I had the Beef tips special. It was delicious. The other 4…read morehad the patty melt special. All was great. Our server Laurie was fantastic!

Roaring river is a great place! they have bathrooms electric access a Hatchery that YOU CAN SEE!!!…read moreif you love fishing it's definitely for you accessible docks and swimming area nice scenery and cheapish

What a gem in little ole Ottawa county Oklahoma! If you've never been on a tour of the Coleman…read moreTheatre, it's a must see! I can't believe this was my first time. The history is fantastic! It's stunning inside. I hope to come back and see some kind of production in the future. They give excellent tours. Definitely check this out if you're cruising Route 66!

Absolutely Gorgeous!…read more This theater was built in one year by businessman George Coleman Sr. because he wanted vaudville to come to Miami, OK. That's pronounced "My-am-uh" The outside is notable. The inside is palacial. Gifted to the city by the decendant of the original owner, the city thought to knock it down. It was in need of restoration and the city did not have the funds. Local citizens banded together to save this theater from demolition doing repairs themselves, a little at a time as the money trickled in. Boy has that labor of love been worth it! The original 1928 Wurlitzer organ was sold after the advent of modern movies when it was no long necessary for live music to accompany films. During the restoration process a stranger overheard a conversation about locating the origial organ to reinstall it at the theater. This stranger knew who owned that organ! After much fundraising, the original organ is back in it's place. The theater has remained open through the years for vaudville, stars of stage and screen performed here, movies from silent era to today, community theater group performances and they host the local elementary school Christmas concerts. Volunteer docents give tours of the lobby and theater to visitors. There is no fee, but they accept donations toward continued restoration. Definitely worth a visit.

Somber memorial in a park…read more The Memorial was erected in honor of of the citizens who perished during the tragic tornado that ripped through Joplin MO on the evening of May 22, 2011. The category EF-5 rated multiple-vortex twister devastated Joplin and killed 158 people. All their names were inscribed alphabetically by last name on the plaque. It was the deadliest U.S. tornado since 1947 causing billions in damages. The tornado was a mile-wide wall of black swirling wind... I couldn't even imagine. It's so sad. There were 1,150 injuries caused by the tornado as well. Next to the memorial is a fountain enclosed by a white fence. It was a little tricky to find it but near the children's park parking lot you have to go down a small slope and you will see the small memorial. It wasn't immediately visible to the eye as we were driving to look for it. Review #1950

This older marker stands in a highway rest area next to some government offices. It is easily…read moreaccessible from US-49 should you want to park to read the marker. The front reads, "Neosho is named from the Osage Indian word, Ni-u-zhu (Main River). Settled about 1833 near 3 large springs, Neosho became the seat of Newton County, 1839. Upon the Ozark tableland prairies of the area, an "Eden of Fertility," settlers from many states and countries made their homes. "In this well-favored county, rich also in minerals, is Granby (8 miles east), south Missouri's oldest lead and zinc mining town. Discovery of lead in early 1950's brought thousands of minders and speculators here in a "Granby Stampede." Granby lead was used for Confederate bullets before the furnaces were wrecked in 1862. "Newtonia, 12 miles to the east on Oliver's Prairie, is the county's first settled area, 1829. This town was devastated by Civil War engagements of 1862 and 1864. Nearby is the Hugh Shannon Homestead, 1829, a restoration of one of first pioneer homes in southwest Missouri. Near Diamond, 12 miles north on Diamond Grove Prairie, is the birthplace of Negro scientist George Washington Carver (ca 1861-1943). The site is a national monument." And the reverse, "Neosho became the Confederate capital of Missouri when deposed Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson and the "rebel legislature" met here Oct. 1861. Although an act of ratifying the Constitution of the Confederate States and an Ordinance of Secession were passed, the State Convention, which had deposed Gov. C.. Jackson, kept Missouri in the Inion. Approach of the Federals brought removal of the legislature to nearby Cassville, Barry Co., and adjournment, Nov. 1861. Later Marshall, Texas, served as Confederate capital of Missouri. "Throughout the war, skirmishes, raids and guerilla warfare swept the area inflicting a reign of terror upon the people. Union troops were driven from Neosho by General Joseph O. Shelby's Confederates, 1863. "Near Neosho, an area where fruit crops predominate, lived the Swiss Herman Jaeger (1844-1896) who developed a grape resistant to "grape louse" from the wild Ozark vines. Neosho is the birthplace of artist Thomas Hart Benton. In town are a county museum collection and a Federal fish hatchery. Nearby is Camp Crowder, and 15 miles west is Seneca, center of a Tripoli mining area." The marker was erected by State Historical Society of Missouri and State Highway Commission in 1953. [Review 1086 of 2024 - 349 in Missouri - 22113 overall]

Absolutely gorgeous and stunning. There is no actual service even though it says 9 & 11…read more I love the magazine they gave us with all their information about the chapel. A must see in town.

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.

My friend and I were visiting the Neosho area this past weekend and took the time to drive out to…read morethe George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, MO. We are SO glad that we did! It is an amazing place, and we had a magical experience. I thought I knew about George Washington Carver, but there was so much that I learned during our time at the National Monument. Special thanks to the park rangers who were on duty during our visit: Matthew, who greeted us as we entered and answered our many questions about what to see and do (and gave excellent directions and recommendations!); Emily, a devoted entomologist who gave us a deep appreciation for jumping spiders (including one we encountered later in our visit!); and Katie, who led us in the activity in the laboratory (thank you for your infinite patience with all of us as we worked with the materials!). We took the walking trail out to the pond on the property and were enchanted by the stone markers with quotes from Carver placed strategically along the path. He was quite the sage, with so many wise observations of his time and fellow humans. The walking path winds through beautiful woods, and there are bridges crossing the two branches of the stream that flows through the area. There are also interpretive plaques placed along the path with vignettes from Carver's boyhood (these are echoed in the Visitor Center). The path is largely accessible, but there are areas around the pond that are dirt trails through the brush, so those with limited mobility may wish to talk with the National Park Rangers on-site for their recommendations. The Visitor Center is open and welcoming, with the main exhibits on the first floor; laboratory, young people's exploration areas, and the schoolroom replica on the second floor; and further exhibits on the lower level. We participated in an activity in the laboratory making peanut milk, and (even though we were probably the oldest people in the room) it was really fun! There is a picnic area adjacent to the parking lot, shaded by trees and surrounded by open grass. We saw several families enjoying a picnic lunch as the kids romped through the open areas. By the time we'd hiked the walking trail, browsed the exhibits in the Visitor Center, participated in the laboratory activity, and shared a picnic lunch, we were surprised to discover that we'd spent almost three hours at the monument. It was such an enchanting place that we honestly didn't notice the time passing! If a visitor is pressed for time, the area could be toured in about an hour and a half, but we recommend setting aside the time to experience everything the National Monument has to offer. It is exceptionally well-designed, and we left with a deep appreciation of George Washington Carver as a scientist, educator, and humanitarian. Many, many thanks to the National Park Service for providing such a lovely place to visit, at no cost, and for the wonderful park rangers who made it such a great experience!

Very interesting national park site! I didn't know that much about George Washington Carver going…read morein and feel like I learned a lot, well done. Great layout and easy to hit all the exhibits. There's a lovely 3/4 trail as well but due to the weather we weren't able to complete that. The ranger was super nice!! Lots of interactive activities for kids, too. It's free to get in, with a small gift shop, Well worth a stop if you're in the area.

Oh what a nice little museum. it's always difficult to display history in the small town museums…read more there's often a shortage of space with way too many artifacts. they have done well to display lots of artifacts and minimize the amount of clutter. having relatives in the area I take special intrest in this museum. it's an upstairs at downstairs several rooms and lots of history. it just got a facelift for the building, and career organizing and painting of the rooms, and they did a real fine job.

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.

My Alltime MLB Player The "Commerce Comet" Mickey Charles Mantle!!!…read moreYes I added this to my Bucket List and Now I have done it Folks!!! Wow Small time Boy makes it to Big Ole New York City and becomes a Baseball Legend. Just think it started here in Tiny Commerce Oklahoma!!!