Our wish for you
Reflecting on the past, while looking toward the future As we close out 2023 and the observance of our 75th anniversary, the staff of Rural Missouri would like to thank our readers for welcoming us into your homes, both figuratively and literally for those of you we...
The call to adventure
Missouri couple builds canvas tents for campers, outfitters and more The cold mountain air of autumn has arrived with the first snowfall of the season. The ground is covered in white as animals forage for food. You’re miles from civilization, but inside your canvas...
Reindeer Games
Vanzant farm brings magic of the North Pole to southern Missouri The magic of the holidays captures kids of all ages — just ask Sara Prescott. The cattlewoman, wife and mother wears another hat one month out of the year. That’s when she, along with husband, Michael,...
Palatable Presents
Sweet treats for holiday giftingPeppermint Bars Brownies: 1 family-size package fudge brownie mix Peppermint Filling: 5 cups powdered sugar 14 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring ...
Lighting up the season
Madison care center invites guests in for the holidays Equal parts excitement and relief greet Fannie Miller as she stands in the circle driveway outside of the assisted living facility where she’s worked for a quarter century. She’s standing alongside her longtime...
Handmade with a higher cause
New Florence shop offers decor and more There’s just a little bit of everything going on inside the country craft store. A couple passing by stopped to check out some of the fall decorations and homemade candles that are making way for the upcoming Christmas displays....
A helping hand
There’s no other place I’d rather be than rural Missouri. For me there is something a little special about forgetting to grab the keys from my truck and knowing it will still be there when I get back from lunch or stopping by the feed store to hear about who nailed...
Fred & Red’s
Photos by Sara Schafer and Jim McCarty A step into Fred & Red’s in Joplin is a step back in time. As you enter the unassuming tan diner, you take in the classic decor, neon sign, vintage barstools and wood paneling. Then, suddenly, your senses surrender to one...
Go Nuts
Spiced Pumpkin Carrot Cheesecake Cupcakes 4-ounce box pumpkin quick bread, divided 1 cup carrots, shredded 3 eggs, divided 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup golden raisins 2 tablespoons canola oil 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice...
Made in Missouri
Fun holiday gift ideas that support your neighbors Small businesses are the backbone of rural Missouri. This holiday season, skip the big-box stores and mega online retailers. Instead, support the businesses that support your communities. Here are just a few ideas to...