We want to thank Visit Joplin, Mo. and the businesses of Joplin for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Joplin is the fourth largest city in Missouri, and was an original Route 66 destination. Our weekend of travel was focused on the “Mother Road”, so Joplin was a must-see. The city has quite a few sights specific to Route 66, which draw hordes of travelers each year. This was a constant conversation item with the business owners that we spoke with. Through the years, they have actually made a couple of realignments of the route, so there are three unique sections of the highway within the city limits.

Learning The History

Our first stop was at the Joplin Museum Complex. This place is a history buffs dream, as it is actually two museums in one. This first side we visited was the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum. This is a collection of galleries featuring historical artifacts associated with various aspects of life in Joplin, Missouri. (You can read more about the history museum here.) It is easy to wile away a couple of hours looking at the assorted collections. My favorite had to be the circus room.

Once you finish with the general history side, we suggest a visit to the mining museum. The same admission price gains you access to the Everett J. Ritchie Tr-State Mineral Museum. This set of galleries is dedicated to the business of mining, which helped put Joplin on the map. While lead was the primary mineral discovered, the miners soon realized that zinc, often referred to as Jack, was much more profitable. (You can read more about the mining museum here.) Those from the region are well aware of the dangers and rewards associated with this profession. The museum offers a chance to view some of the tools of the trade, as well as lots of beautiful specimens brought out of the earth.

Going Downtown

The morning filled with museums had worked us up quite the appetites. After a brief stop at the Visitors Bureau, we made our way to lunch at the Red Onion Cafe. This restaurant came highly recommended by locals, who we polled prior to our arrival. Boy, were they spot on! The staff was so inviting, and the dishes were amazing. Of course, we ate more than we should have, but we also knew we would be doing a good bit of walking afterwards. (You can read more about the Red Onion here.)

A Sweet Stop

Just a couple of blocks from our lunch stop was our next destination. The Candy House Gourmet has a long history in Joplin, although it has changed owners and names over the years. Started by the Richardson family, the people who have taken up the gauntlet of candy making are attempting to stay true to the traditions. These days they are only operating out of the downtown location, but are using the tried and true recipes of the original owners. Whatever they are doing, they are doing it right. The silky smooth chocolate is delicious and a wee bit addicting. (Read more about Candy House here.)

Lessons Learned

Whenever we plan a trip, our itinerary will be packed full of stops. Sometimes these take longer than expected, but other times we will have some spare time for unexpected destinations. This was the case in Joplin. While speaking with the staff at the tourism bureau, the George Washington Carver National Monument came up in conversation. We had looked at making a short side trip to the site, but had not formally included it in our schedule. With a short window of opportunity opening, we decided to fill it with a visit. This ended up being an excellent decision. This stop opened our eyes to the world of a man who broke boundaries and forged new paths for future generations. (Read more about G.W. Carver here.)

Diamond In The Rough

After all of this exploration, we had burned up our big lunch. As the sun prepared to set, we knew it was time for our dinner plans. The Eagle Drive In was another fan favorite from our Facebook poll. What looked in pictures to be your average burger stand, was so much more. Everyone we spoke with during the day raved about the place, so we were anxious to test the waters. This place does not disappoint. The eclectic menu offers up a little gourmet dining in the most unusual setting.

Well Deserved Rest

With all of this activity in one day, we were ready for a break. Visit Joplin, Mo. had arranged a room for us at the Drury Inn and Suites, which is a chain we had never used. It actually has quite a bit to offer travelers. While we had our own dining plans for all of our meals, this hotel offers comps that make the price of a stay even more competitive. Our Friday evening stay included a dinner buffet and manager’s reception. (Free drinks anyone?) In the morning they have a breakfast buffet for guests, as well. If you consider the cost of two meals that can be enjoyed on site, this hotel chain makes for an affordable option. We will certainly keep this in mind for future trips.

Focus On The Food

A lesson that we learned on this trip is that Joplin residents like their restaurants as much as we do in Kansas City. Our breakfast plans were to dine at the number one spot from our poll results. The Bruncheonette was another place that completely fools you with its outside appearance. We were advised to show up early, but it was already overflowing with customers. Not to be discouraged, we joined in the long line of guests waiting their turn for some of the delectable eats. This gave us a chance to strike up some conversations with others, who helped explain the overwhelming draw of this eatery. This is certainly a must try place for anyone planning a visit to Joplin. (Read more about Bruncheonette here.)

City of Murals

Being from Kansas City, we love to check out fountains. They are the artwork of our hometown. Joplin has its own style, which includes a wonderful selection of murals. All through the downtown area we would spot these pieces on buildings. It became a game for us to see who could spot a new one first. When you make your plans for a Joplin visit, be sure to allocate some time to check them our for yourself. Let us know how many you spot, so we can see how many we missed.

Heading On Down The Route

With our heads filled with memories, and our camera’s memory card filled with images, it was time to head to our next destination. Part two of our weekend road trip was to move across the state line to the Kansas side. Here we would meet up with a group of other social influencers who were gathering for an Instameet held by Travel Kansas. Exploring the Mother Road is certainly a great way to see plenty of artifacts and memorabilia from days gone by. Who says a little nostalgia can’t be fun? (You can read about our Route 66 event here.) Tell us some of your favorite Joplin sights that need to be added to our next visit!

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The Early Years

Born into slavery in the 1860s, his life was tumultuous from the start. At one week old he was kidnapped, along with a sister and his mother, by raiders from Arkansas. An agent sent to recover them was only able to locate George. He and a brother were raised by his slave owners, Moses and Susan Carver, even after slavery was abolished. Driven by curiosity, George would spend many hours studying the plants and soil in the lands around his home. “Aunt” Susan Carver would teach the boy to read and write. During our visit to the park, we took time to stroll the 1-mile walk that leads around the homestead property. Along the way, we found placards that help explain the philosophy of George Carver. It is mentioned in one of the signs that George had a secret garden somewhere on the land.

About halfway through the paved walk, we came upon the Carver house. It reminded us of the simpler days when families spent more time engaged with daily rituals. We could imagine the young Carver running the grounds and observing the plants and animals he discovered. Although education was limited for colored people during this period, George’s drive to learn gave him the courage to find ways to succeed. He attended assorted schools and finally received his diploma in Minneapolis, Kansas. Denied attendance to a Kansas college due to race, he claimed a homestead and worked the 17-acre farm by hand. Here he produced a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and continued his passion for agriculture.

Furthering His Education

In 1890, Carver began his college studies in Indianola, Iowa. Encouraged by his art professor, he moved to Iowa State Agricultural College to continue his education. In 1891, he became the first black student at the college. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, some of his professors convinced him to pursue his master’s. He eventually became the first black faculty member at Iowa State. In 1896, George received an invitation to head the Agricultural Department at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Here he would befriend Booker T. Washington, the head of the school. Carver would teach at the university for 47 years, identifying new approaches to crop rotation. George developed a “traveling wagon” that allowed the classroom to be brought to the farmers in the fields.

The Classroom

During his teaching career, he often clashed with Booker and committee members. George was first and foremost a researcher and felt that he was not receiving the materials and supplies needed for successful research. Often he would offer up his resignation only to be ensured that his administrative duties would be reduced. After Booker’s death in 1915, his successor reduced the number of administrative tasks assigned to Carver, so that he could better focus on research. From 1915 to 1923, George experimented with finding new uses for many everyday crops. He rose to become one of the most well-known African-Americans of this period.

Learn With The Plant Doctor

Inside the George Washington Carver National Monument, we found a series of informational displays on his life. Moving up to the second level, we discovered a section that focuses on his years as an educator. This area is filled with hands-on exhibits that showcase many of his discoveries. For many decades, cotton had been the main crop in much of the South. The constant planting had deprived the soil of much of its nutrients and harvests dwindled. Carver developed a plan to rotate crops, by inserting the plantings of legumes (peanuts or soybeans) or sweet potatoes into the cycle. This would return much-needed nitrogen to the soil and improve subsequent cotton crops. It also allowed the farmers to develop alternate cash crops. In this section of the building, visitors can perform their own experiments and study some of the findings that Carver had seen for himself. It’s a great spot to let the kids burn off some energy while learning about agriculture.

Prestigious Career

His life may have begun with much strife, but it never slowed him down. Throughout George Washington Carver’s adult life he found success and eventually fame. He had numerous papers published in various publications. Carver met with three American presidents and the Crown Prince of Sweden studied with him for three weeks. In the main building, we saw evidence of the many products he helped discover. Carver eventually developed over 300 products from the peanut. These include plastic, dyes, and even cosmetics. He also created over 100 from sweet potatoes.

Ongoing Legacy

George Washington Carver died in 1943, after a fall at home. He was buried at Tuskegee next to his friend Booker T. Washington. That same year, President Roosevelt dedicated funds for the national monument at the homestead in Diamond, Missouri. This would be the first national monument dedicated to an African-American. During our walk, we came upon the Carver Family Cemetery. The graves of Moses and Susan Carver are found here along with other family members. As our tour of the George Washington Carver National Monument came to an end, we left with a better understanding of the “Peanut Man”. What we discovered was the story of a man who overcame every obstacle that was set before him. In the end, he followed his passion and it made the world a better place for future generations.

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We want to thank the Joplin Museum Complex and Visit Joplin, Mo. for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

The Early Days

The discovery of lead in the Joplin Creek Valley occurred before the Civil War, but significant mining did not begin until the early 1870’s. Soon a village was developed to support the many mining camps. Although lead was the primary mineral to be found, soon the discovery of large zinc deposits provided greater profits. By 1900, the city had grown into a local metropolis. The Main Street area was home to the houses of many of the areas affluent. Bars, hotels, and other businesses flourished in this mining boomtown. Joplin would become the lead and zinc mining capital of the world. The Joplin Museum has a second side that features plenty of information on the mining industry in the region. (Read about that museum here>)

The creation of mining wealth brought with it some unexpected side effects. The Spring of 1902 saw a sinkhole form along one of the main thoroughfares in town. The enormous amount of underground work would leave the city over 70% undermined. Open shafts and leftover rubble would be commonplace issues. The fortunes also brought great advancements to Joplin. A Carnegie Library addition showed that the city was quickly rising in status. Victorian accents were becoming commonplace in the architecture, as well as home furnishings. The Joplin History Museum has an area that showcases many of the pieces that would be commonplace in a Victorian themed home. Dining room, bedroom, and office furniture, as well as decorative accessories are on display.

The Mother Road

As the country grew, it became apparent that there was a need for better transportation alleys across the country. In 1926, Route 66 was designated to be a principal east-west artery. This roadway would run from Chicago to California. It gained the nickname “The Mother Road” by John Steinbeck in his novel “Grapes of Wrath”. Each year, tens of thousands of travelers retrace the pathway to experience the nostalgia of days gone by. The Joplin Museum has a display dedicated to the 6 miles of the route, which pass through the city limits.

Everyone Loves A Circus

While Crystal spoke with the museum curator, I wandered off to take pictures of the various collections. Just down the hall from the entrance, I located a room filled with miniature circus displays. I have always been enamored with the big top, and wish I would have had the opportunity to experience it in its heyday. The museum has a good-sized collection of replicas, and I enjoyed looking at all of the detail.

My favorite version had to be the one that showcased a circus midway. The sideshow placard with all of the circus acts would have been so interesting to witness. I know much was just showmanship, but I’m sure many a kid stood mesmerized by the sights. The circus coming to town would have been the event of the year in many midwestern cities and would have drawn crowds from towns all around.

Interesting Shapes

As I departed the circus exhibit, I came upon the cookie cutter displays. Here they have collected cutters that span decades of time. I saw many that I recognized from my childhood, as well as plenty that were clearly before my days. There are so many styles and shapes that we never realized had ever been created. They even have an area where each museum visitor can pick out their cookie cutter to take home with them.

Infamous Visitors

Joplin has seen some important visitors through the years. While many they wanted to see, some were wanted in a different way. The Great Depression saw the creation of many crooks and gangsters. Bonnie and Clyde made a stop in Joplin, Missouri during 1933. After committing several bank robberies in the region, they chose to hangout in a garage apartment south of the downtown area. Suspicious neighbors alerted the police, who confronted the gang. A violent shootout left two lawmen dead, but in the hectic escape, the gang left behind a variety of possessions. Many of these are on display at the museum.

So Much More

One of the things we love about regional museums is the abundance of artifacts. So much of the local history is preserved, and sheds light on the changes that have occurred over the decades. As we continued to explore, we found collections that highlight everything from the military to the medical profession, and even the changing technology that has been commonplace throughout the city. The Joplin Sports Hall of Fame features many players who performed locally. We even learned that a guy named Mickey Mantle played for the Joplin Miners in 1950. That year he won the division batting title with a .383 average. The next year he would be playing for the New York Yankees. This is an example of the kinds of unique facts you can discover at regional history museums. As you can see, Joplin is so much more than a city that was hit by a tornado. Why not make plans to learn even more about this unique Midwestern city? We are betting you will come away with a new perspective.

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We want to thank the Red Onion Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Popular Place

This day’s lunch crowd was clearly a mix of local business people, residents, and a few travelers, like us. The hostess escorted us to our table near a window, and along the way I scoped out some of the dishes that were at other tables. There were lots of conversations taking place, but the place didn’t seem too noisy. Once we were seated, we began reviewing the menu options. We had contacted the restaurant in advance, and John Starchman, the manager, was there that day. He came out and introduced himself, and we talked about what dishes are most popular at the Red Onion Cafe.

Local Favorite

Earlier in the morning we had made a stop at the Joplin Tourism office to meet  our contact, Carrie Puffinger. During a lengthy conversation, the subject of lunch came up. Carrie was excited to hear that we had chosen the Red Onion Cafe, and was happy to suggest some of her favorites. One dish she raved about was the Smoked Chicken Dip. She made it sound so appealing, that we couldn’t pass it up. A blend of smoked chicken and cream cheese is topped with peppers, jalapenos, and red onion. Crispy tortilla chips serve as the instrument to devour this delicious dish.

Appetizers Galore

The menu has plenty of starter choices, and John wanted us to taste one of the most vibrant. The Bruschetta Misto is concocted with a large dollop of herbed cream cheese as the base. To this they add diced tomato that is flavored with basil and garlic. They also add to it marinated olive salad. Plenty of grilled focaccia bread wedges were on hand to carry the spread to our mouths. Both of these appetizers were unbelievable, and had us coming back for more. We started to wonder if we would have any room left for the main courses.

Staying Light

Knowing well that we would be packing in plenty of calories in the starters, we decided to hang back a little on the main dishes. Crystal chose the Chicken Salad Sandwich, which is served on grilled whole grain bread. The filling is a good mix of chicken, walnuts, celery, and grapes. The ingredients are chunky, so each bite has lots of flavor. Her meal came with the choice of a side, so she picked a house salad.

Red Onion Cafe offers a good selection of entree salads, which was exactly what I was in the mood for that day. I chose the Mandarin Orange Salad, which comes in a hefty sized bowl. A blend of mixed greens is topped with onion, celery, grilled chicken, and mandarin oranges, The addition of candied almonds adds a sweet crunch to the dish. It was a really good mix of flavors that had me continuing to nibble, even after I announced that I was stuffed.

Sweet Ending

When we entered the restaurant, we noticed a cooler filled with sweet treats. John had mentioned that these are created by a local resident, and the selection rotates. As I was moving around the place taking pictures, I ended up near the case chatting with John. Everything in there looked amazing, but especially the Shamrock Cake. I had to ask for more details about it. It is a staggering creation of Guinness chocolate cake layered with Jameson chocolate ganache. The richness doesn’t end there, as it is topped with a Bailey’s Irish Cream buttercream frosting. Just the description made me gain two pounds. While it sounded absolutely scrumptious, we had to pass. Not only were we stuffed to the gills, but our next stop was a candy shop. Looks like a lot of walking will be needed after this trip.

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Long History in the Ozarks

This candy shop has been in existence for nearly 50 years, although not always at the same location. The original Candy House sat on Reddings Mill Road, and became a place that many visited regularly. For decades, the Richardson family made it a “go-to” destination for delicious chocolate treats. In 1999. the Richardsons sold the business, and it continued operating with the same recipes. Recently, the business has once again changed hands, but the recipes are a continuing legacy within this business. The new owners are Kansas City natives, who relocated to Joplin about 15 years ago. While the site at Reddings Mill has been closed, operations at the downtown location are surging full steam ahead. While needing to change the name for legal purposes, they still wanted to capture the original portion, and Candy House Gourmet was chosen.

Eye Candy

When we entered the shop, our first view was a large collection of Easter candies. This artistic display drew us in with its beautiful pastel colors and fun novelty shapes. Cellophane wrapped bunnies, chicks, and eggs all sat perfectly arranged in full view of customers. It reminded us of the upcoming holiday and suggested a reason for us to purchase a few extras for gifts.

On-Site Production

Our visit occurred on a Friday, which is the only weekday that they don’t run the production facility. Fortunately, we were still able to have a wonderful tour with Cara Adolphson, one of the new owners. She walked us through the processes used to create their various treats, and all along the way we could smell the residual delicious aromas of the previous day’s work. Talk about a great way to work up an appetite for a sweet reward.

Special Treats

Throughout the year, Candy House Gourmet will produce items timed for upcoming holidays. During the Valentine’s Day season, chocolate-covered strawberries fly off the shelves, as customers rush to get these for their sweethearts. Of course, a few may be saved for themselves, as well. Easter is another good holiday for candy shops, as visitors search for the best items to fill the baskets of their children or grandchildren.

Old Fashioned Displays

One of the things we liked about Candy House Gourmet was their mix of new and old styles. While the displays in the middle of the showroom had a modern and artistic feel, the edges of the room are filled with beautiful wooden cases. Here we were able to survey the various chocolate treats made with milk, dark, and white chocolate coatings. Along the top of the cases are a series of large glass canisters, filled to the brim with a variety of sweet treasures. This setup reminded us of an old-fashioned candy shop.

Taking It All In

We visited with the staff for quite a while, as they told us more about themselves and their business. The passion they have is clearly evident in the way they speak about the importance of maintaining historical recipes. We watched the interaction they had with each customer who arrived during our visit. Everyone was invited in, and treated like part of the family. Perhaps this is another reason why we enjoy visiting chocolate shops wherever we roam. It gives us a chance to let others share their passion with us. That and a chance to taste the chocolates!

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We want to thank the Joplin Museum Complex for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Early Fascination

During my childhood, my grandparents moved to the small town of West Mineral, Kansas, which lies in the Southeast corner of Kansas. My summertime visits would include a chance to watch Big Brutus in action. It was touted as the largest electric shovel in the world, and to a youngster, it was a monster chewing up the land. From my recollection, that mining was focused on coal, but there have been many other minerals pulled from the ground in this region.

What Started The Rush

Galena is the lead ore found in the area, and once the Civil War ended miners returned to their pursuit for this precious mineral. In 1870, a large pocket was discovered, and soon mining camps sprung up all over the area. While lead started the mining explosion, the discovery of zinc would push it to new heights. By the turn of the century, Joplin was the apex of activity for the Tri-State Mining District, which encompassed Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

The mining industry continued to flourish as World War I saw the increased demand for the minerals these fields provided. After the war, activity began to fall off, in part due to richer fields being found in Oklahoma territory. By the end of World War II, most of the mines began closing. Fortunately, some of the tools of the trade were salvaged and saved for future generations to see.

Constant Danger

As we made our way through the exhibits, we found lots of displays that highlight the ever present dangers associated with underground mining. The risk of cave-ins would always be in the forefront of miners as they made their ways down into the darkness. Toxic gases were a possible hazard and the use of explosives added to the daily risks. Many miners died prematurely due to “miners consumption”. This was caused by breathing in the minute particles of silica dust forced into the air from the dynamite blasts.

The Rewards

The Joplin Mining Museum has one of the best collections of lead and zinc ore in the world. There are also a host of other minerals found in the underground caves and during excavation. Mineral samples of all sizes and types can be viewed and are clearly labeled for visitors. Staff is on hand to answer any questions that arise about the samples or mining operations.

They Use What?

A favorite display case for many visitors is the one that shows how minerals are used in everyday products. It is amazing, and somewhat scary, to see what can be found in things we eat, drink, and use for personal purposes. This exhibit connects the importance of minerals to all of us and made us think about the steps that must be taken to harvest the materials we need for daily life.

No mineral exhibit would be complete without a section of fluorescent samples. Everyone enjoys seeing the incandescent light dim, and the black light irradiate the samples. It’s amazing to see what colors will appear and to wonder for what reason these items react in such a way. Whatever the underlying cause, we still like to see the rocks glow. It’s almost as much fun as watching the largest electric shovel in action. While you are there, why not visit the history museum, as well? (You can read about it here.) Why not plan your visit to the Joplin Mining Museum to learn more about the industry that shaped this area?

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Unassuming Exterior

We knew that the restaurant opened at 9:00, so we planned our morning to have us arrive right on time. When we arrived the parking lot was already packed, and cars were beginning to line the street. I dropped Crystal off at the door, while I went to park the car. By the time I made it inside, I found her near the end of a line that snaked around the interior. It quickly became apparent that this place was something special. (Thank you Carrie for the recommendation.) While some may be thwarted by this spectacle, we found it exhilarating. The willingness of so many to pack in so quickly gave us high hopes for a special meal.

Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

As the line proceeded through the restaurant, everyone was taking the chance to check out the dishes being consumed by those who arrived early. Periodically, we would hear a conversation between friends, and would strain to hear any golden nuggets of advice on what to order. By the time we were near the front of the line, we had seen just about every possible dish pass by, and were just as confused as when we started. Plates being prepared for delivery added to the anxiety of choosing, and soon we were at the register. Fortunately, the lady taking orders was prepared for such a situation and quickly walked us through the menu. With our orders placed and the anxiety past, we grabbed our coffee to take outside, while we waited for a table to clear. The Bruncheonette has this process down to an art, and we were seated just in time for our dishes to be served.

More Local Advice

While we were waiting to be seated, we struck up conversation with others nearby. Some lived in Joplin, while others visited here frequently for business. We had a lively discussion about various restaurants in and around the region. Food is a universal requirement, so we find it to be an excellent conversation topic. Our new friends insured us that our choices would be great no matter what they were. I recently got on an Eggs Benedict kick, and the menu has some interesting variations. The Benny Harper reminded me of a BLT sandwich of sorts, and was packed with deliciousness. Once inside, one of our new friend groups were seated next to us and also enjoyed this choice. My counter partner, who was visiting his daughter in Joplin, touted the delicious taste of the biscuits and gravy. I made a mental note to get that when we have a chance to pass this way again.

Taking A Different Route

Crystal wasn’t feeling like a Benny or even the pancakes, and ended up picking the B. A. Migas. (I was sure she would get the crepes with Nutella.) This omelet-style dish is composed of scrambled eggs, bacon, salsa, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onion, and crispy strips of corn tortilla. When the plate was placed in front of her, I knew she would struggle to finish such a large dish. (I was right.) Her first comment was about the generous amount of avocado that they provide. As we chowed down on our meals, we both realized that The Bruncheonette was an excellent choice. Next time though, we will know to arrive a wee bit earlier. Have you visited this unique Joplin eatery?  We would love to hear what your favorite dish is and why.

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