A Portrait of Urban Joplin
By Laken Zimmerman
April showers bring May flowers, and downtown Joplin is in full bloom this month!
‘Tis the season of fresh, spring ingredients! Take a trip to the farmer’s market to pick up fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods. The vibrant, open-air market offers a variety of local vendors, making it a one-stop shop for buying local. Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. Fourth St., is open every Saturday from
10 am to 3 pm.
Treat your mom this Mother’s Day by keeping it local. There are several new boutiques popping up downtown and classic local businesses your mother is sure to love. Take her on a Main Street shopping spree. Blue Moon, 613 S. Main, is stocked with new spring threads, the latest jewelry trends and stylish sunglasses. Newton’s Jewelers, 428 S. Main, will help you find or create a special gift for your mom this Mother’s Day. Treat your mom to drool-worthy edibles from Sweet Caroline’s Coffee and Cream, located inside the Gryphon Building, 1027 S. Main, and make her smile with a seasonal bouquet from Countryside in the City, 424 S. Joplin. Every mother loves handmade gifts from their kids no matter how old you are. If you want to get crafty with your mom this May, Spiva Center for the Arts is hosting a Mother-Daughter glass pendant class May 4.
The school year is coming to an end, so what better way to celebrate than taking the kids to Third Thursday? Enjoy live music, artisan market goods and indoor pop-up galleries. Additional downtown galleries to check out include Local Color and Spiva Center for the Arts.
One of the best things about Third Thursday is all the yummy food! Check out dozens of food trucks or enjoy dinner at your favorite downtown spot. Many merchants stay open late on Third Thursday and offer special classes, discounts and other goodies!
Dust off your bike and ride downtown. May 17 is national Bike to Work Day. Celebrate bike culture by cycling to work and show your support for healthy, sustainable and economic transportation options.
Or hit the streets on foot! The Joplin Memorial Run, held in remembrance of the 2011 tornado, will be held May 17 and 18. Read all about it on page 64.
Wilder’s Event Center, 1208 S. Main St., is hosting a summer concert series May 25. Enjoy a night of dynamic music by Opal Agafia & The Sweet Nothings, Chucky Waggs and the Company of Raggs, Red Oak Ruse, and Skye Pollard! Grab a bite to eat at Cochinita Mexican Street Food and shop for unique products offered by local vendors.
Joplin is in full swing this spring, so head downtown and enjoy the fun!
Monthly Favorites:
First Friday WineShare – May 3, 6-8 pm
First Friday ArtWalk – May 2, 5:30-8:30 pm
Third Thursday – May 16, 5:30-8:30 pm
Joplin Empire Market – Every Saturday, 10 am-3 pm
Downtown Poetry Reading and Open Mic – May 20, 6-8 pm at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Avenue.
Follow Downtown Joplin Alliance on Facebook for more events.
Upcoming Films and Events at
Bookhouse Cinema:
Beach Bum, The Biggest Little Farm, High Life, and The Brink
Follow Bookhouse Cinema on Facebook for all films, dates and times.
Blue Moon Boutique
613 S. Main Street 417.553.0826
Find us on Facebook!
Blue Moon Boutique is a unique shopping venue, “A modern boutique with a vintage soul.” Find the newest and latest in clothing, home décor, jewelry and so much more!
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm and Saturday 10 am-5 pm.
Countryside in the City
Florist • Event Planner
Event Venue
422 S. Joplin Ave. 417.781.3719
www.countrysideflowers.biz
Countryside in the City is one of the leading florists in Joplin for fine, quality roses, flowers, plants and gifts for every occasion. Let our experienced designers and staff create a one-of-a-kind gift you will love. We also offer beautiful custom-designed wedding flower arrangements including wedding bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and
Saturday 9 am-1 pm. Convenient parking.
