We don’t get to see many fall colors in West Texas, where I live. So when my hubby and I traveled to Missouri at the start of this month, we soaked in as many fall colors as we could. The highways showed off their deep red vegetation and patchwork trees. So beautiful!

One of the last places we visited before heading into St. Louis for the Redezvous event was Top of the Rock, just south of Branson. We took a guided nature hike and drank in the wonder of God’s creation.

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Amid this glorious tapestry of nature, there were also beautiful structures. Local Amish built the two tressle bridges on the property with no power tools, just intricate pulleys and expert craftsmanship. At the top of the overlook is a gorgeous chapel. We weren’t able to go inside because it doesn’t open until 4:00 in the afternoon, but pictures I saw showed that the enitre front wall is made of glass to look out over God’s glory in the valley below.

This was one of the highlights of the trip for me.

Another was making time for a stop back in downtown Springfield at Gilmore’s Tea House. We had tried to eat there the day before, but they had been closed. So I twisted my hubby’s arm to try again as we were leaving town, and it was open. We enjoyed delicious tea, a fantastic lunch, and even splurged on some of their decadent cake for dessert (half of which we took with us for later).

The place was half tea room and half Victorian shop. There was a heavy Alice in Wonderland theme happening, which was delightful as well. Literary vibes in a tea house? Yes, please. Wes tried a cucumber/honeydew tea and I stuck with a more standard blend of black and green teas with conflower petals named after Buckingham Palace. Such a treat!

Speaking of treats, I have a little something for you, too.

Attending the Read, Write, Rendezvous in St. Louis afforded me lots of time to chat with readers, other writers, and to bring home lots of great bookish swag. I’d like to share some of that with you.

Giveaway

Leave a comment on today’s post to be entered to win the books & goodies pictured below. Chat about fall colors, waterfalls, chapels, or even your favorite tea.

I will announce the winner in the comments tomorrow.

US addresses only.