otherApril 30, 2012
A great place to ... Locals tell us what they love about their community
Locals tell us what they love about their community
Cape Girardeau County: A great place to ... have a family outing
Bryan Johnson worked at Arena Golf during his college years, when he played on Southeast Missouri State University's golf team. Now, Bryan and his wife, Tyra, own and operate the business in Cape Girardeau. Bryan gave golf lessons until 2004, and says he is excited to be returning to the golf industry. But Arena Golf -- home to a driving range, batting cages, golf shop and more -- isn't just where the Johnsons work. It's also where they play, taking to Arena Golf's miniature golf course for fun family time.
Bollinger County: A great place to ... enjoy being outdoors
Karen Belcher and her family live, work and play on their property, Crooked Creek Ranch near Marble Hill. While her husband, Joe, raises peppers for homemade hot sauces, Karen oversees the family's German shepherd breeding program. In the family's free time, they stick close to home -- the ranch is their favorite place, Karen says. Bollinger County is home to numerous creeks that wind through the county's hilly landscape. And the Belcher family makes full use of both features on the ranch. Dogs and humans alike spend time splashing in Crooked Creek and roaming the hills of the property. An amateur photographer, Karen also finds inspiration at the ranch: "That's beautiful land right there," she says.
Perry County: A great place to ... take a walk
Lauren Boland is the director of United Enterprises, a shelter workshop in Perry County. The Louisville, Ky., native has adopted Perryville as her home, and the community has been just as happy to have her -- she was honored as the Republican-Monitor's Citizen of the Year. "I just love everything about Perryville," Boland says. "It's a great community." One of the things she loves most is walking the town's streets or the trails by St. Mary of the Barrens Seminary. "I enjoy walking anywhere I want to go," she says. "Everyone is friendly, and I feel safe here."
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!
Scott County: A great place to ... stop for ice cream
"You see everyone in Chaffee here," Jenny Moyers says while standing in line at the Chaffee Drive-In. Her husband, Tyson Moyers, is talking to some of his students who have gathered at the walk-up restaurant. Tyson, a Chaffee native, teaches social studies at Chaffee Junior/Senior High School and coaches the track team. Like most in Chaffee, the drive-in is a popular stop for the Moyers. And though the restaurant is known for its burgers, the couple comes for the sweet stuff -- ice cream. While they sit at one of the picnic tables around the drive-in, a fresh crowd arrives and Jenny gets up to visit with a friend, proving the truth of her earlier statement.
Stoddard County: A great place to ... relax with a glass of wine
The Boat House Wine Co. near Bloomfield is a relaxing, peaceful retreat. That's what David Duncan, who owns the winery, intended. Only Duncan's plan, according to a story in the Daily Statesman, was for a place he could relax and enjoy his looming retirement. But plans change, much to the benefit of the numerous fans who have flocked to the winery since it opened in 2010. "Where culture and country peacefully collide" is the winery's slogan, and it lives up to it. The winery is nestled on the shores of a three-acre lake surrounded by woods. The namesake boat house has seating for visitors to enjoy a glass of wine or feast on pizza or sandwiches. The culture comes in the form of live music on the weekends and a baby grand piano, where guests are welcome to tickle the ivories.
Ste. Genevieve County: A great place to ... explore Missouri's history
Bob Mueller is known as Ste. Genevieve's unofficial town historian. As such, he's involved in many community activities and restoration projects. "The fact is, Ste. Genevieve is Missouri's oldest town," he says. The town, which was settled by the French in the 1740s, is home to some unique architecture in the French Colonial style. Describing Ste. Genevieve as the "other colonial America," Mueller points out that while the 13 colonies were being settled on the East Coast, the French were establishing towns throughout the Midwest. In Ste. Genevieve, French customs are still celebrated with an annual king's ball, French Days and Jour de Fete. "For anyone who loves history, this is a great place to explore what happened before we became Americans," he says.
Story Tags
Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:
For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.
Related
otherMay 31
Advertisement
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!
