While in Jefferson City recently, I was able to dine at four different local restaurants (within the span of two days.) I was pleasantly surprised to find sushi, Greek-style pizza, and frozen yogurt, choices more commonly associated with big cities. Each restaurant was unique and catered to all tastes.

Love Sushi, an intimate Japanese restaurant located on Missouri Boulevard, brings a foreign flavor to Jefferson City. The interior decoration was in a fun, Asian style, but the best aesthetic feature was the colorful arrangement of the food on the serving platters.

Dark green onions next to the delicate pinks of shrimp and crab bordered with lime-colored wasabi and arranged in geometric patterns that spoke of a sense of order among the hodge-podge of ingredients.

Seated at the sushi bar, I had fun watching the artistic plates go out to diners as I studied the menu. After perusing dozens of options ranging from the familiar California roll to eel, I decided on the Dynamite roll. While waiting for my order one of the chefs offered me a small, complimentary salad of what appeared to be thin sliced seafood and vegetables.

I was not able to identify what they were, but that only added to the exotic quality. Whatever it was, it was tender and delicious. Adding to the fun was the act of eating with chopsticks.

I may not have started in the most eloquent manner, but determination won out and I left the restaurant full.  The service at Love Sushi was very friendly throughout the whole experience. This Jefferson City restaurant definitely rivals any of the sushi places in Kansas City.

A few miles west of Love Sushi, also along Missouri Boulevard, is a local favorite, Lutz’s BBQ. Decked out with red-checked tablecloths and pig figurines, the interior precisely reflected the down-home country menu.

My favorite was the homemade chips. Sliced thin in a spiral, they resemble a delicate potato blossom. Thinner than the homemade chips I’ve had at fairs and festivals, they were a perfect blend of crispy and chewy.

Arris’ Pizza is a      Jefferson City tradition.

Located in Jefferson City’s historic downtown area, a short stroll from the Capitol, is a Jefferson City landmark. Arris’ Pizza, on High Street, serves Greek-style pizza, pasta, and salads. It began in Jefferson City, but now has spread to four other central Missouri cities.

The owner is originally from Greece, and makes his pizzas using a family recipe. Since I was limited on time, I opted to do the carry-out buffet and selected slices of cheese and sausage pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and green salad. I gathered more than I was sure I could eat to try a wider variety, but ended up finishing everything because it was all too delicious to let waste.

The crust was thin and crispy, with a perfectly blended sauce, the meatballs were flavorful, and the salad was fresh. My only regret was that I was unable to sit and enjoy the décor and the atmosphere in this iconic restaurant.

Less than a block away from Arris’ is the perfect place for dessert. Yo Yums, a locally owned “mom and pop” frozen yogurt shop, offers soft serve yogurt, shakes, smoothies, and frozen beverages.

Toppings such as pineapple, candy, crushed cookies, miniature marshmallows, blueberries, graham crackers, brownies, not to mention all the sauces, are on display to entice you.

In all, there are eight different flavors of yogurt and forty different toppings. After struggling to make a decision for a few minutes, I went for the Alpine Vanilla milk shake blended with chocolate chips. The idea was it would be something I could eat in the car, but by the time I reached the car it was pretty much gone. The shop also offers “tie-dye parties,” where each person in the party can tie-dye their own T-shirt, and receives a large bowl of yogurt with choice of toppings. The service at Yo Yums was very friendly and attentive.

It’s wonderful to check out the local cuisine when visiting another city. The only bad thing is once you return home, all that delicious food is too far away to enjoy whenever the craving hits you!

Written by Sally Anton, supervisor of the Official Missouri Welcome Center in Eagleville

Arris’ photo courtesy Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Bagnell Dam Overlook at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Lake of the Ozarks is the Midwest’s premier lake resort destination, offering world-class boating, golfing, shopping and fishing, and a wide variety of lodging, restaurants, state parks, and other recreational activities to suit any budget and taste.

Yet, there are “hidden treasures” at that Lake many visitors may not know but are worthy of exploring. Many may think these treasures are costly, but it is exactly the opposite; these are free things to do at the Lake that will take your breath away.

Here are the 15 Free “hidden treasures” at the Lake of the Ozarks:

Lake of the Ozarks State Park The Lake of the Ozarks has the largest state park in Missouri with more than 17,441 acres of things to do. At the park you find two public beaches, boat launches, campsites, Lee C. Fine Airport, hiking trails, horseback riding and much more.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park This is an amazing park and a must-see at the Lake. This park contains more than 3,600 acres with 12 hiking trails, eight caves (not open to the public), picnic areas, playground, exhibits, and castle ruins.

The Mother’s Shrine is one of the Lake’s “hidden treasures.”

Mother’s Shrine The Shrine is known as “Mothers’ Shrine” and is probably the most meaningful shrine in the country, featuring the Mothers’ Wall of Life with names of mothers engraved in the black granite. A beautiful outdoor shrine with a 14-foot sculpture of Mary standing above the fountains.

St. Patrick’s Church & Museum Historic St. Patrick’s Church is the oldest church in Morgan County and the oldest stone church in the three counties surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks. St. Patrick’s Church was built by Irish Catholics, a first generation German-American and a Protestant Scotsman. The church was designed to hold 80 people and was ready for worship by 1870. The small living quarters were added to the old church in 1936 for the circuit-riding priest. These quarters have been turned into a museum that contains many of the vestments, photos and artifacts of the early church.  The last regular church service was held here July 20, 1952. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, March 2, 1979.

Camden County Museum Located in what was once the Linn Creek School, each classroom has been devoted to a specific theme, ranging from archives to a weaving room, where woven rugs can actually be purchased.

Miller County Museum This museum serves as a monument for the folk life of central Missouri society, with its American Indian heritage, early home accessories, machines, crafts, schools, churches and agriculture.

The Morgan County Museum is housed in the former Martin Hotel in Versailles.

Morgan County Museum Located in the Martin Hotel in Versailles. The Martin Hotel was established more than 150 years ago. There are 28 rooms decorated with exhibits, including a chapel, a doll room, a military room and a tool room.

Bagnell Dam Historical Museum This historic log building was completed in 1930 by the Union Electric Company (now Ameren Missouri) and served as an administrative and entertainment center for the Bagnell Dam construction project that created Lake of the Ozarks. The building is now refurbished and serves the Lake area and its visitors as a museum, cultural activities center and offices of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bagnell Dam Overlook This overlook has a breath-taking view of the Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark.It also shows the difference in elevation between the Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River. The overlook has several areas explaining various facts along with a turbine that was recently retired after 70 plus years of use.

Eldon Airpark Disc Golf Course Disc Golf is a great individual or family sport. It is played like regular ball golf but with disc (or Frisbies). Eldon has a great nine- or 18-hole course (you can move the baskets) that can be played at any time.

Camdenton Disc Golf Course Camdenton just finished building its disc golf course last year. This course is located at its city park and has more of a rugged terrain.

Swinging Bridge and Shallows This is a marvel all on its own and truly a Lake of the Ozarks “hidden treasure.” As a kid I used to swim here, and it is still around to admire. This bridge is made of 400 feet of wooden planks to go across the Auglaize Creek. This location is great for fishing, site seeing, swimming or even a picnic. Travel down the countryside to see this hidden treasure, truly a great way to showcase the beauty of central Missouri.

Tunnel Dam and Whistle Shallows Lake Niangua at Tunnel Dam is three miles long and is at the end of the Big Niangua River. This area retains the rustic charm of the Ozarks with majestic hills and dense forests. The gravel bars make perfect spots for afternoon picnics, swimming or just relaxing in the water. The shallow water in this area is ideal for kayaks or canoes. This is also a good area for wade fishing or fishing from the bank.

Aquatic Trail This trail is administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as part of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park; it is nine miles, which is a two-hour boating excursion that runs from Public Beach  No. 1 to Grand Glaize Beach. One may start from either end and a booklet with a map with a detailed explanation is available at the park office. You will see everything from a logging chute, caves, naturally solar-heated bluff and more natural phenomena.

Missouri Department of Conservation Area North of Camdenton there is a 40-acre conservation area, with an 80-foot viewing platform that is open to the public. Here, visitors get a bird’s-eye view of the Lake. In addition to the tower, there is a 1.25-mile hiking trail and an archery practice range (no on-site archery equipment available).

As you start to plan your weekends and decide what to do and where to go, just remember Lake of the Ozarks is a short drive away with many fun activities.

There are a variety of free “hidden treasures” to explore, as mentioned above, that can appeal to anyone who loves to boat, take in the beauty of the outdoors and more. For more information on any of the activities mentioned above please visit, FunLake.com or call 573-348-1599.

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Enter to win a Missouri Hidden Treasures Giveaway: http://VisitMOtreasures.com.

Written by Heather Brown, director of member services, Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau

Easy-to-navigate walkways making touring Jacob’s Cave easy, even with toddler in tow.

Turning off State Highway TT and traveling down a long hill brings us to a parking lot overlooking a small pond in the woods. What appears to be a house with an entrance sign on the side is nestled in at the base of a large hill. This is the actual entrance to Jacob’s Cave, near Versailles in Central Missouri.

We enter the basement door, where the gift shop is located, and are greeted by Frank Hurley, the cave’s owner.

After our introductions, we enter a simple door in the basement and quickly realize we are now inside the cave! The pathway in the cave is very easy to navigate and features no stairs or steep walkways. Our guide is very friendly and tells us about the things we are looking at during our walking tour.

Soda straw formations are a highlight at Jacob’s Cave.

The cave features a huge variety of soda straw formations as well as what’s described as “cave bacon.”

One of the most unique features of the cave is what the guide called “the world’s largest geode.” This is a hollow rock discovered by accident while blasting was taking place to create a new passageway.

Jacob Craycraft, the man who discovered the cave, wrote his name on a formation many years ago and it is still visible today.

At the end of our tour, we enter a long room where many different rock and mineral specimens are on display. After we are all inside the room, the guide turns off the lights and switches on a black light to show us how many of the rocks glow naturally in unique colors. One of the rocks even looked like Superman’s kryptonite as it was glowing bright green.

To see a video about Jacob’s Cave, the first commercialized caved in the Lake of the Ozarks area, please click here, or log on to the Jacob’s Cave website to learn more.

Written by Amy Susan, director of communications, Missouri Department of Labor

A misty morning follows and overnight thunderstorm at the camper cabins in Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

The noisy, early evening thunderstorm was a double delight.

First, I got to watch the light show from a rocker on the porch of my cozy camper cabin at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. To the north, lighting flashed and thunder rumbled over Goggins Mountain. To the south, patches of blue sky peeked through the clouds.

The deluge that followed overnight would have been a problem for a tent camper.

Camper cabins, which offer a comfortable compromise between a housekeeping cabin and a tent, are hot items at four state parks. Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Mark Twain state parks have six camper cabins, Stockton has five and Wappapello has four.

When the campground at Johnson’s Shut-Ins was relocated and rebuilt after the collapse of the AmerenUE Taum Sauk Reservoir in December 2005, six camper cabins were added on a hillside overlooking Beaver Pond.

The two-room cabins have a queen-sized bed in the bedroom and a futon in the kitchen. They have rustic wood furniture, including a dining table and chairs. They have electricity, heating and air conditioning, but do not include water or bathrooms. The central showerhouse and restrooms are a short walk away.

Each cabin has a ceiling fan, microwave/toaster, compact refrigerator and coffee pot. A porch bench and rocker, picnic table, lantern pole, pedestal grill and campfire grill are outside. Guests bring their own cooking and eating utensils, and bedding linens or sleeping bag.

The cabins at Johnson’s Shut-Ins were built on-site, while the cabins at the three other parks were prefabricated. The pre-made log cabins include a carpeted sleeping loft for the kids.

The camper cabins at Johnson’s Shut-Ins rent for $75, plus tax, per night. Rates at Stockton, Mark Twain and Wappapello are $65 a night, with some parks offering cheaper prices during the week and in the off-season. The parks recently started a “Cabins for Canines” program that allows dogs in designated cabins. Guests are provided with a kennel in case they have to leave the dog alone in the cabin. The charge is $15 a night per dog, with a limit of two dogs.

The rain at Johnson’s Shut-Ins let up at dusk in time to barbecue dinner, but picked up again overnight. The next morning, the sun highlighted the mist that encircled Goggins Mountain and hovered over Beaver Pond.

The promise of a beautiful day provided the second delight. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is in the heart of the lovely Arcadia Valley, which is one of the Ozarks best outdoor playgrounds. I knew many of its features would be at their best following a hard rain.

The shut-ins at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park are a roiling torrent after an overnight storm.

The main attraction at Johnson’s Shut-Ins is the Black River and its tumbling shut-ins. I started the morning with a short hike to the shut-ins, and found a roiling torrent. While waders play in the pools and chutes under normal conditions, only a whitewater kayaker in a helmet would dare venture now. The power of water, which had carved out the shut-ins in the ancient rhyolite rock, was an awesome sight.

I packed up and headed to nearby Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, where I soon was standing at Missouri’s highest point. From there, it was a 1.5-mile hike down to the base of Mina Sauk Falls, which is the state’s tallest at 132 feet and would be thundering after the two-inch rainfall.

The hike down was rugged. The rocky trail was turned into a creek by the rainwater, and even Gortex hiking boots soon were soaked. It passed through several glades that are gorgeous with wildflowers from spring through fall.

At the base of the falls, I scampered over the moss- and fern-covered boulders to get close enough to the bottom pool to be sprinkled by the spray. After a lunch break, I began the difficult climb back out on the three-mile loop, and was astonished to pass a hiker coming down in flip-flops.

One of the most scenic sections of the 350-mile Ozark Trail is from the top of Taum Sauk Mountain 13 miles to Johnson’s Shut-Ins, passing the base of the falls.

Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, hiked that section last year and wrote: “This hike is epic. The scenery is awesome. The terrain is formidable. The challenge is unparalleled in our park system. In fact, I have been fortunate to have hiked some legendary trails around the country, and this trail deserves its place among the best.”

I reviewed my own notes and found this: “The bottom of the falls, fueled by an overnight thunderstorm, was a green Garden of Eden. But this is a hard climb, in and out. Take your time and enjoy the marvelous views of the St. Francois Mountains. And don’t wear flip-flops.”

For information on camping and hiking in Missouri State Parks, visit MoStateParks.com.

Written by Tom Uhlenbrock, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks

Create your own signature scent at Makes Scents in Columbia.

There’s the Columbia you know: Mizzou, Shakespeare’s, The District, Harpo’s, The Columns, Columbia Mall. And then there’s those little things that are less known, less crowded … Columbia’s hidden treasures. We figured it’s time to share some of these lesser-known Columbia spots so you can check a few (or all of them!) out on your next visit.

Try a unique creation at Sparky’s.

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream: Located on 9^th Street in The District, Sparky’s is a small-batch homemade ice cream shop. Sure you’ll find vanilla and chocolate, but take a chance on more unique flavors such as lavender honey, carrot cake and maple bacon and you won’t be disappointed. On warm summer nights, the line is often out the door, but the wait is always worth it.

Makes Scents: Right next to Sparky’s is Makes Scents, the perfect spot for all sorts of good-smelling home and bath gifts (for others or yourself!). You can step right up to the counter and create your own signature scent with the help of the Makes Scents staff. That fragrance can be made into a perfume oil or body lotion.

The Candy Factory: Sitting on a friendly corner in The District is The Candy Factory, which has been churning out delectable chocolates and other candies for more than 30 years. Explore the baskets full of candies ranging from handmade truffles to taffy to chocolate pizza, a 1.5-pound confection covered in nuts, marshmallows and more chocolate.

Shelter Gardens: An oasis in the middle of Columbia, this gorgeous garden is free and open to the public. Spread out over five acres, Shelter Gardens is a serene spot to explore and features a waterfall, a replica of a 19^th century schoolhouse and more than 15,000 annuals and perennials.

Ragtag Cinema: Fans of independent film flock to Ragtag Cinema, which runs independent, alternative and documentary films all year. With two intimate theaters, Ragtag also is home to the Uprise Bakery, which features a bar. What’s better than a movie with snacks and a beer? Nothing, that’s what.

Some of these hidden treasures may not be new to you, but we hope there’s a least a couple for you to check off your list on your next visit to Columbia. We’ll see you there!

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Enter to win a Missouri Hidden Treasures Giveaway: http://VisitMOtreasures.com.

Written by Megan McConachie, Web and communications manager for the Columbia CVB

Games at Hammons Field, home of the AA Springfield Cardinals, are a sure sign of spring and summer in Missouri.

Spring, by definition, is the season of the year, occurring between winter and summer, during which the weather becomes warmer and plants revive – a time of growth and renewal.  In Springfield, the trees are green, the flowers are blooming and the mild winter has brought amazing opportunities to get out and enjoy some nature within the city.

Springfield is home to dozens of the most beautiful parks, trails and greenways you’ll ever see. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll, a scenic bike ride or a relaxing round of golf, the city has you covered.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Springfield

A trip to Springfield isn’t complete without a shopping excursion at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Restock your fishing and hunting gear, replace that old tent and sleeping bag – even learn a new skill during one of the free Outdoor Skills Workshops.  It’s fun for the whole family and guaranteed to make outdoor memories to last a lifetime. While there, enjoy the huge aquariums, indoor waterfall and museum-quality wildlife dioramas and other displays that make the store one of Missouri’s top tourist attraction with more than 4 million visitors a year.

A sure sign spring has arrived is when the Springfield Cardinals 2012 season is underway at Hammons Field. The Springfield Cardinals, AA affiliate of the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals, provides a surefire way to entertain the whole family. With ticket prices starting at $5.50, it’s also an affordable way to entertain the family, especially on special promotional nights.  This year, 10 games will feature a fireworks display and special giveaways.

Last year marked the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek where, on Aug. 10, 1861, army units clashed near Wilson’s Creek, the site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. The 1,750-acre Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is among the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Visitors to the battlefield can further understand the war and its impact through educational exhibits, a 27-minute film and a five-mile tour road with multiple interpretive stops along the way. In addition, walking trails lead to various sites within the battlefield, including the historic Ray House. Living-history demonstrations are presented on many weekends throughout the summer.

Flora and fauna lovers should check out the free Butterfly House and more than 20 gardens at the Springfield Botanical Center, which has more than 114 acres of specialty gardens, a playground and access to greenways trails.

Feed the giraffes at Dickerson Park Zoo.

The Dickerson Park Zoo is another great attraction for the whole family. The zoo and park offers a way to see hundreds of animals from around the world as well as beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds. Exhibits such as “Tropical Asia” and “Missouri Habitats” offer an up-close and personal view of animals and their natural habitats. The children’s playground, water feature, train ride and café provide additional opportunities to entertain the family on-site.

This is just a small sample of fun activities in Springfield. The city also has day spas and shopping, historical sites and tours, galleries and art displays, nightlife and dining, hiking trails and an ice park, wineries and a nature center, golf courses … the list goes on!

Learn more at www.VacationSpringfield.com or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767 to request a free Vacation Planning Kit. Also, be sure to download the free Springfield app for mobile devices available at www.VisitSpringfield.mobi or in your phone’s applications store.  The application features business listings, photos, navigation to sites around town, coupons and more.

We look forward to welcoming you to Springfield.

Written by Laura Whisler, marketing director for the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau

One hundred and fifty years ago, Hermann was a thriving wine community home to more than 60 wineries producing more than 100,000 gallons of wine. By the late 1880s, Hermann’s wineries were producing more than 2,000,000 gallons.

Before Prohibition, Missouri ranked No. 2 in the nation in wine production; it’s safe to say the history of our state’s wine industry runs deep. Today, Missouri is home to more than 115 wineries. So when you are out exploring our state’s rich heritage and visiting Missouri Civil War battle sites, stop in a winery and taste how far we’ve come in 150 years.

Let this regional list of battlefields and wineries serve as your tour guide. For a complete list of Missouri wineries and a winery map, or to download our handy app, visit MissouriWine.org.

Northwest Region Wineries

• Belvoir Winery – Liberty
• Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery – Excelsior Springs
• Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery – Platte City
• Ladoga Ridge Winery - Smithville
• Pirtle Winery – Weston
• Riverwood Winery – Rushville
• Stonehaus Farms Winery – Lee’s Summit
• Van Till Family Farm and Winery – Rayville

Battle sites with nearby wineries include:

• Westport, Battle of – Amigoni Urban Winery
• Independence, Battle of – Albonee Country Inn and Vineyards
• Lexington, Battle of (Battle of the Hemp Bales) – Fahrmeier Family Vineyards

Central and Northeast Region Wineries

• Cooper’s Oak Winery – Higbee
• Bushwhacker Bend Winery – Glasgow
• Les Bourgeois Winery & Vineyards – Rocheport
• Summit Lake Winery – Jefferson City

Battle sites with nearby wineries include:

• Boonville, First Battle of – Cooper’s Oak Winery

 Southeast Region Wineries:

• Buck Mountain Winery and Vineyard – Doe Run
• Cave Vineyard – Ste. Genevieve
• Charleville Vineyards – Ste. Genevieve
• Chaumette Vineyards & Winery – Ste. Genevieve
• Durso Hills – Marquand
• Hemman Winery – Brazeau
• Sainte Genevieve Winery – Ste. Genevieve
• Sand Creek Vineyard – Farmington
• St. Francois Vineyards – Park Hills
• The Barrens Winery – Perryville
• Thousand Oaks Winery – Marble Hill
• Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery – Farmington
• Weingarten Vineyard – Ste. Genevieve

Battle sites with nearby wineries include:

• Cape Girardeau, Battle of – Hunter Valley Winery

• Fredericktown, Battle of – Vance Vineyards & Winery

Southwest Region Wineries:

• 7C’s Winery – Walnut Grove
• Lewsi Winery – Galena
• Mount Pleasant Winery- Branson
• Stone Hill Winery – Branson
• Whispering Oaks Vineyard & Winery – Seymour
• Williams Creek Winery – Mount Vernon

Battle sites with nearby wineries include:

• Springfield, First Battle of (Zagonyi’s Charge) – OOVVDA Winery

• Springfield, Second Battle of (Battle of Springfield) – OOVVDA Winery

Written by Danene Beedle, marketing director for the Missouri Wine and Grape Board

The wait is almost over! The US Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District announced the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Dewey Short Visitor Center in Branson will take place this Friday, April 27.

The center is located at 4600 State Highway 165, next to the Table Rock Lake dam, and the ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. The realistic appearance of the visitor center makes it look like it is built into the natural bluffs and the landscaping and “green” features are fantastic.

Here’s a look at some of the features that have allowed this Class A facility to qualify for a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) GOLD certification:

• Building materials: Materials were chosen considering their environmental impact, with an emphasis on nontoxic, recycled content, locally sourced and manufactured.

• Water-efficient landscape:  Site drainage and water quality is managed through a series of rain gardens and dry streams winding their way through the native landscape.

• Geothermal heating and cooling system: The lake is an existing resource that plays a key role in the building’s HVAC system. The building utilizes a water-to-water heat pump, which incorporates an exchange loop that dumps heat to the lake in the summer and picks up heat from the lake in the winter.

• Day lighting/natural light: Thermal pane insulated glass is used throughout the facility. Fluorescent lighting is installed to supplement natural light.

• Green housekeeping: Environmentally preferable products will be used for cleaning the facility. Power-cleaning equipment meets standard Green Cleaning criteria. Use of recycled paper and plastic products helps conserve natural resources.

At the center, large glass walls provide views of lake and dam, while featured exhibits include a two-story waterfall cascading down the face of a limestone bluff, native flora and fauna displays. Another display, a rowboat filled with circa 1940s home furnishing, depicts family’s attempt to escape rising flood waters prior to the construction of Table Rock Dam.

Take a look around Fredericktown,as you enter from Highway 67, and enjoy local produce and crafts at the Madison County Farmer’s Market.  Opening on Friday, April 27, local growers and crafters will be available 2 p.m.-7 p.m. every Friday through October at a building adjacent to Gifford Lumber Company, located at 149 Commercial Drive. Before you continue to explore, stop by GT Express and YKnot Diner to fill your tank and enjoy some great food.  If you’re in a hurry, call ahead and try the new drive-up window for YKnot Diner: 573-561-2500.

One of the highlights of summer in Fredericktown is our annual Azalea Festival.  “May Time Is Azalea Time”… and you won’t want to miss this year’s festivities as we celebrate 50 years of family fun!  Throughout the weekend (always the first full weekend in May) May 4-6, 2012, there is a variety of entertainment including Johnny Fever; events and happenings will include historic sites open with reenactors in period dress at Battle of Fredericktown Civil War Museum, Berryman Cabin and Captain’s Creek Log School.  If history isn’t your style, there will be pig races, a mini-rod tractor pull, an antique tractor pull, an abundance of crafts and food, carnival rides, and more. Visit the Madison County Chamber of Commerce website for a full schedule of events for this exciting weekend.

During the Azalea Festival, join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Fitness for All Children – Project Happy Feet Playground, which is designed to allow children with disabilities to play with everyone else. As there are no other playgrounds like this within 100 miles, we truly feel it’s a benefit not only to Fredericktown, but to the region as a whole. The ribbon cutting is 10 a.m. on May 5; the playground is located on North Main Street, in Azalea Park.

If you join us by way of Highway 72, from Jackson/Cape Girardeau area, you’ll enjoy visiting Twisting V Grille at Vance Vineyards just before you get into town. They have delicious food and great entertainment, plus wine tasting and a beautiful setting to relax.

As you continue to explore Madison County, you’ll enjoy visiting Cherokee Pass where you can fill up your gas tank at Cherokee Pass Mobile Station and then continue down Route A to historic Marquand. Once you’re in Marquand, stop by Marquand Market for a delicious meal or some deli items and relax in the beautiful city park. We are truly blessed in Madison County to have a variety of outdoor recreation areas to enjoy. Stop by the Chamber Office to get your brochures or call ahead of time to plan your visit by receiving a visitor’s packet.

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Missouri Hidden Treasure: When you enter historic, downtown Fredericktown, you find one of our many hidden treasures – The Loft: Community Arts Center, located above the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 120 W. Main St. Stop by to enjoy art created by local artists in a variety of painting techniques, photography, sculptures, pottery, quilting and more. There is also a display created by local students.

Enter to win a Missouri Hidden Treasures Giveaway: http://VisitMOtreasures.com.

Written by Sandy Francis, executive director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce

We’re not the only ones who see it that way.

Mike Cook, owner of Mikes Unique Collectible and Antique Flea Market in Springfield, says Missouri has become the go-to resource for antique lovers and treasure hunters around the country, especially during the last two to three years.

“We are the destination for antique and treasure hunters for the whole United States,” Cook says.

Cook believes shows such as History Channel’s “American Pickers” have helped people realize items they take for granted as worthless have actual value – especially to someone else.

“The shows are showing people they may have treasures at home they don’t know about,” adds Cook. “It’s a treasure hunt; it’s a quest. It gives people something to do.”

One of the best things about antique shopping in Missouri is value, Cook says, adding prices for antiques in Missouri are much lower than in other states. He’s seen instances of antique dealers, from bordering Oklahoma to as far as Idaho, come to Missouri to buy merchandise, only to mark it up and re-sell it at their stores.

But in Missouri, antique dealers know how to show their customers a good deal, which is important.

“People aren’t buying as much as they used to,” Cook says, “and when they do buy, they want to get the best deal they can get.”

Cook, who worked construction for 30 years before going into the antique business with “no experience,” says he’s even been caught unaware of an item’s value more than a few times.

“I’ve sold items where (the customer) has said, ‘Do you know what this is?’ and I’ll say, ‘No.’ Then they enlighten me and … well, we’ve sold some really high-dollar stuff for next to nothing,” he says.

Missouri is home to countless antique stores such as Mikes, and shops are located in every region of the state, meaning there truly is treasure everywhere. Check out VisitMO.com to find antique shops (and a few other retail locations) in your area, or the area in which you’ll be traveling.

Even if antiques aren’t your thing, you’re sure to find a Hidden Treasure of some kind, from a museum to a retail shop to an incredible natural wonder, in Missouri.

To learn more about Missouri’s Hidden Treasures, see the special insert in the May/June issue of Midwest Living magazine (or view a PDF copy here). Don’t forget to sign up for our Missouri Hidden Treasures contest; you could win a fantastic Missouri getaway. There’s also a $500 gift card from SIMON malls up for grabs.

To learn more about antique shopping in Missouri, go to VisitMO.com; keyword search “shopping malls/antique shops.”