Disclaimer: This post created after a press trip hosted by Visit Music Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. All opinions are mine and the majority of the photos are mine with a few contributed by Visit Music City. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
A city with over 180 music venues, Nashville, Tennessee, has a long history of producing excellent blue music and crave-worthy barbecue.
People commonly think of Nashville as the World Capital of Country Music, and they are not wrong, but it’s also a city the honors the influence of blues from its celebration of music to food.
The community draws musicians of various genres because of its respect for songwriters. Musicians including Keb’ Mo’, Joe Bonamassa, B.B. King, and Etta James have all performed or recorded music in Nashville.
Rhythm & Blues music has flourished in the city since the term was coined during the late 1940s. Incorporating gospel influences, the genre was played on Nashville radio stations to eager fans.
Take a Tour
National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music (510 Broadway) is the newest museum in downtown Nashville. While all of its interactive exhibits celebrate various music genres, the Crossroads exhibit emphasizes how “blues music changed the world.”
The stories of musicians come alive with audio and visual accounts of their contributions. From the work songs created by sharecroppers to the work of today’s blues musicians who’ve gone on to win Grammy’s, each display case and thoughtfully designed panel tells their story.
I loved learning how each musician influenced another and the collaborations are endless.
Like me, I think you’ll find the displays showcasing the clothing and guitars particularly interesting. I gravitated to Keb’ Mo’s electric guitar and artists’ song lyrics visible behind display case glass.
The Crossroads gallery tells the chronological story of the blues from its migration from the Deep South north to cities including Nashville.
PRO TIP: For an additional $5 dollars, you can use a RFID bracelet to interact with tech-savvy displays that allow you to save custom music you create and email it to yourself.
Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium (116 Rep. John Lewis Way North) is considered one of the most iconic stages to perform for a good reason. Also referred to as Nashville’s Mother Church, it was the original site of the Grand Ole Opry.
As they say, “all are welcome” and this sentiment extends beyond merely hosting country music stars. Blues musicians have also graced the Ryman’s stage, including but not limited to Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, and Blues Traveler.
Museum-quality illuminated glass cases caught my eye during a tour displaying iconic memorabilia. Elvis’ winter coat. Johnny Cash’s acoustic guitar. B.B. King’s blazer.
PRO TIP: Sign up for a guided backstage tour to see dressing rooms and get your photo taken on stage.
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Take a deep dive into the history of music at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum (401 Gay Street) where many of the exhibits highlight every genre from rock-n-roll to country and blues to bluegrass.
Inductees into the Musicians Hall of Fame include Buddy Guy and Steve Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble, and the museum includes references to their work.
If you’re looking for a multi-sensory experience, I recommend touring the Jimi Hendrix Exhibit, which will pleasantly surprise you.
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is the kind of place music lovers could spend at least an hour exploring. If you use the technology stations to make music, plan on a two-hour museum experience.
PRO TIP: A tour through the GRAMMY® Museum Gallery is a must-have experience to try your hand a creating and recording museum like a pro (drum lesson with Ringo Star, anyone?).
Third Man Records
Did you know that musician Jack White’s Third Man Records (637 7th Ave. S.) is home to a recording studio? Musicians can play a live show in the Blue Room Bar while their sound is recorded direct-to-acetate available on vinyl after it’s complete.
The creative genius behind the process, Jack White, originally of the band The White Stripes, not only is a fan of blues music but also has recorded blues-inspired music of his own.
A fan of the genre, I appreciate his album “Jack White’s Blues-Uncut” featuring 15 cover songs of artists ranging from Howlin’ Wolf to Robert Johnson.
PRO TIP: A guided tour of Third Man Records’s Nashville store provides an inside look at the Blue Room Bar, recording studio, distribution center, photo studio, and offices.
Savor Finger-Licking Barbecue
Peg Leg Porker
Indulge in real-deal barbecue at Peg Leg Porker (903 Gleaves St.) where ribs are the most requested menu item. Owners Carey and Delaniah Bringle decided to open the restaurant in 2013 after running a successful catering business.
Their award-winning barbecue is served with southern hospitality, and if you’re lucky, Carey might swing by your table for a casual chat during the meal.
Menu favorites include heaping BBQ Nachos, Memphis Sushi, and Dry Rubbed Ribs, but when in doubt, opt for the shareable Combo Platter.
PRO TIP: Leave room for banana pudding or a drool-worthy fried pie fresh from the oven.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Since 2006, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint has served smoked meat classics from trays of mouth-watering pulled pork shoulder to the Big Ole Smoked Bologna sandwich. Non-traditional menu items make a menu appearance as well. The Redneck Taco served with a choice of two meats and the Brisket Tacos keep diners returning.
You can expect come-as-you-are atmosphere at each of their three Nashville locations.
PRO TIP: Make time before or after your meal to get a glimpse of the downtown location‘s Pit House, play a yard game, or listen to live music.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Grab a friend and head over to Edley’s Bar-B-Que for a shareable platter for Nashville Hot Links, BBQ Nachos, or perfected Smoked Wings. The amily owned and operated barbecue restaurant opens for lunch and stay open well into the night “’til the last drink is poured.”
With multiple locations to choose from, diners can easily find one near them.
PRO TIP: Use cooking tips and recipes from Edley’s postmasters to kick up your home cooking a notch.
Listen to Live Music
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
A bonus of listening to exceptional live music in Nashville? No cover charge. Tips appreciated.
Musicians, like the artists cranking out tunes at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar (220 Printers Alley) let the good times roll in the New Orleans-themed establishment.
Blues can be heard escaping from the door on historic Printers Alley, but inside the house is rocking and the kitchen is busy preparing etoufee and gumbo.
Seating in the bar is limited, and due to its popularity, reserving seats is necessary Wednesday-Saturday. No need for reservations on Monday or Tuesday when walk-in seating is welcomed. View the venue’s upcoming show schedule.
PRO TIP: Seating is cozy. If loud music in a smaller bar bothers you, bring earplugs.
Shop for a Guitar
Gibson Garage
Are you feeling inspired to strum strings? Opened in 2021, Gibson Garage (209 10th Avenue, Suite 209) in the heart of downtown Nashville is where music-lovers gravitate to shop for gear or attend a live performance.
Part retail store, part venue, it’s candyland for guitar enthusiasts. Plus, it’s not uncommon for celebrities to stop by. Chris Stapleton sat down and strummed a few chords. Slash of Guns-N-Roses made an appearance. (Gibson carries the signature Slash Collection.)
Put Gibson Garage on your travel bucket list if you want to sit down and play a guitar, sign up for a lesson, design a custom guitar, or watch a show.
PRO TIP: Ask about a private Garage Exclusive tour for guided access to the Green Room and hidden vault where limited edition and one-of-a-kind guitars are displayed.
The blues music scene is alive and well in Nashville. It’s a thriving city that welcomes all kinds of music fans.
Share this blog post with a blues lover in your life, and if you’re planning Nashville trip, consider visiting during the summer to attend Jefferson Street Jazz & Blue Festival in July.
Interestingly, the town got its name during the days of water scarcity in the 1870s. A resident, Mr. Rogers, didn’t charge for water and people often replied “that’s mighty Liberal of you.”
I’ve never viewed a 
The next stop on the tour takes visitors to a 5,000 square foot interactive space, Land of Oz, where Dorothy leads you through scenes from the movie. My experience started by watching an approaching tornado. The thunder rolled, lights flickered like lightening, and window curtains blew.
Following Dorothy as we encountered each whimsical character (mannequins), I was delighted by the craftsmanship of the displays. Each scene reminded me of my childhood when I watched the movie for the first time.
PRO TIP: Make time to tour the retail gift shop. From comfy ruby red slippers to pretty postcards, the shop’s inventory is hard to resist.
Toto’s Dog Park is a new addition providing dog owners a place for their furry family members to roam.
PRO TIP: Take a photo of the life-size bronze sculpture representing the explorer.
Walking inside the museum is like opening a tiny treasure box. The walls and glass cases are adorned with antiques that tell the story of Liberal’s industries.
Outside the museum, the walls of Landmark Center serve as a gallery for framed black and white photography depicting Liberal’s early days.
No matter what you’re in the mood to shop for, it’s likely you’ll find something you can’t live without.
A few handprinted 
While I wasn’t in the mood for a large meat platter with all the fixins’, the menu includes options for more hungry eaters.
The 
I found the first floors collection of lithographs on paper by John Steuart Curry to be the most awe-inspiring. The Kansas-born painter is the same artist painted murals at the state’s capital building, Kansas Pastoral and Tragic Prelude.
Thematic collections of various other pieces, mostly created by Kansas artists, were awe-inspiring including pottery and paintings.
I gravitated to planes produced by Cessna, a company founded in Wichita, but I was equally intrigued when learning that Beech Aircraft once had a production division in Liberal.
The museum also does an excellent job of properly honoring pilots who gave all with a POW-MIA display and exhibit cases filled with uniforms and medals of pilots from Liberal who went to war.
My steaming not P5 Phô with Shrimp had light flavor and oodles of noodles for slurping. I also ordered Fried Spring Rolls, which didn’t last long between spoonfuls of phô.
The ambiance was quiet as I watched a video of wild birds on TV and listened to classical music play from speakers.
When not enjoying my King Rooms 
The staff was courteous upon check in and check out ensuring that I my needs were met.
If you read my blog often, you know I love supporting local restaurants. I’ll return to Liberal to dine at one of dozens of Mexican restaurants or food trucks, a type of cuisine that dominates the dining scene. Plus, a visit to 
Liberal offers visitors plenty of entertaining things to do for an unforgettable day trip or overnight stay. I made memories while dining, shopping, and perusing incredible museums.
If traveling east on Highway 54, use my itinerary suggestions to 
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
Many of the predominantly Swedish town’s residents gather there for an early-morning coffee and breakfast pastry, and the restaurant recently started serving lunch for mid-day diners.
You’re alway guaranteed to find the owner’s famous cinnamon rolls under the glass case. Don’t miss a chance to purchase his family’s jarred jams and jellies.
Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee Shop is open every day except Sunday. Arrive early to order the best pastry selection. The coffee is hot, and the donuts are fresh.
Other bakeries in Lawrence worth checking out include 
Not only do they serve delectable pastries for early-morning crowds, their baristas can prepare a short list of classic coffee or hot tea drinks. Late-day patrons may appreciate the bar menu.
The display case is refilled with cake and old-fashioned style donuts as they run out. Expect to find bottled drinks, including cold coffee brands and milk in the reach-in cooler.
I judge a donut shop by a perfectly soft, glazed donut. Carol Lee Donuts knows what they’re doing. Add it to your Salina travel bucket list.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches. The berry scone was to die for.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, BBQ meals, and more.
The display case was filled with every kind of donut you could imagine. Apple fritters the size of your hand. Blueberry cake donuts. Cinnamon rolls. And classics like maple long johns and old-fashioned crullers.
Use a scoop and bag to stock up on bulk candy priced at $10/lb. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.
Other Wichita must-stops for donuts or pastries include 
As I devoured a chocolate cake donut and a melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut, customers came and went with brown bags filled with tasty early morning treats.
If you’re not into sweets, consider order their yummy meat and cheese breakfast burritos – don’t forget to ask for salsa.
If you’re someone who loves to order a steaming cup of coffee with their breakfast, please read my blog post, 
Whether you’re in the mood for on-the-water adventures or laid-back moments from a lounge chair, you’ve found the right place.
Elkhart Lake was once home to various hotels during its first 100 years. Now, tourists can choose from The Shore Club, Siebken’s Resort, and Osthoff Resort.
Open weave light fixtures, white-washed wood floors, and a neutral color palette added a Boho yet modern aesthetic to my room.
The Shore Club appeals to vacationers who seek a comfortable resort setting with on-site recreational options. A quaint lounge is a go-to space when enjoying complimentary grab-n-go breakfast items or coffee.
Every guest’s stay includes a massive arcade, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a life-sized chess game, and a private beach with access to their world-famous 
While walking the property, I discovered multiple seating areas under a canopy of towering trees with colorful hydrangeas growing nearby. A campfire comes stocked with wood for an evening s’mores session.
The Shore Club provides rentable bikes if you like cruising between resorts or surrounding neighborhoods. If you need to reserve water sports equipment, ask about kayaks.
Accessing crystal-clear Elkhart Lake is as easy as walking across the street to a sandy beach where lounge chairs and beach drinks await you. At the 
I recommend ordering the Elkhart Blue, a shaken cocktail of lemon rum, orange bitters, curaçao, and pineapple juice. The color matches the ocean-like color of the lake. It went down smoothly and was all too easy to drink.
The waterfront bar is an active music venue from May to September, Thursday to Sunday, serving drinks, local beers, and pub grub overlooking 600 feet of sandy beach.
The resort’s speakeasy lounge, 
I couldn’t resist sipping a cocktail from an oversized leather chair before a crackling fireplace.
If you’re traveling with children ages 4-10 years old, they’ll appreciate complimentary access to 
For younger couples or retirees in search of kid-free spaces to unwind, the Osthoff Resorts caters to you as well. Play a round of 18 holes of 
While I didn’t stay overnight at the resort, I did tour it and can vouch for its luxury. From the imported Irish wool carpet to the high-end dining options, The Osthoff Resort impresses.
Since 1916 when Herman and Laura Siebken opened its doors, the property has maintained its old world hospitality (aka Gemütlichkeit) while catering to today’s modern traveler.
Rentable condos and hotel rooms are coveted by returning guests, so it’s advisable to reserve your room before peak season. Each guest has access to a private beach and pier, outdoor pool and spa, the 
While I wasn’t an overnight guest at Siebkens Resort, I dined at its restaurant and toured the property. It’s a remarkable place.
At 120 feet deep, the 292 acre lake is legendary. Early settlers, the Potawatomi Indians, thought the water had healing, restorative powers.
PRO TIP: 
In the mid 1950s, Clif Tufte organized a group and built a permanent racecourse, 
If you want to get behind the wheel rather than watch a race at the track, the two-hour 
As a passenger, I laughed until my sides hurt. It was a thrilling, fun adventure and the ideal way to see fall foliage in the area.
PRO TIP: Road America is open outside of racing season offering karting, driving schools, disc golf, and group adventure programs. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir at 
During the Italian cooking class, I worked with a small group to prepare three recipes: Risotto with Asparagus, Chicken Marsala, and Strawberry Cannoli.
Chef Rodney equipped each prep station in advance so we could use the two-hour class to learn how to prep and cook food. He was patient and kind answering questions from students. And the meal? Scrumptious, and oh so fancy.
My $15 pre-loaded card easily provided several 1 oz to 3 oz pours during a one-hour tasting session. I appreciated the tasting notes between bites of chocolates or truffle crackers while lounging on a comfy couch.
PRO TIP: The retail section of the store is a gourmet foodie’s heaven.
The menu on the day of our group’s visit included fresh guacamole with ribeye, a savory beef birria taco with dipping broth, apple arugula salad tossed with chipotle vinaigrette salad, roasted potatoes, and tres leches French toast.
The food truck sits underneath a colorful canopy of Mexican party banners and adjacent to a vibrant mural painted by 
PRO TIP: You can order from Amasa’s menu inside Lake Street Cafe during the winter months. 
The place is abuzz with visitors and regulars from April through December.
The executive chef served our group a family-style meal of appetizers and Cesar salad while each of us choose a dinner entree.
PRO TIP: Ask about the bar’s selection of Wisconsin speciality cocktails and craft beers. Preview the
The newest owners of the resort make sure that every ingredient, every plating, and every menu choice delivers the best dining experience and the kitchen staff make it happen. During a dining experience, the waitstaff caters to anticipates your every need.
While a seven course meal is an exceptional dining experience at P.A.M.’s, it purpose was to showcase some of the chef’s best dishes. The first course consisted of house-catered Henninging’s fried Wisconsin cheese curds followed by Caprese Di Manzo prepared with beef tenderloin.
A small bowl of Tomato Bisque made with roasted San Marzano tomatoes, Wisconsin cream, and balsamic reduction made the second course worthwhile. Followed by the famous P.A.M.’s Salad consisting of leafy greens, roasted squash, goat cheese, onion, and Marcona almonds, the second course’s salad was perfectly tossed with Siebkens Dressing.
For the dinner course, guests chose between three specialty entrees. My choice? Prime Rib presented with roasted broccolini on a bed of au jus and creamy horseradish. My tastebuds danced with each bite.
I couldn’t eat another bite when the final course, a plate of brownie bites, arrived. The meal was as memorable as it was delightful.
The tavern’s menu serves food Thursday-Sunday (hours vary) and the bar is open late. But you won’t find standard bar food at the Stop-Inn Tavern.
Menu items like Smoked Salmon Salad, Tacos de Hongo, and the infamous Siebkens Sandwich made with deli meat piled high with all the fixing on freshly baked sliced bread keep guests returning.
At 
With windows facing Elkhart Lake, our group savored lobster bisque, Caesar salad, and dinner entreés from a nice-looking dining room.
For dinner, I chose a perfectly seared 12 0z. ribeye plated on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes served with seasonal vegetables. The meal and the dinner service were impeccable.
They offer a wide range of body treatments and facials, and their newest Salt Therapy Room is considered one of the best in the country.
The 
Located near crystal-clear Elkhart Lake with views of cedar trees, the award-winning spa provides a serene setting to turn off the world’s chaos and unwind.
Use 
And you’ll find more than puffy jackets and flannel shirts for sale. Elkhart Lake Outfitters stocks everything from cookbooks and candles to bath salts and souvenirs.
PRO TIP: Plan to spend at least 30 minutes pursuing the shelves and racks.
Operated by a husband and wife duo, the property showcases each of their life-long talents.
PRO TIP: The gallery is open September – November on Friday and Saturdays and 
The boutique also sells the Aspira Spa Signature Product Line. If you love the body and facial products used in a spa treatment, purchase them to take home with you.
Not only is the operation led by a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, 
Veteran campsites use banners to identify their location, making it easy for friends to find them and join their jam circle. The more years a group has camped at the festival, it seemed the larger their banner and gathering site.
Most food truck items started at $5 and went up. I suggest bringing $20 per person to enjoy a full meal with a drink.
PRO TIP: Don’t assume all food truck vendors accept credit cards, although most do. ATMs are available.
Colorful tapestries hang from booth walls. Tie-die shirts, dresses, and many hats hang from clothing racks. Shoppers leisurely wind their way in and out of booths.
If it’s a band’s merchandise you’re after, you’ll find it available in a designated area after each band’s show. Musicians often remind fans where to find them when they wrap a set.
This mini grocery market of sorts is just the thing campers and festival-goers need to stay fueled during a weekend. Besides, you never know when you may want to share a whole fruit pie, right?
Second, the festival is well-managed and a safe place to hang out. Staff and volunteers do an excellent job of keeping attendees comfortable and happy to the best of their ability. Attendees take pride in the festival by keeping the fairgrounds clean.
Thirdly, you’ll be surprised to see people getting work done on laptops and phones. Our cell phone signal, typically strong elsewhere, wasn’t strong at the fairground – except at The Wi-Fi Café.
Lastly, bringing collapsible chairs is advisable as standing to watch shows isn’t appreciated (blocks the view!), and typical band sessions last 45 minutes.
We appreciated the 
Do you need a bicycle or golf cart to navigate the fairgrounds? Not necessarily, but you should be prepared to increase your step count if walking to and from campsites. Ask about Festi-Cab, a golf cart ride for a minimal fee.
You’ll want to buy the latest festival T-shirt to wear with pride to next year’s celebration. We noticed dozens of audience members wearing them.
STAYING INFORMED
EXPLORING WINFIELD
Didn’t get to join the jam? Save next year’s celebration date, September 18 through 22, 2024, for the 
Click my 
The staff is eager to direct you to places to explore in the area, plus the center houses display cases showcasing the town’s history. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, West Plains is steeped in history.
I was impressed with the well-stocked inventory of regionally made products ranging from honey to home decor items.
PRO TIP: If traveling by RV, you’ll love the center’s expansive parking lot, water fill, and dump station. Visitors with dogs will love the shaded grassy areas to take a stroll.
After exploring the downtown area, we drove to spots around town, seeking out other permanent paintings.
We sipped ice-cold lattés while listening to the staff give instructions on throwing techniques and the rules of play. Despite my best efforts, the hatchets and Ninja stars I threw toppled off the target, coming to rest on the ground.
Watching others take turns throwing sharp weapons at the wood wall with better success was fun, and the coffee drinks made it a delightful experience.
One of the best parts of visiting the family-run business is their pride in selling locally sourced baked goods, coffee beans, and gifts.
PRO TIP: Look at the framed photographs on the wall for a few minutes. Each one captures historical moments when Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton visited West Plains. The building is where Wagoner launched his famous career.
As the book states, “Sometimes a bottle or flask was handed around from person to person, and some people complained about the loud, rowdy behavior exhibited by some of the dance’s inebriated patrons.”
Did a prohibitionist cause the explosion? Did J. M. Weiser, found dead behind the building with a door knob in his hand, cause the accident that killed 39 people and injured 23 others?
Photographer Joyce McMurtrey’s work “King of The Ozarks” was on display on the day of our visit. The native Missourian captured portraits of family members and neighbors of H. King Davis while interviewing them.
According to Explore West Plains, services were held in every church in town on April 19, 1928. This memorial remembers the 19 unidentified people laid to rest along with 20 identified people.
During our visit, locals gathered around the bar during Happy Hour. Nearby, a father and son played a game of pool while arcade games like Big Buck and Golden Tee flickered in the background.
Known for their wings, we shared a 5-piece basket with our choice of sauces: Thai Chili and Spicy BBQ – cooked and sauced to perfection. The Traditional Chef Salad with ham and eggs was fully loaded and crave-worthy. Our server said they are adding a salad bar.
If you order a burger, expect it to be stacked high like the West Plains Pride served on a jalapeño bun with pepper jack cheese, onion, and mango habanero sauce.
PRO TIP: Opt to sit outside on a nice weather day. They host local musicians on Saturday nights – no cover charge.
The brewery has a variety of beers for every kind of craft beer connoisseur, but for us, it was an easy choice.
To our delight, friendly locals joined us outside to raise a glass to West Plains.
The menu includes unexpected delights like homemade baked goods, avocado toast on artisan bread, and handcrafted breakfast sandwiches.
The faith-based gathering space is also a boutique that supports local makers and creators. The retail shelves ran the length of a brick-exposed wall and were piled high with irresistible merchandise from apparel to home decor.
PRO TIP: Look at the menu boards or ask a friendly barista for the day’s drink or food special.
The spring produces 6.5 million gallons of water per day, flowing beneath sandstone blocks.
The mill is closed to the public., but consider taking advantage of beautiful walking trails, putting your feet in the cold water (28 million gallons per day!), or primitive camp nearby.
PRO TIP: Park your car in the gravel lot at the base of the mill. None of the privately owned buildings are open to the public, so walking the grounds for stunning Ozark views is advisable.
Specialty sandwiches, burgers, and wraps dominate the menu. Our friendly server suggested the French Dip Sandwich and zesty Cuban sandwich, both equally scrumptious. The meat was juicy, the bread soft, and the flavor delivered.
The Brick Oven Pizza menu includes 8″ personal pizzas cooked to order if you crave something other than a sandwich.
We peered into display cases featuring military items and clothing once worn by the town’s residents. Equally interesting, old photos, newspapers, and Zizzer high school yearbooks were accessible.
You’ll see everything from vintage toys and coins to furniture and depression glass inside 22,000 square feet of retail space. I was drawn to an illuminated glass case filled with relics from the town’s past.
The signature of Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, a professional baseball player who retired after the 1954 season and opened a supermarket in town, was scrawled upon several artifacts. Roe played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
A gift-giver’s go-to shop, Country at Heart is known for its handcrafted baskets decorated for themed parties.
The specialty store carries toys, books, novelty socks, candles, and more. You’ll find it hard to resist buying a gift or candy for yourself or a friend once you walk inside.
Why buy a generic print for your home’s wall when you can purchase an exquisite painting or photograph?
Located a short walk from downtown West Plains, the gallery is a place to admire the talent of regional artists while igniting your own creativity.
The smell of leather. The overwhelming rows of boots, handbags, and accessories make HB Boot Corral the number-one place to shop for western apparel.
PRO TIP: Pack brightly colored discs should you unintentionally throw one into a tall grass, wooded area.
As we entered, the staff directed us to an available table. We chose instead to pony up to the bar, a place I prefer so we can watch the action and have a direct view of the beer taps.
We worked up an appetite while sipping on a Belgian Blonde and Marzan, eventually ordering a stone-fired meat pizza and a plate of house-smoked tri-tip steak with sides.
PRO TIP: With dozens of flavorful beers on tap, locals rave about the brewery’s cream soda and root beer ordering growlers of it to go.
I heard, “Hi honey, how are you?” upon entering the store, where I waited patiently in line to order an iced vanilla latté and breakfast quinoa protein bowl to go.
The dual-purpose space was tastefully decorated with fresh floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and grab-n-go gifts for any occasion.
Just as I was leaving to take my breakfast to the park to enjoy it, I felt a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, the owner handed me a rose.
I settled into a picnic table under a canopy of towering trees to enjoy breakfast and coffee. A couple stood at the park’s map, choosing a walking trail while birds and butterflies fluttered about.
Owned and maintained by the city, it features a wood bridge over a creek, benches for relaxation, a pavilion, a children’s play area, and a paved walking trail.
PRO TIP: The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dog walkers must bring a leash.
Regina Willard is a contemporary impressionist painter who captures the natural world with every brush stroke. Her business partner, Ellen Hones Martin, is a wheel-thrower who creates unique pottery – each sells their creations at the studio.
Whether they are teaching students how to create a masterpiece or creating their own, the studio is abuzz with activity. I witnessed local shoppers in awe of for-sale artwork as the owners welcomed them to an open house party.
PRO TIP: The best resource for learning about upcoming workshops or events at the collaborative gallery and studio is to check the 
Sandwiches and quarter-pound burgers dominate the lunch menu. We couldn’t resist a Club Sandwich and Fried Bologna Sandwich that hit the spot. I hope to return again to order the infamous Chicken Fried Steak dinner.
Will you order a soda float, a cup of classic chocolate ice cream, or a shareable sundae?
I took my time gazing at the selection of ice cream flavors before settling on a classic cone of sweet and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. You can’t rush a good thing.
Spring Dipper is the perfect way to end a weekend in West Plains.
Before the celebration, stop by 
I hope my travel guide inspires you to explore West Plains in the heart of the Ozarks, which deserves recognition for its attractions, shopping, and dining scene.
