Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Missouri Tourism in partnership with Discover St. Charles. All opinions and photos are mine. I participated in planning the travel itinerary’s points of interest.
St. Charles, Missouri’s picturesque setting drew me to town. After exploring the Northeast Missouri River town overnight, I knew I wanted to return to see and do more.
Located a 30-minute drive from St. Louis, the city of over 70,000 residents maintains its “historically awesome since 1769” charm while offering locals and visitors one-of-a-kind restaurants, Main Street shopping, a thriving arts scene, and more.
The town may be known as the oldest city on the Missouri River, but its modern-day appeal makes it a town to put at the top of your travel bucket list.
Sip and Savor on Main Street and Frenchtown Historic District
The culinary scene is thriving, and the best way to familiarize oneself with the scene is to drop into eateries along Main Street and the Frenchtown Historic District.
Salt + Smoke
Locals told me to dine at Salt + Smoke (501 S. Main St.) before I walked the bricks to locate it. Known for its Texas-style barbecue restaurant with a massive inventory of bourbon, people love it for its relaxed patio setting and delicious menu selections. If you’re a beer drinker, they’ve also got you covered.
After placing my order for a cocktail and slow-smoked ribs appetizer, I listened to a band playing in the distance over the chatter of diners. A slight summer breeze blew enough to keep me cool and comfortable on a hot July day. I watched parents observe their kids feeding fish at the patio’s pond.
My server revisited the table to ask how my ribs tasted after a few minutes. “So good!” I muttered between bites. The deep smokey flavor and dry rub seasonings created the perfect outer crust, while the rib meat had just enough chew.
My dinner-sized kale salad arrived layered pulled smoked chicken and topped with copious amounts of goat cheese and walnuts. I didn’t leave a bite on the plate.
The server returned to clear my plate and we chatted about his love of aviation, an industry close to my heart. The final sips of my cocktail went down smooth.
I loved my dining experience so much that I returned the following evening for happy hour. Tempted to order the popular Eldest Uncle, a strawberry-infused gin cocktail, I caved and ordered another bourbon drink.
PRO TIP: Arrive for an early dinner or happy hour before the line forms for patio dining. I arrived on a Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and was ushered to an umbrella-covered table without issue. The line on Friday evening at the same time stretched about 12-15 people deep. Indoor seating is limited.
Bike Stop Café
Don’t you love an early-morning breakfast shared amongst friends? At Bike Stop Café (701 S. Riverside Drive), local cyclists converge on the restaurant to enjoy breakfast before a ride. It’s also a place locals love for its healthy menu choices ranging from its egg scrambles to unsweetened oatmeal bowls with seasonal fruit.
As I enjoyed a bowl of fruit and a coffee, I watched as cycling groups and individual riders parked their bikes, enthusiastic to see one another. Tourists entered the adjacent bike shop to inquire about renting bikes and helmets for a day’s trek along the Katy Trail State Park’s route.
Cyclists need a nourishing, healthy meal to last them through a long ride, and Bike Stop’s Café’s all-day breakfast and burger lunch menus fit the bill. Not a cyclist? The café is the cozy outdoor locale for those seeking to kick back on the patio over a made-to-order meal on a beautiful weather day.
PRO TIP: The bike shop doubles as a bike rental stop and retail store. Reserve an e-bike, hybrid, or gravel bike in advance to ensure availability.
Frontier Perk Café
Frontier Perk Café (108 S. Main Street) is a place to chat over coffee and fresh pastry and a locally popular breakfast and lunch destination. Now located in a space offering more seating, the restaurant caters to diners who appreciate made-to-order meals served until 3:00 p.m. six days a week.
Some locals warned me there might be a wait for a table, but I sat at a bar seat facing the barista within 15 minutes of my arrival at peak lunch hour. The restaurant’s brick-exposed walls and rustic wood, with a black accent interior, gave it a casual café vibe. As I devoured the poké bowl, I noticed servers delivering the popular Jake’s BBQ Wrap and crocks of French onion soup to diners.
MochaPoint Yemeni Coffee Co.
One of the newest businesses downtown, MochaPoint Yemeni Coffee Co. (343 N. Main Street), is worth experiencing for its non-traditional tea and Turkish coffee selections and fresh baked goods. Unfamiliar with Adeni Chai, an employee offered a sample of it. I loved it.
Its flavor depth was unlike standard Chai tea, containing pronounced floral and herbaceous notes. I drank the iced tea between bites of warm Honeycomb Bread stuffed with cream cheese and soaked in honey. Newcomers approached the counter and were greeted warmly as each one inquired about the unique menu items.
Other drinks on the menu included fruit refreshers and match teas. Coffee lovers may order boiled and unfiltered Arabic or Turkish coffee to pair with one of many fresh-baked pastries, including pistachio or almond croissants.
Good News Brewing Company
Good News Brewing Company (1121 N. 2nd Street), located in the nearby Frenchtown neighborhood, is a faith-based brewery and wood-fired pizzeria. Patrons become friends as they discuss the day’s happenings with bartenders and fellow beer lovers. Located in a restored firehouse, a back patio is a haven for locals (dogs welcome!) who want to enjoy small-batch craft beer in the sunshine.
It wasn’t long before I was visiting with locals about the Frenchtown Historic District, a hub for art and music lovers who care deeply about the neighborhood and its history. The brewery’s lack of televisions created a setting conducive to making new friends.
The pizza was so delicious that I nearly ate the entire 9″ pizza on my own. After finishing my meal and an IPA, which I also liked, I walked through a doorway to the adjoining Frenchtown Heritage Museum, where photography adorned the walls and poster artwork displayed behind glass.
PRO TIP: The museum is open during brewery hours and its contents rotate frequently.
Schlafly Bankside
At this point in life, I consider myself a craft beer connoisseur, having lost count of how many breweries I’ve frequented during my travels. So, I wanted to drink a pint at Schlafly Bankside (920 S. Main Street) since I was familiar with their beer list.
Originating in St. Louis, Schlafly’s Bankside location is a three-story brewery and restaurant with indoor-only seating. I choose an unfiltered IPA from a list of 14 beers on tap. Although I wasn’t hungry, the gastropub-style menu options sounded good, and the portions were large by the looks of someone’s burger.
PRO TIP: Ask about the Drink of the Day and the Soup of the Day.
La Belle Vie Café
On my last day in St. Charles, I returned to Frenchtown for breakfast. La Belle Vie Café’s (1200 N. Second Street) name lived up to the district’s European roots, with outdoor café tables on the front and back patio areas. Inside, exposed beams jutted from the ceiling to walls covered in ornate paper.
I previewed the menu in advance of arriving, so I knew I wanted to order The Figgins Sandwich, a scrambled egg croissant meal prepared with basil pesto, cheddar cheese, and spinach. The knife-and-fork breakfast arrived with toast, so I reminded them I wanted the customary fruit cup with it instead.
The baker’s croissant was one of the best-tasting I’ve eaten and the largest. (They bake fresh pastries daily.)
PRO TIP: I agree with Google reviewers. The restaurant gets busy by 10:00 a.m., so consider beating the rush and arriving at 9:00 a.m. like me.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Riverside Sweets
“Hey, Vanessa! Do you want to grab dessert after dinner?” You never have to ask me this question. I’d happily order a scoop of ice cream at Riverside Sweets (416 S. Main Street) any time of day, and its assortment of homemade candy is yet another reason to visit the confectionery.
Decadent ice cream flavors entice under illuminated glass. My purchase, a heaping scoop of cookies and cream in a cup, was perfectly portable for strolling Main Street’s brick sidewalks back to the hotel.
Grandma’s Cookies
Grandma’s Cookies (401 S. Main Street) was voted #1 Cookie Shop by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2024. I’ve never tasted a better homemade cookie. In fact, I saved one of my chocolate chip cookies for the drive home eventually eating it bite-by-bite over the next several days to savor it.
PRO TIP: Inquire about the Cookie of the Month flavor available Friday through Sunday.
Shop & Stroll Main Street
Park and walk Main Street to gain access to a multitude of locally owned shops selling clothing and home decor accents or experience hands-on fun making candles.
Candle Fusion Studio
I would rather make my candle than buy it at a big box store. At Candle Fusion Studio (104 S. Main Street), customers become artisans smelling aromatic oils to add to hot candle wax in a vessel of their choosing. With over 100 fragrances, I was excited to create mine made from an equal combination of vanilla and sandalwood, which I dripped into a small ceramic pot.
The staff poured the way, I stirred it for less than a minute, and then they added a trimmed wick to complete it. Within two hours, my custom candle was available for pickup.
I appreciate the simplicity of the experience and the staff’s helpfulness. I recommend the experience, and if shopping for others, pair a candle with other retail such as a 4-ounce handmade soap.
PRO TIP: View my Instagram Missouri highlight reel to watch a video of my candle-making experience.
MJ’s by Jujub’s
Women seeking a boutique selling on-trend apparel and accessories will appreciate MJ’s by Jujub’s (112 S. Main Street). A table covered with baskets of brightly colored patches caught my eye.
Shoppers can adhere patches of their choice to trucker-style ballcaps, a trending fashion accessory, or get creative and add them to a denim jacket. MJ’s offers hundreds of patches to choose from, whether you’re creating a hat for yourself or someone else.
Chuck and Lou
Chuck and Lou (610 Main Street) is where you shop when you want to take home a wearable souvenir or gift representing your St. Charles trip. The owner’s combined love for St. Charles and St. Louis is evident in the many branded shirts on display.
PRO TIP: The shop and its sister location in town host regular events. View its Facebook page to learn about DIY tie-dye t-shirt workshops.
Happy Camper Clothing
Do you love the outdoors? Shop Happy Camper Clothing (510 S. Main Street) for wearable threads that showcase your appreciation for nature. While the store specializes in screen-printed merchandise with outdoorsy messaging, you’ll also discover gift-worthy shirts, socks, and hats for those who love to support all things local.
Fig & Sparrow
I squeezed a stop at Fig & Sparrow (300 N. Main Street) into my shopping schedule, and I’m glad I did. The one-room shop specializes in kitchenware and gourmet food products, making it a must-stop for home cooks.
Cookbooks, cutting boards, bakeware, you name it, they carry it. Choose from table linens to bottled condiments as you collect items for purchase.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Their signature line of bottled glazes and burger starters were marked down to only $5 at the rear of the store alongside other bargains the day of my visit.
April’s on Main
I love a boutique that caters to my love of the changing seasons, and April’s on Main (222 N. Main Street) suits me. Of course, the home goods store carries more than holiday decorations, but its thematic displays are a definite draw.
The store’s inventory included year-round home decorations, faux flowers and plants, lamps, wall decor, candles, pillows, handbags, and jewelry.
If you’re looking for a treasure for yourself or someone else, expect to spend at least a half-hour perusing displays in the 4,700-square-foot store.
Explore Local History
Considered “Historically Awesome Since 1769,” St. Charles was founded by a French-Canadian fur trader, Louis Blanchette. In its early days, it was settled by Canadian French colonists. When they arrived, they discovered Osage and Missouri Native American tribes.
Fast-forward to 1804 when Lewis & Clark used the town as the last stop to gather supplies before explored West up the Missouri River.
Today, it is home to over 70,000 residents who appreciate it for its historic roots as the state’s first capital city.
Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum
Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum (1050 S. Riverside Dr.) provides a visual timeline of events detailing Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s travels beginning in St. Charles. President Thomas Jefferson tasked the men with keeping detailed records of what they saw and who they encountered during the 8,000-mile journey West.
Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.
The museum sees over 25,000 visitors anually, including school groups, and many of its displays are kid-friendly. They will appreciate the Little Classroom walk-in house.
PRO TIP: Walk behind the museum to see the boats on display, a traveling fleet of three replicas based on drawings by William Clark. They are on view when not used in events.
Lewis & Clark Monument at Frontier Park
After learning about the brave explorers, drive to the Lewis & Clark Monument (500 S. Riverside Drive) to shoot photos of the 15-foot bronze statue. Imagine your life as Lewis and Clark preparing to depart for an expedition in May 1804. The bronze busts installed around the monument represent men who joined the expedition.
Take a stroll along the Missouri riverfront’s paved sidewalks, taking breaks to admire one of the town’s well-known landmarks, Katy Depot. The restored building was restored and moved to its home on the Katy Trail State Park. If you travel with a bike or want to increase your step count, this is a recommendable rail-trail line for exercise enthusiasts.
Hit the Bricks Walking Tour
The single best way to immerse yourself in St. Charles’s history is to sign up for a Hit the Bricks Walking Tour. There are two tour themes, each departing from the tourism center (230 S. Main Street) in groups limited to 15 people.
My group, on The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My! tour, was handed old-school viewfinders to use when prompted by the tour guide along a five-block route. The guide talked as we walked from historic building to building, telling stories about the people who chose to live and work in St. Charles’ early days.
People of all ages are invited to participate in one-hour tours, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for uneven sidewalk surfaces.
First Missouri State Capital State Historic Site
When you experience a guided one-hour tour of the First Missouri State Capital State Historic Site (200 S. Main Street), you’re standing in the very place where the state’s first legislators met and made history-making decisions.
St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.
The most interesting aspect of the tour was listening to our enthusiastic tour guide talk about the historical artifacts inside the restored Peck brothers’ general store and residence. The 1820s furnishings served as visual reminders or the hardship of early 19th Century life.
The tour costs departs from the lower-level gift shop, where St. Charles-themed merchandise is sold.
The Soda Museum & Arcade
If you or someone in your travel group loves quirky museums with unique themes, pay admission for a self-guided tour of The Soda Museum & Arcade (126 N. Main Street), a new addition to downtown.
The top two levels of the building contain glass display cases filled with vintage soda bottles and merchandise representing a portion of one man’s collection. The main floor showcases many Coca-Cola-branded items, while the third floor showcases other soda brands.
Gazing into display cases filled with thousands of bottles, cans, and fan merchandise is a nostalgic walk back in time. Which carbonated beverage did you drink as a kid?
For me, the best part of the museum experience was playing vintage arcade games downstairs. For $15, you can play unlimited retro games, ranging from classic Ms. Pac-Man and Ice Ball to old-school pinball machines.
PRO TIP: Add to the arcade experience by enjoying a meal from the snack bar with your favorite carbonated soda.
Admire Amazing Art
Foundry Art Centre
Art lovers will feel right at home at Foundry Art Centre (520 N. Main Street). The lower level’s galleries showcase rotating exhibitions and the upper level contains artists’ studios.
Some artists teach classes in their studio spaces while others use it to create their projects and sell them.
Once a train car factory in the 1920s, the building’s lower-level grand hall often hosts public events, including bingo nights and live performances.
I was impressed by the volume and variety of pieces curated for the Main Gallery’s show. The center’s events calendar lists upcoming art exhibitions.
Relax in Comfort
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Country Inn & Suites by Raddison (1190 S. Main Street) is a massive hotel within walking distance of Main Street restaurants and shops on picturesque Main Street. My check-in was easy, and the front desk staff greeted me warmly.
Admittedly, I didn’t use the hotel’s amenities like the indoor heated pool or fitness center because I spent time in my room relaxing when I wasn’t exploring St. Charles. Do you know what I love most about a comfortable hotel stay? Peace and quiet, a plush mattress, and a clean walk-in shower with good water pressure. Country Inn & Suites checked all the boxes.
Despite the hotel’s almost full capacity, I always found a parking spot in the covered garage or nearby lot. I preferred walking to most Main Street destinations versus moving my car.
As I departed, I took a last look at the hotel lobby, admiring its beautiful interior.
My overnight stay in St. Charles was one I’ll never forget. People often ask me, “What city could you return to for another visit?” It’s a short list, but St. Charles is definitely on it.
I hope you get the chance to explore the memorable sites and savor St. Charles’ best food while in Northeast Missouri. Tell them I sent you, and if you stop by the visitor’s center, ask them, “What’s up, St. Chuck?”
During my return trip to Leavenworth, I was eager to take in places I had yet to discover and revisit old gems.
PRO TIP: The Burr-ow, a backroom space dedicated to reading or board gaming, is a quiet spot to work.
It’s a scenic area worth exploring for its birdwatching and native treelined grounds. The path lies parallel to an active Union Pacific railway, a nod to the town’s railroad era that replaced the Missouri River’s steamboat industry.
They recorded detailed notes about the region’s landscape for President Thomas Jefferson noting what people could expect heading west. Signage overlooking the river at 2nd and Dakota Street recognizes their visit to the area.
It’s the tucked-away murals that excite me the most. Keep your eyes peeled for smaller paintings on doors on various buildings downtown.
I dined on deviled eggs with bacon and a chicken cobb salad to the beat of Jamaican music while watching hosta leaves sway.
Between sips of iced tea, I noticed the hostess lead lunchtime diners to patio tables to enjoy the scenery, which resembled a nicely designed backyard landscape.
If you love old collectibles, you could spend hours perusing the mall while listening to oldies music play overhead. The friendly employee at the front desk is happy to answer questions about refurbishing relics.
Of course, you can always spot something delightful for the home when you’re ready to swap out your seasonal decor. From garden flags to great-smelling candles, CJ Gift Co. satisfies shoppers on a mission to beautify their space.
Expecting parents and grandparents will appreciate the owner’s selection of kid-loving plush toys. Seasonal items, bath products, and top-selling Leavenworth t-shirts round-out the front-of-store inventory.
PRO TIP: The store is also home to 5th Avenue Frames. Ask them to custom frame artwork, photography, or prints.
Consider creating a gift basket for someone while shopping for yourself. Whether one loves hot tea or cold brew, Queen’s Pantry Teas is the place to shop.
The owner, who was busily crafting jewelry in a studio, greeted me, as did her helpful staff. I perused the store, admiring an endless boho chic apparel and jewelry inventory.
The owners, a mother-daughter duo, carry the latest fashions for the season on display at the front of the store.
If the thought of enjoying the salty goodness of popcorn with the sweet flavor of your favorite candy bar excites you, stop by Popcorn Pit Stop for a grab-and-go bag.
Peruse the outdoor garden houses to shop for plants and flowering hanging baskets before entering inside the store for refrigerated food items. Travelers without coolers will appreciate jarred foods and bagged dry goods.
The sounds of Space Invaders and Mortal Kombat resonate through the arcade, open Thursday-Saturday. It’s an excellent place for all ages to enjoy indoor entertainment in a nostalgic setting.
The reservation-required dinner and a show were entertaining, and the best part of the evening was getting to know the guests at our shared table, who welcomed me like new friends. Three hours of fun flew by.
My King Suite home-life feel helped me unwind after a fun day of exploring. In the morning, I checked emails on my laptop using high-speed internet from a in-room workstation before enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast in the lobby.
The ideal accommodation for travelers seeking a beautiful vacation rental that sleeps four people or a business traveler who wants more space and comforts of home than a hotel provides, 
Soft pillows and a floor rug are comfortable additions to the living room, a spot where I snuggled up under a blanket to stream my favorite TV shows as the snow fell outside.
The simplicity of the room’s design provided a clutter-free relaxing experience. When I wasn’t resting peacefully, I streamed a movie from the Roku TV options while nestled under a plush duvet. A cellphone charging station on the bedside table made it a hassle-free experience.
Luxury amenities, including Tommy Bahama bath products, a hair dryer, make-up removal washcloths, and soft white towels conveyed Cozy in KC’s sense of care for the guest experience.
The apartment’s second bedroom was equally spacious providing plenty of room for added guests to feel at home. Like the master bedroom, the walk-in closet included a hangers, a luggage rack, and a soft king-size microfiber blanket.
For those seeking a relaxing soak, the second bathroom’s shower/bathtub combination meets one’s needs. The window streaming natural light and spacious countertop gave it a suite-like feel.
A nearby built-in cabinet provided access to placemats and essential barware.
While staying the weekend, I appreciated the state-of-the-art appliances when preparing breakfast before heading out to explore Shawnee. It was nice to wake up after restful sleep and prepare a pot of tea. If I felt like coffee, I used the K-Duo® Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker and the provided coffee grounds.
Known for a gastropub menu of hearty classics ranging from flatbread pizzas to comforting classics like meatloaf, the food arrives at the table artfully plated and tasting delicious. When you go, leave room for towering slice of Carrot Cake or Chocolate Tort.
While you can order to-go food online or have it delivered via Uber Eats (
If you’re not a fan of beer, a selection of wine, cider, Prosecco, and Mom Water are available alternatives. Although they don’t serve food, it’s common to see a food truck parked outside or you can bring your own food to enjoy in the taproom.
Next door, 
The town’s largest mural, painted by artist Jacob Cromer, is located at Johnson Drive and Neiman Road and it’s not to be missed.
For more travel inspiration, read my bonus suggestions for exploring town: 
The staff is eager to direct you to places to explore in the area, plus the center houses display cases showcasing the town’s history. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, West Plains is steeped in history.
I was impressed with the well-stocked inventory of regionally made products ranging from honey to home decor items.
PRO TIP: If traveling by RV, you’ll love the center’s expansive parking lot, water fill, and dump station. Visitors with dogs will love the shaded grassy areas to take a stroll.
After exploring the downtown area, we drove to spots around town, seeking out other permanent paintings.
We sipped ice-cold lattés while listening to the staff give instructions on throwing techniques and the rules of play. Despite my best efforts, the hatchets and Ninja stars I threw toppled off the target, coming to rest on the ground.
Watching others take turns throwing sharp weapons at the wood wall with better success was fun, and the coffee drinks made it a delightful experience.
One of the best parts of visiting the family-run business is their pride in selling locally sourced baked goods, coffee beans, and gifts.
PRO TIP: Look at the framed photographs on the wall for a few minutes. Each one captures historical moments when Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton visited West Plains. The building is where Wagoner launched his famous career.
As the book states, “Sometimes a bottle or flask was handed around from person to person, and some people complained about the loud, rowdy behavior exhibited by some of the dance’s inebriated patrons.”
Did a prohibitionist cause the explosion? Did J. M. Weiser, found dead behind the building with a door knob in his hand, cause the accident that killed 39 people and injured 23 others?
Photographer Joyce McMurtrey’s work “King of The Ozarks” was on display on the day of our visit. The native Missourian captured portraits of family members and neighbors of H. King Davis while interviewing them.
According to Explore West Plains, services were held in every church in town on April 19, 1928. This memorial remembers the 19 unidentified people laid to rest along with 20 identified people.
During our visit, locals gathered around the bar during Happy Hour. Nearby, a father and son played a game of pool while arcade games like Big Buck and Golden Tee flickered in the background.
Known for their wings, we shared a 5-piece basket with our choice of sauces: Thai Chili and Spicy BBQ – cooked and sauced to perfection. The Traditional Chef Salad with ham and eggs was fully loaded and crave-worthy. Our server said they are adding a salad bar.
If you order a burger, expect it to be stacked high like the West Plains Pride served on a jalapeño bun with pepper jack cheese, onion, and mango habanero sauce.
PRO TIP: Opt to sit outside on a nice weather day. They host local musicians on Saturday nights – no cover charge.
The brewery has a variety of beers for every kind of craft beer connoisseur, but for us, it was an easy choice.
To our delight, friendly locals joined us outside to raise a glass to West Plains.
The menu includes unexpected delights like homemade baked goods, avocado toast on artisan bread, and handcrafted breakfast sandwiches.
The faith-based gathering space is also a boutique that supports local makers and creators. The retail shelves ran the length of a brick-exposed wall and were piled high with irresistible merchandise from apparel to home decor.
PRO TIP: Look at the menu boards or ask a friendly barista for the day’s drink or food special.
The spring produces 6.5 million gallons of water per day, flowing beneath sandstone blocks.
The mill is closed to the public., but consider taking advantage of beautiful walking trails, putting your feet in the cold water (28 million gallons per day!), or primitive camp nearby.
PRO TIP: Park your car in the gravel lot at the base of the mill. None of the privately owned buildings are open to the public, so walking the grounds for stunning Ozark views is advisable.
Specialty sandwiches, burgers, and wraps dominate the menu. Our friendly server suggested the French Dip Sandwich and zesty Cuban sandwich, both equally scrumptious. The meat was juicy, the bread soft, and the flavor delivered.
The Brick Oven Pizza menu includes 8″ personal pizzas cooked to order if you crave something other than a sandwich.
We peered into display cases featuring military items and clothing once worn by the town’s residents. Equally interesting, old photos, newspapers, and Zizzer high school yearbooks were accessible.
You’ll see everything from vintage toys and coins to furniture and depression glass inside 22,000 square feet of retail space. I was drawn to an illuminated glass case filled with relics from the town’s past.
The signature of Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, a professional baseball player who retired after the 1954 season and opened a supermarket in town, was scrawled upon several artifacts. Roe played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
A gift-giver’s go-to shop, Country at Heart is known for its handcrafted baskets decorated for themed parties.
The specialty store carries toys, books, novelty socks, candles, and more. You’ll find it hard to resist buying a gift or candy for yourself or a friend once you walk inside.
Why buy a generic print for your home’s wall when you can purchase an exquisite painting or photograph?
Located a short walk from downtown West Plains, the gallery is a place to admire the talent of regional artists while igniting your own creativity.
The smell of leather. The overwhelming rows of boots, handbags, and accessories make HB Boot Corral the number-one place to shop for western apparel.
PRO TIP: Pack brightly colored discs should you unintentionally throw one into a tall grass, wooded area.
As we entered, the staff directed us to an available table. We chose instead to pony up to the bar, a place I prefer so we can watch the action and have a direct view of the beer taps.
We worked up an appetite while sipping on a Belgian Blonde and Marzan, eventually ordering a stone-fired meat pizza and a plate of house-smoked tri-tip steak with sides.
PRO TIP: With dozens of flavorful beers on tap, locals rave about the brewery’s cream soda and root beer ordering growlers of it to go.
I heard, “Hi honey, how are you?” upon entering the store, where I waited patiently in line to order an iced vanilla latté and breakfast quinoa protein bowl to go.
The dual-purpose space was tastefully decorated with fresh floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and grab-n-go gifts for any occasion.
Just as I was leaving to take my breakfast to the park to enjoy it, I felt a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, the owner handed me a rose.
I settled into a picnic table under a canopy of towering trees to enjoy breakfast and coffee. A couple stood at the park’s map, choosing a walking trail while birds and butterflies fluttered about.
Owned and maintained by the city, it features a wood bridge over a creek, benches for relaxation, a pavilion, a children’s play area, and a paved walking trail.
PRO TIP: The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dog walkers must bring a leash.
Regina Willard is a contemporary impressionist painter who captures the natural world with every brush stroke. Her business partner, Ellen Hones Martin, is a wheel-thrower who creates unique pottery – each sells their creations at the studio.
Whether they are teaching students how to create a masterpiece or creating their own, the studio is abuzz with activity. I witnessed local shoppers in awe of for-sale artwork as the owners welcomed them to an open house party.
PRO TIP: The best resource for learning about upcoming workshops or events at the collaborative gallery and studio is to check the 
Sandwiches and quarter-pound burgers dominate the lunch menu. We couldn’t resist a Club Sandwich and Fried Bologna Sandwich that hit the spot. I hope to return again to order the infamous Chicken Fried Steak dinner.
Will you order a soda float, a cup of classic chocolate ice cream, or a shareable sundae?
I took my time gazing at the selection of ice cream flavors before settling on a classic cone of sweet and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. You can’t rush a good thing.
Spring Dipper is the perfect way to end a weekend in West Plains.
Before the celebration, stop by 
I hope my travel guide inspires you to explore West Plains in the heart of the Ozarks, which deserves recognition for its attractions, shopping, and dining scene.
PRO TIP: If traveling with a pet, ask the hotel staff to direct you to the pet walking area. Prepare to pay a pet deposit.
After lunch, we shopped the retail store downstairs, loading up on Sweet Corn Salsa and Maple Dip jars as well as a six-pack of Doc Otto’s Hard Cider. Customers will find it hard to resist sweet and salty bagged snacks, and the frozen pie case is irresistible. (The orchard dates back to the 1940s!)
Outdoors, the 
I appreciate the hard work and dedication that new owners Denny and Emily Stucky and their employees have put into maintaining and improving The Community Orchard, a favorite destination for locals and visitors searching for an immersive farm experience.
PRO TIP: Check for 
Anne, the winemaker, introduced us to wines we never knew we liked but most certainly loved at the Tasting Bar. Our tasting experience included a short list of dry wines, starting with Ghost Pig (Apple Cider and Rosé Wine) and ending with Marquette 2021 Limited Release (Red). She explained how she uses only Iowa grapes to produce each handcrafted wine.
After tasting six different wines, we enthusiastically raved about dry white Petite Amie 2022 (Best of Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair) and Marquette 2021 (Fruit-forward dry red). We were gleeful when she offered us a bottle of Marquette 2022 to bring back to Kansas.
After the tasting session, Anne gave us a tour of the winery’s newly expanded production facility and further explained the process of making wine from concept to harvest.
Are you interested in a tasting experience? You can walk in during tasting room hours or make an appointment. I recommend reserving a tasting if traveling with a small group. Light snacks and non-boozy drinks are available to purchase, and they welcome DoorDash food deliveries.
Created in 2015, concrete tee pads and easily recognizable holes make the course simple to navigate without using the UDisc app. If you want to play the entire course, plan for 1.5-2 hours and be prepared to walk a course mostly without shade.
Each 18-hole course provides manicured course play using rentable golf carts for golfers of all skill levels. While we didn’t have time to play a round of golf, I could easily see myself returning to Fort Dodge and carving out time to do so. Having played high school golf, the courses looked well-maintained and worth playing.
We sipped on a flight of four beers ranging from a crisp lager to a red ale. The brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters.
The size of the brewery is intentionally smaller than most, creating a setting where the community can sit down over a beer and get to know one another. The back patio features a meat smoker and grill available to patrons who want to cook dinner for themselves or friends while they sip on sids.
Check out the brewery’s 
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the 
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The 
The Freedom Rock pictured above is dedicated to veterans suffering from the after-effects of service, like PTSD and mental illness. The front side of the mural rock honors two local aviators and medal recipients who both graduated from Fort Dodge High School
The state’s largest mural, it depicts Fort Dodge residents who contributed to the community. Do you see the man holding the ornate bowl? The town’s pottery industry is represented by this scene.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
No matter where you are in town, you’re bound to see a mural in the distance, whether it’s under a bridge like the one pictured below or in town visible to passersby.
Click 
If pizza isn’t your go-to at lunchtime, the brewery also serves specialty and build-you-own sandwiches with chips. Seven macaroni and cheese bowls appear on the menu.
If you go, flights of four 5-ounce beer samples are $12. Not a beer drinker? Opt to view the cocktails, wine, and Moscow mules menu instead.
PRO TIP: Dining with four people? Ask about the Big A$$ Mule, a 192-ounce Moscow Mule served in a monstrous mug.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary to sit down and create a piece, but I did chat with the owner and several women who were busy creating new glass projects.
They told me how they meet there once a week to chat about their lives and bond while creating art. Soon, they grabbed their phones to show me photos of past projects completed for friends and family. What started as something fun to do became a love affair producing fused glass.
You don’t need an appointment to work at the studio, but if you’re traveling with several people, you should call to reserve seating.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the 
Beyond the home showroom, women’s apparel racks displayed the latest fashions in the season’s popular colors. Tunics, pants, shorts, and accessories make shopping at The Apple Attic worthwhile.
Located on the 
With an ever-changing display of works from their 1,200 permanent collection, you will see something new each time you visit. The museum hosts a visiting artist every three months.
PRO TIP: Admire the black and white photography on the walls highlighting the day Senator John F. Kennedy visited Fort Dodge before speaking at an airport rally in 1960. You’ll appreciate learning the story Olde Dog and a Massachusetts town that inspired the restaurant’s name 
Decidedly stuffed from my dinner meal, I choose a small dish of classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles. Couples approached the walk-up window, ready to order, as I watched car after car enter the drive-thru.
A popular stop for locals near downtown, Snack Shack reminds me of a hangout you’d see in a 1950s movie. The community loves to gather at the colorful tables outside to gab about local happenings between bites of ice cream.
Known for their scratch-made scones, Andy Mae Coffee and Desserts has a loyal following that often tracks down their food truck when it shows up at community events.
I encourage you to walk inside the original Harcourt City Jail, where town drunks, thieves, and outlaws were once taken. Tour the Border Plains School, one of the oldest school buildings in Webster County, to imagine life as a student from 1857-1959.
Tour the inside of the Carlson-Richey Log Home from 1855 to smell the musty wood planks and admire the handiwork of the log home’s builder.
We appreciated the historic details inside a blacksmith shop, drugstore, carriage repair shop, and wood shop. I recommend spending about an hour exploring all the buildings on a cool weather day.
Other nearby buildings house actual artifacts curated from the area that documents one of Iowa’s most valuable resources, gypsum. Early settlers mined the mineral in and around Fort Dodge. Now, the chalky material is used to make wallboard, and Fort Dodge contributes nearly 75% of the state’s gypsum production.
Other displays house Native American arrowheads, beadwork, and clothing. Nearby, military uniforms and weaponry tell the story of those who fortified Fort Dodge.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the 
My sense of wanderlust is strong, and I typically have a fun travel experience wherever I travel. Yet something about Fort Dodge, my first Iowa travel experience, stays with me. It’s a feeling of contentment and longing to return.
I loved walking around downtown Hays and imagining it as a lawless town. Many of the original buildings have been restored. The photo below shows the historic George Philip Hardware building, established in 1894, at 719 Main Street.
The 100-room hotel features a restaurant and bar, indoor pool, fitness room, and free parking. I was shocked at the size of my room. It was larger than some of my college apartments.
Hilton Garden Inn is one of those hotels where you look back at the sign as you leave and think, “I want to stay here again.” It’s modern, spacious, clean, and has many awesome amenities. A pet-friendly hotel, I feel good knowing that the next time I visit, I can bring my four-legged family member with me during my return trip to Hays.
The 
The museum’s paleontology area allows visitors to get an up-close view of animatronic dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, sea swimming creatures, and fish that lived in Kansas over 80 million years ago. It was a different world when the seas flooded North America. The museum’s exhibits give visitors a glimpse into the past.
A major draw of the museum is its collection of fossils found in the Great Plains, which largely exists because of the work of Charles H. Sternberg. He collected fossils in Kansas starting in 1867.
Because of their lab testing and research, rural farmers know how to improve their methods resulting in a better harvest or herd. From cattle nutrition to land management and plant pathology to entomology, the folks at the center work year-round to learn from nature. In fact, it was at the KSU Agricultural Research Center that many of the biggest contributions to the science of farming took place. Using ultrasound information at the center helped scientists learn more about beef marbling, which led to the USDA’s grading system for quality.
I chose a seat at the bar so I could have a clear view of the brewers at work behind the glass wall. My bartender was friendly and happy to provide a few beer samples until I eventually decided on a pint of the unfiltered Grapefruit Radler. Undecided between two lunch options, she persuaded me to order a local’s favorite, a Smothered Bierock covered in creamy cheese sauce with homemade chips. She also ensured my meal came with creamy bacon horseradish and sweet onion dip to eat with the chips. Lunch never tasted so good! And the beer? It was crisp and aromatic. I’d order it again. Maybe a growler of it.
Knowing that I didn’t have room left for dessert, I ordered the French Toast Brulèe anyway. The crisp exterior gave way to a pillowy center as my spoon cracked into it. Combined with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh whipped cream, it was beyond delicious.
I recommend stopping at Gella’s for lunch or dinner whenever you’re in Hays. The restaurant is large enough that it can easily accommodate groups. Menu prices were reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. If you drink craft beer, you can expect 12 taps, with two rotating regularly.
