The new CEO of CoxHealth proves planning for the future truly pays off in the most satisfying way.

Written By Lauren Haley; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

Tried a tasty pastry at The Dancing Mule? Drew Haldiman is the pastry chef whose skills create those delectable treats.

Written by Jeff Houghton; Photo by Amy Pennington

Learn how one 417-lander is hand-making commuter bags out of reclaimed materials and selling them to city dwellers all across the country.

Written by Savannah Waszczuk; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

David Harrison has two new books—one children’s book and one e-book—that every fan of this local writer’s work should

Written by Katie Pollock Estes

Partake in Branson’s 100th birthday party, as you get reacquainted with the culture that constructed 417-land.

Written by Lauren Haley; Illustration by Monica Duwel

Whether you get there by car, by canoe, or on your own two legs, these gorgeous 417-land waterfalls are worth the trek.

Written by Jamie York; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

Prepare for sunny days and hot nights out with this collection of sundresses, hats and shades from 417-land stores.

Styled by Kay Lee and Clarissa Petersen; Photos by Amy Pennington

Springfield’s Twice as Nice has established itself as a great place to search for the perfect piece to complete your home or office.

Written by Kaitlyn McConnell; Photos by Kevin O'Riley

Missouri’s natural resources are a sight to behold, especially the plethora of springs that abound throughout the state. Here are eight beautiful springs that are worth a drive to visit. When...

Written by Kaitlyn McConnel; Photo by Cassie Darst; Photo Courtesy Jennifer Linders

Your kids can learn to canoe, hike, kayak and have fun outdoors with Camp Challenge Youth. Read on to learn how to sign up your teens.

Written by Jamie York

Friends of the Zoo's Ball of the Wild to support the Dickerson Park Zoo. O'Reilly Events Center. July 13, 2012.

This month, instead of heading to the grocery store, head out to one of these local farms to pick your own fresh berries.

Written by Jamie York; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

We tried Sky Surfer, a motorized whirlwind experience that takes you more than 50 feet in the air and up to 30 miles per hour—all while sitting, standing or lying down. Read on to see if you’re...

Written by Kaitlyn McConnell; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

Independence Day calls for a celebration, and 417-land knows how to celebrate. Here’s where to find some explosive Fourth of July festivities.

Written by Kaitlyn McConnell

Taste of the Ozarks benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. July 19, 2012.

Malibu Beach Bash benefiting DCO. July 20, 2012.

El Dorado Springs is a quaint Victorian community that works hard to retain its sense of community spirit. Learn all about it from the points of view of its residents.

Written by Kaitlyn McConnell; Photos by Kevin O'Riley

We asked Barnes & Noble in Springfield for its best-selling novels. The overarching trend: Novels for young adults are big sellers in 417-land, dominating the list.

Written by Savannah Waszczuk

Up your workout ante, and let hot yoga give your muscles a deeper stretch than you ever thought possible.

Written by Lauren Healey; Photos Kevin O'Riley

Churches that combine religion with specific lifestyle interests are springing up throughout 417-land. These churches are adapting to the people they serve whether that means preaching at the...

Written by Harrison Keegan; Photos by Garrett DeRossett and Jessica Kennon

Peruse the winners of the 2012 AIA Design Awards, and be inspired by what the best architects in 417-land can create.

Written by Kaitlyn McConnell; Photos by Gayle Babcock

Business partners Kip Glass and Cap Briant found a way to stabilize electrolyzed, oxygenated water, creating a product called Nixall.

Written by Savannah Waszczuk; Photos by Kevin O'Riley

Mercy has a new orthopedics hospital in the works, and patients can expect excellent hospital care in a hotel-like atmosphere.

Written by Savannah Waszczuk

From the owner of Metropolitan Grill, Santa Fe Grill offers a new take on New Mexican–style food that even includes a design-your-own guacamole bar.

Written by Megan Johnson; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

A longtime Springfield favorite Japanese restaurant now offers hibachi and sushi during lunchtime.

Written by Katie Pollock Estes; Photos by Kevin O'Riley

Gourmet ToGo allows those with hectic lives and special needs to get meals that are as tasty as they are healthy.

Written by Kaitlyn McConnel; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

Pepper crusted duck breast from Table 22 is this month's "Yum of the Month".

Written by Joan Whitaker; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

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

Photo by Kevin O'Riley

This month's drink is the Mango Lassi from Gem of India.

Written by Katie Pollock Estes; Photo by Kevin O'Riley

Jessica Sullivan was introduced to Michael Peña by her best friend five years ago. The two shared a first date at Saki, a Japanese restaurant in Columbia.

Written by Savannah Waszczuk; Photos by Twin Town Studios

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

Photo by Kevin O'Riley