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Photographing Alley Spring: Red Mill, Turquoise Water, Pure 573 Ozarks
Alley Spring Mill sits deep in the Ozarks, six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106, inside the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The first thing you see is the red mill. It stands bright against the trees and the blue water. Photographers have loved this place forever. The mill even appeared on a U.S. quarter. Walking around the spring, every step gives you a new picture.
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


The Retreat at Bogey Creek: New Casual Restaurant with a View near Farmington with Old Friends
Big, exciting news! A new restaurant has opened at Bogey Creek, just outside Farmington, and it already feels like a place you’ll want to linger. Bright and airy, with soft music drifting through the space, The Retreat features large windows that frame sweeping views of the golf course. The setting is picturesque and quietly upscale without ever feeling formal or pretentious—welcoming, comfortable, and easy to settle into. Outside, a generous patio offers plenty of seating u
Denelle Smugala
4 min read


Start Moving Again: Why Walking Is the Best FREE Health Medicine (and How I Get Off the Sunken Sofa)
The Journal of Sports Medicine found that adults who remained consistently physically active had a 30–40% lower risk of death compared with those who stayed inactive. Those who increased their activity from below recommended levels still showed a 20–25% lower mortality risk. I don't want to live forever, but I’d like to make it to 80.
In a recent public-health update in August 2026. Inactivity is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, s
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


Thursday Steak Night at Fyre Lake Winery in Cadet, MO
Discover Thursday Steak Night at Fyre Lake Winery in Cadet, Missouri. Lakeside fire pits, sunset views, comfort food, local wines, and a welcoming family-run atmosphere.
Denelle Smugala
2 min read


Explore Missouri Caves: Discover 573 Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden wonders of Missouri Caves! Explore Missouri Caves and uncover 573 unique gems with stunning formations and rich history.
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


Get Off the Sunken Sofa: Why the 573’s Hidden Gems Demand You Live in Real Time
Life isn’t meant to be scrolled past on a glowing screen from the depths of a sunken sofa. It’s meant to be felt underfoot, breathed in deep, and remembered long after the day ends. Southeast Missouri holds a quiet treasury of hidden gems that reward anyone willing to trade comfort for wonder. These places like—Mingo Swamp, Rocky Falls, Blue Spring, the tunnels at Pickle Springs, the petroglyphs at Washington State Park, and the granite passageways at Elephant Rocks—aren’t ju
Thomas Smugala
4 min read


Heritage at Edg-Clif Farms & Winery: 4th of July Celebration in Potosi, Missouri – Ozarks Living History on America’s 250th
Celebrate America’s 250th on July 4, 2026 at Edg-Clif Farms & Winery in Potosi, MO. Award-winning Missouri wines, craft beers, historic 1862 lodge, Ozark cliffs, and a family-friendly 4th of July with BBQ, live music, games & fireworks. Perfect for weddings, tastings & weekend getaways near Farmington & St. Louis.
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


Why Move to Perryville, Missouri? Small-Town Living with Big Advantages
People always ask us why there seem to be so many stories on people and places in Perryville, even though it only has a population of 9,000. The reason is simple—they work hard, they are creative, they are open to new ideas outside of their orbit, and they are fair—most importantly, 573 gets pulled where people want us. We have worked with the Perryville City Administrator, Brent Buerck, and the Perry County Tourism Director, Trish Erzfeld, for nearly 20 years, and we have c
Thomas Smugala
7 min read


Laurie Ray: Serial Entrepreneur Spotlight in Cape Girardeau | 573 Magazine
In a world bent on global domination, it’s always good to know that there are hard-working small business owners who are busy dominating their world—serial entrepreneurs. I’m certain you all know that we at 573 Magazine do truly love our local small business owners. We go out of our way to help promote and spotlight all the hard-won successes that many local small business owners achieve in the 573—hands down, some of the most creative, passionate, and hard-working people I
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


Villainous Grounds in Perryville | Dark-Themed Café & Specialty Drinks
Step into Villainous Grounds in Perryville, MO—a dark-themed coffee shop serving bold brews, specialty drinks, and a one-of-a-kind villain-inspired atmosphere.
Thomas Smugala
4 min read


The Blues Highway 61: Missouri’s Gateway to the Blues
Today, U.S. Highway 61, known as the "Blues Highway 61" for its rich blues music heritage along the Mississippi River, celebrates its 100th anniversary. In Southeast Missouri, especially Cape Girardeau, residents are excited because they received the Missouri House resolution honoring the Missouri Blues Highway 61. To celebrate the Blues Highway's history, they have also launched exhibits, concerts, and events to welcome visitors and share this musical and cultural legacy. 5
Thomas Smugala
4 min read


A PERFECT 573 SPRING DAY TRIP
Ready to chase the ultimate 573 spring adventure? Our new story maps out the perfect day, hitting Missouri's most epic springs and shut-ins! Start at mind-blowing **Big Spring**—276 million gallons of crystal-clear 58°F water roaring out daily and creating its own river. Cruise to **Alley Spring** for a peaceful paved loop around the 155-ft-deep pool and the 1894 historic gristmill. Then cool off with a swim in the 40-ft cascade at **Rocky Falls** (that ancient volcanic rock
Thomas Smugala
4 min read


The Whimsical Whimsy of 573
Discover the playful charm of The Whimsical Whimsy of 573. Dive into a world where whimsy thrives, exploring delightful spots across the 573 region!
Thomas Smugala
5 min read


The Most Instagrammable Wedding Venue at Edg-Clif
Nestled on over 700 acres in scenic Washington County, Missouri, Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery is a quiet, family-owned gem—a true haven for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind, vineyard & winery wedding venue that creates an intimate backdrop for their wedding day. Set amid breathtaking Ozark Mountain landscapes, rolling hills, and views overlooking the spring-fed clear waters of the Fourche à Renault River, the award-winning Edg-Clif Winery is a wedding photographer's dre
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


Denny's World Now!
Denny Ward just hung up his SMTS keys and grabbed a Swinford Realty sign—and the first listing is a stunner. S-K Ranch: 285 acres of seclusion, a 5-acre spring-fed lake so clear you'll see bass eyeballing your lure, and the stables begging for a new herd. If you've ever typed "horse property Madison County" or "Ozark lakefront retreat," stop scrolling. This is it.
Thomas Smugala
6 min read


Wham-O Fall's Here! 573's Fall Things To Do Guide
Wham-O! Fall hits the 573 with peak foliage exploding in purples, reds, oranges & yellows—sumac, hickories & maples shine thanks to recent rains (per MDC). Chase wind-whipped colors on scenic drives (Hwy 67 to Sam A. Baker + more), hikes (Taum Sauk, Ozark Trail+ more) & old-school fitness amid blazing leaves. Battle nature deficit—get kids out! Click for full guide to scenic routes, hiking trails, and Taste of 573 food reviews. Don’t miss this fiery season! It won't last long
Denelle Smugala
2 min read


A New kind of Country Girl
Country girls are, for the most part, more accepting of people and their place in this world. Country women are easy-going and, generally speaking, are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They are fine not having Uber to drive them to the coffee shop. They are happy to survive without the latest iPhone, and, truth be told, living in a tiny 2000-dollar-a-month crackerbox apartment with a roommate —a country girl is okay with missing out on that one. Meet Reagan Evans, coun
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


USS LST-325: A Floating Legacy of World War II In Cape
USS LST-325, a historic World War II landing ship
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


Super-Paratrooper
A local Civil War reenactor hobbyist turned period film wardrobe expert, Craig Priday, has earned credits in multiple big projects, including Taylor Sheridan's "1883" and "1883:The Bass Reeves Story". Recently, Craig partnered with Motion Dog Films on their latest feature, The Spring, to help breathe life into scenes depicting moments of the Civil War.
Thomas Smugala
5 min read


SLAY the Dance Centre
Skyler Gollaher's dance journey has led her to open Slay Dance Centre in Bonne Terre, where she shares her passion for dance with people of all skill levels.
Thomas Smugala
4 min read
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