We stopped at Heartland Antique Mall while in Lebanon, and honestly, I wasn't expecting it to be…read morequite this big. This place is massive! There are more than 35,000 square feet of showroom space and over 350 booths, so if you like wandering around looking for things you didn't even know you were looking for, this is definitely the place. There's a little bit of everything--primitives, vintage collectibles, glassware, furniture, and all kinds of unique décor. I especially liked that there was plenty to look at beyond the smaller antiques. You could easily spend a couple of hours here and still probably miss something. Heartland has been in Lebanon for 26 years, and I can see why it's been around that long. If you're passing through Lebanon, I'd definitely recommend stopping in. You never know what kind of treasure you might walk out with!

This was our second antique stops on our way home from Branson. It was a huge step up from our…read morefirst stop--we were happy to see it was a clean and well-lit "mall" with a ton of booths. We spent quite a while looking around and left with some S&P shakers--of which they have a huge selection! Our cashier was helpful and carefully wrapped our items for the drive home. We thought that most of the vendors had fairly priced items.

This place is so adorable! Bertha, the owner, helped me buy my first sewing machine and my first…read morelarge quilt project. There a so many cute prints that make me want to quilt all day. I'm novice quilter but got so excited when I saw the shop. I love supporting small businesses like this :)

Best hidden gem in the woods. The ladies are so welcoming and helpful and the classes are amazing…read more I will be forever coming back here.

One of my favorite places to browse and look for treasures to fix up or a bargain…read more Prices are great and the workers are very friendly.

This is my favorite thrift store! It's very well organized and clean. Most importantly the items…read moreare priced fair. Occasionally they'll be a high price on an item that I would expect to see from Goodwill but not often. Knowing when I'm donating items they are not over priced is very important as well as knowing funds earned our supporting the local community. Also the staff are pleasant. Perfect place to donate and pop inside to shop!

Fun indie bookstore with a wide variety of books (including children's and some literary fiction),…read morebut specializing in dark romance, romance, and fantasy. Current titles in hard bound and paper bound. Coffee and tea free for patrons! Special events and community events Run by two best friends with a dream who love their clients. This is a very vibey place. Check it out!

My favorite shop full of artistic surprises! I go here every time I visit Bennett Springs and…read moreSandy's shop never ceases to impress. She has a collection of art, pottery, jewelry and more from artists around the midwest. As an added bonus, she also offers occasional workshops and other fun events. Without fail, I pick up stuff for myself and presents for others here every year.

Lebanon Art Guild is run by volunteers and artists. It is closed Mondays, but open Tuesday through…read moreSaturday. Some weekend evenings, they even have free live Bluegrass music. The artists showcased are constantly changing. Some are so-so, some are fantastic. Prices range from $10 on up. The displays are always different when I go in there to look around. The people who volunteer will tell you all about the artists displayed or recommend other artists you might be interested in seeing. The volunteers are there to educate and entertain you. The work displayed ranges from hand-thrown clay mugs, to jewelry, to woodwork, to oils, to watercolors, to photography and whatever your imagination can invent. The work is constantly rotated. The artists featured are from all around the area, not just local to the small town. Their rent is paid by purchases and volunteer donations. If you support art and culture, stop in for a look. You will certainly find something to tickle your senses. Don't forget to stop by Juanita's Mexican Restaurant next door for the best mole and homemade tamales. You might ask an Art Guild volunteer to join you for lunch!

This is a big place with lots of vendors and variety. They are moving locations in Feb. 2020 and I…read morecame in for the first time Dec. 2019. There were many cool things with pretty fairly priced items but many booths were half empty if that. It probably has to do with the fact they are moving but 2 months is still a lot of time. I'll check it out again after they move.

Stopped by the Fort Leonard Wood Main Exchange and this visit hit a little different for me. I was…read morestationed here back in 1994, and walking through this place brought back a lot of memories. Some things are exactly how I remember them, and a lot of it is new, but somehow it still feels like coming home. I retired in 2016 and haven't been back here since 1997 when I PCS'd out, so I always wondered how the base held up over the years. After walking through the PX, I can honestly say I like the improvements. The layout is clean and easy to navigate, and it feels updated without losing that familiar on-post feel. The tax-free shopping is still a win, and the selection covers everything you'd expect for daily needs without the chaos of a big off-post store. It's efficient, practical, and easy to get in and out, which is exactly what you want on a military installation. What stood out most was the customer service. The staff were polite, helpful, and moved with that understanding of military life. No rushing, no attitude, just solid service. That alone goes a long way. The added amenities like food options and other services make this more than just a PX. It's a convenient hub that saves time and makes errands easier for those stationed here. The Fort Leonard Wood Main Exchange may not be flashy, but it doesn't need to be. It delivers convenience, value, and a strong sense of familiarity. For someone who started their Army journey here decades ago, it was good to see the place still standing strong and moving forward.