10 Reasons I "heart" the heart of Missouri Wine Country

While I have much more to experience in Washington I’m off to a great start!

1. A Well Preserved Historic Down town
It’s SO refreshing to see a down town that’s not boarded up and crumbling. I know it’s a labor of love, but I am very grateful to the city of Washington for preserving their past. Of course I also appreciate their Target store. Washington blends the new with the tried and true.

2. Cowan’s Restaurant
While their pies are legendary, I enjoyed an amazing dinner on my last trip. Just ask for the “special” because it always is!

3. Annual Art Fair and Wine fest
For 28 years this May event brings together the perfect pair - Missouri Wines and eclectic art!

4. Gary Lucy Gallery and Studio
The afternoon I spent attending a private tour of his studio left a lasting impression. Known for his historic interpretation work, the grandness of his mural’s and detailed stories on canvas is talent on a grand scale. His passion for history comes through with each brush stroke.

5. The Amtrak Station
The train, the art, the building, the experience. Old-school bliss!

6. MannWell’s Coffee Alley
A few months ago I met an out of town friend there for lunch. The quiche was tasty and they have a GREAT selection of Missouri wines. Local restaurant’s serving local wines, what a novel concept!

7. The Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame
Thank you Bill Miller for utilizing this mid-1800’s building to showcase the inspirational wor honoring their reporting is to be commended.
8. Droeges Supermarket
For over 140 years this supermarket has offered local produce when in season, fresh meats and home town customer service. Over 140 years! That’s stamina!

9. Missouri Meerschaum Company
The oldest and largest corn cob pipe manufacturer in the U. S. Since 1869.

10. The Missouri River
No trip is complete without a walk along the riverfront. The backbone of this community rushes swiftly embodying the spirit of this community.

Something for Everyone at Schnucks Des Peres

Schnucks in Des Peres, Missouri is truly a sight to behold.  Although the cooking school wasn't in session the large format classroom showcases state of the art equipment and seating for over 30.  The school is located on the mezzanine level adjacent to cafe seating and lounge complete with free Wi-Fi and HDTV tuned to the Food network of course. 

The walk-in "Wine and Cheese" room is best described as an enclosed temperature controlled pod on the floor plan.  Automatic doors welcome you, as the slight smell of delicious cheese and eye catching displays of Wine pairings entice you to browse.  I discovered a drunken goat cheese that looked tempting.  A friendly staff person pops in to see if I need assistance.  I ask if they had smaller wedges, she smiled, and asked how much I would like, she kindly cut and wrapped the piece and I was on my way to the wine and spirit section.

The curved shape of the shelving and aisles lend well to carts, browsers and showing off the vast product offering.  Where should I begin?  The Missouri wine section of course!  They showcased a nice selection in the "regional" wines display.  I saw a few new labels and smiled at the competitive price points of the wines.

Continuing my beverage education I combed the racks of the walk in beer cooler to notice a trend in camouflage wrapped beer cans, hunting really does have it's season, right next to the nutcracker holiday beer selections.  Schlfley's Pumpkin Ale was no where to be found, and I was disappointed that Stag wasn't available in the single 24 oz. section.  But honestly I think they may have been the only two beers missing.

Needing to warm up, I left the cooler and made my way to the spirits.  The vodka and bourbon sections were overwhelming, who knew there were so many choices.  With time slipping away, I wrapped up my visit.  It took nearly an hour for my Schnucks field trip, and I saw such a small portion of the store.

The next time you find yourself in their neighborhood stop in and experience it for yourself.  I'd recommend you begin with a cup of coffee from the in-store Kaldi's coffee bar.  Don't worry, they're open 24 hours, they'll be waiting! 

Capturing History

This photo of Holy Trinity Catholic Church was taken as I was leaving the wedding of a dear friend on a crisp, sunny fall afternoon. Capturing the day was important. It was more than joy for the happy couple, it was the breathtaking beauty of this historic church.

While sitting inside I soaked in the light of the stain-glass. The ornate color palate, richness and texture of the walls, floor and ceiling embodied history, reverence and tradition. It was peaceful. I was honored to be in such beauty.

During Mass I imagined the countless celebrations, services, funerals, prayers and events that had taken place in the building, I was in awe. That's the effect that special buildings and special people have on me. They speak to my soul. That day was no different. We were gathered to honor a very special couple, in a very special place.

The excitement of the day and enormity of the church was far too great to capture in a photo, (especially one taken with a camera phone.) With each attempt I failed. It was too much. Disappointed, I began to walk away, then as I looked over my shoulder I realized I could snap something. I took a breath and picked an angle. That's how it is in life too, sometimes when it's overwhelming, you have to stop and look at it from a different, more focused angle. Even though you see only one frame of the whole picture, the beauty is still there!