LyzaHayn/08-31-2025

My kitchen is a collection of murky mason jars, hanging herbs, and withered mushrooms drying beneath the counter. These things I gather from the world around me; I grow them in my garden and forage them from the sprawling Ozark Mountains beyond my home. Each object has a purpose: they turn to tinctures, balms, lotions, teas, and fragrant perfumes. My products snake into the blood, lungs, and lives of the people I love. They adorn the bodies of my community, are bought and sold and given as gifts...

LyzaHayn/05-01-2024

MO Magic: Explore the Best Missouri Ozarks Campgrounds for Any Budget Some states are hidden gems. Missouri is a hidden goldmine.   The Show-Me State is home to gigantic springs, crystal-clear rivers, and mighty mountains spread across an astoundingly beautiful landscape of vibrant greens and blues.  Once you visit, you’ll fall in love. I’m here to help you get started planning your trip, so strap in and get ready to take a tour of some stellar Missouri campgrounds just waiting to be d...

LyzaHayn/02-17-2024

People drive hundreds of miles to visit a good waterfall. Each state boasts its own famous falls that draw in outdoor adventurers like moths to a flame, with some of the most prestigious receiving millions of tourists each year.  Unfortunately, excessive visitation can pose some issues. Waterfalls get crowded and decidedly un-magical. Parking areas and trails are overrun with trash, and once-pristine locations become loud and dirty.  Want to avoid all that? Get off the beaten path. &nb...

LyzaHayn/09-05-2023

Best Free RV Campgrounds in the Buffalo National River Area Want to do the Buffalo on a budget?  You’ve come to the right place.  There are plenty of campgrounds on the Buffalo River, but many are costly or inaccessible with an RV. Finding beautiful free campsites where you can safely bring your rig can be tricky, especially without local knowledge.  Luckily, I’ve got you covered. Read on for a complete guide to the best free RV campgrounds in the Buffalo National River area, incl...

LyzaHayn/04-06-2023

Hemmed-In Hollow Falls: Your Ozark Hike for Stunning Springtime Views Spring has officially sprung. The wildflowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the rain is coming down in buckets. Here in the Ozarks, spring rains signify an important time for outdoor enthusiasts.   That’s right, folks— it’s waterfall season.  There’s nowhere better to see the waterworks than Hemmed-In Hollow Falls. Measuring 209 feet high, this is the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the App...

LyzaHayn/11-21-2022

The Ozark Mountains are pure paradise for the outdoorsman. Old-growth forests, seeping springs, and high waterfalls ignite our passion. We want to go deeper here, to get dirty and bruised. Yet for many, exploring the heart of these mountains is nearly impossible.  Pockmarked with massive cave systems and high rock bluffs, these hills hold secrets that most people will never see. Exploring the deepest parts of the Ozarks is an incredibly difficult and dangerous undertaking. Sinkholes, rockfa...

LyzaHayn/10-26-2022

The Buffalo National River Wilderness is one of the most popular hiking areas in the Ozarks. High bluffs and spectacular rock formations draw in visitors no matter the season, but autumn is an especially great time to go. Many trails that are congested with overgrowth in the spring and summer open up nicely in the fall. And since the foliage along cliffside paths thins out this time of year, you can see spectacular mountain vistas while the colors are changing.  Here are the 3 best fall hik...

LyzaHayn/07-20-2022

Canoe camping is a favorite pastime here in the Ozarks. Our pristine waterways offer an oasis on hot summer days, but planning a floating trip can get complicated if you’ve never done it before. Luckily, I’m here to help with a breakdown of everything you need to know to plan a successful float.  Here are my top 5 tips to plan your canoe camping trip: Choose An Appropriate Float Consider Logistics Bring the Right Supplies Pack Your Craft Wisely Have a Backup Plan There’s a lot more that goe...

LyzaHayn/06-18-2022

Ready to hit the great outdoors? The Ozarks are calling your name. But planning a trip can get expensive, and you don’t want your fun to break the bank. Luckily, this region has plenty of cheap and free campgrounds to enjoy. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check out my favorite spots for all the adventure you crave at a fraction of the price.  The top 5 budget-friendly campgrounds in the Ozarks are: Erbie Campground Sam’s Throne Campground Gunner Pool Campground  South Maumee Camp...