Missouri Life September 2023

CONTENTS

September 2023

40

FEATURES 30 Roadside Stands A new generation of entrepreneurs is embracing an old-fashioned idea and reinventing the concept of the roadside market. 36 Magnificent Murals Towns across the state tell the stories of their past and woo intrigued visitors through the oversized art form of murals. 40 50-Mile Adventures 44 The Coffee Kings St. Louis has a surprisingly robust history as a coffee capitol. Pour yourself a cup and meet the men who brewed up a big business. DEPARTMENTS 10 Letters A north Missouri fair stakes its claim to bragging rights and an out-of-state reader becomes a Norton believer. Good conversation, gritty determination, and lots of laughs are on the itinerary for this canoeing, biking, and hiking experience.

COLUMNS 8 My Missouri Life When you lack a knack for growing vegetables in your garden, knowing where to find the freshest produce is the next best thing. Trends may evolve from year to year, but our state’s best wines always rise to the top at the Missouri Wine Competition. 56 Musings on Life How do you choose between candidates who appear to be past their prime? Ron Marr suggests some must-see TV. 58 No Place Like Home What difference does an hour make? Lorry Myers shares the secret for finding fulfillment and forging lasting connections in just one hour a week. 55 Wine Dog

18 Artist

SEPTEMBER 2023

A politically complicated journey brings a marble statue of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton from the United States Capitol to the State Historical Society of Missouri’s art gallery. A University of Missouri professor reminds us that our idea of history is just a blink of the eye as he delves into the concept of deep time. As summer takes her last bows and autumn steps in, our calendar fills up with 84 fairs, festivals, and other events you’ll fall for. Dr. Beth Hakala explains how she, a busy emergency room physician, became a passionate protector of 300 abused and neglected donkeys, horses, and mules.

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

Fresh takes on tradition Roadside Markets

22 Books

4 DAYS OF ADVENTURE 84 SEPTEMBER EVENTS OUR COFFEE CAPITOL 10 MURALS IN 6 TOWNS ON THE COVER

DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30

12 Discover

$5.99

MISSOURILIFE.COM

A Civil War battlefield is set to get a prestigious national designation, and a new book showcases a colorful history. Nawab’s Indian Cuisine delights Springfield area diners with enticing and sometimes surprising flavors. National Audio Company has found success as one of only a few companies that still manufacture cassette tapes.

63 Events Calendar

Erma Evans of Three Chicks & Co. sells eggs at the Gower area business she runs with

14 Find Dining

her two older sisters. COVER PHOTO: LAURA EVANS

74 Conversation

DREAM, EXPLORE, & DISCOVER

16 Made in Missouri

MISSOURI LIFE, Vol. 50, No.6, 2023 (USPS#020181; ISSN#1525-0814) Published eight times a year in January, March, May, June, July, September, October, and November by Missouri Life Inc., PO Box 57, 208 Columbia Street, Rocheport, MO 65279 for $21.99. Periodicals Postage paid at Rocheport, Missouri, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Missouri Life, PO Box 57, Rocheport, MO 65279. © 2023 Missouri Life. All rights reserved.

JOHN URHAHN

5 / SEPTEMBER 2023