Meet Joey Powell: a passionate advocate for animals, community, and all things Springfield. As the PR and Marketing Director for Dickerson Park Zoo and the creator of Friends of the Zoo, Joey knows how to make the most of a weekend in the Ozarks. She shares her perfect Saturday itinerary in Springfield, featuring local favorites, outdoor adventures, great coffee, and plenty of pup-friendly locations.
Workout at Dan Kinney Family Center
This beautiful family center features a 7/10-mile walking trail around the exterior, a universal playground, and a family center offering classes, SilverSneakers, pickleball, open gym, and more. Joey works out here on Saturday mornings to start off the day.
Address: 2701 S. Blackman Rd., Springfield
Shop at Farmers Market of the Ozarks
Shop for weekly groceries, discover unique gifts from local artisans, and enjoy live music from area musicians—all in one place. Joey says she never misses a coffee stop and a pup cup for her dog while she's there. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: 2144 E. Republic Rd., Springfield
Brunch at J.W.'s Kitchen
Walk right over from the farmers market to J.W.'s Kitchen, a made-from-scratch breakfast and brunch restaurant known for its creative menu featuring British and Southern-inspired dishes, along with delicious cocktails. "They're dog-friendly," Joey says. "So I always eat on the patio."
Address: 2144 E. Republic Rd., Suite B-101, Springfield
Take a Walk at Sequiota Park
After a filling breakfast, Joey likes to take in the beautiful scenery at Sequiota Park, a picturesque recreation area that also serves as a trailhead for the popular Galloway Creek Greenway Trail. The park features a large fishing pond and the iconic rock formation Sequiota is known for.
Where: 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield
Visit Dickerson Park Zoo
"If it's the weekend, there's a good chance something exciting is happening at Dickerson Park Zoo," Joey says. Explore more than 450 animals as you stroll along 1.2 miles of paved trails through exhibits organized by continent. Be sure to check out favorite attractions like the giraffe feeding deck, the Outback Corral petting zoo, and the Jumping Jewels water feature.
Address: 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield
Dinner at Cafe Cusco
To finish off her day, Joey heads to Cafe Cusco on Historic Commercial Street and orders her favorite meal: Nachos Picchu, a mountain of tortilla chips topped with black beans, Huancaína cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and avocado sauce, paired with a Sangria Morada. She enjoys it all from the restaurant's beautiful patio overlooking C-Street. This Peruvian-inspired restaurant is housed in one of the oldest and most stunning buildings on the block, making it the perfect place to end a fantastic day.
Address: 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield
