10 valentines crafted by News-Leader staff, sure to make your crush fall head over heels
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and what's a better way to tell your true love how much you care about them than sending a valentine that resonates deep with their love for Springfield?
The News-Leader staff worked together to craft 10 unique valentines, all with a focus on Springfield themes, from Kewpie dolls and cashew chicken to Route 66 and Buc-ee's.
Mark your calendar: 19 Valentine's Day activities before, on and after the holiday around Springfield
I love you more than cashew chicken.
The beloved concoction of chicken, cashew nuts and a light brown gravy was crafted in Springfield by the late David Leong. Now, Missouri House Rep. Jamie Gregg of Ozark is trying to pass legislation to designate Springfield-style cashew chicken as Missouri's official state dish.
More: Should Springfield-style cashew chicken be Missouri's state dish? Lawmakers undecided
I think you're a real Kewpie, Valentine!
The Kewpie, a cherub-like character was invented by Rose O'Neill, an artist, writer and activist, in 1909. Before the now popular characters were distributed as dolls, Kewpies danced across publications like Ladies' Home Journal, a women's magazine that O'Neill regularly created illustrations for. In 1912, the first round of Kewpie dolls were manufactured in Germany.
Today, those wanting to learn more about O'Neill and the Kewpies can visit the Bonniebrook Art Gallery and Kewpie Museum, a 15.58-acre property that features O'Neill's family home, garden and cemetery. The art gallery and museum is open April 1 through Oct. 31.
More: This Missouri museum celebrates Kewpie doll creator Rose O'Neill's legacy in art, toys
I love you this much ... the entire 2,448 miles of Route 66.
Known as The Mother Road, Route 66 is a total of 2,448 miles long from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.
In late January, the National Trust for Historic Preservation launched its new campaign, "Preserve Route 66: Share Your Story." Throughout the 18-month long campaign, people can share stories and photos from their time along Route 66. The campaign aims to gather 2,026 stories in time for The Mother Road's centennial in 2026.
More: National Trust for Historic Preservation collects Route 66 stories. See how to share yours
What should we do tonight? What about steak dinner and a show?
For more than 15 years, Springfield Centerfold, a gentlemen's club located at 2800 W. Sunshine St., has been winning recommendations as a great place to get a steak. The steaks, which range between $20-29, are made with USDA Choice meat, lathered in butter and seasoned with a "secret" mixture made in-house.
Industry veterans like Jeremy Smith, general manager of Big Whiskey's on Battlefield Road, and critics like Jeffrey Bates, manager of food blog 417 Good Eat'N, both told the News-Leader that the affordable steaks are worth trying.
More: Are the rumors true? Is Springfield's best steak served at a gentleman's club?
I like your Beard. Will you be my Valentine?
Ryan Beard was hired on as Missouri State University's head football coach in December 2022. Beard, former head coach Bobby Petrino's son-in-law, previously served as the team's defensive coordinator. Prior to Missouri State, Beard was the special teams and safeties coach at Central Michigan University during the 2019 season. And before that, he was an assistant of Petrino's at Louisville.
More: The life lessons that prepared Ryan Beard to be Missouri State's 34-year-old head coach
The new 53,000-square-foot Buc-ee's travel center cannot contain all of the love I have for you.
In December 2023, Missouri's first Buc-ee's travel center opened just north of Springfield on Interstate 44. The 53,000-square-foot travel center features branded merchandise, hot-and-ready food and 120 gas pumps.
More: Despite below-freezing temps, Buc-ee's fans gather at travel center for grand opening
I'd go to great (University) Heights to have you in my corner.
The northwest corner of National Avenue and Sunshine Street has been the topic of controversial development plans for over a year. A part of the University Heights neighborhood, the development proposal has received multiple public hearings and met with pushback from neighbors. The future of the corner is still uncertain as rezoning of the property for commercial use is still in the works and a ruling on a lawsuit looking to enforce 100-year-old deed restrictions is still pending.
More: University Heights: Here's what happened as the case on deed restrictions went to trial
I'd be Stoked if you were my Valentine.
Missouri State University Junior Guard Lacy Stokes joined the women's basketball team last year. The Mount Vernon native spent two seasons as a standout guard at Missouri Southern before transferring to MSU.
More: Lacy Stokes beats buzzer to lift Missouri State Lady Bears over Northern Iowa
Valentine, let's taco 'bout how much I love you.
Greene County is home to more than 85 food trucks, eight of which are dedicated to Hispanic cuisine, including I Love Tacos Taqueria, Lalo's, Not'cho Ordinary Taco, Numbah Juan, Pinches Tacos Mexican Food, Tacos El Champu, Tinga Tacos and Tuka Tacos.
More: Greene County's 88 food trucks have everything from acai bowls to West African food
Are you a Short Term Type 2 Rental? 'Cause I have a hard time regulating my feelings for you.
Springfield regulations for short-term rentals, like Airbnb or Vrbo, have been in place since 2019. Operators of short-term rentals must fill out an application, host a neighborhood meeting and secure at least 55% signatures of the adjacent property owners. If this threshold is not met, the application goes before City Council for approval. Since the ordinance was passed in 2019, only about two dozen applications have gone before council due to insufficient signatures.
Last summer, this process was called into question by City Council, which is not the first time the regulations have been discussed. The latest ordinance proposed an application that does not require signatures from adjacent property owners, which was followed by council debate. This new proposition remains in limbo.
More: Springfield's short-term rental policy has issues. Here's how it stacks up to others in MO
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Head over heels for Springfield? Check out these themed valentines
