Fall is the perfect time of year to take a trip with your significant other. The cooler weather gives you an excuse to cuddle a little closer; the leaves are brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow; the outdoors are ready to be explored. This trip highlights the best places to visit as a couple this fall, with stops ranging from beautiful vineyards to charming small towns.
Day One
A. Katy Trail State Park – Statewide
Take a hike or ride a bike along a section of the Katy Trail. This is a beautiful trail that winds almost 240 miles through the Missouri countryside, and is especially beautiful when the leaves change in the fall. The section near Rocheport passes the Missouri River, making for stunning views, and part of the trail passes through the Rocheport Tunnel.
B. The Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards
This picturesque winery will not disappoint. Located right off the Katy Trail and a mile away from the Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast, Les Bourgeois Winery is the perfect place to relax for an hour or two after a morning on the trail. Sip a glass of wine and marvel over fabulous views at the A-Frame, an outdoor area, or enjoy lunch at the Blufftop Bistro.
C. Missouri State Capitol
After lunch, head on down to Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, and explore the Capitol building. During fall, the grounds come alive with color. The building sits along the Missouri River, making this a can’t-miss stop. Interior tours are also available, where you can see beautiful works of art.
D. Governor’s Mansion
Both the grounds and the interior of the Governor’s Mansion are exquisite, particularly during the fall season. Located near the Capitol, make sure you take a tour of this 1871 home if you visit during the week. The home features beautiful architecture and fantastic period furniture.
E. Capitol City Cork and Provisions
After a day of exploring, you’ll be ready to relax with excellent food and a delicious wine (or beer) pairing. Stop into Capital City CORK and Provisions and you won’t be disappointed by their ever-changing and varied menu. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and their menu matches the season, so you are sure to find some fall favorites with a new twist.
Day Two
A. Missouri Highway 21
After you wake up refreshed and fill up on a delicious breakfast, it’s time to hit the road for one of Missouri’s most popular state parks. Part of your journey will consist of one of southeastern Missouri’s most beautiful routes. Highway 21, which follows the Jefferson County Scenic Byway, is especially stunning in fall, so make sure you have your camera ready. Note the phone number below is for the Ellington Chamber of Commerce.
B. Elephant Rocks State Park
True to its name, Elephant Rocks features giant, billion-year-old boulders standing end-to-end, making it the perfect place for exploration. Vibrant fall colors only make this park better, and it features an interpretive Braille trail for the sight impaired.
C. Thee Abbey Kitchen Restaurant, Bakery and Creamery
After a morning of hiking and scrambling over boulders, enjoy some down-home cooking. Thee Abbey Kitchen is re-defining “made from scratch,” using only the best ingredients with the goal of giving you the best meal possible. They refuse to use preservatives and make everything fresh each day, including delicious cinnamon rolls and homemade ice cream.
D. Crown Valley Brewery & Distillery
This microbrewery, a sister company to Crown Valley Winery, features delicious handcrafted ales, ciders, IPAs and lagers. Missouri Moonshine Malt Whiskey and Fizzy Izzy Root Beer are also produced on-site. Relax in the beer garden or pub and sample some of southeastern Missouri’s best brews. Sounds good, right?
E. Chaumette Vineyards and Winery
Chaumette’s romantic atmosphere is perfect for couples. Grab a glass of wine in the tasting room and then relax on the deck as you look out over acres of vineyards. The crisp fall air makes for the perfect time to enjoy this beautiful setting.
F. Charleville Vineyard and Microbrewery
To round out your trip, visit the place with one of the best views in Ste. Genevieve County. Charleville Vineyard Winery & Microbrewery creates its own wine and draft beers, so stop in for a tasting and enjoy the rustic setting.
Night One
A. Charleville Vineyard and Microbrewery
Start your trip close to your first stop, the Katy Trail, at the Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast in Rocheport. Located within 100 feet of the trail, and with multiple types of accommodations to pick from, this is the perfect place to cozy up for a night of relaxation before getting started on your journey.
Our Inn has a self-check in feature. We serve an extensive continental breakfast. All rooms have TV and air conditioning. Check availability and reserve rooms online. Les Bourgeois winery is one mile away.
Night Two
A. Charleville Brewery & Winery
Take a step back in time and stay the night at Victoria's Place by the River, a 150-year-old designated historical landmark. Located near the Capitol and downtown Jefferson City, the inn sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, so you are sure to have a beautiful view when you wake up in the morning while you enjoy your breakfast.
Rooms include two rooms that share a bath, and two suites with whirlpool tub and private bath.
Night Three
A. Bruckerhoff Cabin at Charleville Vineyard
You won’t have to travel too far to get to your final stop – this 1800s log cabin is situated right on Charleville’s property. This cabin offers two separate rooms for rent, so seclusion is guaranteed, and you’ll love waking up to gorgeous views from the top of one of the county’s highest hills, not to mention a hearty country breakfast.