Ste. Genevieve, Missouri: Vacation Steeped in History

The charming downtown area of Ste. Genevieve is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Here you’ll find an interesting collection of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and you can enjoy them by shopping in beautiful antique stores, lace shops and wine stores, or by relaxing in the quiet cafes. Plus, you can rest up in a bed and breakfast right on Main Street.

I loved doing a tour of the French Colonial Homes in this area. There are friendly guides on site to show you around and explain the rich history of these 250-year-old structures. Learning about the unique “poteaux en terre” architecture was fascinating, as I saw three of the five houses built in this style that remain in North America.  These houses resemble homes built in Normandy, France, but incorporate elements from Haiti, Quebec and other French colonies. Also downtown, be sure to visit the Ste. Genevieve Museum which displays artifacts from French settlers and provides information on local history.

We were already relaxed thanks to the atmosphere of the downtown, but a visit to Hawn State Park really helped us settle into the scenic and charming atmosphere of Ste. Genevieve. Located about 30 minutes away from Ste. Genevieve, the parks is a great spot for camping, a family picnic or a peaceful hike through the majestic pine trees. It is a beautifully maintained park and a place where you’ll find some real tranquility.

At the end of a day, there is nothing that says “vacation” more than visiting a vineyard. There are so many wineries in Ste. Genevieve Wine Country to choose from. We visited Weingarten Vineyard which has a spectacular tasting room overlooking the vines. Many of the wines here have won awards and you’ll understand why when you visit. Be sure to try the Norton, made with the local Missouri grape. Weingarten also brews many of its own artisan beers, and serves dinner in its restaurant. Wineries are an absolute “must” on your Ste. Genevieve itinerary.

A vacation in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, is an extraordinary experience. It is a place where you can step back into the past, step away from the stress of the city and into nature, and where you can indulge in great food and beverages served up with a special brand of hospitality.