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.”

---

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.

---

 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

---

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 

Autumn in Joplin 2025: When Sanctuary Faces New Risks

 

Autumn in Joplin is usually a season of quiet beauty crimson leaves drifting through cooler air, deer moving gently through the woods. But this year, that peace feels more fragile. A newly amended city ordinance now allows bowhunting on private land as small as one acre, and it’s already changing the tone of the season. What was once a time for reflection and coexistence may now invite conflict and unintended consequences.

From my bedroom window, I’ve watched generations of deer grow up in my wildflower garden fawns curled in clover, does grazing beneath the oak canopy. This land has long been a sanctuary, not just for wildlife, but for those of us who choose to live beside it with care. But under Joplin’s revised urban hunting ordinance, that sanctuary is now vulnerable.

Late season (end of July)  Fawn and Doe 

Understanding the Ordinance

The ordinance permits bowhunting on private property of at least one acre, with two key safety requirements:

• 60-foot buffer: No discharge of a bow within 60 feet of any dwelling, building, street, highway, park, or property line.
• Elevated shots: All shots must be taken from a stand at least 10 feet off the ground.

In practice, this means a neighbor just 60 feet away could legally hunt from a tree stand overlooking shared woods. From my dining room, I might witness the loss of deer who’ve trusted this land for decades of deer born in my garden, raised in peace. (or so this is what my neighbor believes is the new ordinance on bow hunting)

 Are the Deer a Nuisance?

No. What remains of the herd are four does, two young bucks, and four fawns gentle survivors who still move through the 29-acre woods beside my home. The older bucks didn’t return this spring. Their absence is felt deeply, and while the cause remains unclear, it’s part of a troubling pattern.

These deer are not pests. They are part of the ecosystem and the rhythm of this place. They deserve respect. Yet too often, they’re seen as sport or nuisance an attitude that undermines the spirit of coexistence we’ve worked hard to protect.

One local resident recently shared online that deer had damaged her rose garden. She hadn’t considered a simple fence. She didn’t want hunting just her flowers protected. This is the kind of peaceful solution the ordinance overlooks.

Unintended Consequences

While the ordinance claims to prioritize safety and population control, it may unintentionally encourage unsafe behavior. Online groups have begun identifying wooded zones near city limits, discussing hunting access in ways that raise concern. These aren’t vague rumors they reflect a growing pattern of interest in exploiting loosely enforced boundaries.

Our community has dealt with similar issues for years. We’ve reported unsafe activity, documented property damage, and advocated for stronger enforcement. But responses have often been delayed or dismissed, leaving residents feeling unheard.

Safety Concerns

This community has already endured incidents that highlight the risks of poorly regulated hunting:

• A family pet was injured due to a misdirected projectile.
• Property damage occurred from discharged projectile.
• Residents near wooded areas now worry about increased traffic and activity from outside hunters.

Allowing bow hunting within city limits may open the door to further complications especially if enforcement remains inconsistent.

 

Brother bucks showing off first season antlers 

 A Better Path Forward

Population control doesn’t require widespread hunting. It requires thoughtful management and community-based solutions:

• Install fencing to protect gardens and landscaping.
• Enforce speed limits on roads like Schifferdecker, where deer frequently cross.
• Add signage in high-crossing zones to alert drivers.
• If necessary, consider a controlled wildlife management program led by professionals with strict oversight and public transparency.

What We Stand to Lose

From September to January, residents who cherish wildlife may witness the decline of deer populations they’ve enjoyed for years. We’ll hear unfamiliar sounds in the night and feel the loss of trust between humans and animals, between neighbors and nature.

 

late season (August)  deer and fawn photo taken from dining room window  

 Read first article on this topic here 

Author's Note / Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. It reflects the author's personal perspective on urban wildlife management and public safety. No part of this content promotes illegal activity, violence, or harm toward animals or individuals. All references to local ordinances, safety concerns, and wildlife behavior are based on publicly available information and lived experience. Readers are encouraged to consult official city resources and conservation experts for guidance.

All writing and photographs in this article are original works by the author. Please respect creative ownership and do not reproduce without permission.

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.

Joplin’s Urban Deer Hunting Ordinance Will Change Autumn 2025 Forever: What Residents Need to Know

 

As bow hunting expands into Joplin’s neighborhoods, residents brace for an autumn unlike any other. Here’s what the 2025 ordinance means for wildlife, safety, and community care.

 

This fall, as the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, a quiet shift will settle over our community. The woods that once welcomed children’s laughter and family hikes where acorns were gathered, wildlife watched, and seasonal rituals played out will no longer be a safe haven. A recent change to the city council’s hunting ordinance has altered access to these familiar trails, and for many, this year’s autumn won’t look or feel the same.

I read with concern the recent decision by the Joplin City Council to approve bow hunting of deer within city limits. While I understand the motivations unfenced backyards, property damage, rising deer populations, vehicle collisions on roads lacking “deer crossing” signage, and fears around chronic wasting disease I believe this ordinance misses the mark.

We live in a region where deer have always belonged. They were here long before subdivisions, sidewalks, and manicured lawns. When residents choose to live near wooded areas, part of that choice involves coexisting with wildlife. It’s not the deer who are encroaching on us it’s the other way around.

Instead of responding with lethal force, we should explore non-lethal alternatives:  Improved fencing and deterrents.  Public education on wildlife coexistence.  Enforcement of feeding bans to prevent habituation.

Deer aren’t pests. They’re survivors, navigating shrinking habitats and disrupted migration paths. Hunting them simply for being present feels inhumane especially when late-season does are still nursing fawns. These vulnerable family units should never be targets.

 Safety Concerns When Hunting in the City

Urban woods are shared spaces, not shooting ranges. Protect families, wildlife, and vulnerable neighbors.

 Safety and Ethics in Residential Zones

Some council members raised safety concerns, and rightly so. Allowing arrows to fly in residential areas introduces risks we may not be prepared to manage. During fall months, families and children walk wooded trails to admire foliage. With a growing homeless population, wooded areas may also serve as refuge. The last thing anyone needs is to be struck by a stray arrow.

And what of interpretation? My neighbor has been feeding deer for weeks and plans to hunt on his property come September 15th. His land borders mine just 20 feet from my home. Feeding deer is illegal under Missouri law, and hunting in densely populated residential zones is reckless at best. Yet he misinterpreted the Joplin hunting ordinance.  He seems to think it gives him permission.

Will people jump out of cars to pursue deer crossing the road? Will poachers assume firearms are fair game? These questions were never addressed when the City of Joplin approved this ordinance.

You can read the full ordinance and registration requirements on the City of Joplin’s official website.

A Better Way Forward

If deer populations truly require management, a controlled hunt would have been more responsible:  A short, supervised weekend event led by animal control and conservation officers.  Permits checked and safety protocols enforced. Limited to mature 4-point bucks only no does, fawns, or young bucks.

This could have helped balance population control. Instead, we’re now facing a months-long open season from September through January that feels like a free-for-all for bow hunters. Permits and landowner permission are technically required, but who’s actually checking those letters?

From what I’ve seen on social media, many hunters seem to assume that any wooded land in Joplin is fair game. They rarely mention landowner consent, and the lines between public and private property are getting dangerously blurred.

Let’s rethink what it means to live alongside wildlife. Let’s choose coexistence over convenience, and compassion over control. Read second article on this topic here 

Other Joplin articles by author  

Joplin Misses the Mark of Late Season Fawn and Nursing Doe 

Urban Bow Hunting in Joplin: A Cautionary Tale from theCity Woods

 Author's  Note / Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. It reflects the author's personal perspective on urban wildlife management and public safety. No part of this content promotes illegal activity, violence, or harm toward animals or individuals. All references to local ordinances, safety concerns, and wildlife behavior are based on publicly available information and lived experience. Readers are encouraged to consult official city resources and conservation experts for guidance.