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Blood Spring: Missouri-Made Supernatural Horror Movie Brings the Ozarks to the Screen
Discover Blood Spring, a Missouri-made supernatural horror film shot in Perryville, Ste. Genevieve and Marquand. Meet local filmmakers and rising young actress Willow.
Thomas Smugala
5 min read


Maramec Spring Park Trout Fishing Near St. James: Rainbow & Brown Trout
Just outside St. James, a private stretch of ground holds one of the state’s clearest springs—pumping out 100 million gallons daily. It is the fifth-largest spring in Missouri, and the flow stays cold and steady year-round—typically in the mid-50s Fahrenheit—which is why the Missouri Department of Conservation runs a sybionic relationship with The James Foundation, the privately owned Maramec Spring Park. You pay $7 a car at the gate and the rest of the day is yours—picnic t
Thomas Smugala
4 min read


Free Fall Events at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center: Wild Game Cookout, A Spooky Night Hike...
Discover free fall events at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center: birding, persimmon foraging, a spooky night hike, wild game cooking, and autumn crafts in Southeast Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation Center.
Thomas Smugala
4 min read


Kelly Rushing Medley on Scouting America, Troop 403, and Elephant Rocks in Iron County
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,
Thomas Smugala
6 min read


A Fireside Feast in Downtown Perryville: A Nine-Course Feast That Felt Like Performing Art
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.
Thomas Smugala
6 min read


Annette and Frank Rolfe Buy a House—How Missouri’s First School West of the Mississippi Became a Home in Sainte Genevieve
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.
Thomas Smugala
5 min read


Why Rural Missouri Women Are Starting Businesses—with a Hidden Reward
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.
Thomas Smugala
4 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


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


Building Strong Bones & Healthy Families with Rikki Schaefer—Lifestyle Medicine PA in Sainte Genevieve—the NEW Old School.
Meet Rikki Schaefer, certified Lifestyle Medicine PA at Sainte Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. From high school sports in Ste. Genevieve to family farm life at Breig Farms, discover how early active living and orthopedic health shape lifelong wellness in the 573 region. Perfect for families in Bloomsdale, Perryville & Southeast Missouri.
Thomas Smugala
6 min read


Independence Day in Missouri’s 573 Region: Celebrating Fierce Independence, Family, Service, and Local Dreams
The 4th of July has always been more than fireworks and backyard barbecues for me. Growing up in Missouri and now living deep in Missouri’s 573 region, I see Independence Day as a living reminder of the fierce independence that built this country—and still fuels dreamers like us today. Yes, all 573 readers are fiercely independent and dreamers. Pursue your happiness... As a filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller, I chase that same spirit every day, and every time I pick up
Thomas Smugala
2 min read


From Coworking Dream to Community Pillar: McIntyre Psychological Services Grows Mental Health Care in Farmington
Discover how McIntyre Psychological Services started at WorkSPACE in Farmington, MO, and became a leading provider of therapy, psychological evaluations, and mental health support across southeast Missouri and beyond.
Thomas Smugala
2 min read


80 Years of Heart and Hustle: How Vicki Oberle Keeps Fisher Furniture Thriving in Ironton with Expert Service, Customization & Free Delivery
Meet Vicki Oberle, the furniture queen. You can buy anything you like online, from cars to pencils, but people continue to shop locally at Fisher Furniture & Appliances for a handful of very important reasons. When you go into a shop, you can hold and touch products and get a three-dimensional experience. Fisher Furniture in Ironton is a small-town furniture & appliance shop where you can find BIG value.
Thomas Smugala
3 min read


The Spring - Locally Produced Feature Film: Missouri Indie Screens at St. Charles Film Festival May 30
The road to making The Spring, a locally filmed feature film, was supposed to be smooth, cinematic, and inspiring. Instead, it looked more like three producers fussing over coffee, losing sleep, and slowly watching hairlines retreat into the Missouri sunset. But against all odds — and possibly a million don’t do-its later — The Spring is officially completed with all deliverables and advance screening at the St. Charles Film Festival on May 30 at 7 p.m.
Thomas Smugala
4 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


B-12 Injections, Facials & GLP-1 Therapy in Farmington | Valor Wellness
Discover how B12 injections, advanced facials, and GLP-1 therapies (semaglutide) work together for energy, weight loss, glowing skin, and longevity at Valor Wellness & Longevity Clinic in Farmington. Personalized, medically supervised treatments.
Thomas Smugala
5 min read


Fuel Cafe Perryville: Basic Fuel with a Twist.
Discover Fuel Cafe in Perryville, Missouri — a health-focused cafe with “Fuel Your Adventure” motto. Enjoy Turtle Lattes, dairy-free coconut bowls, fresh paninis, and a welcoming atmosphere that supports team members with disabilities. Perfect stop on Perryville’s downtown square.
Denelle Smugala
3 min read


You'll Feel Marvey Darling Contest
Win free self-care at Valor Wellness with 573 Magazine’s You’ll Feel Marvey Darling Contest! Enter now—because you deserve it!
Thomas Smugala
2 min read
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