Rhine and Shine: Take a Trip to Hermann

Step back into the past with a visit to Hermann Farm. This 200-acre spread offers tours through land once occupied by famous wine pioneer George Husmann. Tours include a stop at the Husmann home, distillery log house and office, trading post, tinsmith shop and more. Marvel at the sheer size of the Shire draft horses, who often tower over the beloved Clydesdale breed. Guided tram tours are available 1 p.m. daily, Friday-Sunday, through October 31.

Discover the story behind the settling of Hermann. It starts with the Germans who immigrated to the area in the 1800s, drawn by tales of land in America that resembled their homeland. Visitors tour the Strehly House, once the site of a thriving winery and German printing press, and the Pommer-Genter House, displaying the architecture and living quarters utilized by many early settlers.

Housed in an old German School building, the museum highlights Hermann’s history and heritage. Seven themed rooms offer insight into the town’s significance, including the contributions of its citizens to the wine industry and its role as a bustling port on the Missouri River.

Known as “The Best of the Wurst,” Hermann Wurst Haus has produced countless award-winning meats.   The Wurst Haus offers more than 47 bratwurst flavors; try the popular Caramelized Pear & Gorgonzola. Free daily samples of a number of products are available, to help you determine what pleases your palate. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, make your way to their deli to order your meal. If you’d like to recreate these masterpieces at home, consider taking one of their classes to learn how to butcher, mix, case and smoke your own meat.

A seasonal menu keeps things fresh at Fernweh. Enjoy a selection of crisp vegetables, tender meats and delectable desserts. Pair your meal with a drink crafted with their homemade bourbon, whiskey or moonshine.

With a menu featuring made-from-scratch selections, Harvest Table will not disappoint. Not only can you expect a fresh meal, the restaurant also utilizes locally produced ingredients, when available. In addition to their amazing food, they also sell artwork and handcrafted items made by local craftsmen.

Your sugar fix is within reach as you approach Sugar Momma’s. Pies galore, salt-water taffy, German candies, Ted Drewes frozen custard, honey ice cream and fudge leave you with the difficult task of deciding what NOT to buy.

The Hermann Trolley makes it easy for you to sample five wineries, a microbrewery and a distillery while drinking responsibly. For a $20 daily fee (per person), the shuttle service transports you between each establishment and includes stops at local favorites like Adam Puchta, Stone Hill, Hermannhof and Oak Glenn wineries.

Cool off with a frozen coastal-cocktail at Doxie Slush. With so many delicious options available, it might be best to order a “slush flight” so you can sample three different beverages.  

Martin Brothers Winery has a focus on producing traditional mead. A traditional mead is a wine made entirely from honey. Nestled in the rolling hills 15 minutes outside of Hermann, makes Martin Brothers a great place for a picnic. Come by for a guided tasting and some mead.

Located southeast of the town proper, these tree houses will have you feeling like a kid again – in the best way. Immerse yourself in nature, waking up amongst the trees to the call of birds chirping on a limb outside your window. Choose your “fort,” as the kids might call it, from three accommodations – Sunrise, Sunset or Moonlight.

This quaint bed and breakfast, perfect for your Hermann stay, captures European hospitality at its best. With an amazing brunch touted by The Food Channel, Alpenhorn also offers a four-course dinner by advanced reservation. Groups of four or six can cook their own meal by booking a weekday gourmet cooking class where they’ll be led through preparing a four-course dinner that the chef pairs with four wines.

A luxury boutique hotel, Hermann Hill surpasses expectations, with views overlooking the Missouri River. Guests enjoy amenities like steam showers, Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, just to name a few. Choose from a menu of spa services and you’ll never want to go home.

Be at the center of it all when you stay at the Captain Wohlt Inn. Located in the heart of Hermann’s historic district, the inn is within walking distance of downtown antique shops, restaurants and wineries. The remodeled guestrooms are just the start to an unforgettable stay! Additional amenities include s’mores by the fire and live music on Fridays (seasonally).