Firefall .... A Concert in the Sky

I have heard about this Firefall event hosted by the city parks department ever since the first week I arrived in Springfield. For the last 2 times we have allowed the opportunity to pass without regard. This year however, I think we have caught the American Independence Spirit. We decided that this would be our year. The event takes place near the Springfield Airport and so we headed out for the short drive across the city. I am not sure what we expected but I know what we found. An $8 fee for a carload and a massive gathering of families all gathered in a big open farming field, sitting in their lawn chairs and listening to local bands set up on a grand stage. The great gathering was encircled by many fair style food vending wagons which included my favorite carnival food, the giant corn dog.

Although the food and music was nice and relaxing, we of course were gathered for a "concert in the sky"as they put it. A concert was indeed what we got. Not only was the fireworks truly a joy to experience the show was accompanied by the Springfield Symphony playing tunes in sync with the exploding fireworks.

The event came at a great time as we just entered our Summer Break. Certainly a wonderful way to begin our short, but well needed, vacation from class.

photos obtained from www.news-leader.com

Springfield's World Record "The Giant Fork"

In front of the 3-story building inhabited by Noble & Associates, a Springfield ad agency, the "World's Largest Fork" is appropriately stuck in a garden of leafy greens. . Originally placed in front of a restaurant that failed on South Glenstone, it was purchased and moved to its current location. The brick and glass building is the company's "Idea Center" -- Noble does a lot of work for the food service and retail industry, so the fork makes sense...

There are no signs directing anyone to this magnificent monstrosity yet it is not far from the Forest campus and so I tend to bring any of our visitors to see our local claim to fame. This week my sweetheart's grandpa got to cast his eyes on the biggest utensil ever.

The 35 foot stainless steal fork is certainly a sight to see.

World's Largest Fork
Address: 2215 W Chesterfield Blvd, Springfield, MO

Directions: From FIPP go East on Battlefield then turn south on Kansas Expressway after about one block; turn right on W. Chesterfield. Turn right on Cox and then into the Noble & Associates parking lot on the right.

Springfield's 4th Replaces a Mall

When I first arrived in Springfield there were 2 malls, one we shopped in and one we avoided. We no longer have to worry about avoiding the North Town Mall anymore however, it no longer stands. What is left behind is far from a vacant lot, in fact, in it's place is a massive, energy efficient, 184,212 square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Although this is a new Supercenter it is actually just an upgrade from the store pictured above. It was the last of the regular Wal-Marts left in Springfield. With the Grand Opening of Springfield's newest Supercenter the count is now up to 4, one on each corner of the city. I know some are not big fans of this retailing giant, but I have a very long and personal history with Wal-Mart. Because of this I could not be anything but ecstatic that this Superstore was opening it's doors today. You can of course bet on the fact that I was there, opening day, to enjoy all 184,212 square feet.

Short Drive for a Fantastic Adventure

A short drive north of the city limits will bring you to a world away from the hum drum of graduate school. It is not too often one can find a nearby place to go to simply sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride through a majestic series of underworld artistry. In fact there is only one place in America, it happens to be right here in Springfield at "Fantastic Caverns".

Our family finally decided to see just how fantastic this cavern really was and to our surprise we loved the adventure. For a wonderful 40 minute tour we entered a massive cavern carried on a red Jeep drawn tram. We learned the extrodinary history of the cave and many scientific facts regarding cave formations. We truly enjoyed our relaxing tour of Fantastic Caverns so much that we paid the additional $5 to upgrade our single tour ticket to an annual pass. Well worth the money.

A 99cent Foot of Chocolate in Historic Branson

My family loves Branson, I mean LOVES BRANSON!!
We visit this tourist town as often as time and resources will allow. The Memorial Day weekend provided us another opportunity. This time we decided to finally check out the Historic Downtown area. We had often passed through this part of Branson but never stopped to actually check it out. This was finally the day.

Along with the many variety type shops and tourist stuff shops we found candy stores, desert shops, diners, and even a theater advertising an Elvis Show. The atmosphere was far removed from the "Branson Strip" which is full of flashing lights, high priced shows, and chain restaurants. The Historic Downtown area was a more relaxed step back from the long lines of traffic. For me it was the advertised "Foot of Chocolate" for 99 cents that I was most interested in. The Fudge Shop honored their ad, in a rather strange way.

I am not sure what I was expecting when I dropped down my crisp dollar bill, but a foot of chocolate is what I got. In fact it was a foot print shaped piece of chocolate on a stick. I was well satisfied with my purchase. As for the downtown area...... we decided we liked the fast paced, flashing light atmosphere of the strip.

Rib Fest all month long....

If it is not root beer that gets me through those stressful times in graduate school it is food. Springfield has no shortage of food establishments. Most are chains but there are some very unique local restaurants that are certainly noteworthy. However, in the month of May there is one chain that warrants much homage. I had never come across this chain in all my previous travels until I arrived here in Missouri and now I can't imagine a restaurant scene without it.

Rib Crib serves up some the best "St. Louis Style" ribs around but that is not the best part. For the entire month of May from 4pm-10pm a person can land as many ribs and sides they can eat for one low price, $10.99!!!!!!!! I don't even think I could cook ribs at home for that price.

Since we arrived here in Missouri we have made it a point to stop in during the month of May to take part in this tasty festival. I like to call it "Rib Therapy" but they call it "Rib Fest". There are 2 locations here in Springfield, our favorite is the one by the Clinic, they have been sponsors of the RJM Clinic Golf Tournament in past years.

If you miss Rib Fest spare no stress..... they have all you can eat rib night every Tuesday from 4pm-10pm.

To learn more about Rib Crib check out their web site http://www.ribcrib.com/

Missing the Fish....especially the Shark

Springfield has many relatively unknown gems when it comes to things to do. There was one attraction that drew my attention from the first day I arrived in this city, Wonders of Wildlife. This museum offered both a massive fresh water as well as a salt water aquarium along with so many other habitats and interactive displays. We purchased a year pass and used it nearly every week. I truly enjoyed being able to take my sweetheart and our daughters to just go and sit and watch the sea life. I think watching the sharks was my personal favorite but the Large Mouth Bass was also very relaxing.

We renewed our pass back in August but to our surprise we showed up one day for our weekly visit and to our disappointment there was a sign on the door. They had closed the museum for renovations. As time has passed I have come to learn that they are going to be closed for a very long time. In a strange way I am experiencing a very real and personal loss. I have heard that Bass Pro has actually assumed ownership of the museum and so I have hopes that the renovations will be worth the wait. When they reopen the doors I would highly encourage you to see for yourself. For updates check out their website: Wonders of Wildlife