As we begin a New Year many of us will make New Year’s Resolutions. Among the most popular will be goals to improve health, diet and fitness. If you are striving to eat healthy, get in shape or reduce stress then you are in luck! Whether you are visiting for the weekend or a resident, Jefferson City has a growing number of options available to help you succeed in 2012.

The first step to eating healthy is easy – add more fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet. As organic produce becomes more and more popular there has been a growing demand for locally grown items. D&D Main Street Market offers a variety of seasonal produce as well as locally made delicacies and hand crafted goods. The family-owned business also stocks a multitude of seasonal plants and seeds for you to cultivate your own garden. Within short biking distance from the Missouri Capitol, D&D Main Street Market is sure to have something fresh for you to sink your teeth into.

If you are planning a visit to Jefferson City and looking for healthy dining options then have no fear. Although plenty of restaurants offer scrumptious salads (Prison Brews) and delicious light cuisine (Arris Bistro), the Boulevard Cafe has a menu specifically catered to the healthy eater. The Boulevard Café blends its own fresh juices and smoothies. They have a variety of gluten-free menu items as well as organic, vegan and vegetarian options. The owners also operate a health food store next door so if you are in town for a visit be sure to check them out and stock up on natural products.

The Missouri River Regional Library (MRRL) is offering free weekly yoga classes on Thursday mornings at 9:00 am. If your New Year’s Resolution is to make a little more time for yourself, de-stress or trim the waistline then yoga is a great place to start. The MRRL class is held in the Art Gallery of the library, which is sure to be a quiet spot. The class does not require a reservation so if you are in town for a visit then look up their schedule and give yourself an hour to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Best of luck achieving your 2012 New Year’s Resolutions!

So, you decide you’ve had it with the charmed living that Jefferson City offers and you pack your bags and move to a bustling city in the southeast part of the country.  Life is good there, but you feel strangely compelled to fire off a letter to the editor of your former hometown.  In the letter you tell all the readers what a terrible place Jefferson City is and you are, in general, shrill and mean spirited.  What happens next?  The good folks of JCMO take umbrage and fire back with some pithy words of advice — some nice, some more cantankerous — to the former resident. 

This happened recently.  The whole sordid scene was played out in black and white courier type for all to read.  On the same editorial pages were those bashing the left or the right; people shaking their fists at taxes, the president, health care, female presidential candidates; people using scripture for their various means; and, all-in-all, confirming Mark Twain’s views of those of us who walk upright and have opposable thumbs.  (Editor’s note:  Twain felt we were a fairly miserable lot.)

On the other side of the howls and acrimony is a little “good” uprising — a movement afoot that sings the praises of good behavior and common decency.  Folks involved in Cole Country Characterplus are trying to impress upon our children (and their elders) that we need to appeal to our better angels.  We can be good.  We can treat each other respectfully, even if we disagree on the issues of the day.  There’s hope yet.  We should not only applaud the Characterplus initiative, we should support it and join it.  Many times the comment has been made, “It’s good for these kids to learn better manners – to show a little character,” but unless the adults model it on a regular basis, how can we expect the kids to learn it?

This blog is not a shot at the media.  The media is, more or less, a reflection of who we are.  We want to argue.  We want to see figurative punches thrown on the editorial pages (or real ones on the 6 o’clock news), we watch Snokie or Snoogy or whatever her name is on Jersey Shore to see what shenanigans she and her poorly behaved ilk are up to.  There’s a certain amount of vicarious fun there, I suppose.  But at the end of the day, we need to look at ourselves in the mirror (or in the faces of our children) and decide what kind of world we want to make for ourselves.

From my vantage point, most of us who dwell here in mid-Missouri are making a good faith effort to create a welcoming and vibrant community.  We tend to care about our families and our schools and, though we stumble now and then, there is a sense of goodness that generally prevails.  I would ask, though, that we all make a better effort to treat each other decently.  One does not have to belong to the Characterplus program to display good character.

–Guest blogger, David Luther

Tucked away in the Baymont Inn & Suites Jefferson City, is the comfortable and quaint R Bar.  The intimate setting is perfect for a before-dinner cocktail or happy hour after work with friends and co-workers.  They are even open on Saturdays!  How comfortable is a bar inside a Jefferson City hotel?  The R Bar is extremely comfortable, boasting a beautiful bar, tables and chairs, or along the back of the room, comfortable plush chairs to sit at.  While checking out the seating options, don’t forget to fill your plate with complimentary popcorn or snack mix.  For entertainment, the R Bar has plenty of TVs and the lottery game Keno.

If you haven’t checked out the R Bar, give it a try the next time you want to venture out of the ordinary!  With its daily specials and comfortable ambiance, it’s bound to be a Jefferson City establishment that you will put on your favorites list!

Fall is here, my friends. This means it’s time to make your favorite pot of chili, roast marshmallows on an open fire, and enjoy the chill and cheers of high school football. People are even taking the long route, by road or bike, to enjoy the leaves starting to flame colors. Fall is a beautiful season in Jefferson City.

When the weather cools, nothing makes me happier then breaking out the warm sweaters and scarves. I’ve got a thing for a great scarf.  Although I don’t consider myself a scarf snob, the scarf does need to have a few things going for it before I commit. It must be the right blend of warm material, great color and perfect length. It should also be willing to be tied in several different ways. I’ve found that flexibility is key in life and, ironically, scarf wearing.

There is a great scarf place in town. It’s kind of secret. They are known for lots of other things—expensive clothes, beautiful gowns and unique purses—but not many people know they have some killer scarves. Plus, they’re really cheap (most scarves are between $10-$15). While the scarves hanging on their racks are great, I have found the best success rummaging through folded ones stacked a mile high on the shelf. Come to mama, you sweet scarf!

Here’s to hoping you find a sweet scarf, too. May it warm your neck, be a bold accessory, and serve as a reminder that this is the season we’ve all been craving. Fall is here. Now, let’s enjoy it.

P.S. Oh, alright. I’ll give you a clue on the store name, as long as you promise not to snag all the great scarves. It’s a downtown store and it rhymes with TAFFIES. There. That’s it. No more clues. You’re on your own now for the great scarf hunt.

The Cultural Arts Commission of Jefferson City is proud to sponsor the CONNECT TO THE ARTS FEST.  This new festival combines 3 of Jeff City’s most popular art events: THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE, MO River Regional Library CULTURAL CONCERT & JAZZFEST, September 8-10, 2011.

Sept 8 5pm-9pm: Featuring 3 artists on stage AND the 2nd Annual Soup Stock highlighting the culinary genius of LOCAL chefs.
Sept 9 7pm-9pm: MO River Regional Library Concert on the Capitol Lawn.
Sept 10 11am-9pm: Entertainment, jazz, art activities & special events will be happening throughout the day in our great downtown area!

High Street will host the Jazz Fest 1pm-8pm~extraordinary JAZZ musicians scheduled to put you “in the groove.”  Capital Arts Street Art will be on-going with artists chalking on their concrete canvases.  A variety of cultural art talents within our community will be showcased with exhibits, demonstrations, roving performances & local food vendors.

“Taste of Missouri”-a wine tasting event, promoting area vineyards will be hosted 4pm-7pm. 

For more information visit: www.artsinjc.org

Friday nights for happy hour. Week nights for dinner. Lunch with the girls. Dessert to go. 

Whatever the occasion, Arris Bistro is sure to suit your taste buds and mood.  Located at 409 W. Miller Street, Jefferson City, Arris Bistro has spacious and comfortable seating, a delicious menu accenting Greek and American cuisine, and a cool bar, which they call Liquid Lounge.  If you come for happy hour at the Liquid Lounge, their drink specials pair well with the comfortable lounge chairs. Catching up with co-workers and friends never was so relaxing in Jefferson City! 

Cooler nights are in store for the capital city, so Arris Bistro’s outdoor patio becomes very appealing, when enjoying one of their 16 beers on tap and an appetizer of brushetta or pita chips and hummus.  But, why stop there?  After appetizers, indulge in dinner such as a traditional gyro or vegetarian offering.  The food is very well-prepared and well-presented. 

Arris Bistro is also a popular spot for an after-dinner drink or dessert.  If you can make a stop to Arris Bistro after your dinner or night plans, you will have such a sweet time! Their dessert cases feature Greek and American delectables, such as baklava, cheesecake, and cakes. 

Check out their facebook page or their website at http://arriscafe.com/  Be sure to turn your speakers on while you check out their site!

A recent outing in Central Missouri offered the opportunity to explore some “close to home” places I’d never been to or experienced personally.

 The journey started by spending a little time — not nearly enough to see and do everything, that’s for sure — in the Lake of the Ozarks area. The first stop on this trek was Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton. I had been to this amazing location before, but last time, it was snowing. On the recent trip, it was 102 degrees. The weather certainly was different, but the site was beautiful both times.

From the Ha Ha Tonka castle ruins, you’re afforded a panoramic view of the park and the Lake of the Ozarks below. The Ha Ha Tonka Spring, with its stunning blue water, certainly is a natural wonder. If you like hiking trails and seeing incredible natural formations, such as bridges and sinkholes, be sure to visit Ha Ha Tonka.

After that, it was off to Osage Beach for a ride with Celebration Cruises. This two-hour journey aboard an 80-foot yacht offered two of my favorite things: a chance to relax and let someone else drive, and a barbecue lunch.

During the cruise, we saw lots of people out boating, tubing, riding jet skis and just having a great time. I was so jealous; I would have given just about anything to go for a swim, but alas, this was a working trip. Maybe next time.

In addition to seeing folks on the water, we also saw (and heard some tidbits about) the homes near the lake’s shore, including one residence with its own helipad. Yes, that’s pretty sweet, and so was the cruise. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the lake.

After the cruise, it was off to Big Surf Waterpark, which couldn’t have looked any more inviting on a warm summer’s day. The temperature was up to about 103 by the time we got to Big Surf, and the fact I was there for work, not play, was difficult to endure, considering Zambezi Falls half pipe looks like one of the coolest rides ever. The water slides, wave pool and lazy river looked refreshing, too.

After Big Surf, we cleaned up, went to dinner at Shorty Pants (I’d recommend the Shrimp Po’ Boy) and then headed off to the night’s main event, a show at the Main Street Music Hall. The Main Street Opry show offered classic country tunes (think Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty), along with modern hits (from artists such as Reba, and Miranda Lambert), a lot of fun and excellent performances.

The show totally exceeded my expectations and I am hopeful to get back there again soon to see the Reelin’ In the Years show, which features music from the 1960s-80s. In fact, while we were at Ha Ha Tonka, we chatted with some wonderful ladies from the state of Mississippi who were very impressed by the show, as they had seen it the night before.

After a fun day and night at the Lake, it was time to get back to Jefferson City for more fun and new experiences, including tours of the Governor’s Mansion, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation Museum and the Museum of Missouri Military History.

The Governor’s Mansion has a rich history dating to its construction in 1871, and it’s been home to 35 governors. During the tour, you see portraits of the first ladies of Missouri, learn about the history of the mansion, and hear stories about some of more famous folks who have visited, including George Custer.

One of the more amusing stories involves a small child who was given a tool set as a gift; he used the saw on the legs of the chairs at the formal dining table.

After touring the mansion and grabbing a bite to eat, we went to the veterinary museum, where the science of caring for animals is put in the spotlight.

There are many interesting pieces on display at the museum, including a hand-written book dating to the 1500s, items taken from animals’ stomachs (think giant hairballs) and a hands-on area where you feel different types of animal skin and bones. It’s a cool little museum, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in science, and/or parents with young children, to explore this unique attraction.

Our last stop in Jefferson City was the military museum, which is located on base at the Missouri National Guard Headquarters. The museum offers a pretty in-depth look at the National Guard and what role Missouri has played in a variety of wars/conflicts, dating back to the Civil War.

Displays include uniforms, photos, weapons and artifacts related to the military in Missouri. In short, it’s a history/military buff’s dream. Perhaps the coolest part of the tour is a station where you can “suit up” so to speak, to see what it’s like walking around with a soldier’s gear on. Let me tell you; that stuff is heavy. I can’t imagine having to walk very far, let alone run and/or work, in that gear. Hats off to the men and women who do; you are amazing!

This is just a small sampling of the cool things to do in Central Missouri; there are countless more places to explore in this region of the Show-Me State. To learn more about Central Missouri, log on to VisitMO.com or simply click here.

(Thanks to our colleagues at the Lake of the Ozarks CVB, Tri-County Lodging Association, and the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with the folks whose attractions we visited, for their time and efforts.)

When I watch Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network channel, I always think of Daisy Delight in Jefferson City. It’s a nostalgic dive, for sure, and it’s got the best hamburgers in town. Three pickles and the special Daisy D sauce right under the bun. I salivate just thinking about it. 

It’s a family place. In fact, kids have been riding their bikes to get there since it opened in 1955. It’s even got the same décor. Laminate tables, metal napkin holders and candy holders from that era. It’s best addition over the years is the Ms. Pac- Man/Galaga arcade game. Opponents can sit down across from other and battle it out while finishing their delicious soft-serve ice cream. 

I never rode my bike to Daisy Delight as a kid. We lived too far away. But my best friend, Jamie, did for most of the summer. She was the one who first introduced me to this local eatery when were in high school. We would go grab a hamburger and tater sticks to fuel up before Friday night football games. We even tried to replicate the Daisy D sauce at home one time, but that adventure didn’t really end in success. 

These days, I take my two boys to Daisy Delight to soak in the tradition. While we wait for our delicious hamburgers, my boys frantically play each other on the arcade game while I sit back and watch all the people. Kids, teenagers, couples, large families, older folks—all sitting together enjoying the food and the memories in this place.

The boys and I each get a “baby” cone (it’s the smallest you’ve ever seen!) twirled high with vanilla ice cream before we leave. It’s a race on who can smooth the bumps fastest before it melts. I’m the wizard, of course, but then again I’ve been around this block a time or two. If you happen to be on this block, or on the east side of Jefferson City, stop by Daisy Delight to experience this great place for yourself. It’s not been on Food Network yet, but it’s still a pretty fabulous dive.

“What?” I replied curiously. 

“We have a little visitor coming to stay with us.” 

“Are you pregnant?” 

“No. We have a person, a non-baby type person coming to stay with us.” 

“Fabulous. Does this mean I have to give up my bed?” 

“No, you can still sleep on the couch. She will be staying in our guest room.” 

“Groovy. Why is she coming? And when will she be leaving?” 

My wife looked at me sternly and said matter-of-factly, “She is coming to learn English and she will be staying with us until the middle of September.” 

“Alright then,” I said. And that is how I discovered that a 21 year-old university student from Italy would be our summer house guest. 

Now, I don’t mean to sound unwelcoming but my house is already pretty full; with four females mind you. Adding another one, I think officially turns our home into a sorority house by common law or commercial zoning, perhaps? I’m not sure I’m ready for this. 

Ready or not, she arrived on July 3^rd and the entire family made the trip to the airport. We brought her to Jefferson City on Highway 63.  As we approached the Missouri River Bridge I said to her, “So how did you decide to come to Jefferson City?” 

Without hesitation she replied, “The Internet of course. I read about it and saw pictures. Then I made my decision to come.” 

Her English isn’t that bad, I thought to myself. 

“For example, I saw this,” she said to me as she pointed out the window at the Capitol.  

Ok, so she likes the Capitol. That’s cool, I can live with that. 

“Also tomorrow is your Independence festival, right?  You have firework celebrations here in this city?  Will you take me to this celebration?”

“Yes we have firework celebration” I said mimicking her accent.  Maybe we’ll take you if you are good…” 

My wife elbowed me in the ribs. 

“I mean, sure we’d love to take you.” 

And we did.  And she liked it. 

Needless to say, the last couple of weeks have been a bit of an adjustment for all of us, but we’re making it. I mean we’re Americans (mostly) we can do anything. 

Besides, having another female in the house isn’t completely awful. I mean she’s interesting at times and she’s not too messy. Plus she knows how to cook. 

In the end though, I must confess that I’ve actually enjoyed showing her Jefferson City and watching her get excited for simple things; like eating her very first hotdog or waving a tiny American flag on the 4^th of July. In fact, the whole experience has really touched me. It has made me proud and even humbled me bit.  

As for my summer house guest Jefferson City right now is America. And as far as I can tell, it looks like our city has made a pretty good first impression. Way to go JCMO!

Like many other residents of Jefferson City and neighboring communities, I’ve been watching the building of the new jail on High Street since the ground breaking.  We have watched it go from little more than a slab of concrete to a brand new state-of-the-art prison.

The official ribbon cutting will take place the morning of July 15^th. That night and the night of the 16^th if you are over the age of 17, you can sign up to spend the night in prison. 

Upon arrival participants will have their photo (mug shot) taken.  After dinner, guests will take a tour of the facility and watch an informational video about the basic operations.  The overnight stay is designed to allow citizens to see how their tax dollars were spent and also to help jail personnel work out any unexpected problems before the inmates move in. 

Reservations can be made by contacting the sheriff’s office at 573-634-9160.  The cost for this unique experience is $30 and includes a mug shot, 2 meals, a prison cell for the night and a commemorative t-shirt. Practically a steal! (no pun intended)