and culture festival in September. This early fall festival is a mashup of visual and performing art by local and regional artists. Along with art installments and skate park performances, a weekend’s worth of live music, beer gardens and food trucks add to the fun.

Go Old School

If some peace and quiet for contemplating fine art is more your style, the Springfield Art Museum (1111 E. Brookside Dr., sgfmuseum.org) o ers that and more for free–and thanks to the start of a $25 million renovation, you can even walk or bike there on the Fassnight Creek Greenway Trail. Along with exhibits of objects and two-dimensional art in its permanent collection, the museum hosts special exhibits of works by acclaimed contemporary artists, including Watercolor USA each summer.

Brick City Gallery

Overlay

Springfield Art Museum

Photos courtesy Springfi eld Sculpture Walk, Springfi eld Art Museum, Brick City Gallery, Overlay

RESOURCES

Have more questions about life in Springfield? These local resources can help you get better acquainted with the Queen City of the Ozarks.

NEWS AND MEDIA

417 Magazine 417-883-7417, 417mag.com

This monthly magazine focuses on the best things in southwest Missouri.

417 Home 417-883-7417, 417homemag.com

This publication shows o the region’s best inspiration to help you create your dream home.

Biz 417 417-883-7417, biz417.com

This business magazine, published six times a year, is networking in print. Get connected with 417-land’s movers and shakers and learn from their experiences.

Springfield Business Journal 417-831-3238, sbj.net

This weekly publication covers business news in southwest Missouri.

Springfield News-Leader 417-836-1100, news-leader.com This daily newspaper covers news throughout the Ozarks and the state.

KOLR-TV ozarksfirst.com This is the CBS a liate in Springfield.

KRBK-TV fox5krbk.com KRBK is the local FOX a liate.

KSPR kspr.com

This is the ABC a liate in Springfield.

KY3 ky3.com

The local NBC a liate has been broadcasting since 1953.

KSMU ksmu.org

Tune in to Ozarks public radio to enjoy NPR programming.

LOCAL RESOURCES

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield 417-862-5567, springfieldchamber.com

Connect with the business community.

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau 815 E. Saint Louis St., Suite 100, Springfield 417-881-5300, springfieldmo.org Get ideas about what to do around town.

Downtown Springfield Association 417-831-6200, itsalldowntown.com

Stay up-to-date on local entertainment and nightlife happenings.

Government City of Springfield 417-864-1000, springfieldmo.gov

City Utilities of Springfield 301 E. Central St., Springfield 417-863-9000, cityutilities.net Lobby Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Driver License and Vehicle Registration

149 Park Central Square, Room 252, Springfield, 417-869-5100

1002 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-831-2600

319 E. Battlefield Road, Suite P, Springfield, 417-823-8484

Register to Vote

Register to vote at any Springfield-Greene County Library branch. Visit thelibrary.org.

Visit the Library

The Library Center 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield 417-882-0714, thelibrary.org

The Library Station 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield 417-865-1340, thelibrary.org

Midtown Carnegie Branch 397 E. Central St., Springfield 417-862-0135, thelibrary.org

Park Central Branch 128 Park Central Square, Springfield 417-831-1342, thelibrary.org

Schweitzer Brentwood Branch 2214 Brentwood Blvd., Springfield 417-883-1974, thelibrary.org

CABLE/INTERNET PROVIDERS AT&T att.com

Mediacom Communications mediacomcable.com

Total Highspeed Internet Solutions totalhighspeed.com

TRASH/RECYCLING

Automated Waste Services automatedwasteservicesmo.com

City Recycling Centers springfieldmo.gov/2081/recycling-centersrecycling

Republic Services republicservices.com

WCA Waste Corporation of America wcawaste.com

NEIGHBORING CITIES

Battlefield battlefieldmo.gov

Nixa nixa.com Ozark ozarkmissouri.com

Republic republicmo.com Rogersville rogersvillemo.org

Stra ord stra ordmo.net Willard cityofwillard.org