Not quite a native Ripley Countian - she attended only her last year of high school in Doniphan though she taught in the R-1 system for 32 years - Teresa (Pearson) Lee delights in surprising readers and herself with anecdotal observations of life in general. Maybe you can blame her St.Louis roots for a quirky humor and some slightly-askewed opinions, but never doubt she writes from the heart.

Can't Have Summer without Current River

Posted Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 9:11 AM

Current River Summer Sunset at KC's on the Current Take-Out

(For May 25, 2022)

School’s out, signaling summer. Gas prices are higher than they’ve ever been, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have any fun. We live in an area with ample potential for new and memorable activities. Check local resources and be willing to try something new.

Many Ripley Countians include trips to Branson/Springfield to visit Silver Dollar City and Bass Pro, to St. Louis to take in Six Flags, the zoo and a baseball game. To stretch dollars and the fun, consider camping instead of booking a hotel, or plan a trip with another family or two and rent an Airbnb. The costs can be divided while multiplying the fun. PS. St. Louis has lots to offer. Search online and you will be amazed.

Because of our scenic Mark Twain National Forest and Current River, we are a seasonal destination. Why not look at our ‘gem in verdure set’ (as praised in our town’s school song) through the eyes of a tourist?

A good source of outdoor recreational ideas is the Doniphan/Eleven Point Forest Service office. The lobby is a mini-museum and there are brochures and maps featuring all sorts of nature spots for hiking, camping, fishing and photography. You can indulge in those activities right on the edge of Doniphan’s city limits, too.

Other sources of information are the Current River Heritage Museum and Ripley County Chamber of Commerce. Area businesses should keep them supplied with brochures/maps/menus. Hopefully each of our flea markets/antique shops has provided flyers since many out-of-towners visit us just for that.

Most of us will enjoy Current River this summer: swimming, floating, kayaking, fishing. Be sure to check out Big Spring in Van Buren. It is a major natural wonder of our area and the reason we have the river we love.

“Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.” Kellie Elmore