What a cool place, Willow Spring Mercantile. The atmosphere was enjoyed and the food was outstanding! Little clusters of folks arriving for lunch hour, but mostly quiet and quaint. I like quiet and quaint. This small town was once a thriving hot spot back in the day. The towns people are attempting to revive that once upon a time vitality.
Jules and I have decided, (yesterday, while driving the back roads to Excelsior Springs), that our radio show will focus on not just our little town, but include some of these small town America Midwest hubs. We believe the past shall lead the future and we know how important it is to honor and cherish the heart of these fine city's and towns.
When you walk past Rays Diner it feels as though you've traveled in a time machine to say, 1950 or so. I can't imagine being in business for 75 years! The restaurant business dishes out oodles of challenges and an on-tray of obstacles. It made me happy and joyful as I walked by this nostalgic diner.
Right next to Rays Diner is an old fashioned barber shop. I wish I'd captured the sign on the door. It read, "we close for lunch." I captured the photo through the glass window.
Jill & Jules browsed the shops. In between the shops and restaurants, The Hall of Waters. I've always felt a certain connection with this place. It reminds me of my visits to Eureka Springs Arkansas. I can envision this spring water town becoming a tourist town like Eureka.
I set the timer on my camera, but had it set on 2 seconds! I'm not sure what Jules is doing with her hands in the air! Silly girl.
The day was laid back and memorable. Jules was concerned when I headed down an old black top road after picking her up. She asked me if I knew where I was going. I replied, "no not really", but we will end up somewhere. Don't you love those kind of adventures? I do!
The brown eyed Susan's were cascading with the breeze. I call them Brown eye, most folks refer to the golden flower as Black Eye Susan's.
We ended our day trip at Paradise! Jules lives on the most beautiful farm I've ever seen.
Very few earthly places begin to compare to Paradise...
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
With all good wishes,
Jill 00
