Haunted Highway Autumn Rituals: Missouri’s Spookiest Road Trip

 

As Halloween creeps closer and the leaves begin to fall, some of us crave more than pumpkin patches and cozy sweaters. If your idea of an autumn activity includes haunted towns, ghostly dwellings, shadowed roadways, and forest trails thick with legend this Missouri road trip is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

But be warned: this route isn’t for the timid. It’s for the ones who seek out paranormal whispers, who document the eerie and the unexplained, who treat every foggy detour as a story waiting to be told. So, if you’re ready to chase ghosts, honor forgotten histories, and feel the chill of something watching pack your bag, grab your gear, and head into the heart of Missouri for the spookiest road trip of the season.

For the Brave Ones Who Crave a Good Haunt in Missouri

If you’re one of my followers who lives for spooky rituals, haunted lore, and crisp autumn air thick with mystery this road trip is exactly what you’ve been craving. Missouri’s haunted highway isn’t just a scenic drive. It’s a descent into ghost stories, forgotten tragedies, and places that remember.

These stops carry emotional weight, spectral residue, and the kind of energy that lingers long after you’ve left. Whether you’re documenting for advocacy, ritual, or creative release, this route will test your nerve and reward your curiosity.

Let’s begin.

As the leaves crisp and the air turns sharp, Missouri reveals its shadowed corners. This isn’t just a scenic drive its a reckoning. A haunted road trip through the heart of the Midwest, where history lingers and the veil thins. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories or documenting the emotional residue of place, these stops offer more than fright they offer voice.

1. Jesse James Farm & Museum (Kearney)

Outlaw folklore meets family tragedy. Visitors report flickering lights and phantom footsteps echoes of Jesse’s unfinished legacy. A must-stop for those who document myth and memory.

 2. Belvoir Winery (Liberty)

Once an Odd Fellows Home, now a winery steeped in spectral lore. Ghost tours wind through the old infirmary and orphanage. The wine is good. The energy? Unsettling.

 3. Vaile Mansion (Independence)

Victorian grandeur with a tragic twist. Sylvia Vaile’s story buried in a glass coffin, they say haunts the halls. Perfect for those who pair architectural decay with emotional resonance.

 4. Hotel Bothwell (Sedalia)

Third-floor mysteries abound. Disappearing items, disembodied voices, and a lingering sense of being watched. Stay overnight if you dare or document from the lobby.

5. Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City)

“The Bloodiest 47 Acres in America.” This decommissioned prison offers guided ghost tours and raw emotional terrain. Ideal for advocacy bloggers exploring justice and trauma.

 6. Zombie Road (Wildwood)

A forested trail with legends of shadow people and ghostly watchers. Best walked at dusk, with camera in hand and ritual in heart. Not for the faint of spirit.

7. Lemp Mansion (St. Louis)

A dynasty undone by suicide and scandal. The Lemp family’s brewing empire collapsed and their home remains one of the most haunted in America. Sunday brunch is served with a side of sorrow.

 8. Pythian Castle (Springfield)

Built by the Knights of Pythias, later used by the military. Ghost sightings, cold spots, and a ballroom that hums with memory. A visual feast for product mockups and seasonal cards.

 9. Union Station (Kansas City)

Site of the 1933 Kansas City Massacre. The architecture is stunning, the energy heavy. Document the contrast beauty and blood, history and haunting.

This autumn, let your road trip be more than a thrill let it be a reckoning. Missouri remembers. Will you?

Autumn Bed Bug Alert: Travel Risks & Local Infestations

Bed bugs aren’t just a summer nuisance they’re seasonal hitchhikers, with peak activity in late summer and fall. As travel increases and temperatures shift, infestations quietly rise in hotels, laundromats, and multi-unit housing. Joplin, Missouri, like many mid-sized communities, is seeing a resurgence one that’s underreported but deeply felt.

This updated post builds on my original January 2025 article, which documented the rise of bed bug cases across Missouri and offered firsthand accounts, treatment strategies, and natural repellents. The issue hasn’t faded its cyclical, and it’s back.

 

The Bigger Picture: Nationwide Activity June 2025 spike: Industry reports show a national uptick in infestations, tied to the return of pre-pandemic travel, hotel stays, and public gatherings.  No immunity for small towns: Bed bugs are equal-opportunity hitchhikers, thriving in laundromats, hotels, and multi-unit housing

 

 A Local Account: When Clean Isn’t Safe

“When our washing machine broke, we had to use a public laundromat. It looked clean a worker was mopping and wiping tables. My husband and I thought, ‘This one won’t have problems.’ Wrong. Within days, we had bed bugs.”

This firsthand account highlights a common misconception: cleanliness doesn’t guarantee safety. Bed bugs don’t discriminate. They hitch rides on clothing, laundry baskets, and even folding tables. 

 What Happened Next

• Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) applied to floors and bedding areas
• Mattress encased in a plastic dust mite cover
• All bedding, drapes, and floor coverings laundered on high heat
• DE allowed to sit for one hour before vacuuming

“We’re not sure if the bugs came from the washer or dryer, but since the laundromat was very busy,  with doors opening and closing they could’ve hitched a ride while we were folding clothes.”

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Natural Defense: Peppermint Oil Spray

For those avoiding harsh chemicals, this DIY spray offers a gentle way to repel bed bugs in laundry baskets, hotel rooms, and home bedding zones.

Ingredients

10 drops peppermint essential oil (100% pure)

1 cup distilled water

1 tbsp witch hazel or white vinegar (optional)

Spray bottle (glass or BPA-free plastic)

Instructions

1.    Add water and witch hazel/vinegar to the bottle

2.    Drop in peppermint oil and shake gently

3.    Spray lightly around laundry baskets, mattress seams, luggage, and baseboards

4.    Reapply every few hours or after laundering

“We used this spray around our laundry basket and folding area after our bed bug scare. It gave us peace of mind without the chemical fog.”

⚠️ Note: This spray repels but doesn’t kill eggs or deeply hidden bugs. Always test on fabric before full use.

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 What Travelers Can Do

Whether you're staying in a hotel or using public laundry services, here’s how to protect yourself:

• Inspect mattresses and headboards for rust-colored stains or live bugs
• Use hard-sided luggage and avoid placing bags on upholstered furniture
• Pack a travel-size bed bug spray (EPA-approved)
• Launder clothes immediately after returning home—hot water and high heat only
• Consider mattress encasements for long-term stays or high-risk areas

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Hotels and Hospitality: 2025 Red Flags

As bed bug activity rises, so do concerns about hotel hygiene and pest control. Travelers should:

• Check recent reviews for mentions of pests
• Avoid hotels with deferred maintenance or staffing shortages
• Report any sightings immediately and document with photos

Author's Notes:  August 2025 while there’s no official registry of bed bug cases in Joplin, pest control companies and local accounts confirm the issue is real and rising.

A January 2025 article titled “Insect Invasion: 5 Missouri Cities Combating Bed Bug Onslaught” confirms that Joplin is actively addressing infestations through community workshops and pest control partnerships. The piece highlights Joplin alongside St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, noting a statewide rise in bed bug activity due to travel and public exposure.
🔗 Read the full article here

Halloween Treat Bags with Black Cat Magic

Celebrate Halloween with these charming black cat treat bags perfect for trick-or-treating, party favors, and seasonal gift-giving. Durable, magical, and designed to delight.

 This season, let your packaging do the storytelling.

Our black cat Halloween treat bags aren’t just festive they’re functional, versatile, and designed to carry the spirit of the season wherever you go.

Why the Black Cat?
Each bag features our signature black kitten artwork curious, wide-eyed, and surrounded by glowing jack-o'-lanterns, swirling leaves, and flying bats. It’s not just a design; it’s a moment. A little wonder. A little mischief. A lot of heart. That’s the magic.

Three Ways to Use Them:

• Gift-Ready Glamour: Add orange and black tissue paper and you’ve got an instant seasonal showstopper. Perfect for hostess gifts, party favors, or a little “just because” treat.
• Food Transport Made Festive: Heading to a Halloween gathering? These sturdy bags are ideal for carrying baked goods, wrapped treats, or even a small casserole. They’re roomy, reliable, and way more charming than a plain tote.
• Trick-or-Treat Companion: Our medium size is perfect for little hands collecting candy. Durable enough to survive the night, and cute enough to be remembered.

Details That Matter:
Available in multiple sizes, each bag is printed with care no distortion, no shortcuts. White handles, black exterior, and your original artwork front and center. Tissue paper sold separately, but we recommend bold orange and black for maximum impact. 

Whether you’re gifting, gathering, or ghosting around the neighborhood, these Halloween treat bags bring a little black cat magic to every moment. Designed by a colony caregiver and creative entrepreneur who knows that seasonal rituals deserve beauty, function, and truth.

View my other Halloween gift bags here 

Why You Need a Fast, Pet-Safe Spider Repellent This Fall

  

We got bitten by common household spiders last night as we slept very itchy bites. It was cool outdoors and all the windows were open. Now I know Diatomaceous Earth food grade works, but it’s kind of messy. So, I started wondering: would adding 6 drops of peppermint oil with Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle work?

Well apparently, yes it can rid your home of spiders.  So if you’re dealing with a sudden spider surge as the weather cools, this fast DIY remedy might be your best first defense.

 

 Make Your Own Peppermint Spider Spray

This natural mix is easy to make, safe for most homes, and surprisingly effective at repelling spiders from your sleeping spaces, closets, cabinets, and basements, any dark space with spiders like to hide.

DIY Recipe:

• 6–10 drops peppermint essential oil 

• 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap 

• 1 cup water 

• Shake well in spray bottle

How to Use:  Spray around windows, door frames, baseboards, under beds, and inside cabinets. Reapply every 3–5 days or after cleaning. Avoid spraying directly on pets or their bedding.

 

Why Peppermint Oil Works

Spiders “smell” and “taste” through their legs. The menthol in peppermint oil overwhelms their sensory receptors, making treated areas feel hostile and uninhabitable. While it doesn’t kill them, it strongly discourages nesting and movement.  Studies show peppermint oil is effective against spider mites and other crawling pests, and anecdotal evidence supports its use against common house spiders.  

Safety for Kids and Pets—Especially Cats

This mix is generally safe when diluted and used properly, but here’s what you need to know: Cats are sensitive to essential oils, especially in concentrated form. Never apply peppermint oil directly to their fur or bedding.  If you have cats remove them from the area you are spraying.  Let the peppermint dry before allowing cat back into the room .Use in well-ventilated areas and avoid spraying near litter boxes, food bowls, or sleeping zones. Store the spray out of reach of children and pets. Spot test surfaces

 Bonus Tip: Clean First, Spray Second

Before spraying, vacuum up webs, dust, and clutter. Spiders love quiet, undisturbed corners—so make them feel unwelcome. Then follow with your peppermint spray to seal the message. 

 Final Thoughts Not all spider bites are dangerous, but they’re never welcome. If you’re waking up itchy or spotting webs in your sanctuary spaces, don’t wait. This DIY peppermint spray is fast, effective, and safe when used with care. It’s one autumn ritual that protects your peace and your pets.

Hiking Safely in Arkansas: A Woman’s Guide to Preparedness, and Peace of Mind

 

I’ve always hiked in Arkansas in the fall. It’s my season when the air turns crisp, the leaves ignite in color, and the waterfalls run clear and cold. But this year, when my hiking buddy canceled, I found myself hesitating. After the tragic murder of a couple hiking with their children this past summer, I couldn’t shake the question: Are there trails that feel safe for a woman and her dog?

This blog is important for all women who are in the same situation because we don’t have to pass up an activity we love, not if we put safety first, bring our dogs, and prepare with intention. Fall hiking in Arkansas can still be beautiful, restorative, and empowering. Here’s how.

Some of Arkansas’s most beloved fall trails remain safe, scenic, and dog-friendly. Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, offers iconic bluff views and a small waterfall along a moderate 2.9-mile out-and-back trail. Mount Magazine’s North Rim Trail provides sweeping overlooks and creek crossings, with cell service available in most areas. Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park winds through grottos and forested canyons, while Lake Catherine Falls Trail is a shaded, family-friendly option with a gentle waterfall. For those near Bella Vista, the Tanyard Creek Loop is an easy 1.9-mile walk featuring caves, creeks, and fall foliage. All of these trails are dog-friendly, but leashes are required in Arkansas parks.

If you're hiking with a dog, bring water for both of you, and avoid trails with steep bluffs or narrow ledges if your dog is reactive. Always pack waste bags, and check for ticks after your hike. Arkansas is tick-prone in fall. Leashing your dog isn’t just courteous it’s required, and it protects wildlife, other hikers, and your own peace of mind.

Before you hit the trail, tell someone your plan. Share your trail name, estimated return time, and route this is non-negotiable. Pack the Ten Essentials: a map, compass or GPS app, flashlight, first aid kit, extra food and water, layers, fire starter, knife, emergency shelter, and sun protection.

Dress in layers fall mornings are chilly, but afternoons can warm quickly. Avoid bulky coats and opt for breathable fabrics. Wear proper hiking boots with tread; flip-flops are a trip hazard. If you’re hiking alone, don’t advertise it to strangers on the trail.

Stay on marked paths fall is snake season, and wandering off-trail increases risk. Download trail maps ahead of time using apps like All Trails or Gaia GPS, and make sure they’re available offline, since cell service can be spotty.

Confidence is part of safety. Walk with purpose, even if you’re unsure. Trust your instincts if something feels off, turn around. Carry a whistle or personal alarm, and avoid wearing headphones so you can stay alert to your surroundings.

Emotional safety matters too. We hike because the forest heals. Because waterfalls don’t ask questions. Because grief, fear, and uncertainty deserve a place to breathe. This fall, let’s hike with intention. Let’s hike with preparation. Let’s hike for the joy of reclaiming what’s ours.

 

Trail Blessing and Closing Words

To every woman who hikes alone, with her dog, or in quiet companionship: may your boots find steady ground, may your breath sync with the rhythm of the trees, and may your instincts guide you home. The forest doesn’t ask you to be fearless it asks you to be present. To listen. To prepare. To honor your own safety as sacred.

This fall, don’t let fear steal what the season offers. Let your dog be your companion, your preparation be your protection, and your love of the trail be your compass. Share your plan. Pack with care. Hike with purpose. And when the leaves fall around you, know your part of something ancient, resilient, and worth protecting.

You don’t have to give up what you love. You just have to hike like you mean it.

 

🧭 Resources for Confident Fall Hiking

• 🗺️ Trail Maps & Reviews
  AllTrails – Arkansas Trails
  Gaia GPS – Offline Navigation
• 🐾 Dog-Friendly Hiking Tips
  BringFido – Arkansas Trails
  ASPCA – Hiking With Your Dog
• 🎒 Safety Gear & Essentials
  REI – Ten Essentials Checklist
  Sabre – Personal Safety Alarms
• 📞 Local Park Info & Emergency Contacts
  Arkansas State Parks Directory
  National Park Service – Ozark Region

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  Image credit:  AI created by Susang6 and Original photographs captured by Golis while hiking in Arkansas and SW Missouri 

How to Decorate Your Bathroom for the Fall Season

 

A cozy guide to transforming your bathroom into an autumn sanctuary without breaking the bank.

Fall isn’t just for front porches and mantelpieces. Your bathroom deserves a seasonal refresh too, and with a few intentional touches, you can create a space that feels like a woodland retreat warm, nostalgic, and beautifully curated.

Start with Leaf Printed Towels

The easiest way to bring autumn indoors? Swap out your everyday linens for towels that celebrate the season. Look for digital watercolor prints featuring vibrant leaves, berries, and soft gradients in reds, golds, teals, and blues. Hang your bath towel on a vintage-style brass hook, then fold the matching hand towel and washcloth to rest atop your linen closet. The layered look adds depth and charm.

Style Tip: Choose prints with a crisp white background to keep the space feeling fresh and airy.

Shop Smart at Online Print on Demand

Love the look of fall colors but don’t want to break the bank? Head to Autumn Bliss Fall Bathroom Décor for beautiful leaf patterns on pristine white bathroom accessories. You’ll find high-resolution digital watercolor prints that elevate your space without overwhelming it. From towel sets to bath mats, these pieces feel artisanal and affordable.

Add a Matching Shower Curtain

For instant impact, pair your towel set with a coordinating shower curtain. The continuity of pattern draws the eye upward and makes the room feel styled from top to bottom. Choose a curtain that mirrors your towel’s leaf theme with maple leaves, and watercolor textures.

Style Tip: Let the curtain be your focal point. Keep other elements neutral to let the print shine.

Layer in Vintage Accents

To set the mood, add a few cottage-style accessories:  A Fenton glass bowl filled with decorative soaps A softly glowing pillar candle in ivory or honey tones A twig wreath hung above the candle to echo the season’s textures These elements bring in warmth, memory, and a touch of heirloom magic. They’re not just décor they’re ritual.

Your Bathroom, Your Sanctuary

Autumn is a season of transition, reflection, and quiet beauty. By decorating your bathroom with intention, you create a space that holds memory, comfort, and story. Whether you're sipping clean coffee or lighting a candle after a long day, let your bathroom be a place of peace and presence.

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  AI images created by Susan Golis