Visit Joplin Missouri

Blush Boutique

We all have our go-stores, the places where we know we’ll find something, even when we’re not even sure what we’re looking for.

Blush Boutique is one of these stores.

Whether I’m looking for a unique gift for someone, or seeking to update my wardrobe with the latest fashion trends, I always leave Blush Boutique with my mission accomplished.

Blush sparkles like a gem among the historic brick buildings on Main Street in Galena, Kansas, a modern treasure in this old mining town.

You may be thinking, “Why would I drive all the way to Kansas to shop?” Well, the funny thing about living in the Four State region is that things are often closer than you think. For instance, if you drive 10 minutes east from downtown Joplin, you’ll reach Joplin’s Northpark mall; if you drive 12 minutes west, you’ll reach Blush Boutique in Kansas. To me, the grueling extra two-minute drive over the state line is worth the trip to this affordable and hip fashion destination.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks so, because Blush has attained a solid 5-star rating on Facebook – an impressive feat, especially in the retail industry. This stellar rating reflects the quality of service provided by Julie and Bailey Bollin, the mother-daughter duo that opened the store in March 2018. With their shared love of fashion, savvy buying skills, and strong social media presence, these women have quickly attracted a strong following for the boutique.

And if you can’t make it to the store, you can still shop online. All you need to do is go to Blush’s Facebook or Instagram pages, find an item you can’t live without, leave a comment with your size and contact info, and that item will be reserved for you.

Blush carries a variety of brands, and the inventory is constantly changing, so it’s difficult to say which lines will be available at any given time. When I last visited, I saw clothes from brands like Umgee, She & Sky, and Hayden. Whether you’re looking for everyday wear or something for a special occasion, you’ll find it at Blush.

There’s also a section of clothing for curvier figures, a nice find at a boutique.

No outfit is complete without accessories, and Blush carries an array of jewelry (including stackable Erimish bracelets), scarves, hats, and shoes to add the final touches to your look.

In addition to clothing and accessories, you’ll also find a fun mix of lifestyle items, like home decor, bath products, candles, insulated Swig mugs,

collapsible Que mugs (great for traveling),

and even local wine from Vogel Family Vineyards.

Oh, and Blush hasn’t forgotten about our four-legged friends, either. Even they need to accessorize!

So take an extra couple of minutes (literally) in your day and head over the Kansas border to experience Blush Boutique. I promise that you won’t leave this fashion destination empty-handed.

Blush Boutique is located at 606 Main Street in Galena Kansas. Click here to visit its Facebook page, and click here to follow it on Instagram.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Women’s Boutiques in Joplin

Ladies, where was the last place you shopped for boutique clothes and accessories?

Was it in Kansas City? Northwest Arkansas? Tulsa?

Or was it right here in Joplin?

“What??” you may be thinking. “Joplin doesn’t have trendy boutiques like those you find in big cities!”

Well, actually we do.

In fact, we have several.

Fun, fresh, and original, Joplin’s women’s boutiques offer fashionable merchandise for every budget.

So grab a friend and visit one of following trendsetting stores right here in town.

The Boutiques

Be You-Nique Boutique, 526 South Main Street

Are you looking for something to reflect your individual personality? You’ll find something at this downtown boutique that’s uniquely you, from clothing and accessories to home decor.

Favorite finds: Comfy Rubberband Stretch denim in a rainbow of colors, and a homemade vanilla-scented air freshener for my car from Typsy Gypsy Scents.

Blue Moon Boutique, 613 South Main Street

This “modern boutique with a vintage soul” carries trendy clothes, accessories, gifts and home decor. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop (but why wouldn’t you be?), at least take a stroll through the store to see the ever-changing whimsical displays featuring both new and cleverly repurposed items.

Favorite finds: Boho chic Urban Mango dresses and Good Work(s) Makes a Difference leather wrap bracelets.

Lennon’s Boutique, 2722 South Main Street, Suite B

If you’re looking for specialty brands like French Connection and Free People, as well as premium denim from brands like Citizens of Humanity, stop by Lennon’s Boutique. Owner Kirsten Anderson has worked in the northwest Arkansas retail market and is introducing popular and clothing and accessory lines from there to the Joplin market.

Favorite finds: Flirty Jeffrey Campbell booties and fun graphic tees from Chaser.

Pink Door Boutique, 1532 W. 32nd Street, First Floor

Would you ever think of going to a medical office building to buy some fashion accessories? Me, neither. But I stumbled across this store after a going to a doctor’s appointment in the building one day, and I’ve since returned to buy items for myself as well as gifts for friends.

Pink Door Boutique carries hard-to-find women’s health products, such as items for nursing or for post-mastectomy care (bras, wigs, hats, etc.). But beyond providing essential medical equipment, Pink Door Boutique strives to make its customers feel whole. This is why the store carries trendy shoes and accessories, as well as the Jane Iredale line of cosmetics.

Favorite finds: Funky Shreds scarves and adorable shoes from Lindsay Phillips.

Sophie, 531 South Main Street

This “candy store for shoe addicts” has been sustaining my sweet tooth since its opening in 2007. In fact 80% of the footwear in my closet has been purchased here. With brands like Volatile, Naughty Monkey, and Chinese Laundry, Sophie offers the latest footwear fashions at affordable prices.

But Sophie is more than just shoes. In fact, with a wide selection of handbags and accessories plus a boutique clothing section, the store offers everything you need to create an outfit from head to toe.

Favorite finds: Black wedge pumps from Restricted (my favorite pair of shoes – so comfy!) and the roomy hobo handbags from SR Squared.

So, did you get some ideas from this list?

I know I did. Perhaps one too many…

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Unique Shops in Joplin

If you’ve been following this blog, you know that I love stumbling across new places to see and things to do in the Joplin area.

And I get especially excited when I discover new local businesses.

Why?

First of all, local businesses usually provide a high level of customer service. The owners of these businesses are often visible and accessible, and make an effort to get to know their customers.

Second of all, these mom-and-pop shops often sell items that are made in the Joplin area. It’s mind-blowing to me to see the things produced by our neighbors and friends here in our community. This town has some pretty big talent!

Beautify Your Nest

Sandstone Gardens, 2826 Douglas Fir Road

Drivers on I-44 get an unexpected surprise just west of Joplin when they spot the massive European-inspired estate that houses Sandstone Gardens.

The interior of this impressive 50,000 square-foot building contains a wide selection of furniture, home decor, seasonal decor, candles, and boutique accessories, as well as the Bistro restaurant (the desserts there are amazing!).

But the most unique items at Sandstone Gardens are the cast-stone home and garden pieces that are displayed throughout the showroom and the gardens outside.

People come from near and far to buy these timeless pieces. I’ve purchased several myself, including flower pots, a bird bath, a garden bench, and some floral arrangements set in cast-stone urns.

Urban Art Gallery, 511 South Main Street

From photographs to ceramics to jewelry, this gallery features pieces made by local artists, making it a great place to look if you’re shopping for a unique gift.

Linda Teeter’s Photography

One of my favorite artists sells her work here at Urban Art Gallery. She’s Kristin Girard, the jewelry artist/scientist behind Kristin’s Laboratory.

Attention, Ladies!

Forget driving to a big city to shop for the latest styles of clothing! In fact, Joplin has so many hip and original women’s boutiques that I had to make a post just for them, which you can read right here.

In addition to selling women’s clothing and accessories, Blue Moon Boutique also sells unique home decor and gift items. Now that’s one-stop shopping!

Fill Your Belly

Candy House Gourmet, 510 Kentucky Avenue

I fell in love with this place the very first time I visited Joplin, and I’ve been a devoted customer now for twenty years. This handcrafted chocolate is made at the Chocolate Factory downtown, and you can even tour the facility to watch the process in action.

Try a sample of the sea salt caramels (my favorite), the English toffee, the fudge, or anything else – it’s all good. Candy House also sells a variety of sugar-free chocolates, as well as pre-packaged candy assortments that make great gifts.

Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. 4^th Street

For a true slice of the Four State Area, visit the Joplin Empire Market. Open year-round on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this market features vendors from a 150-mile radius selling produce, meats, eggs, local products, crafts, and art.

Get Active

Runaround Running & Lifestyle Co., 422 Main Street

You don’t have to be a runner to benefit from a visit to this store. In fact, more than 50% of the store’s business comes from people who are on their feet all day. But all of these customers have one thing in common: they are seeking the perfect fit.

To find it, Runaround uses a computerized system which provides information (high arch, low arch, etc.) that allows the staff to find the optimal shoe for each customer.

With a wide selection of performance-related shoes, apparel, and gear, as well as its excellent customer service, it’s easy to see why Runaround earned a place in Competitor magazine’s “50 Best Running Stores in America 2013.” Ranked along with running stores located in big cities across the nation, that’s quite an honor for a Joplin business.

We’ve got some great local shops in this town, run by talented people who are passionate about what they do.

Take some time to visit these gems and see for yourself.

You’ll be glad you did.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Lennon’s Boutique

Citizens of Humanity, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and French Connection – these are some of the specialty brands that Kirsten Anderson became familiar with while working Masons, a popular boutique in Fayetteville, Arkansas. When she realized that there weren’t any stores in Joplin carrying brands like these, she decided to make it her mission to bring them here by opening up her own shop.

Carla and Kirsten

With her buying experience and fashion savvy, along with the help of her parents Tony and Carla, Kirsten opened Lennon’s Boutique in August 2018, and began introducing the latest trends from premium clothing brands to shoppers on Joplin’s Main Street.

The shop’s interior is sleek and modern, punctuated with flirty touches, like fluffy flokati-covered benches in soft creams and pinks. But the first thing I noticed was the large portrait of Beatles’ singer John Lennon giving the peace sign.

It was at that very moment when I also realized that there was a John Lennon song emanating from the speakers.

Someone must be a huge fan.

That someone is Carla, Kirsten’s mom. She’d always liked John Lennon and even hoped Kirsten would choose his name for a baby someday. Kirsten did, in a way. She used it to name her retail baby, Lennon’s Boutique. (Smart move, Kirsten – you made your mom happy and now the pressure’s off!)

Walking through Lennon’s is like flipping through the pages of Vogue magazine (or scrolling through its Instagram equivalent), with high-fashion brands like Cupcakes and Cashmere (a line by fashion blogger Emily Schumer), the Bohemian brand Free People, French Connection, Lavender Brown, and others.

You’ll find chic dress and skirt options for a night out, as well as comfy tees for lounging around, like this one by Chaser.

Agolde and Citizens of Humanity are two of the premium denim lines sold at Lennon’s.

Lennon’s shoe nook boasts an impressive collection of footwear from Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita, Jeffrey Campbell, Chinese Laundry, and more.

No outfit is complete without accessories, and Lennon’s offers ABLE handbags and jewelry to help you add that final touch.

ABLE is a company whose mission it is to empower women in Ethiopia, Mexico, and Peru to learn skills, like making jewelry and leather goods, which enable them to earn money and end the cycle of poverty in their communities.

And no trip to Lennon’s is complete without saying hi to Bella, the shop dog.

She even has her portrait hanging on the wall, painted by Arkansas-based Soulsby Art (who also did the John Lennon painting).

Seeing Bella’s sweet face will bring a smile to yours – that’s a treasure you’ll find exclusively at Lennon’s.

Lennon’s Boutique is located at 2722 South Main Street, Suite B. Click here to visit its Facebook page.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Magpies Pie Company

One glance at the rows of enticing, artfully decorated sweets in the glass case and I know I’m a goner.

“You know, I blame you for my inevitable weight gain,” I say to the woman standing behind the counter. She’s Taylor Quezada, one of the owners of Magpies Pie Company, and she’s testing my willpower with her irresistible baked goods.

Naturally, my willpower crumbles, and I leave Magpies with an assortment of treats to sample.

Then it happens again the next week. Then the week after that.

Even though Magpies is only open on Thursdays and Fridays, I’ve somehow found a way to rearrange my schedule to make visiting there a regular occurrence since first discovering the shop in October. It’s like now that I know about it, I can’t not know.

Magpies opened in May 2018, and is located in a strip mall across from Joplin High School.

Charlee, Cindy, and Taylor

Here, Taylor, her sister Charlee Keeton, and their mother Cindy Wagner bake away the days, using tried-and-true family recipes to create sweets in the completely nut-free facility (Taylor and several of her family members have nut allergies). My daughter has a severe peanut allergy, and it’s reassuring to know that she can have anything on the menu here without being concerned about unexpected nuts or cross-contamination in any of the items.

In fact, one of Magpies most popular items is a nut-free version of pecan pie called Lost Pecan Pie. How can you bake a pecan pie without its most essential ingredient? The ladies at Magpies have figured out how.

Their Lost Pecan Pie, made with crunchy pretzels instead of pecans, presents a perfect combination of salty/sweet which everyone in my family agrees is actually tastier than traditional pecan pie.

Other popular pies here include Coconut Cream and Red Tart Cherry (which delivers a nice tang).

You can buy a whole pie, a mini pie, or a slice. Here’s a mini pumpkin pie, creatively topped with pastry shaped like a Magpie.

So, what’s with the magpies anyway? Taylor told me that when the family was talking about opening a pie shop, her husband had looked up the history of pie and learned about its association with the word magpie (click here for a quick, informative read about it). The word magpie struck a chord with the family; an idea for the bakery’s logo formed, and everything else fell into place.

Pies aren’t the only sweets you’ll find at Magpies. There are also homestyle cakes, “the kind that Grandma used to make,” according to Cindy. I’ve tried the popular Strawberry Cake…

…and the fall-favorite, the Pumpkin Roll, and found both to be fresh and moist.

Other must-tries here are the cheesecake bites, which come in creative flavors like S’mores, Hot Chocolate, Carrot Cake, and Creme Brulee, just to name a few.

You can play some serious mind-games with your willpower to convince yourself that, because these are bite-sized, the calories in them don’t really count.

Right?

Please tell me that the calories really don’t count…

Other treats here include monstrous cinnamon rolls, brownies, and cookies, like Swig Cookies, which are rich, buttery cookies topped with creamy frosting.

Magpies also takes special orders and offers catering services. Click here for more info.

Well, I’ve got to run now.

Literally.

I’ve got some calories to burn off.

Magpies Pie Company is located at 801 E. 20th St., Suite 5. Click here to visit its website, and here to see the weekly specials on its Facebook page.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Social BTB

It’s Friday night, and the first floor of Joplin’s historic Gryphon building is buzzing with activity. Groups of friends and families gather at tables and booths, catching up on each other’s day over a shared meal.

This concept, this idea of a gathering place, is a simple one. But it works.

This gathering place is called Social BTB. Although I consistently – and mistakenly – call it Social TBT (because I’ve been so deeply programmed by Throwback Thursday posts on social media), the BTB here standing for Burgers, Tenders, and Beer, the three things that this restaurant specializes in. Just like the concept, the menu is also simple. And it works.

It works because the wizard behind Social BTB is none other than successful local restaurateur George Michalopoulos. George introduced Joplin to his Mediterranean-inspired recipes when he opened Mythos in 2004, a restaurant which continues to be a favorite among local diners as well as visitors. When I heard that George was opening a new restaurant, I knew I had to try it, and I knew it would be good.

And it was.

Ordering

The first thing you’ll see when you walk into Social BTB is the menu counter. Actually, you’ll probably zero in on your favorite sports teams playing on one of the 16 flat screen TVs hanging in the restaurant, but walk past those and proceed to the menu counter to place your food order. I promise there will be time to watch the games once you’re seated.

The menu features burgers, chicken tenders, salads, and sandwiches (including vegetarian options like the Grilled Cheese, and the Veggie, a black bean chipotle patty. There aren’t a gazillion choices on the menu, and that’s refreshing. Again, simple is what works here.

Once you place your food and soft drink order, you’ll get a number to take with you to a table or booth of your choice in the dining room. At your booth or table, you’ll notice this magical button.

If you’d like something stronger than a soft drink, all you do is press this button, and someone will appear at your table to take your order.

In addition to a fully stocked bar, Social BTB offers over 30 types of bottled beers and over a dozen beers on tap.

I opted for this refreshing Hefeweizen from KC while my husband Travis chose a draft beer.

The Food

Sticking with the BTB theme, Travis ordered a burger and I ordered tenders. We also ordered the house-made Onion Strings. I could have eaten those tasty seasoned strings all by themselves!

The Onion Strings arrived with Travis’ dinner. He’d also ordered a side of House Fries with his burger (which he’d customized to his liking). The beef patties here are fresh, not frozen, which makes for juicy burgers.

I ordered the BTB (3pc) Plate (you can also choose a 4- or a 5-piece plate), which comes with hand-breaded tenders, garlic house toast, and one dipping sauce.

Because I like to try different flavors, I added two more sauces for a small charge, which allowed me to sample the Bleu cheese, garlic Parmesan, and BTB house (a sweet-and-sour Polynesian-type sauce). There are about five more sauces that I want to try the next time I order tenders here.

Let me take a moment and focus on the tenders.

These babies are huge and plump and perfectly seasoned. They filled me up so much that I only had room to try a couple of the yummy Sweet Potato Fries I’d ordered as a side before boxing them up to bring home. (Social BTB also offers Salt & Vinegar Fries, which I want to try next time).

The Gathering Place

After eating, Travis and I walked around to see the rest of Social BTB, which is more like a complex than a restaurant. In addition to the dining room, where we’d eaten, there’s also a bar…

…and a couch lounge.

The couch lounge is a great place to watch football games with friends. Visit on Wristband Sunday when you can buy a wristband for $3, choose a team, and every time that team scores, you get a free bar favor.

Throughout Social TBT, you’ll find murals of animals with cheeky sayings painted above them. For example, take this animal exchange (which reminds me of the Chick-fil-A cow/chicken rivalry):

Another feature that Social TBT offers is outdoor seating.

I love eating outdoors whenever possible, and I’m always searching for restaurants that have this option.

Not only can you eat outside, but you can also play games! Spend a balmy summer night hanging out on the patio with friends or family (or both) while playing corn hole, jumbo Jenga, jumbo cup pong, or outdoor bowling.

Afterwards, treat yourself to some ice cream at Caroline’s, located just down the hall from Social BTB, on the Main Street side of the Gryphon Building.

Open seven days a week, Social BTB offers good food, plentiful drinks, and a casual space where people of all ages can gather together to socialize.

Social BTB is located at 1027 South Main Street, inside the Gryphon Building. Click here to visit its website, and here to see its Facebook page.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Be You-Nique Boutique

Unique clothing.

Unique accessories.

Unique home decor.

The unique items at this store cater to the savvy shopper who is searching for pieces which reflect one’s individuality.

This is Be You-Nique Boutique.

Okay, now that I got the word unique out of my system, let me tell you more about the newest women’s store to plant its roots on Main Street. In 2018, Dawn Sasser opened the doors to this boutique, which is housed in the historic former First National Bank of Joplin building.

The twinkling row of chandeliers, wooden ceiling beams, and exposed brick walls add to the charm of its interior.

Located in the heart of downtown, Be You-Nique’s presence reflects the desire for locals to have access to big-city style in a smaller urban area.

Whether you’re looking for a new sweater to pair with your favorite jeans, a chic dress for a night out, or a one-of-a-kind gift for someone, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something at Be You-Nique.

Let’s start with the clothing. Be You-Nique offers brands that reflect a variety of styles: Umgee and PPLA Clothing (contemporary); Vocal (modern with a vintage twist); Band of Gypsies (Bohemian); and Voice of California (Western), just to name a few.

Be You-Nique also carries a selection of the popular Rock Revival jeans, as well as many yummy colors of the fashionable – and uber comfortable – Rubberband Stretch denim jeans.

If you’re looking to sass up a casual outfit, browse through the selection of graphic tees on the t-shirt wall to find one that sports a statement that suits your distinct (I didn’t say unique!) personality.

Check out the assortment of purses (like this skull purse from Montana West)…

…shoes…

…and jewelry and find something to add pizzazz to your look, too.

In addition to wearables, Be You-Nique sells unordinary (yes, that’s a legitimate word) pieces of home decor…

…and luggage!

Think of how easy these pieces would be to spot on a luggage carousel.

One of my favorite finds at Be You-Nique is the line of Typsy Gypsy Scents: high-end, homemade car fresheners and sprays.

I’m always looking for ways to reodorize (okay, I did make up that word) the air in my minivan, which is contaminated – I mean scented – by my active, sweaty kids.

Finding these yummy scents from Typsy Gypsy to freshen up the air in this small space is a godsend.

What extraordinary items will you discover? Head downtown to Be You-Nique Boutique and find out!

Be You-Nique is located at 526 South Main Street. Click here to visit its Facebook page.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival

This is the poster child of festivals.

This thought came to my mind after being at the Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival for a mere ten minutes on a picture-perfect September afternoon. This festival had it all: live music, a variety of food, arts and crafts vendors, community organization booths, a car show, and kids activities, all nestled in the shade provided by the sprawling limbs of the trees in beautiful Center Creek Park. Plus, the event organization was seamless, with volunteers directing traffic, driving shuttles, and providing information to attendees.

True, the organizers of the Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival have had a little time to refine the details of this event – like over 20 years – and the festival, which is held the fourth weekend of September every year, now brings more than 15,000 people to the southwest Missouri town of Carl Junction.

bluegrass festival overview

Historically, this has been a Saturday-only event, but in 2018, two more days of activities were added to the festival. On Friday night, the Indoor Bluegrass Jamboree was held at Carl Junction’s Stark Auditorium, featuring three bluegrass bands. On Sunday, Pick’n & Picnic’n in the Park (I dare you to say that three times fast!) invited families to eat a picnic lunch in Center Creek Park while listening to the music of the Picker’s Post Band.

I visited the festival on Saturday, when it was held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Center Creek Park. I arrived in the early afternoon, and it was pretty crowded. But Center Creek Park is large, allowing ample room for both people and cars, and I didn’t have any trouble finding a parking space. Shuttles were available for those who parked in the free parking areas; there was also a $5 VIP parking option for those who wanted to park near the entrance. But even though I parked in the free parking area, I still didn’t have to walk far before I was immersed in the sights and sounds of the festival.

Music

Each year, the festival organizers invite visitors to bring their own lawn chairs to relax in while they listen to the stars of the festival: the bluegrass musicians. To me, bluegrass brings to mind banjos, fiddles, and mandolins, but have you ever really wondered where this music came from? Well, I did. So I did some research.

According to the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, bluegrass has its roots in the songs about country life that were sung by those who migrated to America from Ireland, Scotland, and England and settled in rural areas in the Appalachian region. In the early part of the 20th century, the classic bluegrass style as we now know it was formed, blending country, jazz, Celtic, rock, and gospel music styles.

And now you know.

Well maybe you knew all of this before, but at least now I know.

Back to the Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival. The music began flowing from the stage at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, and there was a sea of people kicking back in their lawn chairs enjoying the lively music of bands like No Apparent Reason, Berry Wynn & The Fly by Night Band, and That Dalton Gang, who was playing when I took this photo.

bluegrass festival band

Food

What makes listening to live music even better? Why, food, of course! The Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival had a wide array of dining options to choose from including: Ghetto Tacos, Clark’s Cuisine (barbecue), King’s Kettle Korn, and more.

bluegrass festival fred and reds

Fred & Red’s (spaghetti red and Frito pie)

bluegrass festival kona ice

Kona Ice

Vendors

When I reached the last food truck, I discovered an additional area filled with arts and crafts tents and community organization information.

bluegrass festival vendors

Then I realized it led to another vendor area, and then another. This festival was bigger than I’d expected!

Here are some of the vendors that were at the festival:

bluegrass festival everything crocheted

Everything Crochet by Lori

bluegrass festival plaid anvil

The Plaid Anvil (embellished/bleached plaids and leather goods)

bluegrass festival kimberlys jellies

Kimberly’s Jellies & Jams (a variety of jelly and jam flavors, including Mountain Dew and Coke, and avocado jalapeno, which I bought)

bluegrass festival bjs creations

BJS Creations (jewelry, baby bibs)

bluegrass festival kimbriel goods

Kimbriel Custom Crafts (handmade pens, razors, and holiday ornaments)

bluegrass festival surplus usa2

Surplus USA (metal art)

Car and Bike Show

I continued to walk through park, the energetic notes of bluegrass carrying me along the way. I came to the Car and Bike Show area, where rows of vehicles from different eras gave glimpses into times gone by.

bluegrass festival car show

Judging for the show started at noon, and trophies were given out at 2 p.m. This beauty was one of my favorites.

bluegrass festival red car

Kids’ Activities

Even the little ones had an area dedicated to them at the Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival. Bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and an art project kept them occupied.

bluegrass festival kids area

But if they needed a break from all of the stimulation, they just had to take a few steps to the quiet banks of Center Creek, where they could dip their toes in the sparkling water or search for wildlife.

bluegrass festival center creek

With its idyllic setting, and family-friendly, alcohol-free environment, filled with music, food, and arts and crafts, it’s easy to see why the Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival attracts so many people to this neck of the woods each September.

For more information on the Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival, click here.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Joplin Empire Market

It’s Friday night, and I pull my minivan up to the ATM. I’m as fired up as a high schooler getting cash before heading out on a big date. I do have a date of sorts – with my daughter. The following morning we are going to Joplin Empire Market.

Yes, I’m fired up about a market. But this isn’t just a place to pick up a few produce items; Joplin Empire Market is a weekly event that showcases local products and local talent, and fosters a sense of connection in our community.

joplin empire interior

I know that I will see some vendors whose storefront businesses I’ve visited and written about before, and I’ll also discover new vendors, as they rotate each week at the market. I know I’ll also get to visit with the ever-present market coordinator Ivy Hagedorn, as well as Lori Haun, Executive Director of Downtown Joplin Alliance, an organization created to foster the revitalization in the heart of our city. Joplin Empire Market is the result of this organization’s latest effort to do just that – and it’s off to a great start in its debut season.

Where It’s At

Housed in a 1907 building that was donated to Downtown Joplin Alliance by Empire District Electric Company, this enclosed, year-round market features vendors from a 150-mile radius selling produce, meats, eggs, local products, crafts, and art. It’s open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Can I just take a second here to say how much I love these hours? I can still sleep in and get my market fix.

joplin empire exterior

A market report is posted on Joplin Empire Market’s Facebook page each week listing the vendors that will be attending that Saturday, which I find helpful for formulating a game plan before I hit the market. To follow the market’s Facebook page, click here. If you want an overview of the market experience, keep on reading.

Plants and Produce

When I see the variety of plants and produce offered at the market, I often think, “They grew that around here?” I tried growing a garden one year and it yielded just one cucumber and a handful of strawberries, so I have a great respect for those who cultivate gardens which produce bountifully, like Green’s Greenhouse & Garden, Our Little Piece of Heaven, OakWoods Farm, Joplin Greenhouse & Garden Center, and Robertson Family Farm (you can also visit this farm to pick your own blueberries during the season; click here to read more about it).

joplin empire oakwoods joplin empire joplin greenhouse

If you’re hankering for seasonal items like berries and tomatoes, make sure to arrive at the opening of the market, as they sell out quickly.

Meat, Eggs, and Baked Goods

If you’re a conscientious carnivore, you can buy eggs, pork, and grass-fed beef at Black Cat Barnyard, “a family farm that focuses on raising pastured animals that lead happy lives.” Fleetwood Farmette also sells eggs as well as baked goods, including cheesy bread and sweet bread.

On my first trip to the market, I arrived around 11 a.m. and Marty Yates, the Bearded Baker, was standing behind his empty booth, since all of his artisan bread loaves were already sold out. So the following week, I got to the market earlier and was able to snag one of his Nonie loaves, which we ate with dinner that night. Who am I kidding? After eating half of that dense and hearty loaf myself, that bread was my dinner that night!

joplin empire bearded

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, check out the artisan cookies at All Mixed Up Bakery. For people who enjoy sweets but have special dietary needs, stop by Sugar Creek Bakery, which offers sugar-free and gluten-free baked goods.

joplin empire all mixed up

This fishie from All Mixed up Bakery is too cute to eat!

Unique Area Products

Finding local items that I can gift to my out-of-town friends and family is one way that I like to introduce people to life in the Ozarks, and there are several vendors at Joplin Empire Market that help me out in this endeavor. On a recent trip to visit my parents in Chicago, I brought them a bottle of Savory Sauce (great for marinades and salads), and a shaker of salt from SmokeLicked Salts (hardwood-smoked Atlantic sea salt sold in a variety of flavors – I’m obsessed with the Adobo, which is now a staple in my kitchen).

joplin empire savory

The ladies behind Savory Sauce – literally and figuratively 😉

joplin empire salt

Other great local food products include honey from Robertson Family Farm (the blueberry people), and no-sugar-added fruit leathers from Fleetwood Farmette. My daughter loves to eat these and I’m feel good about giving them to her because they’re wholesome snacks.

joplin empire robertson

Local honey from Robertson Family Farm

joplin empire fleetwood

Fruit leathers from Fleetwood Farmette

Handmade local products make fun gifts, too. If there’s a man in your life with a beard, Artisan Beardworks can help him keep it neatly groomed with their selection of balm, oil, beard wash, and combs. They also sell boxed sets, which makes gift-giving easy.

joplin empire bearded product

Artisan Creations

There are vendors at Joplin Empire Market that create unique, non-consumable products, too. These artisans and craftspeople bring an added layer to the market’s offerings. Let’s start with Martha Goldman. In addition selling her art at the market, Martha is also the creative force behind the market’s mural, which was inspired by Joplin’s natural beauty: the bluffs near Shoal Creek, the wondrous (and now-closed) Crystal Cave, wild blackberries, coneflowers, purple-tailed skinks.

joplin empire mural

There’s also Stone House Merchant, selling jewelry made from crystals, beads, and rocks, like these stunning wire-wrapped stones featuring the tree of life.

joplin empire stone house

The Market Artisans is a group of five woman who rotate selling their goods (jewelry, textiles, pottery, etc.) at the market. One member of this group, Kristin Girard, is a jewelry artist whose work I’ve been a fan of for years, and you can read more about her here.

joplin empire market artisans

Fairy Gardens at The Market Artisans booth

You can bring home a piece of yesteryear from White Buffalo Sign Company, which creates high resolution scans of original vintage Joplin signs, then applies them to 24-gauge metal.

joplin empire white buffalo (1)

Market Dining

You don’t have to wait until you bring your edible goodies home from Joplin Empire Market before you indulge. The market features a different food truck each week. Past vendors include The Sweet Truck (gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches), Blondies Woodfired Wheelhouse (pizza), Cochinita Mexican Street Food (their Mexican corn is a must-try), and Take a Stand (featuring smoothies and fresh-pressed juices).

If you need a little lift to power through your Saturday, grab a cup of joe from the market’s coffee vendor (Bearded Lady Roasters and Cottage Small Coffee Roasters have been at the market).

Music and Special Events

The market is more than just a place to buy local produce and goods; it’s a place to connect with the community and to cultivate your own creativity. With live music playing in the background, it’s easy to find inspiration while crafting your own piece of art at special events like Markers at the Market.

joplin empire music

My daughter was thrilled when WellSpring Acres brought their sweet alpacas to the market for people to meet.

joplin empire wellspring alpaca

Not only was it fun to pet the alpacas, but when we went inside the to the farm’s booth, we found it interesting to see all of the products made from the alpacas’ wool.

joplin empire wellspring

Wool dryer balls make an environmentally friendly alternative to paper sheets.

The lively, dynamic atmosphere at Joplin Empire Market energizes me each time I go. I leave there not only with bags filled with locally produced items, but with a sense of connection to my community, a community that continues to grow and thrive.

Market info: The market is open year-round on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is located at 931 E. 4^th Street. Some vendors do accept credit card payments, but be sure to bring cash, too. Click here to find the weekly market reports on Facebook, and click here to visit the market’s website.

To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.

Wilder’s Steakhouse

I begin to relax as I press my back into the solid wooden booth seat, enjoying the privacy provided by the booth’s towering heights and the restaurant’s dim lighting. From my clandestine spot, I can see a portion of the long, inviting bar, well-stocked with neat rows of alcohol bottles waiting to be mixed into classic cocktails like Sidecars or Singapore Slings.

wilders bar

The atmosphere reminds me of the kind of cool and sophisticated place where members of the Rat Pack once frequented. I picture them sitting at one of the tables up front, surrounded by friends for a night of celebration, or, conversely, ducking into one of the high-backed booths to enjoy a meal without the constant attention of adoring fans. As I sip the last drop of my martini, I swear I see Ol’ Blue Eyes himself appear in front of me.

wilders blue eyes

I snap to and realize that it’s actually my Blue Eyes, my husband Travis. This place has a way of tricking the mind, of making you think that you’ve traveled back in time to the golden age of restaurants, when dining out was more than just grabbing a quick bite to eat: it was an event.

This time-frozen place is Wilder’s Steakhouse, a casual, fine-dining establishment that has served diners in Joplin since 1929. Located on Main Street in the downtown district, Wilder’s continues its decades-old tradition of offering some of the best steaks in town. These days that includes hand-cut, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free cuts of Black Angus beef.

So, when Travis and I were recently craving some steak, we pointed the car toward Wilder’s. Street parking is available in front, but we opted to park in the lot behind the building. Entering through the rear brought us through a hallway peppered with vintage ads and menus, serving as a time tunnel connecting us from the modern world outside to the restaurant’s classic interior.

wilders vintage sign wall

wilders vintage sign

After settling in with some cocktails, we ordered appetizers: Shrimp Cocktail for Travis (served with four plump jumbo shrimp),

wilders shrimp

and The Wilder’s Wedge for me because I wanted a crisp, fresh salad to balance out the upcoming hearty meal.

wilders wedge

But with an ample amount of lettuce, locally grown tomatoes, smoked Applewood bacon, and house-made bleu cheese dressing, I could have eaten The Wilder’s Wedge as a meal by itself.Through sheer will, I forced myself to stop so I could leave room for my entree.

Although Wilder’s is a steakhouse, the menu here is not limited to steak; you’ll find entrees to suit any appetite, such as Chilean Sea Bass, Pesto Roast Chicken, and Vegetarian Sauté. But that night we had come for the steak. Each steak entree comes with the choice of one side. Travis ordered Wilder’s Mignons: two juicy tenderloin medallions topped with rich Asiago cream sauce and some more of that tasty crumbled Applewood bacon, with a side of tender grilled asparagus.

wilders mignons

wilders asparagus

I ordered the fancy-sounding Filet Dupont, a melt-in-your-mouth, six-ounce center cut tenderloin topped with mushrooms, caramelized onions, and Gruyere – flavors which complemented one another nicely.

wilders filet du pont

For my side, I ordered something based on the recommendation of my friends: Wilder’s Signature Truffled Macaroni & Cheese. I’m not a big mac-and-cheese fan, so I thought I’d just have a taste and bring the rest home to my kids. Well, the kids never even saw it because I ate every bite (except the one I let Travis taste).

wilders mac and cheese

This wasn’t your typical powdered Kraft mac-and-cheese; the pasta here was tossed with earthy truffle oil and topped with real cheese. This dish totally broadened my view of mac-and-cheese: it can be a gourmet item.

As we were settling up the bill, our server asked us if we’d seen the recently restored Wilder’s sign on top of the building. Installed in 1950, the neon hadn’t worked for the past 20 years, which was the length of time that I’ve lived in Joplin, so I’d never had the chance to see it illuminated. Naturally, I had to check it out.

wilders restored sign

All the sign’s arrows ARE working. I just happened to catch this one mid-flash.

While this street-level picture doesn’t do it justice (a drone would’ve captured a more impressive photo), seeing the kitschy sign with its flashing neon-orange arrows pointing to the Wilder’s name made me feel, once again, that I’d stepped back to a time when dining out wasn’t just a convenience, but a special occasion.

Wilder’s Steakhouse is located at 1216 South Main Street. To visit its website, click here, and to follow Wilder’s on Facebook, click here.

To read about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.