Category: States

Spring 2023 Adventure Episode 7: Branson, Missouri

On By LToddIn Missouri, RV Travel, Travel9 Comments

Branson, Missouri, Here We Come

I’ve wanted to visit Branson, Missouri, ever since I heard my grandparents talking about the Silver Dollar City amusement park opening. Later, the talk turned to the openings of several musical theaters that sprang up in the town during the 1960s.

Sixty years later, I got my chance when we said goodbye to Laura and the grandkids and left Springfield for Branson on Monday, April 10, 2023. Driving was a breeze through town with no traffic. Around 1:00 p.m. we breezed down Highway 76 through the theater district encountering very few vehicles along the stretch. Surely, the traffic situation wasn’t this serene at nights and on the weekends.

We settled in at the Branson KOA, then hopped back in the truck for our early dinner reservations at College of the Ozarks Keeter Center.

All quiet at the KOA

On our way, we found an overlook with views of the Table Rock Dam and shoreline. The dam was built in 1959 to create, you guessed it, Table Rock Lake, the fourth largest lake in Missouri.

Table Rock Dam
Hello, there
Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center
Brrr! Young women brave the cool air and water temps

College of the Ozarks Keeter Center

The Keeter Center (built in 2004) features architecture based on the State of Maine Building from the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. The structure served as the primary school building from 1915 until it was destroyed by fire in 1930. The center houses the college’s hotel and restaurant management program, where students learn first hand about the hospitality industry under the work education program.

Keeter Center Hotel and Restaurant
Waterfalls and ponds out front
Here’s a closer look

Walking into the dining room transported me back in time to an era before I was born. The wood beams, posts, tables, and chairs all looked like they were created from natural materials, not man-made objects shipped from China. Was that ceiling real copper or faux? Apparently, 250 students helped with the construction of the building under the watchful eyes of master craftsmen.

Keeter Center restaurant operated by students

Our early seating reservations allowed us to enjoy a wonderful meal free from a packed and noisy restaurant. The wait staff often stood along the walls until a patron signaled for their services. My nut-crusted salmon and Jon’s fried chicken were perfectly cooked and delicious.

After our meal, we walked across the drive to Patriots Park built during 2015-2019 by staff and students of the college. The various memorials pay tribute to service men and women who served their country during various conflicts.

The following photos depict both sides of the Missouri Gold Star Families Memorial.

Global War on Terrorism Memorial
The Korean War Memorial

Then we drove farther into the college to Lake Honor. Students walked along the paths, rode bikes or found a spot to relax, and ducks paddled around in the lake.

The Edwards Mill on the other side of the lake is where students grind whole-grain meal and flour. Students also make baskets, rugs, and other items in the weaving studio upstairs. The products made are then sold in the store at Keeter Center and some student-made items are sold online.

Edwards Mill is in the two-story building on the right

Dogwood trees are among my favorite and this one on the corner across from Honor Lake was a beautiful specimen. The photos can’t always capture the feeling the tree in real life inspires, but I had to include them in this post.

The next day we had tickets for the Dolly Parton Stampede. We had seen the attraction advertised just about everywhere we went so far in Missouri and in several what-to-do-in-Branson lists and pamphlets. It didn’t start until 5:30 p.m., so what should we do before then?

“Hey. There’s the Branson Scenic Railway.” We’re like dogs chasing squirrels in the yard when it comes to trains. Our ears perked up, “Train? Train? Where’s the train? Let’s go.”

Branson Scenic Railway

The trains we usually ride are from the 1800s. This train was mid to late 1900s, which made for a smoother ride than most. It travels either north or south depending on the schedules of the freight trains.

Waiting to board the train
BSRX 98, Locomotive, 1951 EMD F9PH, rebuilt 1981, has HEP (Formerly B&O, then MARC #83)

The train only stops once before returning to the station and no one can get off. We had gone south into Arkansas, so our stopping point was on a trestle. Too bad we couldn’t see it. From our window, we passed clusters of redbud and dogwood trees, dressed in their red and white blossoms, but the train speed made it difficult to take photos.

Redbud trees across the field
I wondered where that trail went

Other than the trees, rocky cliffs, and the occasional tunnel, there wasn’t much to see from our side of the train. It seemed like the right side of the train had better views. And maybe fall might paint a more colorful view of the landscape.

As the train slowed to make its way into the station, waterfront property, a meandering river, and a glimpse of the City of Hollister on the east side of Highway 65 came into view.

Looks like this creek can spread out during a rain storm
Glimpse of the City of Hollister

Jon and I were at the back of the train, which allowed us to lag behind the rest of the passengers and take a few photos inside the cars.

The reclining seats in the last car was our consolation prize for not getting a seat in the dome car

We were too late to get a seat on the observation car when we boarded. But the conductor let me go up quick and take a pic.

Dome car

After the ride, we stretched our legs downtown, where restaurants and shops are located. The Clockers Café looked like a good choice, and it was. We shared a chicken salad sandwich on a croissant with chips and it was as good as the sandwich we get at Pleasanton’s Downtown Café. I loved the cafe’s old-fashioned décor at Clockers.

Visit the Victorian House for clothing, jewelry, hats, and gifts
Here’s where all the people are

Dolly Parton Stampede

Our last adventure in Branson was Dolly Parton Stampede. Besides the four-course dinner, the show included live buffalo, wild horses, and a variety of races and other challenges such as the carriage race, pig race, and lumberjack relays. And what would a show be without comedy? Not the stand-up variety, the Skeeter variety where there’s a comedic story running throughout the show. Be sure to bring a tissue or two with you. The finale is a patriotic tear jerker.

Photos are allowed on phones only. This is the best my phone camera could produce. The photos of the horses and trick riders turned out a noisy, blurry mess.

Can you imagine horses galloping around the corral with a trick rider? How about a horse drawn wagon or stampeding buffalo? No? See it in real life and have a great time.

If we make it back to Branson someday, we will have plenty more to do like visit Silver Dollar City amusement park; take in a show, or two, or maybe three; check out Branson’s Wild World, the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, or take a ride on a jet boat. And Jon might even go fishing for trout at Lake Taneycomo. Fishing for trout on the lake is a year round activity.

Well, that concludes our quick trip to Branson.

Next up: Kansas City, Missouri.

Safe Travels

Spring 2023 Adventure Episode 6: Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company

On By LToddIn Missouri, RV Travel, Travel2 Comments

I wasn’t sure what we’d find at the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, but when Laura mentioned a Tulip Festival, I was in.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company

Jon, Laura, the grandkids, and I drove out to the farm after reserving our parking online for $15.00. Cars had already packed into the spots marked with chalk. While walking along the path through the lot, a collection of canopies and tents came into view. While we rushed to meet the greenhouse tour time, we peeked into some of the displays with the thought of coming back and looking over the products in depth.

The Magical Mother’s Wild Crafted Potions & Healing Stones. Boy, that’s a mouthful of a name.

Our guide gave us a brief history of the company and how it had grown from five greenhouses to around 30 in the past five years. Saving, growing, and sharing rare seeds began as a hobby for Jere Gettle, the founder and owner.

Our greenhouse guide
Only a few of the many greenhouses
Little seedlings

His Montana farming parents had selected the Rippee family homestead near Mansfield, Missouri, for its longer growing season. The move afforded twelve-year-old Jerre plenty of room to continue his passion for collecting, saving, and growing heritage seeds. And expand he did.

Succulents and petunias
Not sure what this flower is
Brazilian bellflower reminds me of a hot air balloon or Japanese lanterns

Jere started his business in 1998 at the age of seventeen. That was the year he sent out his first twelve-page catalog offering seventy-five varieties of seeds grown on his family’s 176-acre farm known as Baker Creek. The 2023 online catalog contains 89 pages and the 2024 print catalog (available for preorder) will contain 500 colorful informative pages displaying the products for sale. On the website, it mentions 1,500 products from which to search.

Marigold or zinnia?
A lot of real estate in those greenhouses
Ladybug, ladybug, bring me some luck

Plant and seed production, plant breeding, variety trials, and research occur in the 30 greenhouses. They conducted trials of nearly 2,500 “new and favorite varieties” in 2022. Our guide invited us to self-tour the greenhouses while he stood outside answering questions. We went from one greenhouse filled with seedlings to another with mature plants and annuals, and others with citrus trees or succulents.

The fruit looked like tangelos
My grandpa had a stepside truck like this
Not sure what purpose the little outbuildings serve. I should have asked our guide.
Raised beds for seasonal outdoor growing

I always wondered about businesses that started during Y2K. The notable year turned out to be a stimulus for Jere’s business. The panic instilled by Y2K and a push against genetically modified seeds brought customers to his door and increased sales from $1,000 in 1998 to $40,000 in 1999. And the rest, as they say, is history as the business has continued its trajectory north.

Tulips here, tulips there, tulips all over the place
Didn’t know there were frilly leafed tulips
Frilly tulips

After the tour, we moseyed up the path toward Bakersville, the replica village. We passed by outbuildings, rows of raised beds, and green fields. The ponies came running when kids came to the fence to feed them.

Let’s go to the village
Ponies getting some love

Finally, we reached Bakersville where crowds of tulips filled the planters in the square. And crowds of people filled the walkways and stood in line for food or goods at the Ozark Hotel and Nellie’s Restaurant and Mercantile. There’s also a bakery there, which had one of the longest lines.

To the seed store

Food and drink vendors supplemented the offerings in the village during the festival. Long lines snaked in front of most of them. The Jamaican Patty Co. food truck had the shortest line. (They also have brick and mortar stores in Springfield, Missouri) The patties were like empanadas but with a flakier crust. They were delicious and paired well with the huckleberry-flavored lemonade from another stand.

I think Nellie’s was more mercantile than restaurant
The Ozark Hotel houses the vegan restaurant

The village got its start in 2007 when Amish and Mennonite builders helped the seed company crew build the old-time mercantile store. The addition of the hotel, restaurant, and other buildings gave life to Bakersville.

Wheel and Wagon Repair Co. & Sheriff office

There’s plenty to see and opportunities to purchase a variety of goods and of course the seeds. Don’t forget the seeds. Included in the village and on the farm are the Baker Creek Seed Store, a farm-to-table vegan restaurant, a speaker barn, an old-time mercantile, an herbal apothecary, a natural bakery, a blacksmith shop, two music barns, western jail, native rock ovens, a windmill, seed warehouses, and many breeds of historic poultry and livestock.

No tour at the Rippe Homestead house. It’s a private residence.

Check their website for current days and times open and for information on the three festivals during the year. There’s no charge to visit, but a $15 parking ticket is needed when attending the festivals. Not near Missouri and still want to buy seeds? Check out the Petaluma Seed Bank in Petaluma, California.

Bulk herb store and coffee roaster

On our way back to the car, I stopped at one of the vendors selling aprons. It was time to retire the 40-year-old apron I use in the fifth wheel, so I splurged on a new one.

Safe Travels

Next up: We head to Branson, Missouri, for a few days.

Resources for historical events and other information are from the guided tour, a March 2023 issue of Missouri Life about Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., and the farm’s website.

Spring 2023 Adventure Episode 5: Springfield—Greene County Botanical Gardens

On By LToddIn Missouri, Photography, RV Travel, Travel3 Comments

Botanical gardens are always a draw for Jon and I when traveling. And Springfield, Missouri’s gardens were so much of a treat, we visited twice. While our daughter was busy helping the grandkids with their school work, we explored Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park on Tuesday, April 4, a gloomy cloudy day, and then again on a sunny Saturday morning April 8, 2023, with the family minus one teen.

Springfield–Greene County Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

The botanical center is a good place to start a visit. It includes restrooms, a water fountain, a gift shop, and information about the gardens. The Lois K. Boswell Memorial Botanical Reference Library, community rooms, and Wi-Fi are also located here.

Botanical Garden Center building
Redbud garden and gazebo available to rent for a group up to 25

Pre-schoolers might like the Garden Story Time, and the Summer Nature School will keep school-aged kids busy with activities and learning experiences. Check the website for daily and seasonal hours open. The grounds and gardens are open every day from sunrise to sunset.

We were hoping to see dogwoods blooming, but none to be seen.
Master gardener statuary
Black pansies contrasted with other colors
I prefer the red pansies
Persian lily
Butterfly Girl by James Hall III
Purple hyacinth
Yellow tulips

Dedicated in 2001, Lake Drummond is a popular place for people walking or jogging along the 7/10-mile loop trail that encircles the lake. Hidden gardens and lake views guarantee something of interest every few feet or so.

Lake Drummond and Anne Drummond’s garden

Sit next to the sculpture of Anne Drummond for a few minutes to contemplate the world as birds and pollinating insects fly around the native plant species.

Anne Drummond by James Hall III

Have a bit of stress to release? The sounds of water flowing and birds chirping may have those tense muscles relaxing in no time.

Spillway Plaza

Gray-Campbell Farmstead

Jon and I missed the Gray-Campbell Farmstead during our first visit, so we wandered over there with Laura, Jackson, and Natty the dog.

The house is one of the oldest still standing in Springfield, Mo. Built in 1856, by James Price Gray. He sold it to his brother-in-law, John Polk Campbell, nephew and name-sake of Springfield’s founder. According to the Gray Campbell Farmstead website, inside furnishings include one room filled with beds adorned with quilts. A table and chairs, photographs, a spinning wheel, fill another room some of which are authentic and others replicas. Another table displays marbles, buttons, bottles, utensils, and nails, found during an archaeological dig at the original site of the home.

Can you see anything? No. You? Not a thing. We’ll have to come back another day.

The log cabin was built from hand-cut logs and mud chinking during the 1840s in Spring Creek Mill (now named Hurley). It was once used as a family home until a larger home was constructed. Once the family moved to the house, they used the log cabin as a kitchen to protect the main house from fire. Built from hand-cut logs and mud chinking

Log cabin used as kitchen
Chimney is from another historic home

Laura, Jackson, and Natty found the grape demonstration vineyards where professors and researchers of the viticulture program at Missouri State oversee their maintenance. Another plot of vineyards is east of the Peace through People Pavilion.

Demonstration grape vineyard

The actual family cemetery is in another location. This is a mock-up of where and how the cemetery might have looked.

Replica cemetery

The barn was donated, dismantled, and rebuilt by Amish workers from Marshfield and completed in the summer of 1991. Inside is a wagon and various historic farm tools.

Tools and equipment hide inside

The Liberty School operated from the mid-1800s until 1951 when it was consolidated with the Fair Grove district. Renovations were made to the structure after it moved to the garden, using the current building and ADA codes. The blackboard, bell tower, and many of the desks are the same as those used during the school’s active life, giving it an air of authenticity.

When the flag is raised and the bell rings it’s time for school
Okay, class. Time for silent reading

The house and farm buildings are open from April to October during some weekends and for special events.

Peace through People Pavilion

The pavilion includes pillars with the “Let there be Peace on Earth” inscribed in English, Spanish, Japanese, and Arabic. The benches are adorned with peace symbols such as the universal dove, the turtle of the South Pacific, and the lion and the lamb of the Middle East. Created with Missouri marble from a local quarry, the space offers another place for quiet reflection, tranquility, and connecting with nature.

Hoping for peace is never ending
Let there be peace on earth
Rows and rows of tulips
Pink phlox
A little lavender color for contrast

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

In the mood for something even more tranquil? Head over to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. The 7.5-acre traditional Japanese garden was established in 1986 as a partnership with Springfield Sister Cities Association and Springfield’s sister city in Isesaki, Japan.

Welcome to the Japanese Garden
Tea House

Walk along the winding path through mature landscaping and around three small lakes. Peek in the ceremonial teahouse, cross the moon bridge, and spend time in the meditation garden.

Inside Tea House
Moon Bridge

This garden is only open from April through October. There is a fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 3-11 years, as of the blog post publication date.

Are those turtles on the boulders in koi lake?
Zig zag your way to the island
A turtle face off
Meditation garden

With so many different gardens to explore, this botanical wonderland will be a delight to visit once a month or even more often to see how the flowers and plants and trees change throughout the seasons.

Next up: We visit Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company and take a tour.

Safe Travels

Spring 2023 Adventure Episode 3: Top of the Rock Ozark Heritage Preserve

On By LToddIn Missouri, RV Travel, Travel4 Comments

The ad for a 2-1/2 mile golf cart tour piqued my curiosity with its promise of rock formations, trees, flowers, bridges, waterfalls, and views of Table Rock Lake. So, on March 17, 2023, we loaded Laura and the grandkids in the pickup and headed for Top of the Rock Ozark Heritage Preserve near Branson, Missouri.

Top of the Rock

Golf Cart Tour

Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, created the preserve and developed Big Cedar Lodge along with five golf courses and other amenities.

Tickets are timed to limit the number of golf carts on the trail at any given time, which was good because cart parking at the pullout areas was limited. We bundled up in our jackets, put the pedals to the metal, and puttered down the trail.

And away we go
View of what’s to come
Water, water, everywhere in Missouri
Redbud blooming as winter turns to spring
Strike a pose
A bridge to cross
Gnarly-looking cliff
Come on everybody, here we go
Swing wide to catch the spray? Too cold.
Short-faced bear skeleton
Wall of waterfalls
Traffic jam at waterfall
Guurraaaaawwwrr!
More waterfalls
Wow! That’s steep.
Table Rock Lake overlook

We finished our golf cart tour and then rode the shuttle to Top of the Rock. We had lunch at Arnie’s Barn, one of several restaurants on the property. Arnie’s Barn served up some tasty Mexican-inspired cuisine. The food, along with the bird’s-eye view of the construction activity going on outside, made for a relaxing and entertaining meal.

Besides Arnie’s Bar, Top of the Rock also includes the Osage Restaurant and Buffalo Bar the museum and End of the Trail All-American Wine Cellar. This is also where the Chapel of the Ozarks, Jack’s Cabin, the Arnold Palmer Practice Facility, and pro shop are located.

Inscription: Crazy Horse, killed 1877 Defending his Country
End of the Trail sculpture in the infinity pool

When a sinkhole opened up in May 2015 near the golf course, Morris said, “No worries. Instead of filling it in, we’ll excavate it and create The Cathedral of Nature.” Well, maybe not those exact words. I imagine there was a bit of hand wringing and stomach churning before the engineers made their assessment. During our visit, heavy equipment roamed over the red earth, shaping and forming the land into a vision of what the Cathedral of Nature will become.

.

Cathedral of Nature construction
Cathedral of Nature construction

Imagine a wedding at the Chapel of the Ozarks. Inside are 23-foot ceilings, pews to accommodate up to 180 guests and a spectacular view of Table Rock Lake. A sunset wedding would be the best for capturing the “golden hour” light.

Chapel of the Ozarks
View of Table Rock Lake from chapel
Jack’s Cabin accommodation

Ancient Ozarks Museum

Ancient Ozarks Museum encompasses 35,000 square foot. Exhibits showcase approximately 75,000 artifacts. The Ozarks’ history, Native American artifacts, the Wild West period, and Civil War are all featured. The photos below are a sample of the art and artifacts in the museum.

This mannequin wears a Tombstone Doc Holliday movie costume

Also included in the museum are words of wisdom attributed to Native Americans. Words of wisdom too many people have never learned, have forgotten, or just don’t care.

Guests waiting for the shuttle back to their cars

A Short History and Other Amenities at the Preserve

After Morris purchased the property in 1987, he restored two buildings built by previous owners and began building his wilderness resort. Big Cedar Lodge opened in 1988. It encompasses 4.600 acres and includes a wooded hollow. The lodge overlooks the 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake. Guests can rent rooms in the lodge, in lakeside cottages, and in private log cabins. For one of the exclusive accommodations, book a stay in Jack’s Cabin.

The resort is a golfer’s dream with five golf courses to play. Famous golfers Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods each had a hand in designing one of the five golf courses.

In addition, there are two marinas, one public and one private, that have boat rentals, ski schools, guided fishing, and boat cruises.

Conservation, the environment, and ecology are top priorities for Morris and his companies. Throughout all aspects of their operations—land management, restaurants, accommodations, or the other amenities offered to its guests—best practices are considered and incorporated in the day-to-day activities.

Our visit to Top of the Rock receives a top rating from all of us and we highly recommend the resort for a visit. We hope to come back again, maybe book an RV site, and stay awhile.

Up Next: Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri

Safe Travels