The Ozarks has plenty for you to like this fall. Good weekend road trips, fun times. We’ve picked five festivals for you to check out.
MO FOOD TRUCK FEST
Sept. 17, Springfield
One day, many tastes — and it’s free. Starts at 11 a.m. in downtown Springfield. The best gourmet food trucks, including barbecue, vegan, Mexican and TexMex, seafood, Mediterranean, Latin. Live music and crafts.
CIDER DAYS
Sept. 17-18, Springfield
Get your fill from the food trucks and then wander down to historic Walnut Street for this shindig. Features southwest Missouri artists and crafters, live music, and hello … apple cider.
HOOTIN AN HOLLARIN
Sept. 21-23, Gainesville
Hands clap. Toes tap. Native crafts, dancing, and music. It’s about an hour-and-a-drive drive from Springfield (east on 60, then down 14 and onto Missouri 5 at Ava). The scenery is worth the drive.
PUMPKIN DAZE
First weekend in October, Republic
You think you’ve seen great pumpkins? Pssht. Come to Republic and feast your eyes on massive melons, gigantic gourds, stupendous squash. You will be in a daze.
APPLE BUTTER MAKIN’ DAYS
Oct. 7-8, Mount Vernon
Hundreds of booths, thousands of enthusiasts, and apple butter. Man, that’s some good eating. Or eatin’ as they like to say in Lawrence County. Just head west on I-44 for a half-hour and you’re there. Bring back some apple butter for your BV buds.