Around Missouri

Well, since I told you a little about my area, around Columbia, thought I'd tell you a little more about another area of Missouri.

This is the South West corner of Missouri...not far, as you can see, from Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

I guess, I'll begin with Lebanon, close to the NE corner of the map, on I-44, or what is better known as Route 66, that travels from Chicago to California...through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona. "Get your kicks on Route 6 6" Lebanon, is where I spent the majority of my childhood, and later teen years. I graduated from high school in Lebanon...home of the Yellowjackets. My parents, and Uncle still live here, as did my Granny, up until her death last year. I consider it "home". Just north of Lebanon, on Hwy 5, you see Camdenton....this is the beginning of what is considered to be the Lake of the Ozarks area, which you hear me talk so much about. Lee and I lived at the Lake for 11 yrs. You can see part of the lake on the map.

Traveling West on Hwy 54 out of Camdenton, you will come to El Dorado Springs. This is where my best friend in the world lives...Cheri. We have been friends for 28 yrs. West of El Dorado...os Navada. Now, in Missouri, it is Navada... pronouncing the "va", as in "day". The state Navada, the "va" being pronounced as in "dad". Anyway, Navada is where U.S. President Harry Truman was born. I believe he may be burried there too...I'm just not sure...or possibly Independence, which is where he lived.

South of Nevada, you will come to Carthage. Now, Carthage isn't a very big town, but it is one that produces something very, very famous...."Precious Moments". This is where Precious Moments figurines are manufactured. They have a beautiful park there..so I've been told. I unfortunately, haven't been...but my kids have gone there before...visiting with my parents. It is definately a must see if you're ever in Missouri.
http://www.preciousmoments.com/

Then there's Joplin...not that I know much about it, but it has produced a few famous people.... Dennis Weaver, who played on the old TV series, Gunsmoke, and also Mc Cloud...the NY police officer that like to ride his horse down the streets of Manhattan...lol The actress, Kathleen Turner, is also from Joplin. Back east again, on I-44...Brings you to Springfield. Springfield is the 3rd largest city in Missouri.... St. Louis, KC, Springfield. The last I knew, which has been several years ago, it had a population of about 225,000. That was probably 20 yrs. or so ago, so I'm sure it is close to the 300,000 mark by now. Somemore famous people came from Springfield...I guess the newest and most popular being Brad Pitt. He graduated high school there, and attended college there. The TV show host Bob Barker...The Price is Right, is also from Springfield.

South of Springfield, is the famous Country & Western spot in Missouri....Branson. It is home to many big top stars in the music industry. Wayne Newton, Andy Williams, Roy Clark, Ray Stevens, among others, have theaters there, and perform there regularly. It's also home to a well know and popular amusement park in Missouri, called "Silver Dollar City", focusing on the "olden days", 1800's, the days of blacksmiths, horse and buggy...etc. It is a great to place to visit too, if you're in this area..along with it's beautiful lakes, and great fishing, not to mention all set in the middle of the beaurifulOzark Mountains.

So...guess that's about it for this area...Maybe I'll pick out another section of Missouri in a few days, and share it with you.

Hope you've enjoyed your little tour!

Much love,
Lev