My family has lived in Missouri forever. We have traveled all the little winding roads and stopped at all the odd places. Some worth the time and others hopefully I can help you drive on past. There is a lot more around here other then Branson, but it depends on your taste. Hopefully I will slowly cover something for everyone.
What to do?
If you are coming to southern Missouri you are most likely going to be doing some driving since that is the only way to get around. If you are planning a trip to Branson there is plenty to do there and you will have no problems finding several family friendly and budget friendly things to keep you busy. It is the rest of the trip I will try to help you to plan. If you are simply new to the area I hope to help you find what is out there. There are several things that you would want to check out if you are in the area, but I by no means would except anyone to plan their vacation around these items. Even people who live in southern Missouri consider some of our festivals a little too country for their liking.
Great Stuff on Amazon
The Unofficial Guide to Branson, Missouri
Amazon Price: (as of 01/07/2010) 
The Cheapskate Guide To Branson, Missouri: Hotels, Entertainment, Restaurants, Special Events, and More
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 01/07/2010)
Joplin: From Mining Town to Urban Center : An Illustrated History
Amazon Price: (as of 01/07/2010)
The history of St. Philip's Church, Joplin, Missouri: An illustrated history
Amazon Price: (as of 01/07/2010)
Getting around Missouri
- Joplin, Missouri tourist site
- This is great to let you know all the small things you might miss in the area. I really like the calender of events. It includes a lot more then just the town of Joplin.
- The Old Route 66 Drive In
- For those that don't remember the drive in and those who loved it back when they were everywhere here is one of the survivors. It will give you a schedule during their playing season.
- Trip Planner
- I love the trip planner on this site.
- Pick your own
- How to find where to pick your own foods in Missouri.
- Laura Wilder's home in Mansfield
- The home where Laura lived most of her adult life.
- Precious Moments
- Shows details of what you can find in Carthage.
Things to do only if you are already here
Don't make the drive just for this, but it might be fun
There a lot of little towns that all want to have their own special day. To get exact days check the Joplin website above.
- Annual Apple Butter Makin' Days
Yes, it really exsits
Mount Vernon, MO
One weekend every Fall - Barnyard Days
A lot of arts and crafts, but you can find that all over the area.
Circle R Ranch outside Joplin, MO
One weekend every fall - Bluegrass Festival
There is a lot going on, but the big thing for the residents is the Chili cookoff. They take it very seriously.
Carl Junction, MO
One Saturday every fall - Maple Leaf Festival
A beautiful town to see. The biggest parade of the area is during this festival.
Carthage, MO
One weekend every fall - Dickens Christmas Faire & Parade
This city is known for its flowers, so you miss something is you come in the winter.
Neosho, MO
One Saturday every December
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Reader Feedback
Let me know if there is something else that interests you and I will be happy to see that it is added or just tell me what you think.
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- Ms_Appleseed Ms_Appleseed Sep 7, 2007 @ 7:53 am
- Hurray for small towns! Thanks for sharing about Missouri. Drop by and say Hey at my Small Town Biz ! lens if you get a minute.
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- Ms_Appleseed Ms_Appleseed Mar 12, 2007 @ 9:23 am
- Any interesting business or crafts people in your small town? I am interested in helping follks in small towns make a living. I love small towns! Kudos to you for promoting your place! (We love Branson)
Ideas for families
- Route 66 drive
- George Washington Carver park near Diamond
- Precious Moments in Carthage
You will either love it or hate it. You'll have to decide if your kids would care or not. - Bass Pro in Springfield
- Fredrickon Farms in Carl Junction
Open in the spring for strawberries
and fall for pumpkins. Weekends you pick them yourself and they have special fall events.
See the pick your own website. - Laura Ingalls Wilder Home in Mansfield, MO
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Missouri Large Mug
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Missouri Revolution Army Jr. Ringer T-Shirt
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Ozark-American Women's Tank Top
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Views of Lake of the Ozarks Small Framed Print
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by Missourismalltownlife
Hello, I'm a stay at home mom in a small town in Missouri. My family has traveled all over this area and maybe I can give you a hand at finding t...
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