Rural Missouri - June 2012 - (Page 3)

C O NT E NT S Features 8 4 Departments Comments National and statewide news Columns Hart to heart The power of purple Missouri’s native elderberry holds promise as the next ‘superfruit’ 5 10 The little town that could One northeast Missouri community brings a historic plane home to roost 8 12 Out of the Way Eats Randy’s Roadkill BBQ & Grill 24 Hearth and Home On the side 28 Outdoors Hammock camping 30 Around Missouri Missouri happenings 34 Marketplace Classified ads 36 N eighbors Not for the birds 38 Just4Kids Fun stuff from Buddy 15 Missouri snapshots contest Enter our second annual photo contest, sponsored by Missouri State Parks 16 Sustainable forestry New timber management practices are maximizing profits for landowners 16 20 Stocked with adventure More than a premier trout park, Roaring River State Park has much to offer 28 Hammock camping Campers take to the trees for a good night’s sleep 20 About our cover he ringing of the bell at Thunder Mountain Park, just north of Camdenton, is a signal to lake dwellers and boaters that another couple has become husband and wife in an unusual spot on the park’s property. Since 1949, Bridal Cave has served as a small stalactite-decorated cathedral for the nuptials of more than 2,400 couples. Brides and grooms from seven foreign countries and nearly every state in the union have come here to tie the knot. “People come here because they’re looking for something a little different,” says General Manager Steve Thompson, who’s been working at the property for 35 years. “We’re open 362 days a year, we’re one of the most affordable places a couple can get married and we’re definitely unique.” On June 1, 1949, Mr. and Mrs. Basil Cole of Sedalia were the first to marry in the cave. For the next 40 years, the couple returned annually to visit — something each couple Cover and photo at left by Heather Berry T can do, as each receives a lifetime pass to the cave. On June 3, 2011, Jerad Hundtoft of Peculiar, and his bride, Lisa Phegley, (featured on the cover) were the 2,242nd couple to marry in the naturally decorated cave. Among the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites in the the cave are beautiful formations such as the one shown at the left, called a curtain. They’re formed by water dripping down the grotto wall for hundreds of years and serve as a beautiful wedding backdrop. For $400, a couple can get married in the cave, get a minister, recorded music, champagne flutes and a bottle of sparkling cider. For $600, you receive flowers for the bride, photography services and a book of photos added to the package. Bridal Cave is located at 526 Bridal Cave Road in Camdenton. For more information, go to www.bridalcave.com or call 573-346-2676. JUNE 2012 3 http://www.bridalcave.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Rural Missouri - June 2012

Rural Missouri - June 2012
Table of Contents
Comments
Columns
The power of purple
The little town that could
Out of the Way Eats
Missouri snapshots contest
Sustainable forestry
Stocked with adventure
Hearth and Home
Outdoors
Around Missouri
Marketplace
Neighbors
Just4Kids

Rural Missouri - June 2012