Great Outdoors
With Dori Degenhardt, Healthy Planet Outdoors Editor
In honor of a recent trip to my family’s cabin
just outside of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, this month,
I would like to share an idea for a fun family outing
– one that might appeal to kids and adults alike.
What could be better than a days’ hiking adventure
followed by a glass of crisp Missouri wine?
Just about an hour and half’s drive from St.
Louis City is Ste. Genevieve’s Hawn State Park,
one of the loveliest in the region with forests of pine
and oak, sandstone bluffs and canyons and clear sand-bottom
streams. On a beautiful summer’s day, the park's
many trails, picnic areas and campgrounds are perfect
for walkers and hikers wishing to enjoy the splendor
of nature; it is truly a nature lover's paradise.
This state park, all 4,953-acres of it, is filled with
some of the finest areas for viewing Missouri's wide
variety of natural wonders. The Whispering Pine Wild
Area offers excellent opportunities to backpack, bird
watch or study nature. Covered with pine, oak and flowering
dogwood trees, you can discover a diverse set of plants,
animals and birds among the acres. Pickle Creek, because
of its high quality and pristine nature, has been designated
as a “state natural area.” It is also one
of the few places in the state where visitors can see
such a wide variety of rock types exposed at the surface.
Enjoy a quiet lunch at one of the many picnic tables
that dot the sandy, pine-needle-covered forest floor.
Hike along some of the most scenic backcountry trails
in Missouri. Hawn State Park is the perfect setting
for visitors eager to explore the unspoiled natural
beauty of the Show-Me-State.
And after you’ve taken a long, relaxing hike,
why not cool off while checking out some of the local
wineries that have uncorked their new vintages in Ste.
Genevieve County recently. The vineyards are located
about 25 miles outside the village of Ste. Genevieve
and are about 12 miles from Hawn State Park. Charleville
Vineyards and Winery, 16937 Boyd Road, Ste. Genevieve
County, MO, 573.756.4537 is open Wednesdays and Thursdays,
noon - 6pm and Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 11
am - 7 pm or by appointment.
Nestled in the rolling hills of historic Ste. Genevieve
County, Cave Winery derives its name from the cave on
the property. The 14 acres of grapes are cared for by
the Strussione family, owners of the property since
1995. Cave Winery has varied hours so please call 573.543.5284
for more information or visit their website at www.cavevineyard.com.
The rich and romantic heritage of France runs deep
at Chaumette Vineyards and Winery in the heart of Ste.
Genevieve County. Here, just a few miles from the historic
river port, amid graceful hills, luxurious views, and
carefully tended vines sits a proud addition to America's
quality vineyards. Chaumette is located on 310 acres
of lush meadows and quiet splendor. Chaumette Vineyards
and Winery, 24345 State Rte. WW, Ste. Genevieve County,
MO, 573.747.1000 has a tasting room that is open Monday,
Wednesday and Thursday from 11a – 6p on Friday
and Saturday and on Sunday from 11a – 5p. Don’t
forget to visit the Grapevine Grill during your stay
as well. And www.chaumette.com
has a bounty of additional information to help plan
your visit.
This month, try to combine fun family exercise along with
an exciting daytrip. You never know what you might discover
– Missouri has so many beautiful things to offer
the hiker, biker and outdoors-person. And, given the August
heat, don’t forget to drink as much water as possible
during the peak hours of the day! Enjoy the rest of the
summer and we’ll catch up in the beginning of fall.
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