There are so many things to do in Missouri in March. March brings Spring into our lives, and the cold weather is mostly over for now. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 50s and 60s, and if it snows, it usually melts away during the day. Although, we sometimes get our biggest snow of the year in March!
Nights can still be very cool so keep that jacket handy, but Spring is in the air and there are lots of fun things to do in Missouri.
We also get to enjoy “Spring Forward” on March 10th too!!!
If you see something that you would enjoy doing below, be sure to mark your calendar.
1.True/False Film Fest in Columbia | Feb 29 – March 3, 2024 2. Cherry Blossoms in Saint Louis | March Through Early April, 2024 3. Unkorked: KC Wine Festival in Kansas City | MARCH 2, 2024 4. Raspberry Spring Expo In Lee’s Summit | March 8-9, 2024 5. Cirque LuzDalia in Cape Girardeau | March 10, 2024 6. Saint Patrick’s Day Parade In Saint Louis | March 16, 2024 7. Fault Line Film Festival in Cape Girardeau | March 21-22, 2024 8. Aqs Quiltweek in Branson | March 13-16, 2024 9. Elvis Festival in Branson – March 15-17, 2024 10. Easter Cookie Decorating in Jackson | March 23, 2024 11. Wurstfest in Hermann | March 22-24, 2024 12. Kansas City Royals Opening Day | March 28, 2024
Additional Events In Missouri in March 13. Visit Cave Spring Park in Kansas City (Raytown) 14. Weston Red Barn Farm in Weston – Dates Throughout March 15. Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield – Dates Throughout March 16. Murder Mystery Dinner Theater in Branson – Various Dates in March 17. Best Place To See Flowers Bloom in Missouri in March… Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area near Columbia Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona Cape Girardeau Nature Center Prairie State Park in Mindenmines
We’re hoping it will be a mild February and you don’t have to brave the cold to enjoy some of the best things to do in Missouri!
Missouri has many things to do in the summer and spring including many outdoor activities. Winter provides different experiences, such as trout fishing, ice skating, sledding, skiing, and many more winter activities that make the season just a little bit more enjoyable.
February has a fully loaded calendar of events. There are loads of entertainment, festivities, and events. They include romance, the arts, Mardi Gras, events to ring in spring, and some unusual attractions. There are numerous interesting places to eat and drink.
1. First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas city | February 2, 2024 2. Clark Terry Jazz Festival in Cape Girardeau | February 2, 2024 3. ARTCON in Neosho – February 3, 2024 4. Truman Lake Fishing Expo in Clinton | February 9-10, 2024 5. Hannibal Second Saturday Gallery Night | February 10, 2024 5. Missouri Comic Con in Springfield | February 10-11, 2024 6. Morpho Mardi Gras In Saint Louis – Through February 13, 2024 7. Dr. Jordan B. Peterson in Independence | February 15, 2024 8. You Have My Heart Gala in Columbia | February 15, 2024 9. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party™ in Cape Girardeau | February 16-18, 2024 10. Home, Business, and Lake Living EXPO in Lake Ozark | February 23-24, 2024 11. Mardi Gras Pub Crawl in Lake of the Ozarks – February 16-17, 2024 12. KC Brew Fest in Kansas City | February 17, 2024 13. Winter Reptiles and Exotics Show in Springfield – February 24-25, 2025 14. Hot Winter Fun Big Show in Branson – February 24, 2024 15. Ski, Snowboard & Tubing – Thru Mid-March (weather permitting) 16. Kansas City: Scavenger Hunt 17. True Crime Walking Tour in the Soulard Neighbourhood of St. Louis! 18. Ozark Craft Beer Tour
Missouri Weather in February Temperatures in Missouri in February begin to warm up a bit from January. A daily low-temperature average is 33°F (rarely falling below 11°F or exceeding 47°F). The daily high in January is about 45-53°F (rarely falling below 28°F or exceeding 69°F).
February brings the chance of 1-3 days of snow, but the good news is, with an average annual snowfall of 12.9 inches, Missouri is one of the least snowy states in the United States. Obviously, there will be variations to the averages.
Old Man Winter is here to stay for a couple more months
Brrr, it’s January in Missouri! But let’s not let the cold weather keep us down. There are still plenty of fun things to do in our beautiful state. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your winter coat and get ready to explore!
Here are a dozen must-do activities across the Show-Me State to kick off the year with a bang. Everything from scenic hikes amidst the Ozark Mountains in Branson to a sinfully sweet chocolate tour in Springfield!
If you are a car enthusiast, head to the St. Louis Auto Show for an automotive utopia. And if you’re a fan of frozen wonders, head over to St. Charles for an Ice Carving Competition that’ll leave you mesmerized. We’ve got your winter adventure checklist covered with this list of things to do in Missouri.
1. First Day Hike at Table Rock State Park in Branson – January 1, 2024 2. Self-Guided Winter Trail Butterfly Trail in Independence – January 1 – 31 3. Tour of Askinosie Chocolate Factory in Springfield – January 8, 15, 22, 29 in 2024 4. 41st Annual Pat Strawhun Memorial Winter Bluegrass Festival in Eureka – January 5-6, 2024 5. Farmers Market of the Ozarks in Springfield – January 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024 6. St. Louis Auto Show in St. Louis – January 18-21, 2024 7. Second Saturday Gallery Night in Hannibal – January 13, 2024 8. Family Winter Carnival in St. Louis – January 13, 2024 9. Hermann Wedding Trail – Sunday January 14, 2024 10. Mid-Missouri Brewery Collectibles Show in Osage Beach – January 19-20, 2024 11. Maplewood Sweet Tooth Tour – January 27, 2024 12. Fete de Glace … Ice Carving Competition in St. Charles – January 27, 2024
Take inspiration from around the world or start something completely your own.
Baking of Christmas cookies, watching festive films every weekend, singing your favorite Christmas carols, December is certainly filled with endless Christmas fun.
And although we know that you’ll be busy running around buying Christmas gifts for everyone in the family, it’s also important to take a minute and gather with loved ones to partake in Christmas activities. After all, it only comes but once a year! We have listed out some of our favorite Christmas traditions for you to try with your family and friends this year.
If you’re looking for classic ideas, you can’t go wrong with ice skating or chopping down your own Christmas tree. Outdoors not your thing? Keep warm with cozy indoor activities like making hot chocolate and taking an annual picture in matching family Christmas pajamas. You can also take inspiration from Christmas traditions that are celebrated around the world to create something completely new just for your family.
However you spend Christmas, here are a handful of fun Christmas activities and traditions that will create lasting memories with your loved ones for years to come.
1 Watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony The holidays wouldn’t be the same without dazzling Christmas trees. From festive lights to colorful ornaments, plan to go see your community’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony! And no matter where you are, you can always stream the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.
2 Visit Festive Holiday Restaurant Make a reservation with the people you love at a decorated restaurant full of lights and ornaments galore. Rolf’s in NYC is a classic place to eat and drink during the holidays because of their spectacular Christmas décor!
3 Start a Cookie Exchange If you want to forgo the gifts and white elephant exchanges, try having a cookie exchange where everyone bakes holiday cookies and swaps!
4 Go to a Holiday Market Get ready for Christmas by visiting a holiday market! Check out the festive shops, sip on hot chocolate, listen to Christmas music and more all in one place. This can be a great place to get some shopping done, while participating in all the Christmas fun.
5 Go Ice Skating There is no activity quite like ice skating to get you in the holiday mood. Make it a tradition every year to lace up your skates for a fun outing with the family. Plus, you’ll likely get to see a grand Christmas tree and listen to festive music while hitting the ice.
6 Make Hot Chocolate Skip the instant hot chocolate packets and make a decadent hot cocoa that is extra special for the holidays. Kids will love sipping on this sweet treat and adults can make a boozy hot chocolate with bourbon or rye.
7 DIY an Advent Calendar Sure, you can buy an advent calendar based on your kids’ favorite activities and watch with joy as they get a new goodie each day. But it’s even more fun to make your own. Try this: Fill 24 advent calendar bags, boxes or drawers with love notes, candy, small toys or ideas for good deeds they can do that day to spread good cheer. Or, keep special ornaments aside in a box and add a new one to the tree each morning!
8 Host a Christmas Movie Marathon There’s a Christmas movie out there for every personality. Do you like romance? Hallmark Christmas movies have you covered. Action? There’s always Die Hard or Batman Returns. Kids at home? There are tons of Christmas movies for kids to choose from. “My family is obsessed with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
In December, have every person in the family pick a favorite, then either take a weekend to binge them all, or watch one a week leading up to Christmas. You can even design a bingo card to keep track of movie tropes.
9 Decorate the Tree With Special Ornaments When it comes time to trim the tree, find a way to commemorate a milestone or memory from the past year. One of my favorite holiday traditions is adding to our ornament collection. Making handmade ornaments together is another way to sneak some bonding time into a busy time of year.
10 Make Christmas Breakfast Opening up all those presents sure whips up an appetite. If you can tear the kids away from their new toys for a minute, have everyone help out in the kitchen and make breakfast. (Put the little ones in charge of the toast.)
11 Visit a Christmas Tree Farm Some tree varieties are known for their scent, others are celebrated for their shape, sturdiness or needle retention. But choosing a real tree helps support a farm — and a trip to go get one is always a fun family outing.
12 Spread a Little Magic With Elf on the Shelf No doubt, come December your feeds are filled with elves that get up to mischief in the night. But whether you commit to an Elf on the Shelf or find another way to bring enchantment into the house — like hiding and “discovering” a Santa Key that lets Santa into the house on Christmas Eve ~ do something that keeps them guessing about the nature of Santa’s magic.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned baker, you’re sure to love this Pumpkin Pie recipe from Pillsbury ? Only 7 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare! You’ll also find recipes for Pumpkin Pie Bars, Pumpkin-Pecan Slab Pie and Streusel-Topped Pumpkin PieHERE
With the cooler weather also comes the cold and flu season. Warm up the body and soul with some quick comfort foods for a speedy recovery. You can find some awesome recipes HERE. And let’s not forget about THESE warm drinks to kickstart your afternoon.
Looking for a few scary drinks to serve up at your Halloween party?HEREare 49 Cocktails that are sure to spook your guests? You’ll find recipes for drinks like Boozy Screamsicle Shakes, Boozy Butterbeer Punch, Frankenpunch, Color-Changing Margaritas, and a whole lot more!
Have you ever made Caramel Apples? This writer has not. I know, don’t judge me lol. If you are looking for an easy, fun recipe, look no further. Only 2 ingredients plus the apples and sticks.CLICK HERE
Making Homemade Halloween Costumes for the whole family can be fun and found rightHERE. And yes, you can even find the Ken and Barbie Costume here ? You’ll also find the Crayons Costume, Super Mario Bros., Wednesday Adams, and a lot more. If you want to try your hand in face painting, HERE are 12 adorable ideas for you as well.
Of course, no Halloween is complete without a Jack O Lantern.HEREare 23 Jack O Lantern craft ideas that you can make with your kids. HERE are a couple of spooky ones!
Wearing SCARVES are a great way to make a fashion statement and help keep you warm during these chilly days ahead. They also make a nice gift for someone on your shopping list 😉 HERE are a few different ways to wear and tie yours.
and that means September is here. September is actually a “transition” month from Summer mode to Fall mode. The weather changes, affecting our activities, the kids are back in school, and it’s time to start bringing out your fall wardrobe. In general, people are still going places and doing things outside though, because it’s cooler and more comfortable.
Fall is full of fun things to do like going apple picking! Here are a few great places to pick apples in Missouri: Knowlan Family Farm, Apple Ridge Orchard and Pioneer Orchard. Pumpkins are right around the corner 😉
Fall is also a great time for us coffee lovers to try out some new coffee recipes, like Maple Pecan Latte, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, or Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino. Here’s a link to those and lots more: LINK
How about some easy recipes for September like Sausage Stroganoff, Herbed Balsamic Chicken, or Asparagus Ham Dinner? Here’s the LINK. You can thank us later 🙂
September is also a good time to start holiday gift guides and get in some of that early Christmas shopping 😉
Here’s a handy September “Bucket List” for you.
1. Go apple picking 2. Go hiking 3. Swap out your summer clothes for fall and winter 4. Fall cleaning 5. Fall baking 6. Buy a fall candle 7. Go to the fair 8. Switch to fall produce 9. Start running or walking 10. Switch over to chilis or soups
the easy way. Eventually, it’s going to happen. Greasy, grimy, sticky buildup on your beautiful wood cabinets. If you’re not sure how to clean them and restore them to their like new condition, read on 🙂
What is the best thing to use on greasy kitchen cabinets?
Home Remedies
You don’t need to rush to the store for something to clean your kitchen cabinets. There are plenty of solutions you can craft using items around your home.
Baking Soda
Dish Soap
Vinegar Spray
Baking Soda
A baking soda solution is a perfect remedy for grimy build-up in need of a little elbow grease.
Baking soda has scrubbing power without being abrasive, so it won’t damage your finish.
To clean your cabinets with baking soda, mix a solution of 1 part baking soda and 2 parts warm water, (you can even add a little lemon juice if you have it).
From there, you can either transfer your solution to a spray bottle and spritz down your cabinets or grab a sponge.
After scrubbing your cabinets, run over your cabinets with a damp, warm cloth to remove any leftover residue.
Bonus Tip: Replace the water with Coconut Oil or Toothpaste (about 2 tablespoons). Not only does this blend clean your cabinets, but it smells amazing too.
Dish Soap
Grease-cutting dish soaps, like Dawn, are a gentle choice for degreasing kitchen cabinets. If extra cleaning power is needed, use a non-scratch abrasive sponge to help safely scour away sticky grease film.
Use two buckets that are large enough to swish a rag around in the water to clean it, and you’ll also want a good natural wood cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap. It gets deep into grime and breaks up dirt particles. It’s safe to use on wood products too.
As an alkaline-based product, dish soap cuts through grease pretty consistently, especially when mixed with hot water.
Fill a bowl with hot water, as hot as you can stand it, add a liberal squirt of dish soap, throw on your rubber gloves, and have at your cabinets with a sponge.
When you’ve finished, wipe your cabinets down with a dry dishtowel.
If your cabinets need more rigorous cleaning, dish soap might not be enough.
Bonus Tip: Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach grooves.
Vinegar Spray
A 50/50 water and vinegar solution is a trusted cabinet cleaner. Vinegar’s natural acidity easily breaks down grime and grease.
However, if applied to cabinets undiluted, it can ruin a wood finish on contact.
The easiest and safest way to clean kitchen cabinets with white vinegar is to mix it with equal parts of warm water and put it in a spray bottle.
Spritz your cabinets with the solution and let it settle, breaking down the grime. Then wipe away the dirt with a sponge or brush.
Follow up with a damp towel or cloth to wipe away any residue.
Outstanding Oils
Unless you’re mixing coconut oil with baking soda, you should refrain from using vegetable oils to clean your cabinets.
While it will help remove grease, vegetable oils are often non-drying, and attract dust and eventually spoil. The only oils you should be using are drying oils, such as orange, walnut, and linseed.
Not only will these oils clean wood cabinets, but they’ll also form a hard protective barrier to make them easier to clean in the future;)
Store-Bought Solutions
Looking for something intentionally designed to clean cabinets instead of making your own?
Here are some store-bought solutions worth grabbing next time you’re out and about.
Sometimes grease on your cabinets is too tough for home remedies these products should help.
Goo Gone, with its blend of orange oils and refined oils, removes even the gooiest grease.
Murphy’s Oil Soap is a tried and true wood cleaner. With 98% natural ingredients, it’s safe to use on almost any surface and leaves no oily residue.
Method All-Purpose Spray is an all-around winner with biodegradable ingredients that can clean both counters and cabinets and almost everything in between.
Magic Cabinet & Wood Cleaner is a ready-made option that goes the extra step of providing a water-resistant protective coating thanks to its inclusion of Carnuba wax.
Simple Green is a concentrated cleaner that will clean and degrease just about anything without fear of harsh chemical residue that can harm human or animal family members.
Just dilute it according to package instructions to suit your needs.
Castile Soap is gentle and strong, so it’s ideal for a wide variety of uses.
It’s gentle on skin because it’s made from saponified oils that have hydrating properties, but it’s an equally powerful cleanser that can tackle even the most stubborn grime.
Diluted to different levels as a spray, it can give you a mild clean or a deep degreasing.
Carnauba Wax
Like orange oil, carnauba wax and beeswax are excellent for cleaning and polishing wood cabinets.
They not only cut through tough grease, but they also keep the wood from drying out, preserving your cabinets long-term.
If you’re looking to purchase something for cleaning your cabinets, grab a wood cleaner with some carnauba wax.
Note: Be sure to always check the product’s instructions before cleaning your cabinets. Spot test if you are unsure about your cabinets’ varnish or stain.
for your entire family can be an important part of any kitchen. Let’s take a look at some ideas to help you decide what your next project could look like.
Everyone knows that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so you will want your seating area to be comfortable as well as functional. If you already have a nook and/or seating area and would like to spruce it up, try adding some “texture” to your room. Think cushioned seating, pillows, curtains, and maybe even a table runner. Anything that feels warm and cozy will work.
Once, you’ve decided on comfort and textures, think function. Your seating area has to be functional. Make sure your table is large enough and is the right height, your chairs, have plenty of room for people to get in and out of. Typically, at least 36″ between the edge of your table and wall, and maybe even re-cover your chairs with a wipe-clean fabric such as indoor/outdoor material or vinyl.
Have a large eating area to fill? Think “fireplace”. A fireplace adds a warm touch to any room, and who doesn’t like to decorate them for the holiday’s?
Have an awkward corning in your room?
Fill it with pictures or hanging baskets filled with greenery or florals.
Need to utilize space? Try bench seating combined with a table and a couple of chairs 😉
Need extra storage? Put built-in cabinets beneath your bench seating.
Be sure to provide the right lighting for your room. A hanging light fixture over your table should match the shape of your table.
For your kitchen, you’ll want it to be as bright as possible. The key to great kitchen lighting is to have a full cast of lighting sources and to “layer” your lights. Mix ambient, task, and accent, or decorative lighting with natural light. You’ll want to add 3 layers of light.
“Ambient” is your ceiling light that illuminates the entire room. “Task” is pendants over the island and undercabinet/counter lighting, and “accent lighting”.
Ambient lighting can come from recessed or can lights. These should be set a 24 – 42 inches apart. Be sure to light up your entire room with these and then add your pendants and access lighting.
Pendant lights allow you to set the tone for your room. Over an island you may choose to do 3 pendants, or maybe 5 smaller pendants. You’ll want your 3 pendants to have a 6-inch puddle of light and your smaller ones to have a 2-inch puddle.
Accent lighting focuses light on a particular area or object. It is often used to highlight art, etc. Common types of accent lights include wall sconces.
Recessed undercabinet lighting can help with dishwashing duties and create subtle mood lighting in architectural coves or areas with accent tilework. Adjust the color and intensity to create a mood. Puck or recessed mini can lights also bring sparkle underneath and to the interiors of cabinets. New easy-to-install puck lights are available with LEDs, which use much less electricity to produce light, last much longer, and produce less heat.
Lighting manufacturers have made it easier than ever to replace energy-hogging fixtures and bulbs for ones that last longer and trim utility bills. When you’re looking for lighting, simply look for products with the Energy Star label. Old lighting fixtures can quickly date a space. Replacing old chandeliers and flush-mount lights with fresh models can take years off your home’s looks.
Remember, the key to a brighter kitchen is more light. Dark surfaces and cabinets absorb light and white and light color surfaces do not. A kitchen with dark surfaces needs to have about 1/3 more light in it than a kitchen with lighter surfaces.
For your dining room table lighting,
you’ll want something eye catching like a chandelier. The rule of thumb for a chandelier is to keep the bottom of the chandelier at about 30 inches from the top of your table.
What about the eat-in kitchen? Be sure your lighting shape matches your table. For example, if you have a round table, choose something with a circular design rather than something rectangular.
TV-focused spaces need less overhead light and more ambient and task lighting, such as lamps.
With Spring right around the corner, you may be thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. Here are some ideas for you.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN IDEAS
What is a must for an outdoor kitchen?
The most popular item in most outdoor kitchens is the built in gas grill with access doors and a side burner. A compact refrigerator, sink and a trash bin are also a very good idea for your new outdoor kitchen. Pizza Ovens are very popular in an outdoor kitchen as well.
Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a concrete slab?
Yes, You need to make sure you have a secure and level foundation to construct your outdoor kitchen on top of. This foundation can be a concrete slab, arrangement of pavers, or even traditional decking.
4 Cons of adding an outdoor kitchen
Outdoor Kitchens Require Space.
You Will Need Some Weather Protection.
Outdoor Kitchens Need Security. Security can become an issue with outdoor kitchens
They Need to be Maintained.
Is it worth it to build an outdoor kitchen?
Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great way to get the most out of your backyard, but are they really worth the investment? According to recent studies, outdoor kitchens generate a 100 to 200 percent return on your investment. In other words, they’re worth the money and then some!
How much should an outdoor kitchen cost?
Outdoor kitchens can cost anywhere from $3,000 for one with a good-quality grill, a 6 ft. long counter and a patio to $15,000 and up for higher-end versions with an assortment of appliances. Although it’s tempting to compare outdoor kitchens to the one indoors, there are some key differences in materials. Think sun, rain, wind, etc. 😉
What is the cheapest way to build an outdoor kitchen?
One of the best ways to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget is to work with salvaged materials like recycled stone and brick. They’re less expensive than new materials and are better for the environment.