Worth a stop if you are getting married here, attending a wedding here, or are already in the area…read more I would not drive out of my way like some of the angry people who one-starred this spot, but to each their own. What it is - A beautiful chapel in the mountains of Arkansas. One man's dream that he almost didn't complete. Now it is a beautiful example of his dream fulfilled and a great spot for your wedding ceremony. I didn't get married here, but my introduction to this chapel was a wedding 25 years ago, where I was the best man. I came back over the holiday with my kids. We arrived, and there was a sign notifying us that a ceremony was going on, so we came back on a different day. It was just as beautiful as I remembered. It is truly a site to behold. What it isn't - Remember when I said a ceremony was going on when we first arrived? This is a place where people get married. If you were getting married and some yahoo from Louisiana showed up with his two kids dressed casually, you wouldn't particularly like it. So don't drive from far away and definitely don't try to interrupt someone's wedding.

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (2 of 2)…read more - - - - - You may not know Thorncrown Chapel by its name, but you've most likely seen photos of it. It's a major example of "less is more" and "good things come in small packages." Thorncrown Chapel is a latticed timber structure - a nondenominational chapel that is Christian in its inspiration - sitting in the hilly, wooded terrain just outside of bohemian Eureka Springs, Arkansas. You will have to look for its small roadway from the highway to visit it. To say that it might resemble a popsicle stick model would be reductionist, but there is this affect in the way it looks. The difference is that the chapel is all about carefully selected, shaped, and connected wood members that make it a significant place in the world of American architecture. It was designed by the states's native son E. Fay Jones. He was the recipient of numerous awards, as is Thorncrown Chapel. The chapel is enclosed in glass. This brings in and keeps out the surroundings and elements, respectively. Sitting in here is a very serene experience. One could worship if they want - its scheme is a Christian one - or could just savor the silence. However, there is soothing instrumental music playing in the background that could intersect with today's new age variety. I thought that was humorous. They do not charge an entrance fee. They didn't when I visited. However, they do ask for donations and, if you visited, you should make a donation. There was a person on hand to answer questions. There might be events here, causing the chapel to open and close for short periods. One typical event might be a wedding. Closer to the entrance and away from the chapel is an office that tends to such affairs. Whether to visit Thorncrown Chapel garners the answer, "It depends." It is at the northwestern border of the state, just outside of Eureka Springs and below the Missouri border. However, it is far from Little Rock and Hot Springs, though not absurdly far from Fayetteville, home of the University of Arkansas. You will inevitably combine your visit with a visit to Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs is an artsy community shoehorned into a hilly mountain town that has restaurants, coffeehouses, gift shops, and the like ... and most likely garden variety stoners who work at these places. Think Nevada City, CA, Sedona, AZ, Galena, IL, Saratoga Springs, NY, and similar granolafied towns thrown into the middle of rural (and more conservative) America. I got derailed discussing Eureka Springs and its hippie vibe. If, to you, the distance is reasonable and doable, do visit Thorncrown Chapel. It's an interesting and unique mix of contextual, transparent, simple, and yet complex.

This was such a fun and unique stop along our road trip. Had no idea what to expect but we kept…read moreseeing signs along the road so figured why not stop in. You go down a very long winding road to get down to the entrance gate of the castle. Pay a small fee to get in. The lady gave us a nicely detailed story about the history of the castle before we were able to go in and explore on our own. She was very sweet and gave lots of interesting info! The castle is beautiful. Every item so intricatly detailed and full of hand picked rocks and stones. Defintely worth a visit to wander around and appreciate the details of everything

Amazing home. Interesting history. I'm so glad I took time to check it out. There's nothing like…read moreit anywhere!

The world's largest fork in Springfield, Missouri is the kind of roadside oddity that makes you…read morestop, stare, and wonder who got really hungry during a city planning meeting. At 35 feet tall and 11 tons of stainless steel, it's less a utensil and more a chrome exclamation point stabbed into the sidewalk.

Fantastic. Accessible. Impressive - visit more than once…read more - - - - - - - - August, 2024 Visit We discovered the World's Largest Fork, on the south side of town, in 2020... and it is large! The fork is some 35 feet tall... it is located on Chesterfield Avenue... Location... the south side of Springfield, MO... the James River Freeway circles Springfield... at the southern point / intersection is with the S. Kansas Expressway... go one road north... turn left onto Chesterfield Blvd... the fork is less than a quarter mile away, on the right side... the road gently turns left... as it begins to turn back to the right, you'll need to turn right there... and then you'll see it. According to Atlas Obscura, and Roadside America, this is no longer the tallest but it is second tallest and the fork with the largest mass "At 35 feet high, the fork rise in front of a three-story building occupied by Noble and Associates, a Springfield ad agency. Although no longer the world's tallest -- it was bested by a 37-foot-high fork in Oregon in 2022 -- it remains, at 11,000 pounds, the world's heaviest." Roadside America shares: "Our own local associates tell us that in 1998 the fork stood in front of a restaurant that failed on South Glenstone, in otherwise booming Springfield. The ad agency hauled the fork across town to its new office building, where it's been ever since. Noble does a lot of work for the food service and retail industry, so in that respect the fork makes sense." Thank you to any and all, at the now closed original restaurant, at the Noble and Associates ad agency, and any/all who helped relocate this treasure! We've now visited twice and we'll visit again! ----- -----

Y bridge - one of 3 in the world! Beautiful view of the James River and a unique spot!read more

This is an amazing experience. First parking was very accessible, and the entry signs were easy to…read morenavigate. The crew members at the beginning were helpful, and very informative. The tour is self guided, but there is an audio tour available. We learned that there were many interesting stories of entrepreneurs and investors. My grandson wanted to go here and really got a lot of great information. The gift shop was price reasonably and very well stocked. Awesome visit

This does seem a little sudden and weird but after a revisit of the Titanic Museum I just came back…read moreto say that it is still an amazing attraction. It is really informational and you can learn lots going here. They did an amazing job recreating the Titanic and protecting the artifacts, and most topics about the history were covered. Minus one star because if I died on the Titanic I think I would haunt everybody working the gift shop because 3/4 of the items being sold were actually ludicrous. Of course, I'm not going to name all of them but just know that they aren't the most respectful to victims. It's a nice place to stop by if you're touring Branson, it's a one of a kind exhibit. I wouldn't go again just because I already know the feel of it, but it's great for first timers.

It is a giant foot, as if someone is buried upside down up to their ankles and only one foot shows…read moreabove ground. It's an interesting and highly detailed sculpture. The artwork is by James Hall, titled "The Defeat of Bigfoot" and the caption on the base reads, "The foot. Our most simple and wonderful means of locomotion. The load bearer of the transportation world, my feet often make me aware of their presence when traveling our beloved Greenways trails. Soreness aside, this sculpture is just my way of saying, "Look around, absorb the wonder of it all, and check your feet in here at the corner." Parking is limited here but I was able to pull into a nearby office building's lot for a moment and walk over to the foot. [Review 642 of 2024 - 334 in Missouri - 21673 overall]

Historic C-Street is pretty nice. It's lined with all the trappings of urban life, nice…read morerestaurants, coffee shops, and even a pedestrian bridge that's closed rn because of covid. It's worth a stroll to take in some of the city's atmosphere. Did you know that this year is C-Street's 150th anniversary.

I have such a soft spot in my heart for Commercial Street, but it's not a guilty pleasure kind of…read morething because this historic street holds its own. Since moving to Springfield five years ago for college, I've seen it grow from a relatively unsafe (and generally un-fun) place to hang out to one of Queen City's most successfully revamped neighborhoods. What I personally love about Commercial Street is the almost magical sense of history that exists down there. From a renovated firehouse, to a long line of brick buildings in various states of repair, to the ol' footbridge (I wouldn't recommend setting foot on the other side of the latter, just FYI), everything on this block had a serious sense of purpose at one point in time. A local historian could go on about it much more than I could, but I do know that it used to be where Springfield's original train station was back when everything was all sepia-toned. The best reasons to visit what myself and friends call C-Street today are for the restaurants, cafés and miscellaneous eateries old and new; they sit next door to each other despite some being incredibly diverse and others being classically American. Also, the scattering of small barbers, antique shops and modern marketing firms is neat to see as well. While the blocks immediately surrounding C-Street are still a little less than safe after dark, the street itself is now a place I enjoy being at any hour of the day or evening. Despite what you may hear from locals who still think C-Street is the C-Street of 2010, 2014 C-Street is a great place to be and it's getting better by the month. I dig it. You should too.

fascinating history, sadly the corps of enineers tore down the old hotel tower a couple years ago…read more the amphitheater can be seen. moreso when the water is down, and a few foundations. nice to imagine, sad to actually see..

This is most certainly a local gem. Seeing a sunset here is truly magical - the gritty, spray…read morepainted building contrasts with the light reflecting off the water. The building itself is gated and locked off, so you can't explore inside, but it's still a very unique view from afar.

If you have even the slightest appreciation for Civil War history, Pea Ridge National Military Park…read moreis an absolute must-visit. This battlefield marks the site of the March 7-8, 1862 clash that ultimately secured Missouri for the Union--one of the most pivotal and underrated battles west of the Mississippi. Walking these grounds, it's hard not to feel the weight of what happened here--over 23,000 soldiers fought across these rolling Ozark hills, woods, and fields. What makes this park stand out is how incredibly well-preserved it is. You're not just looking at history--you're standing in it. The 7-mile driving tour is perfectly laid out with multiple stops, including the reconstructed Elkhorn Tavern (the heart of the battle), and scenic overlooks that give you a true sense of troop movements and terrain. The visitor center is worth your time too--don't skip the short film unless you already have Civil War troop movements memorized like a general. It gives great context before you explore. Bonus points: * Peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere (feels almost sacred) * Beautiful hiking trails through historic ground * You can literally walk portions of the Trail of Tears here--history layered on history Whether you're a hardcore history buff or just someone who enjoys a meaningful outdoor experience, this place delivers. It's quiet, powerful, and honestly... one of those spots that sticks with you long after you leave.

Very interesting history of a pivotal civil war battle. The film at the museum was fascinating and…read moredone very well. Even though the exhibit is small, it's though provoking to drive through and think about what soldiers on each side went through. There are even bathrooms at Elkhorn tavern !