By the time Jacquelyn Strickland takes the stage at the back to introduce the evening’s featured musicians—two singer-songwriters, one from Massachusetts, one from Wisconsin–she has already greeted everyone who walked in the front door. And when the lights go down and spotlights shine on Jaquelyn’s son, singer-songwriter and guitarist Lyal Strickland, then on visiting artists Grace Morrison and Camela Widad, the audience is rapt, listening for almost two hours to every note and word.

An abundance of decorative, tasty, and educational festivities are on top in Kansas City during this holiday season.

We’re looking for a subscriber in every county to become a Missouri Life Ambassador. What is a Missouri Life Ambassador? A Missouri Life Ambassador shares suggestions, information, and insights with the magazine’s editors. We encourage our ambassadors to share story ideas and calendar items, and to offer opinions­ on special projects so that every part of Missouri is included in our award-winning coverage.

“Fishing’s not just about catching, it’s about getting out and enjoying the outdoors. Catching fish is a bonus.” Granddad had many sayings like these that helped form a foundation that directly influenced my path in life. I’ve often wondered who—or what—would’ve come of me without that influence so early on. Fishing and life are one in the same if you asked me. The lessons learned on the water most definitely last a lifetime.

Fur played a vital role in the early Anglo settlements. It was animal pelts, not tobacco, that the early Virginia colonists first exported. The North American fur trade had a tremendous impact on exploration, colonization, and international politics.

George A. Whiteman from Sedalia was shot down as his plane took off from Hawaii. He became the first pilot killed in World War II. Whiteman Air Force Base near Sedalia is named in his honor.

Birth of Albert Bond Lambert, the eighth balloon pilot in America and the person who bought, cleared, and leveled a flying field that is now an international airport at St. Louis.

This date in Missouri history: Schools and businesses closed while families stocked up on supplies. This date was predicted to see a gigantic earthquake along the New Madrid Fault. Nothing happened.

Fur played a vital role in the early Anglo settlements. It was animal pelts, not tobacco, that the early Virginia colonists first exported. The North American fur trade had a tremendous impact on exploration, colonization, and international politics.

St. Joseph is home to iconic places, including Jesse James’s home, the Pony Express birthplace, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp. History flows through this town where museums tell the stories of this westward jumping-off point and where new stories are beginning.

The 2021 Missouri Life readers' choice awards are here!

An old roofless silo stands in the south field of my Missouri hay farm. While the exact circumstances are a mystery, neighbors say the silo lost its roof over forty years ago. Nothing is left of it now except for the bare ends of rebar exposed on top.

When Jesse Epple isn’t skateboarding, he’s creating something unique out of wood in his at-home workshop. Over the past few years, he’s learned how to combine both passions. He creates custom wood pieces in the heart of Columbia with scrap wood and recycled skateboards.When Jesse Epple isn’t skateboarding, he’s creating something unique out of wood in his at-home workshop. Over the past few years, he’s learned how to combine both passions. He creates custom wood pieces in the heart of Columbia with scrap wood and recycled skateboards.

Matt Castilleja creates world-class bespoke furniture in the heart of Kansas City.

WallyGro’s eco-friendly planters help grow an environmentally mindful movement.

An abundance of decorative, tasty, and educational festivities are on top in Kansas City during this holiday season.

St. Joseph is home to iconic places, including Jesse James’s home, the Pony Express birthplace, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp. History flows through this town where museums tell the stories of this westward jumping-off point and where new stories are beginning.

A good cinnamon roll is not only evocative of the globe; it’s rooted in a spice that has traveled the world and delighted bakery customers for centuries.

As the beverage sponsor for Big BAM on the Katy Trail—the Bicycle Across Missouri event hosted by Missouri Life magazine—Davis, Calif.-based Sudwerk Brewing Co. already had strong Missouri ties. Sudwerk ownership includes two University of Missouri-Columbia alumni, two Missouri S&T-Rolla alumni, and three others from the St. Louis area. Sudwerk distributes in California, Nevada, and Missouri.

What do a 1,000-year-old Mississippian figurine, a 1910 photo of three young boys at work and the plans for the building of the St. Louis Arch have in common?

They’re all part of a diverse exhibition offered by the Saint Louis Art Museum. “Art Along the Rivers: A Bicentennial Celebration” marks Missouri’s 200th year of statehood by bringing together more than 150 objects (including the figurine, photo and plans) from around the confluence region surrounding St. Louis.

By the time Jacquelyn Strickland takes the stage at the back to introduce the evening’s featured musicians—two singer-songwriters, one from Massachusetts, one from Wisconsin–she has already greeted everyone who walked in the front door. And when the lights go down and spotlights shine on Jaquelyn’s son, singer-songwriter and guitarist Lyal Strickland, then on visiting artists Grace Morrison and Camela Widad, the audience is rapt, listening for almost two hours to every note and word.

An abundance of decorative, tasty, and educational festivities are on top in Kansas City during this holiday season.

We’re looking for a subscriber in every county to become a Missouri Life Ambassador. What is a Missouri Life Ambassador? A Missouri Life Ambassador shares suggestions, information, and insights with the magazine’s editors. We encourage our ambassadors to share story ideas and calendar items, and to offer opinions­ on special projects so that every part of Missouri is included in our award-winning coverage.