Going up into Arkansas and lower Missouri for about 4 days just bumming around with wife, sister-in-law and her husband with really nothing in mind. Any recomendations, Branson seems a little much to me, like the smaller places better.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You are probably right, but never having been there,I would have to check out Bransons and see what it was about! LOL

[Donna_T]

Jordan,
Well, it depends on when you are going to be there and east or west MO and Ark.

The last week of October--Sunday through Thursday at Compton Ridge Campground (across from Silver Dollar City Campground on west side of Branson) the Fall Carving Rendezvous will be held and they (we) always have drop in visitors who like to watch the instruction/carving and maybe pick up tools and blanks.

There is a national battlefield site near Springfield (45 minutes north of Branson) and a Nature Center in Springfield, plus the BIG Bass Pro store and museum. Lots of little town celebrations going on--might check with the Missouri Department of Tourism for the October Calendar of events.

Like I said, there is lots going on depending on where and when you'll be in my part of the country. And really, depending on what you want to see, there are still some reasonable shows in Branson and some neat things to see--like the fall festival of craftsmen at Silver Dollar City--it ends on Oct 25.

Leaves are starting to turn really well now so the next two-three weeks will be prime leaf peeping in Missouri....depending on weather, of course. We had late rains and grass is green.

Hope you have a good time--if you want more specifics, holler.

Donna T

I don't know if he has a studio or not, but if he does, I wouldn't want to pass up a stop at Harold Enlow's place in Dogpatch, Arkansas.

[Donna_T]

Harold hosts a carve-in at his place once or twice a year so he must have some studio space. His address is actually Harrison, Ark. He still does weekend seminars so if you're in the area mid-week, you might catch him. Harold has come here for an annual workshop for 13 years. They don't make better people than Harold. Super guy.

There's a woodcarvers shop at Silver Dollar City, too. Clubs all around that corner of Ark/MO....I've visited several over the years and they always welcome visitors.

Donna T

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Donna...I received the pattern for the bear today, thank you, I will send you something in the near future...whenever I can get caught up here LOL thanks again..Dave

[Randy48]

Hi I'm new here and new to carving. Just wanted to thank Dona for the info on the Fall Carving Rendezvous. I live near Fort Leonard Wood and decided to drive down to branson on Sunday and take a look around. Hopefully I'll learn a few tricks.

[Nancy_G]

Randy - On Nov 1 & 2 there's a BIG carving show in Belleville, IL - just across the river from St. Louis - at the Belle Clair Expo Hall, 200 South Belt East, Belleville, IL. 62220. There are many carvers, contests, vendors selling tools, wood & roughouts. It's worth the drive.
For more information contact Don Deitz dnsdeitz@norcom2000.com

[Randy48]

Thanks Nancy, I might try to make it over for that one too.

Randy48,
From what I remember, Sunday evening is sign in and the barbeque. Classes start Monday morning and run 9-5 through Thursday. You can usually buy blanks and tools Sunday afternoon and if in workshops, get your blank for it.

If you get there Monday through Thurs, stop by David Sabol's class-I'll be the gimpy one and would enjoy saying 'HI'--it's all at the community building at Compton Ridge Campground across the road from Silver Dollar City Campground.

Dave: You are entirely welcome. You don't owe me anything--that's what carving friends are for. It's a cute little bear that's fun to do and can be enlarged easily on copier.

Same for Jordan; if you are actually in Branson area during Rendezvous, stop and holler Howdy!
Donna T