Cozy grove fall festival critters full#

Stop and Smell the Roses at Nathaniel Greene Park And there’s the warm and sloppy-in-the-best-way comfort of a bowl of chili from Casper’s.ĭon't know where to search for great local eats? 417 Magazine's annual Best of 417 list can help.ġ1. There’s the perennial joy of dipping your spoon into an Ozarks Turtle from Andy’s Frozen Custard and fishing out the perfect pecan-loaded bite. There’s the summery sweetness of a bowl of Pineapple Whip (especially the grape-pineapple swirl). There’s the massive and saucy Sancho Enchilada Style and the sweet chip dipping sauce from Mexican Villa. But that’s not the only unique-to-here flavor that 417-landers love. We opt for the original for this dish: Leong’s Asian Diner, run by Wing Yee Leong, who is the son of Springfield-style cashew chicken inventor, David Leong. If you’ve made southwest Missouri your home but didn’t grow up here: You know you’ve become a true 417-lander when Springfield-style cashew chicken evolves from “What the heck?” to a go-to comfort food in your mind. Take a look at our guide to the best pizza in southwest Missouri. Millsap Farms isn't the only place that offers great pizza. If you bring the kids, there’s even an area where they can run and play while you sip your malbec and listen to some tunes in the fresh air. Our recommendation: Bring a bottle of wine and your favorite friends, and let yourself slow down a little while you’re there. It feels like community and country, all at once. A sweet little clearing in the trees features string lights and a stage for live music, and guests can relax with a plate of freshly made wood-fired pizza as the night gets dark and the fireflies start to come out. It’s just a short few minutes north of the city bustle of Springfield, but it feels like you’re in a quieter place from another time. And we think Millsap Farm’s Pizza Night fits the bill. When people explain why they love living in Springfield, they often say it’s because of the small-town feel with big-city amenities. Have Dinner with Your Neighbors at a Millsap Pizza Night

Cozy grove fall festival critters full#

There are truly so many streams to explore.įor more of our favorite float trips, take a look at our full guide to floating in the Ozarks.Ĥ. But those are just three of our favorite options. And for something super-easy to access from Springfield, the James River is always a sure bet. For a setting that feels wild and remote, we recommend the Eleven Point River. One of our favorites is the North Fork of the White River, with its quiet little rapids and its abundance of naturally breeding rainbow trout. And hopping off your kayak or canoe to plunge into the cold, crystal-clear water is like a baptism on a hot summer day. As you kayak along, you’re almost certain to spot a blue heron stopping to catch a fish or some turtles sunning themselves on a log. Spring-fed streams wind around the hills and valleys past thick forest, rocky bluffs and plenty of beautiful flora and fauna.

We don’t want to say this too loudly because it’s better for us all if the rest of the Midwest isn’t in on the secret: But we have the best rivers here in the Ozarks. Whether you're looking for swimming holes, springs, waterfalls or outdoor adventures on the water, we've probably written about it.ģ. We can't get enough of our local lakes, springs and waterways. We love bringing out-of-town visitors to Table Rock Lake for the day because, without a doubt, it’s the quickest way for them to fall in love with this place too. The sprawling green-and-blue vistas still take our breath away after all these years. The scenery at Table Rock Lake is unbeatable, and those sparkling waters and surrounding Ozarks hills are gorgeous when viewed from the deck of a boat. But it’s quiet enough that you can enjoy those water sports or relax with a cove swim without sweating the boat traffic. It’s popular enough to provide loads of marinas and places to rent boats and fun toys like wakeboards. Table Rock Lake feels like friends and family, like a lazy day in the Ozarks, like the best kind of summer fun. It’s hard to describe it in words because, honestly, it’s mostly a feeling.