This month we chose a chocolate theme, and the winning reader recipe fits the bill with luscious brownies that are spiked with Irish cream.

By Savannah Waszczuk, Photo by Jessica Kennon

Chef Noah Smith of The Rebecca Grille warms up the kitchen in this month’s 417 Magazine cooking class with a winter menu full of savory-sweet treats.

By Ettie Berneking Photos by Kevin O'Riley

Broadway star, motivational speaker, coach and author Sandra Joseph takes a break from the stage to talk about her life behind the mask.

By Ettie Berneking, Photo courtesy Joan Marcus/Celebrity Attractions

Get ready for the Missouri Winter Games, featuring everything from gymnastics to table tennis and Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber.

By Kaycie Surrell | Photos courtesy Missouri Winter Games, shutterstock

Historic C-Street’s third annual Mardi Gras celebration kicks off this year with a bead run, a salon-turned-dance-club and a number of New Orleans–inspired performances.

By Kaycie Surrell | Photo by Andrew Kerman

Two local brothers are turning the historic Vandivort Theatre into something completely new—a boutique hotel in downtown Springfield.

By Julie Sedenko Davis | Photo by Jessica Kennon

Need a new way to eat your veggies? When it’s mixed with things like zesty artichoke hearts, freshly chopped garlic and creamy cheese, spinach becomes everyone’s favorite leafy green. We...

By Savannah Waszczuk, Photo by Kevin O’Riley

Can’t make it to the Oscar’s this year? Ryan MacDonald of RyMac’s Rub-n-Pub shared some signature cocktail recipes to serve at your very own Oscar-watching party, and we found the most...

Styled by Kaye Lee | Photos by Kevin O’Riley

Kaye Lee, our go-to fashionista, shares what she’s wearing, buying and admiring this month.

By Kaye Lee, Photos by Kevin O’Riley

The former Ashby’s Clothing Company moved to the Brentwood Center, gaining a new name, additional lines and an innovative denim lab.

By Savannah Waszczuk Photos by Kevin 0'Riley

Find out how you can take advantage of one library perk that gets your family into the Discovery Center of Springfield for free.

By Dayle Duggins | Photos courtesy of the Discovery Center

Our writer traveled off the beaten path in Italy to visit Lake Como instead of the more popular urban destinations. Read about her adventure, then plan your own.

By Leah Still; Photos by Leah Still

GYNCA Chips Against Cancer Casino Night. Metropolitan Grill. January 20, 2013

Grab your friends (and maybe a little wine) and find your inner artist at RSVPaint’s weekly painting classes.

By Julie Sedenko Davis | Photos courtesy of RSVPaint

I worked with a financial expert to try and learn how to save money and eliminate debt. See what happened, and how you can work on improving your own financial status.

By Savannah Waszczuk

Every month, we introduce you to one of the people who work on 417 Magazine. This month, meet Logan Aguirre.

A new craft brewery opens its doors in Springfield with a head brewer who has been knee-deep in hops since the ‘80s.

By Ettie Berneking, Photo by Kevin O’Riley

Care to Learn. DoubleTree Hotel. December 31, 2012.

For the American Cancer Society. Ozark Empire Fair Grounds. February 9, 2013.

With outdoor fun limited this time of the year, bookstores are stocking their shelves with popular reads. So, just what are people reading right now? We talked with John Ryan, owner of the Book...

By Ettie Berneking

With a big pregnant belly and an open mind, 417 Magazine Editor Katie Pollock Estes tries her hand at prenatal yoga.

By Katie Pollock Estes | Photos by Jamie Kalil

The Best of 417 Party Bus made the rounds to all of our Best of 417 Winners of 2013!

A second Migulito’s Wrap & Roll Café in downtown Springfield lured some 417 staffers out of the office to taste test their way through the menu.

By Ettie Berneking, Photo by Kevin O’Riley

Locally made Uncommon Confections treats come in classic flavors, like peanut brittle, and more creative tastes, like spicy chipotle toffee.

By Kaycie Surrell, Photo by Kevin O’Riley

By Katie Pollock Estes

These seven dishes or drinks have passed our taste buds and made us rave. They are ranked by level of yumminess.

By The Editors

The Sazerac is the New Orleans darling of cocktails. With Mardi Gras creeping up, it’s time to raise a glass to this old-timey drink.

Ettie Berneking, Photos by Ettie Berneking,

April 28, 2012; First and Calvary Presbyterian, Springfield

By Ettie Berneking

Stan and Sandy Coffman brought an outdated Millwood villa back to life with new paint, furniture and a few family heirlooms.

By Savannah Waszczuk | photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw