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A HISTORIC

DAY TRIP Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River lies a town full of history, By Ashley McGoff delicious wine and beautiful nature sites.

SChaumette Vineyards Photography courtesy of Missouri Wines. ainte Genevieve is a town steeped in history as deep as the nearby Mississippi River. Founded in the 1730s by French settlers, the town is Missouri’s earliest settlement and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District. Located an hour away from St. Louis, the town is a must-see for a glimpse into the past. Known for its well-preserved architecture, award-winning wineries, and beautiful nature sites, Ste. Genevieve has something for everyone to enjoy. The downtown area is the perfect place to begin your day. Dotted along the narrow streets are 250-year-old buildings original to the town. Many buildings have turned into charming antique shops, quiet cafes and eclectic boutiques where the beauty of French Colonial architecture can be admired while exploring the town. The friendly tour guides, dressed in their colonial best, are available to answer any questions when touring the numerous historic homes in the area such as the Felix Valle House, a limestone mercantile shop built in 1818, and Green Tree Tavern, Ste. Genevieve’s oldest vertical log cabin built in the 1790s.

With almost a dozen wineries sprinkled throughout the town, any wine enthusiast is sure to enjoy their day. With soil rich in nutrients and a temperament climate, Ste. Genevieve is the perfect place to sip a glass of award-winning Norton, made from Missouri’s state grape. Chaumette Vineyards & Winery is one of the largest wineries in town, where over three thousand cases of wine are produced annually. Enjoy a day of sipping the finest Midwest wines, and wind-down at one of their private villas, with its architecture reflecting the town’s French roots. While Ste. Genevieve is full of beautiful architecture, the town is surrounded by various parks and conservation areas just waiting to be explored. Hickory Canyons includes several hiking trails where millions of years of erosion have carved out the beautifully rugged canyons. Some say the best time to visit the park is after a rain event, as visitors can enjoy the serene waterfalls. Pickle Springs offers a two-mile trail named the ‘Trail Through Time’ where hikers can admire the 500 million-year-old cliffs, canyons, and arches carved out of sandstone. Enjoy the rich history and beautiful attractions of Ste. Genevieve. When you want to escape the city's hustle and bustle, visit this charming town where time seems to stand still.

Top: Felix Valle House, photography by Philippe Halbert. Middle: Hickory Canyons, photography byDan Zarlenga Bottom: Green Tree Tavern, Instagram @loveofhouses