Southwest Missouri is one of the most under appreciated regions in the United States. Situated in the middle of the Ozarks, the region offers unparalleled beauty and unique and interesting things to do and see.
If you are looking for a different place to stay, look no farther than the Virginia Rose Bed and Breakfast in Springfield. The Virginia Rose is a 1906 farm house complete with a red barn surrounded by a modern subdivision. There are five guest rooms and a full breakfast is served every morning. Prices start at $60 a night.
When you’ve had one too many Big Macs, stop in at the Gooseberry Diner in Carthage. Fresh, home made cinnamon rolls make their appearance at 6:00 am and meatloaf and pork chops grace the lunch menu. Biscuits are also home made as are the wide selection of famous pies. The restaurant is open daily until 9:00 pm, except Sunday, when the doors close at 3:00 pm.
If you’re looking for things to do, the Frisco Railroad Museum on the outskirts of Springfield’s Commercial Street Commercial District features exhibits on the local railroad system that employed most of Springfield’s men. Over 9,000 square feet hold 50 life sized dioramas, a 2000 square foot model railroad and a mock-up of an old brick engine house.
For outdoor recreation, don’t miss Roaring River State Park. The hidden spring is filled with clear blue water and the cave keeps it at a constant 58 degrees. The state maintains a trout hatchery and the river is stocked daily for great fishing. Campgrounds are available, but if you get tired of roughing it, the state-run Roaring River Inn has 26 rooms available, starting at $65.
To truly get a taste of the beauty of the Ozarks, the Branson Scenic Railway operates four trains daily. The trains run south into the heart of the Ozarks, in an unsettled area that is inaccessible by car. The trains are decorated like old fashioned passenger trains and feature rebuilt passenger cars. The steam whistle sounds hearken back to a time before Branson was a tourist mecca.
For a unique souvenir of your trip through Southwest Missouri, the Stone Hill Wine Company offers award winning Ozark wines, including authentic meade. The gift shop also sells cheese and sausage made on the grounds. Don’t miss the winery tours and daily wine tastings. Stone Hill is open daily and cellar tours are available on Sundays.
