May 2023 - Embrace Southern States

You do know by now how much I love road trips, RIGHT? I am still waiting on some of y’all to comment on my previous article found here https://embracesouthernstates.com/nature-in-missouri/ … in the meantime let’s take a look at just a few “of murals & men, in Missouri” . This includes just a tiny fraction of the many inspiring historical figures, and amazing folks who are actively doing positive things there today.

Are you comfortable and ready to explore? Okay, we are fixin’ to have a bunch of fun! So grab a glass of sweet tea and come along with me!

George Washington Carver

The George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, is full, free, and fascinating! It is open from 9am until 5pm every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. You will learn new facts about this remarkable and resilient man.

While touring this first National Park to honor an African-American, you will enjoy monuments, photos, murals, multimedia, as well as the pleasure of exploring the 240-acre site at your own pace. I can pretty much guarantee that you will gain a deeper admiration of the plant lover who overcame many hardships to become a respected humanitarian, man of faith, scientist, and teacher.

Ampersand Sculpture

This eight foot tall ampersand (symbol for “and”) gives a nod to history and is located at 3434 S. Rangeline Road in Joplin.

When you study it up close and personal, you will see info on art, music, mining, and landmarks along Route 66. Also noted is the duo Bonnie & Clyde who hid out in a local building near 34th Street & Oak Ridge Drive. Dang, y’all, this is pretty cool.

Quilt Town, USA

Quilters already know that Hamilton is the town for every shop, gadget, and fabric that any quilt maker could ever need.

Others may know that it was the birthplace of left fielder Zack Wheat who was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1959.

Still others may be aware that J. C. Penney was born on a farm just outside of Hamilton. He later became famous for founding a department store that bears his name.

Who Invented Sliced Bread?

The small town of Chillicothe, Missouri ,celebrates being the home of sliced bread and the unofficial holiday “Sliced Bread Day” is July 7th. Next time you reach for sliced bread to pop into your toaster, be sure to thank Otto Rohwedder and Frank Bench! Their names may not be familiar, but what they accomplished certainly is!

When you get to view this inspiring mural in person, you will probably agree that it is one of the greatest things since sliced bread!

Two Civil War Historical Sites

On the western edge of Missouri is a small town named Republic, where you can visit Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. This site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River has lots of educational information that includes exhibits, books, and a film. Two cannons rest on the hillside just outside the visitor center and museum.

About a three and a half hour drive to the eastern edge of the state will bring you to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site just south of St. Louis. There you can watch a film, take a tour, or browse through the museum.

More Than Just A Library

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library first opened its door in 1957 and continues to expand and impress to this day. Here you can spend hours exploring the various sections, enjoying multimedia presentations, and viewing the murals and other artwork.

Inside you can find a replica of the Oval Office or browse through the Museum Store (gift shop). Outside you can walk around the courtyard to view a freedom flame and the final resting place of Truman, his wife, and their daughter. Dang, y’all, this place rocks!

Of Mice & Men & Marceline

Whenever you think of Disney, do you first think of the man (Walt) or the mouse (Mickey) or the theme parks? After visiting the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, you may just change your answer to “Marceline, Missouri”! This place is awesome!

Whether you are age three or ninety-three, your experience in Marceline will stay in your heart. As a baby boomer, I was reminded of both Davy Crockett and the Mickey Mouse Club. And, yes, I can remember all the words to both theme songs! Oh, you can also buy t-shirts with the quotes mentioned in the above photo.

Meet a Ranger in Van Buren

Shaun Heise grew up in Missouri and has worked for the National Park Service for eight years. His official title is Lower Current District Interpretive Ranger. Shaun loves sharing facts about the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which includes Big Spring and Alley Spring.

Shaun says these waters are always cool, have existed since prehistoric times, and are fascinating from a geological perspective. He is one friendly ranger who is eager to pass along knowledge about Missouri and the Ozark culture. I sure hope you get to meet him soon.

Meet A Riverboat Captain

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a short cruise on the Mississippi River? A great way to achieve that goal is to climb aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal, Missouri, and meet Captain Steve.

He shares great info about life on the river both now and in the past. His wife Sandy works in the gift shop and his sister is often found working the galley. Captain Steve is a well-known local celebrity in Hannibal and a walking encyclopedia of deep details and riverboat realities.

Meet This Wonderful Waiter

When you are ready to wet your whistle with homemade root beer, go to the Mark Twain Dinette in Hannibal. Be sure to ask for Bobby as your server. He is one of the kindest and most helpful people in town. Bobby listens closely to his customers, then takes time to thoughtfully answer even their strangest questions.

I love to ask folks what travel destinations are on their bucket list. Bobby said New Zealand tops his list. For great conversation, just ask how he feels about the St. Louis Cardinals! I am so thrilled to have met Bobby on my travels, because he really touched my heart.

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Now that you’ve seen the photos of murals and men in Missouri…and a tiny bit about each story, PLEASE take a minute to tell me which impressed YOU the most. Remember that leaving a COMMENT here makes it easier for me to keep giving YOU more people, places, and photos to help plan your travels!

Here are links for more info: (1.) https://www.nps.gov/places/george-washington-carver-national-monument.htm (2.) https://www.visitjoplinmo.com/ (3.)https://visithamiltonmo.com/ (4.) https://visitchillicothe.com/ (5a.) https://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm (5b.) https://www.nps.gov/ulsg/index.htm (6.) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/ (7.)https://www.waltdisneymuseum.org/ (8.)https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm (9.)https://marktwainriverboat.com/ (10.)https://www.marktwaindinette.com/

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Let me know if you need ANY help planning your next Southern road trip…I would love to negotiate with you as you embrace the best trip ever!

Recently I enjoyed a wonderful 10-day road trip in Missouri. I’ve decided to do a few articles about that, starting with NATURE! So this one, a wistful photo documentary, is for all the nature lovers. Check out these photos, then PLEASE leave a Comment letting me know which ones you like best. Nature in Missouri …rivers, springs, mountains, caves, and so much more!

Big Spring…Place & Thing & Spring & Beauty

The largest freshwater spring in Missouri, “Big Spring”, can be found near the southeastern town of Van Buren. Find highway 60 and then head south on highway 103 and you will enter the park. It is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways that protects over 130 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Once you have found it, you may never want to leave. This place of quiet beauty is a fine example of soothing natural splendor at its best.

Alley Spring Could Make Your Heart Sing

Alley Spring and the Alley Mill were featured on a quarter in 2017 as part of celebrating America the Beautiful. After you leave Big Spring, take highway 60 to Winona then 19 to Eminence and finally 106 to Alley Spring. The extremely friendly park rangers there will gladly and patiently answer all your questions about the blue water and all fascinating local natural resources. See the one room schoolhouse and the general store before you depart.

Be Brave & Rave About This Cave

In the charming and nostalgic town of Hannibal, Missouri, you can prove that you are brave by touring Mark Twain Cave. Of course, later you will rave about all you learned inside. The narrow passages are dimly lit and chilly. You can experience total darkness and see a hideout used by Jesse James. Enjoy tales about the fictional characters Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher as you search for signatures written on the walls.

Fun Of Driving In The Mountains

Dang, y’all, this writer lives in a fairly flat section of Florida. So I was thrilled to take a drive early one morning in the misty mountains of Missouri. Every twist and hairpin turn was a total joy. Pockets of thick mist are so enchanting and tiny hints of blue sky simply seem to promise that more adventure will be around every curve. Traffic was very light that day and, of course, so was my spirit.

Abundant Colors Along The Riverbanks And Bluffs

Tiny white clouds in the blue sky fade into the background as the give and take of yellow sunshine and brown shadow play among the green and purple trees. The multiple tones of brown and gray rocks give way to yellow foliage in the foreground. Why do such colors thrill me so? I don’t rightly know. They are a playful and peaceful party in my mind.

This Color Is Called Stellar Pink

What do you think of the stellar pink shade of flower found on this dogwood? I spied this gorgeous young specimen on the grounds of White Haven (part of U.S.Grant historic site) just ten or so miles south of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The bush was only four feet high and should grow into a lovely tree.

Oh Cow, How Art Thou?

Usually cows run away when a stranger approaches. But these adorable bovines stood stoically still and studied me just as I studied them in their meadow. Then the little darlings once again quietly chewed their cud and contemplated the cosmos. After my own brief cow admiration and self-deliberation, I decided upon salad in lieu of hamburger.

Happy Diamond Dew On Rising Ground

Has the sight of grass ever inspired you to recite a poem? When I found this mound of rising ground wet with dew that shined like diamonds, I recalled a haiku I had written years before. “Grass in the morning is wet with tears of angels, maybe tears for me.” These dewdrops do seem like happy tears.

Whether Or Not Nature Is Weather

Have you ever experienced weird weather in Missouri? In that span of 10 days I saw torrential rain, flooding, a rock slide, and two tornadoes. A dear friend and I were forced to cut short our photo shoot and sit in her car for about an hour due to a sudden hail storm. On the positive side, I did see a rainbow and a double rainbow. I just had to wonder how much powerful and weird weather this old barn has survived…and how much longer it may stand.

Does nature take back or reclaim her own…quickly or slowly? We may say slowly if we watch growth creep up weekly or monthly. This once beautiful house could take decades to deteriorate and become uninhabitable. Just the thought makes me eerily pensive, perhaps wistful…and oh the stories it inspires.

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Plan your Missouri road trip with great info https://www.visitmo.com/ Riverways info can be found here https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/index.htm Mark Twain Cave info website is https://www.marktwaincave.com/ Grant site is https://www.nps.gov/ulsg/index.htm