Things To Do in Missouri

Though Tiffany Nelson and Brian Wilkerson have always been passionate about athletics, they come from two fairly different backgrounds. Tiffany was a top softball and track athlete in college before taking up a career as a physiotherapist, while Brian served in the Marine Corps and became a Kansas City police officer. Despite their differences in history and profession, the duo united in their passion for the CrossFit program.

They pack their no-frills facility with training equipment and free weights, welcoming fitness-seekers of all ages and fitness levels. More than just a place to work out, the duo strives to foster a sense of community at their gym—providing constant motivation, updating their website with fitness and nutrition articles, and conducting a special workout on each clients birthday before breaking open a piñata with their bare hands.

Even before he founded PowerFit Bootcamp, JR Spear always felt a calling to transform people into fitness machines. A fourth-degree black belt and studied martial artist, Spear spent years training future Marine Corps officers and Iraqi soldiers in self-defense and combat skills. Later, Spear taught his own MMA fitness and cardio-kickboxing classes, along with personal and group training sessions. At PowerFit Bootcamp, he and his staff of fitness instructors encourage each student to persevere by leading motivational and high-energy classes. At 14 indoor and outdoor locations, students undergo full-body workouts designed to jettison fat and tone muscle. Trainers welcome students of all stripes, giving them a period of time to complete each move, rather than a number of repetitions, encouraging each student to do as much as he or she can without feeling uncomfortable, overexerting, or resorting to time travel. Along the way, coaches track progress and motivate students by noting benchmarks during physical fitness tests on the first Monday and Tuesday of each month.

Supplying all types of social gatherings with entertainment-enhancing games and activities, Springfield Party Rental stocks a sprightly set of family-friendly bouncy houses, big-shot-belittling dunk tanks, or six-person laser-tag sets. Though this deal is valid for the standard bouncer, rocketing ricocheters can upgrade to a themed castle, such as Bob the Builder or the Clown Bouncer (an additional $25), or land a bounce-and-slide combo to really rile up guests at your city-council-overthrow fundraiser (an additional $100). Party planners can take the initiative to pick up, set up, and take down their own rentals (the job requires two adults, and is easy with three), and the dunk tank is towable with a 2" hitch. However, professional delivery and pick-up are also available at a flat rate of $60 within 10 miles, and $3 per loaded mile after that—similarly, setup and takedown are an additional fee.

With a history of horsemanship that dates back to the farm's settlement in 1856, Glendale Stables, LLC keeps tradition trotting into the future with equine training and riding lessons. The storied grounds comprise an airy 70'x300' outdoor ring, a 60'x60' indoor round pen, and a 72'x210' indoor riding ring with a heated and air-conditioned lounge, where horses catch their breath and cry over flowers while awaiting judge's scores. Lessons take place inside both rings, and riders receive individualized attention according to their age and experience level. Instructors foster a positive and family-friendly environment during each lesson and assist riders on the path to reaching their goals, whether that be riding for recreation or training for upcoming land rushes.

Helmed by artist, illustrator, and executive administrator Rebecca B. Hite, Stained Glass Station offers a variety of classes and workshops to help students hone their craft-making abilities. A staff of practiced instructors, including a stained-glass restorer and a sandblasting artist, arms students with supplies and guides them through the nuances of working with glass media. In beginner through advanced sessions, nimble fingers create stained glass, assemble mosaics, crochet jewelry, and fuse glass into light-catching shapes. The talented staff also performs specialty services, helping to repair pieces or design custom stained glass to jazz up a dull window or computer screen.

Undertow Restaurant serves up its succulent seafood and tasty American fare just a block from the banks of the Missouri River. Chefs deep-fry maritime appetizers such as jalapeno-stuffed shrimp poppers, and pizzas made to order can serve as warm, fragrant baby blankets in a pinch, with toppings such as bacon and green peppers. Undertow Restaurant accommodates nocturnal revelry, keeping its doors open until 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.