Under a spell

We passed a sign that pointed to a Cemetary [sic]. Imagine any English teacher buried there, eternally damned to lie under a misspelled word. Then again, maybe the sign was painted by one of her students, in which case she … Read More

Look Up

Every old water tower anchors a town’s character, its history, and sense of community. This one is in Linn, Missouri, America’s longest small town.

Foggy Falls

Image of Rocky Falls in the fog. Shannon County near Jacks Fork River.

Out of the mist: Rocky Falls in Shannon County.

Searching for The World’s Greatest Taco Stand

In a world where big chains employ clowns and kings to spice up the sameness, the rugged individuality of the Mexican culinary art form engages all five senses. It’s rewarding to find a truly authentic Mexican restaurant, one that offers … Read More

Peace

First day of fall on the Little Niangua River.

Dancing on the Edge of the Storm

First night, Tropical Storm Gordon formed over our heads. Next day, Gordon’s outer bands lashed us as we danced on the edge of the storm. This passage reminded me of a race against time ten years ago: We awoke at … Read More

Souls Along the Road

My newest book–Souls Along the Road–is hot off the press! More “on the road” adventures blending local characters and mom-and-pop food into an archipelago of tasty stories, diving deep into America’s cultural fabric, finding badass good Samaritans and traces of … Read More