Soon! My first trip to Springfield ever!! (moving, expenses)

[linicx]

Come to Carthage early on a Saturday morning. There is plenty to do and see starting with the square. The one *must see* on the square is the True Value hardware store. I don't want to give away the secrets, but you can spend all day in this store and not see everthing. I believe they are open by 8am on Saturday. Carthage is a CW town with wide boulevards and old houses. the courthouse is romanesque. architecture. At night when it is lighted it reminds me of Disney's castle you see in their ads. It is awesome. During the week you can check out the museum on the first floor and ride in a 100 year old elevator. It's a working courhouse but violent criminnals are tried in Joplin - the other courthaouse. Jasper County is one of the few places in the nation that have two courhouses. They did that to avoid a regional civil war over distance! The park on Oak Street is magnificent. If you're a duffer, its 18 hole golf course is a challenge. Not too far from the square you can explore the area where the first on-land shot of the Civil War was fired. Carthage is quaint yet progressive. You'll find houses from the Victorian period and also some custom built Craftsman-Style bungalows. I sold my 108year old baby last year. One of the better places to eat - if you like Chinese is two block from the square. And you must try Braum's ice cream. It is ever bit as good as Baskin-Robbins. Here are directions from Springfield to Carthage.

West on 1-44 to the KC/Carthage exit at 1-71. Exit N (right) about 2 miles and then exit 575. It's the main in/exit to SOUTH 1-71 street at Carthage. From here the square is easy to find.

The first stoplight is at Walgreen's. The next is Walmart. Nest is the roundabout. Keep the banks on your LEFT. Continue forward. Pass thru the next stplight and continue on. The next light is at the Carthage Fire Department on your left. Go to the next Light (next of Braum's) and turn rught. The square is two blocks. The square traffic is one-way only. when you leave, exit at the same light.

At the Braum's light turn right. and continue to the next light and turn left. Most of the national chain restaurants are between the light at the buffet and the next stop light. This stop light has a gas station on the left and a grocery store on your right.

Turn Left. continue to the stop sign..There's a gas station, laundromat and BBQ at this corner. Turn RIGHT and continue to the entrance to the park on your left. IF you miss the turn into the park, the Powers Museum is just past it on the right.

Enjoy your visit to Carthage. Its charm is infectious.

[River Wood]

Aww you guys are so sweet thanks for the info!!

We are just 40, hubby and I, no children but MANY horses.

Just trying to find somewhere to get away from the bitter MN winters that we have dealt with all of our lives, but also do not want to loose the 4 seasons. Coming down to see if we would be interested in relocating there soon.

Just thought we would check out the central and southern parts of MO...we would be living out in the country, we are country people.

We will be driving. Should be about 9-10 hours for us to Springfield so not bad at all. We have driven further for horse shows.

I know the topic of rattlesnakes has been hashed over many times already but I admit I'm STILL scared of running into one there. I'm bringing my boots just in case. To be honest, that is the only thing that would stop me from coming. I THINK I can handle the heat, especially if I loose the 40 pounds that I have been wanting to. MN has its fair share of very hot and humid nasty days too.

Thanks again everyone........

[Ciaerin]

no problemo river wood. and if ya'll want let me know when your coming down. i can show you around my neck of the woods. reeds spring/bransonwest/kimberling city area. and to be honest... i have 5 acres of woodland and have not seen a rattlesnake yet (crosses fingers) and hoping i dont see one lol. we have been clearing out the brush in the back acreage to beauty up the property and the stuff down the gully in the forest. so far just a couple black king snakes.

[mrsgenealogy]

Hey, River Wood...I just asked my dh and for what it's worth, he said he's never seen a rattler here, either. We live in the country with woods right behind our place.

[skeating]

Enjoy your trip. On Hwy 160 in Highlandville there is a fairly large Antique shop called: Antique World. There is another antique shop on Hwy 160 in Highlandville just across street from Jct O, both shops are within a mile or so of one another. Jct O is just north of Antique World. I am not affiliated with these businesses I just enjoy going there and looking around.

This town will center you between both Springfield and Branson and is close to Nixa, Ozark, Spokane, not far from Reeds Spring.

If you camp they have a campsite at Antique World. Hope you enjoy your vacation.

[Olivia Shanks]

I have lived here off and onfor my entire life, and I have never come across a rattlesnake in SW missouri. I have seen two water moccasins, but I was never in danger. Even if you do get a bite (very unlikely given the statistics), just go to the hospital for treatment. This is a beautiful area of the country, I hope that you have a great time.
I have never been to the hardware store in Carthage, I will have to check that out.

[River Wood]

Hey mrsG......just curious does dh stand for darling husband??

[linicx]

I had a king snake cuddled up to my electric panel one time. Scared the bejesus out of me. I called my snake loving attorney who cam to the rescue and said, "Beatiful, isn't he?", and then said after he poked him and watched him slither away, "MY god he's big, I didn't think they got that long." The good news is they aren't poisonous or aggressive.

The big park on Oak Street in Carthage, also has a horse club facility. I't pretty nice, too.

[Olivia Shanks]

My cousins had a blacksnake take up residence in their water heater closet. Since it wasn't dangerous, they just adopted it as a pet. I suppose it probably kept small rodents away.

[mrsgenealogy]

Originally Posted by River Wood

Hey mrsG......just curious does dh stand for darling husband??

Yeah, that'll work! Most people use it as "dear hubby" but I like "darling", too! Just wait till I call him, "Darling!" tomorrow! Hahaha! As in, "Darrrlinnng! Can you come help me with this...?" He'll laugh...so thanks for the reason to laugh, RW! We can all use as many of those opportunities as we can get!

http://mediaphoto.doctissimo.fr/dossiers/t/a/tartalacreme/grands-smileys/TN-5111-couple-fermier.gif (broken link)
MrsG and her DH