Autumn Adventures Autumn inspires the adventurer in me to seek out new experiences and learn new things. Locally, about an hour away, these two fantastic day trips offer new larks perfect for the family scrapbook.
Biking the Katy Trail and Adventures with Alpacas
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id you know that America’s longest recreational rail trail runs 240 miles, mostly along the northern bank of the Missouri River right through the heart of Missouri? The trail follows the right-of-way of the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad. A visit to Missouri’s Pleasant Hill and Holden gives visitors a chance for unforgettable bike rides, alpaca adventures and small town charm. The Rock Island Spur of Katy Trail State Park, with the trailhead in Pleasant Hill, is a 47.5-mile trail across the west-central portion of the state. Visitors may bike, hike or ride on horseback (bring your own horses or bikes), enjoying nature and Missouri history. Along this portion of the trail, you will go over and under bridges, cross Big Creek and see wildflowers and wildlife seasonally. The trail is built on the former corridor of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (commonly called the Rock Island line). Just four miles from the state park, you can enjoy a now-trendy tourist attraction. Have you noticed how you can hardly stroll through Target without spotting an Alpaca on a shirt, socks or water bottle? The fluffy creatures have captured the hearts of many children (and adult women—let’s be honest), and thanks to a local family, you can enjoy an incredible one-of-a-kind alpaca experience in person. Green Meadows Alpaca Ranch in Holden (GreenMeadowsAlpacaRanch.business.site) is a local ranch, Airbnb and agritourism attraction we have come to love. Melissa and Jason Ashley operate the ranch, along with their kids, and they welcome guests to stay overnight or come for an afternoon Paca Picnic.
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kcparent.com october 2021
The scenic farm is home to 33 Suri and Huacaya alpacas. Suris are known for their twisted strings and locks, and Huacayas are fluffy and soft. Both are beautiful, and all alpacas have their own unique personality. The farm is also home to two llamas, one llama/alpaca cross, goats, sheep, turkey, guineas, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs. I recently stayed overnight at the beautiful log cabin-style Airbnb with my oldest daughter and her two best friends to celebrate her birthday. Overnight guests stay in luxurious bedrooms, or they may opt to bring a tent and camp outside. Guests get to feed the animals a few times during their stay, spray down the alpacas to cool them off if it’s hot, and pet and hold them. Holding a brand-new baby goat was a highlight of our visit. We learned about the different types of alpacas and other animals, their fleeces, their care and their individual stories and personalities. If you’d like to make a day trip rather than an overnight, consider a Paca Picnic where two to 10 guests get to feed the alpacas and bring their own picnic to enjoy on the farm. Nearby, visit downtown Holden. Walkers 5 & 10 Variety Store is a fun stop that sells many novelty items, including a variety of old-fashioned sodas and candies. The town is also home to antique stores, an ice cream shop and many restaurants. Autumn is our favorite time for a day trip, but the farm—and the town—are open year-round.
