Lodging Updates
What do these people all have in common?
Saturday, June 17, 2006
 See those people out in their canoes?
I took this picture Saturday morning on the bridge right by Black River Lodge.
What do the people in this picture all have in common?
They're having fun out on the Black River!
I hope you'll make your reservations today for your float trip, camp site, or lodge. You'll love your stay in the Black River area.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 10:14 am Pets in Paradise
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
 I received an email from Chris last week.
He wanted to know two things:
1) What's the story on using ATVs/4-wheeler's in the Black River area? and
2) Can he bring his pet?
I already mentioned this in a post I put up here called "Double Cheeseburger in Paradise" on May 25th. But for you new readers, THE place to use your four-wheeler is the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
Don't forget to stop in at the Centerville Quickstop to get your trail permit. You'll need one before you take your ATV into the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
Regarding pets, I had to do a bit of research. I now believe ExperienceBlackRiver.com is your best source of information about bringing your pets to the greater Lesterville area.
Here's what I found out:
Bearcat Getaway pets allowed with a leash
Black River Camping at Horseshoe Ranch pets allowed with a leash
Black River Cozy Cabin pets allowed
Black River Family Motel no pets
Black River Lodge no pets
Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort pets allowed with a leash
Camp Taum Sauk no pets
Cedar Valley Lodge pets allowed with a leash
Crocker’s Country Charm B&B no pets
Deer Creek Campground pets allowed with a leash
Hidden Meadows Cottages no pets
Koinania Cottage no pets
Kyle’s Campground pets allowed
Log Cabin Inn no pets
Parks Bluff Campground pets allowed with a leash
Rachel’s Bed and Breakfast no pets
Riversedge Campground pets allowed with a leash
Sherwood Forest Camp no pets
Sunset Ridge Cabin pets allowed except large breeds
Trump Lake Resort pets allowed with a leash
Twin Rivers Landing pets allowed with a leash $6/night
Wilderness Lodge Resort no pets
Be sure to call and confirm this information with the campground owner or Lodge operator before you show up with your favorite pet companion.
I'll see you (and Fido) on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 1:44 pm
Maps, Old and New
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
 People have been trying to find their way to the fun in the Lesterville area for a long time.
A good map just can't be beat for that job.
I'm proud of the map we're offering on http://www.experienceblackriver.com/.
But it's not the only one "out there."
One of my favorites appears to be printed on an old bandana (if I remember it correctly) mounted on a door in the back corner inside Lenny's.
You'll have to visit Denny and Cathy personally to see the old map up close.
You might as well drive on down this weekend.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 10:08 pm New Web Info Source
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Black River Lodge has just put up a new web page to provide information about their services and facilities.
You can view it at http://blackriverlodge.blogspot.com/.
Check it out and give them a call when you're planning your visit to the Black River Area.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:45 pm Slow About Elephant Rocks
Monday, June 5, 2006
 I'm slow. I know.
I'm finally posting a pic up here of a visit I made to Elephant Rocks State Park way back in April.
Speaking of slow...I'd never seen them before!
These huge granite formations are worth the trip down here, even if you do nothing else, and I know you won't do that!
Elephant Rocks State Park is not like some fancy museum in which you get to just see the big rocks. No! When you're here you get to be on the rocks, near the rocks, between the rocks, not beneath the rocks, but definitely among them.
For an interesting contrast experience, why not start your day at Elephant Rocks State Park, then come over to the newly re-opened Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The tour of the boulder field is fascinating.
I did the tour, as well as the new driving tour through the Park on the Thursday evening before Memorial Day weekend. Amazing!
Even though I'm slow about seeing Elephant Rocks, you shouldn't be. Plan your visit to the Black River area today.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:38 pm Cool Comfortable Cottage
Monday, June 5, 2006
My wife and I have been talking about our plans for a vacation in North Carolina. We decided to stay in a cottage, rather than the usual hotel experience.
For your visit to the Black River area, campgrounds, lodges and motels may not be your cup of tea.
Why not stay in a cottage?
Last week, I met Tammy at Hidden Meadows Cottages in Black, Missouri.
She showed us the three lovely cottages she has for her guests. They are fully furnished and, depending on the cottage you select, can sleep as many as five guests overnight.
Tammy even has a hot tub for guests!
I liked most the way the cottages are situated in an open area surrounded by trees. Even though the days had been very hot, the shade was perfect. None of her recent guests had used their air conditioning!
I loved the charm and personal, unique features of these cottages.
Tammy said she always has hikers, float trip fanatics, and flea market and antique shoppers.
Last week she had her very first guests who were in search of something completely different; they were looking for clues about their ancestors.
Hidden Meadows Cottages, it turns out, is a great launching point for easy access to the many small, old cemetaries in the area in which geneaology research can be done.
Don't miss out on this cool and comfortable lodging opportunity when you plan your visit to the Black River area.
I'll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 6:38 am Horsin' Around
Monday, June 5, 2006
In an update I wrote last week, I mentioned that Brushy Creek Resort was a great place for a western adventure.
They offer cross-country trail rides as well as guided rides on the Ozark Trail.
Today, I received an email from Mary Wiltberger, who operates Koinania Cottage. She let me know tha Koinania Cottage has horseback riding available nearby.
You'll enjoy reading what others have said about their stay at Koinania Cottage here.
And don't forget, Riversedge Camping and Floating features trail rides, too!
Call for details.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 7:57 am I Saw It, But I Forgot To Ask
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 I saw this comical contraption at Brushy Creek Resort in Black, MO.
But I don't know what it is.
I forgot to ask while I was there.
So I guess I'll have to go back.
If you stay there before I do, please email me to let me know what in the world it is!
I'll see you (on horseback?) on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 12:02 pm Unique Lodging
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 If tent camping by the river, or a beautiful lodge, or cozy cabins just aren't what you're looking for, you'll want to stay in Black, MO at Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort.
But you might have to compete with others (make your reservations early) to stay in one of these tee-pees!
While you're here, ride the Ozark Trail on horseback.
And eat at the Trails End restaurant.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:55 am An Old Refrigerator
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 They didn't have refrigerators back when folks first lived on the property that is now the home of Koinania Cottage.
When you come to stay, you'll get to check out this old cellar that kept things cool year-round, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
I can't resist: It's cool!
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:22 am Millstone, Not Flintstones
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
I saw this old mill stone by the picnic pavillion at the Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
Flashback! It made me think of the Flintstones, the cartoon I watched when I was a kid.
Unilke in the cartoons, where these were wheels, these mill stones were used to grind wheat into flour.
Who knows what will come to mind when you're out on an educational, outdoor adventure like Dillard Mill State Historic Site?
I hope you'll develop some fond memories that last a lifetime!
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:22 am New Cedar Picnic Pavillion
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 If you're looking for a beautiful place to picnic with your family, come to the Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
Right near the parking lot, in the shade of trees along the stream is this BRAND NEW picnic pavillion.
It's gorgeous. All of the cedar (I think) wood beams and cedar picnic tables are brand new. They've never been used. And they're freshly finished...waiting for you to use and enjoy.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 9:14 am A Sign of Good Things to Come
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 I know it's just a sign.
But it's a sign of a great experience ahead.
Dillard Mill State Historic Site is just one of dozens of reasons you should plan your visit to the Black River area now.
When you get down here, you'll have plenty to do.
See our attractions map for help in planning your vacation or weekend getaway.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:08 am Barn Red Mill
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 This is the mill building at Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
It looks great in the morning light. I can't see anything like this in my hometown.
It's an imposing structure when you stand down by the water and look back up.
Enjoy!
This attraction is well worth the short drive off the main road...on your way to the Black River.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:03 am Swim and Camp Now on the Beautiful Black River
Friday, May 26, 2006
As you travel around Lesterville and the Black River area, I know you'll begin to see the new maps that the businesses are starting to distribute to customers.
These maps are the same two maps you'll find here on http://www.experienceblackriver.com/. There's one map that shows the many natural attractions that draw so many to this area.
And there's another that shows you just where to go to get the products, services, and accomodations you'll want to make your visit enjoyable.
I KNOW these maps are out there. Why? Because I delivered many of them myself this morning.
While I was delivering maps this morning, I drove through several campgrounds. And I drove along the river many times.
Guess what I saw? Lots of campers having a wonderful time. And there were floaters, too. I even saw people walking in the water at Riversedge Camprground. I saw people who just got out of the River walking around in their swim suits near the office at Twin Rivers Landing.
I'm telling you this because so many of the campground and float trip operators told me they're getting calls today asking about Memorial Day weekend plans.
News reports on TV last night said the Black River was unsafe and that people weren't allowed to be in it. News reports also said camping was not allowed.
That's true. But it's only true inside the Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park.
Construction work inside the Park makes swimming in the Black River unsafe. But the campgrounds all around the Lesterville area and the float trip operators are open and doing business.
Swimming is allowed. Camping is allowed.
Everywhere I went today, people were enjoying floating, swimming and camping.
Don't miss it. Come on down this weekend and enjoy yourself, just like the many people who are already here.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 2:30 pm Trail Head to the Top, and Mina Sauk, too
Friday, May 19, 2006
 Once you're inside Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, you'll want to start at this trail head like I did. It takes you to:
- the highest point in the State, and
- Mina Sauk Falls
You can read, too. It takes you elsewhere. I simply didn't go there today.
The signs along the way warn you to bring your water. They're right. Don't forget it.
By the way, this sign says Johnson's Shut-Ins is closed.
The Park will open next weekend. But the Shut-Ins themselves won't be open until construction is done.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 4:02 pm A View from the Top of Missouri
Friday, May 19, 2006
 Taum Sauk Mountain State Park features this very attractive overlook area.
From this spot, not far from the highest point in the state, you can look out to the northeast across a 33-degree arc and identify mountain tops and land formations that make this area so unique.
The sun was bright and it was warm on the top of this mountain today. The real heat of summer will be on us soon.
In the meantime, the natural beauty and the magnitude of these mountains are awe-inspiring.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:51 pm Sun and Steel
Friday, May 19, 2006
 I like this view, looking down through the structure of the lookout tower at the top of Taum Sauk Mountain in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:35 pm 15-Mile View
Friday, May 19, 2006
 One of the guides I read said that on a clear day you can see 15 miles in every direction from the lookout tower in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Click on the thumb-nail to see a bigger shot of what I saw this afternoon.
It's thrilling up there.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:27 pm It's Worth the Climb
Friday, May 19, 2006
 When you're in the Black River area, you should plan to visit Taum Sauk Moutain State Park.
I've been there all afternoon.
Here's a picture of the first thing I did there, I climbed the lookout tower.
The padlock on the trapdoor keeps you from going all the way to the top. But the next best thing is definitely worth the climb.
I felt the wind blowing...which is an overly brave way of saying I hung onto the railing when the gusts came up.
The view was amazing.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:19 pm Manicured Lawns
Friday, May 19, 2006
 You might have to squint when you look at this admittedly poor photograph.
Back there near the rail you'll see the dark silhouette of one of the groundskeepers at Wilderness Lodge on a riding lawn mower. It's clear to me by the looks of things, and the smell, too, that he's been at this for quite a while this morning.
These lawns along the road are in tip-top shape.
All of the proprietors here are hustling right now to make sure their facilities are ready for the beginning of the peak season that traditionally starts next weekend with Memorial Day.
You will not be disappointed. It's beautiful.
I'll see you on the Black River.
p.s., Since I'm posting this at 11:20 am, you already know I'm late for the season's opening of the kitchen at Lenny's. That means my Black River sub will have to wait until I get up there. I'm hustling, too. (You believe me, right?)
posted by Kevin Perry at 11:20 am Several Days of Rain Makes the Canopy Lush
Friday, May 19, 2006
 Over the past months I've driven down this road many times.
It takes me to some of my favorite places here, including Riversedge Campground, Camp Taum Sauk, Peola Valley Pottery, and Wilderness Lodge Resort.
But it has never looked like this before. (Click on the pic for a closer view.)
Wow!
Meteorolgist I'm not. But when I add it up for myself, I think it's rained over 5 inches here so far in May.
The result is this beautiful canopy over the road. It's literally like driving through a beautiful green tunnel with the rays of sunlight cutting through.
I'll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 10:28 am A Day Full of Fun in the Black River Area
Friday, May 19, 2006
It's raining in Lesterville this morning. It's just a little bit chilly out. I doubt it will get in my way.
Yesterday, I spent the whole morning floating the Black River in a canoe. I was out early. It was quiet and still and absolutely beautiful. Despite the rain, I'm expecting another fun day here.
I'm sitting at the Black River Ice Cream Parlor right now eating my breakfast. It's great. You can't beat this Western Omlette. It's huge. It's delicious. And it's packed with bacon, ham, cheese, and...well you get the idea.
After breakfast, I'm going back to check out of my room at the Black River Family Motel. (For those of you who can't leave the electronics behind, the Black River Family Motel offers one feature that's sometimes hard to find down here...excellent cell phone signal!)
Then I'm off to visit Lee Ferber at Peola Valley Pottery.
Lee has fired a new batch of mugs using mud from the Black River as a glaze. I'm going by his place to pick one up. You'll want to get one, too. I'll post a picture up here later today so you can see one.
Lee's also got some beatiful tiles and other pieces that commemorate the old bridge that crossed the Black River. It's gone now, the bridge that is, but Lee's art and artifacts capture it beautifully.
My favorite is a rugged image of the old bridge stamped into a hunk of iron they took from the bridge when they tore it down. I use it as a paper weight. It's on my desk right now. You can get one only at Peola Valley Pottery, right here in Lesterville. (Click on the picture above to see a close-up of mine.)
Then I'm off to Lenny's. I've been told so many times that I can't really experience the Black River area if I haven't eaten the famous "river-ready" Black River Sub. BUT...Lenny's only serves the famous BR Sub sandwich during the high camping and float trip season.
FINALLY, today the kitchen opens up for the season at Lenny's. At 11:00 am, to be precise. And I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it.
I was at Lenny's last night and talked to Kathy. She's excited about their new menu. (I'll see if I can post a copy of it up here later.)
And She and Denny are gearing up for their booth at the 25th Annual SEMO bike run here in Lesterville this weekend. Lenny's will have a booth over there featuring Red Bull and their equally famous hot wings.
From there, I'm off to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park has suffered an unfortunate naming problem.
Many of you know that the reservoir that breached and caused flooding in Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is called Taum Sauk Reservoir.
So, there's been some confusion. Many think that the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is closed.
It's not. I'm headed there today. I'm excited about it, too. At 1,772 feet, Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri. I'm on my way there.
By the way, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is opening to the public next weekend, Saturday, May 27 at 8:00 am. I don't know yet if I'll be there for it. But the excitement and anticipation are irresistable. Visitors to JSI this year will be able to see things they'll never see again, because restoration construction is on-going.
Enough of this talk.
I've got to go.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 8:48 am New Maps!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
We just added two new maps to http://www.experienceblackriver.com/!
I've used draft versions of both of these maps on the ground as I made my way around the Black River area. You won't want to be without them when you come down to visit.
The first is a map of Area Attractions. You can view it and print it here.
You'll see featured the parks, historic sites, and natural wonders that people love to visit.
Don't forget, while you're viewing this map online, you can zoom in for closer views.
Use it today to plan your visit to the Black River area.
The second is a map of Black River Area Businesses. The services they provide are indespensible. So call them today to make your reservations or to handle your needs for food, supplies, lodging or adventure. It's all here.
View and print the Business locator map here.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 9:58 am. Fort Davidson Fun
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
I just returned from visiting the Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob.
It is so beautiful outside today, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying the day.
This attraction made it easy.
When I got out of the car I saw a huge green lawn, surrounding what remains of the fort. It has been beautifully manicured and maintained by DNR.
The sun was shining bright. There was a blue sky overhead. And I could smell freshly mowed grass. What a great way to start the day.
From the Fort site, you can look back across the lawn and see the building that houses the exhibits and interpretive displays. The building looks brand new. The whole north wall of the building consists of a bank of windows that look out over the Fort area.
Behind the building you can see Pilot Knob...a pretty impressive mountain. Swing around and look to your left and there's Shepherd Mountain.
Beyond the building is a picnic and playground area, with plenty of room for fun in the sun and in the shade. I could hear the kids playing on the playground as I sat on the front steps for a while before entering.
This historic site commemorates the one-day Civil War battle that occurred right here.
I'll write more later. For now, I'm off to Elephant Rocks State Park, just up the road. After that I'm going over to the Black River Ice Cream Parlor. The last time I was there I had a huge omelette. Everyone raves about their desserts, too!
Find our more about the Fort Davidson State Historic site here on our attractions page.
When you plan your trip to the Black River area don't miss Fort Davidson!
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 10:48 Adventures
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
I woke up in Ironton, MO today.
It's a beautiful day in this beautiful part of the world. You should plan your visit today.
I slept in the Shepherd Mountain Inn last night (they have a great high-speed internet hook up) with the windows open.
When I came in late last night and the thermometer on my truck said it was still 73 degrees outside.
I slept well. I'm ready for a great day in the Black River area. The best part of the season is about to start. You can really feel the anticipation of it.
I stopped to buy gas in Pitosi last evening and the guy next to me was driving an SUV with a canoe strapped on top. I asked if he was canoeing today. No. But maybe Thursday.
But here's the cool part. It was Jason Elsenraat. He's the owner of a new company that organizes and promotes adventure racing events.
He's in town to put some finishing touches on the Mighty MO Expedition. He's expecting 60 co-ed teams of adventure racers from across the US to be in southern MO for this 80-hour race that includes mountain biking, paddling Class III+ rapids, a ropes course and more. Find out more at http://www.mightymoexpedition.com/.
Race dates are May 4-7.
Watercraft for the event are being provided by one of Lesterville's finest float trip operators! More details on that to come. Check back here.
If you would like to volunteer for the the Mighty MO Expedition, please contact the race directors. Volunteers are so important to every race. Volunteering is also a great opportunity for you to see if you would enjoy doing an expedition-length race.
I'm off to start my day.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 8:36 am. We're up and running now!
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
We're very happy today to roll out all of functions and features of ExperienceBlackRiver.com.
You'll want to explore the ATTRACTIONS that have been bringing enthusiasts back to the Black River area year after year. They're all still here. And now that the weather is warming up, there's nothing to stop you from enjoying everything this area has to offer.
Please take a look at the EVENTS we've posted. There are some fun activities there you and your family won't want to miss.
While you're checking out what ExperienceBlackRiver.com and the Black River area have to offer, don't forget to take advantage of what our local businesses have to offer. Book a float trip. Reserve your camp space or lodge. Plan your gift buying experience.
Lestervile and Black River area are truly at the center of all of the attractions.
I'll see you on the Black River,
posted by Kevin Perry 9:11 am
|
