Ste. Genevieve is a small, quaint town nestled on the Great River Road and Mississippi River Trail. It boasts to be the oldest in Missouri and definitely has worked hard to preserve and restore its history, but this small town is far more than just history. Ste. Genevieve is home to many original specialty shops, working art galleries, wineries and restaurants. You will also find progressive surprises around each corner.
The Welcome Center is the place to start. There you will find a map of the historic district and a warm, welcoming smile. All of Ste. Genevieve’s downtown stores, art galleries and restaurants are locally owned and operated. A good number of these merchants practice recycling, fair trade and use local produce.
North Main Street houses many of the progressive shops. Lulu Cameron, owner of Lulu’s Antiques and Art Gallery, creates art using “found objects”. These “found objects” are an assortment of recycled and reclaimed objects arranged into thought-provoking art. Sam Conlon, owner of Only Child Originals, offers handmade jewelry and art made from recycled glass. Sam and Scott Sampson-Kincade, owners of Joseph Sister’s Antiques and Art Gallery, carry fair trade and Starfish Project merchandise. Barnwood & Bedpost, though not located in North Main, is owned by Jeff and Sheila Wolk and carries furniture and items made from reclaimed and restored barn wood.
Local cuisine is original and authentic. There is definitely something for everyone! Station 2 is a restored fire station that uses local produce to make delicious quiche and deli sandwiches along with biodegradable to go boxes. Stella and Me Café uses local produce and offers California cuisine and delicious homemade desserts.
An interesting, fun and possibly romantic time waits at Rosemary & Thyme Cooking School. The cooking school uses local produce and can accommodate groups up to twelve or individuals. Here you will have a fun evening out learning to make delicious meals, wine pairings and support our local farmers.
Ste. Genevieve is centrally located one hour south of St. Louis off I-55 at Exit 150 on Highway 32. In 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Ste. Genevieve one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations. In addition to a number of festivals, the historic district features specialty and antique shops, art galleries, wineries, unique dining and charming bed & breakfasts.
For more information please contact the Welcome Center at 800-373-7007 or visit the official Ste. Genevieve tourism website at www.visitstegen.com for more information about Ste. Genevieve.