The Boy Scouts of America (now Scouting America) has always centered on a merit badge system to show young people the value of hard work and the good life it brings. A Scout earns a merit badge by completing a fixed list of requirements with a registered adult counselor (a Scout Leader). There are more than 140 merit badges a Scout can gain, covering everything from Camping, First Aid, Citizenship, Computer Programming, Photography, Welding, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine,

Experience a unique Fireside Feast in Perryville, Missouri, with a nine-course dining event. Mary Jane Burgers founder Carisa Stark hosts an event that feels like performance art in collaboration with Brass + Bone co-founder Katie Richardet. Discover the magic of Fireside Feast in Downtown Perryville, Missouri.

Sisters Steffie and Cyndy turned a 1926 Potosi farm into Edg-Clif Vineyard & Winery. Chambourcin, harvest crush, wine club, and a tasting room over the vines.

For hundreds of years, a large Mississippian site called Common Field near Ste. Genevieve existed, but its population declined around 1400–1500. The area became relatively depopulated. French explorers such as Jacques Marquette passed by Ste. Genevieve as they explored the Mississippi Valley in 1673. Around 1735, European settlers were drawn by the rich bottomland and nearby lead and salt deposits—Sainte Genevieve became the first permanent European settlement.

Across the 573, more women are opening shops, agencies, farms, and service firms—often for reasons that never show up on a spreadsheet. In Jackson, Chamber President Brian Gerau has spent 18 years helping those businesses grow. The Chamber’s award-winning Women’s Impact Network now draws more than 130 women every other month for leadership, health, finance, and entrepreneurship.

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.

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

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

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.

Discover the hidden wonders of Missouri Caves! Explore Missouri Caves and uncover 573 unique gems with stunning formations and rich history.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.