3 July Places to Be

Have you already worn yourself out from the summer activities, and running a little dry on fresh ideas? I’ve decided that living in the Ozarks is one of the greatest places to be in the summer and fall…so many festivals, farms and fairs to explore, and so little time!

You probably heard about a little local farm by the name of “Lavender Falls”, located in Clever right outside of Nixa, which quickly became a Southwest Missouri “place to be” for the month of June! Like their page on Facebook to see an upcoming August schedule of Lavender products at a locally grown farm, as well as a lovely outdoor café highlighting some wonderful food and drink, with a lavender flavor!

To ease those of you who struggle in finding fresh, new activities to enjoy outdoors in the Ozarks, and if you can brave the heat, here are three awesome ideas happening in “417” that I think your whole family might enjoy!

First Annual Sunflower Festival, July 15-July 21

Mid July is typically when sunflowers are in full bloom—come enjoy a day at Golden Grove Farms from 10a.m to 8 p.m. where you’ll find a field of lovely flowers for pictures and cutting, games and crafts for kids, and shaded picnic areas for lunch or dinner. Beverages and snacks available for purchase, as well as live music on most evenings. Gloves, pruners and baskets are also available to cut flowers.  $5 admission per car, and flowers are $15 per dozen!

Movies at Founders Park, Recurring weekly on Friday and Saturdays until Aug 26:

Watch recent and classic films in a contemporary version of a drive-in at Founders Park, 330 E. Water St. at Jefferson Ave, downtown Springfield. Admission is FREE; Fridays are family night, and Saturday date night; movies begin at dusk; bring your lawn chairs; concessions available for purchase.

 81^st Annual Ozark Empire Fair, July 27-Aug 5:

Located at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, open at 11:00 a.m.; Admission $8 adults, $4 kids; featuring “Daughtry” on July 27, and “King & Country” on July 30^th.

Leah Callahan