Destination: Boonville, MO
The Plan: Dinner and a show at the Isle of Capri followed by a day of serious junking/exploring
Mom had tickets for dinner and a show Friday evening on the boat so we decided to make it an overnight adventure. Highway 5 has some pretty scenery. We discovered a beautiful plantation, Ravenswood, that I want to go back and tour. After checking into the hotel, we spent a little time people watching. Possibly the best entertainment of the evening. Our dinner was Mixed Green Salad with Ranch Dressing, Baked Chicken with Mushrooms, Carrots, Asparagus served over Wild Rice w/Gravy, and Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce. Out of the hundreds of ways that chicken could be prepared, this was probably the most unique. The cheesecake was good. The show, a hypnostist, was intriguing. While I don't buy into the whole hypnosis thing, it was a great exercise in imagination. Something entirely too cute about watching "older" ladies chasing pigs around the county fair. Go ahead...laugh....it makes a great mental picture, right? We had wonderful company at our table including a lovely couple from Russellville, another mother/daughter team from Laurie and a pair of sisters from Columbia. It was fun to meet and visit with all of them.
Our room, spacious and included a HOT TUB!! Heaven! Bubble bath, Coca-Cola, Book....followed by total control of the TV's Remote...seriously folks! It was near perfect. The only thing missing was chocolate. Great evening....very early morning....Mom!!!
After partaking pigging out at the breakfast buffet, we headed to the town square to investigate. I was on a mission to find a few things. We started out here -
I was not to be disappointed! If you are searching for a specific little gem...it's been patiently waiting for you here. It's been waiting so long that it's dust has probably spawned a few bunnies. Two levels of precious junk antiques. This was just the upstairs -
I apologize for the blurry picture.....the phone that thinks it can spell, a triple landing staircase, lack of oxygen and that cheesecake I ate last night....okay - I'm just old. Very [insert favorite descriptive word] up here. Anyone need gold platform shoes and an imitation mink coat? Prom dress from 1985? How about a shopping cart from the local grocery store? Carpet? Looking for all of the little wood craft kits that Wal-mart used to sell? Upstairs, right hand side, about mid-way down the aisle. This little gem was waiting for me as I went back down those demon stairs -
It actually still had the little doll hangers inside. I can't wait to clean/repair it. As a side note, if anyone in my family is looking for gift ideas, they do have the ORIGINAL Barbie Dream House...still in the box...just like the one i've been requesting (begging) for like...40....uhm...well...since I was little. We spent a couple of hours pawing through the treasures and visiting with the shopkeepers. Across the street was the Butternut Bread store. The smell was mouth-watering. They make the heat and serve rolls you find in the grocery store. Of course, we had to stop and pick up a loaf of potato bread for French Toast, as well as a few other goodies. My mom got her first taste of a "hot mama" sausage...she was not impressed. Isn't the mural gorgeous? All those bright colors and textures -
Lots of fantastic old buildings. I loved the distressed brick on the wall. Makes you wonder about days gone by.
It was gray and dreary out but just imagine if the sun had been shing on the side of the old bank building. All of those jewel tones sparkling and glowing -
We discovered some great little shops. One of them, "Never the Same", asked that you not take pictures in order to protect her work. After seeing it, I understood. If you are in town, you must stop in and check it out. She changes out the entire store with the season. Displays of fall, pumpkins, ghouls and goblins. The woodworking was beyond imagination and what she does with old doors. Such a creative gift. We enjoyed visiting with the owner. She started out doing craft shows and had some good advice to share with me. I can't wait to go back at Christmas - I'm sure the shop will be just as wonderful. Just down the block is the sweetest little fabric store. We spent quite a bit of time here, just visiting and enjoying the people. I did purchase some fabric for a project the Kid and I are working on.
Another little store, SweetPeas, just opened this week - definitely worth a peek while exploring. We plan to go back when it's a bit warmer. Famished, imagine that!?!, we stopped in at the 87 Diner for lunch. I recommend the Hamburger, less than dead, with ketchup, mustard, pickles and a side of mushrooms. Great food! They close at 2:00 p.m. on the dot so plan to be there atleast 30 minutes before closing. Your waitress will make sure, short of eating lunch for you, that you're well taken care of. What a fun trip! We headed home via Highway 87 so we could make a quick stop in at Sweet Buy & Buy. Another great treasure spot run by some wonderful folks. If you're looking for all of the fabric that Wal-Mart closed out - middle aisle towards the back of the store. LOL! What an adventure! We're already planning the next one...if you know of any great spots or want to join us, leave me a comment or shoot me an email.
Enjoy!
jen
