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North Carolina's major port, Wilmington, fascinates historians with its rich Civil War history, tempts beach lovers with miles of white sand beaches, and attracts movie/TV fans with its sound stages and filming sites.
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You can drive from one end to the other in just an hour, yet this compact area offers endless activities, a rich Colonial history, and a long list of first-rate B&B inns and restaurants.
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Question: Can you recommend an appealing getaway in the St. Louis, Missouri area for history buffs?
Answer: About an hour's drive south of St. Louis, via Interstate 55 and Highway 61, is Missouri's oldest community, Ste. Genevieve. Founded by French traders and farmers in 1735, the town remains a treasure trove of French Creole-style architecture, more commonly seen in Louisiana. Waves of German immigrants arrived in the mid-1800s, adding to the community's European charms. A number of historic homes have been restored as museums; top choices are the Bolduc House, a national Historic Landmark, and the Felix Valle State Historic Site. For details, contact the Great River Road Interpretive Center (573-883-7097). For a delightful souvenir of your visit, pick up a copy of Ste. Genevieve: A Leisurely Stroll Through History.
The conveniently located Main Street Inn was built as a hotel in 1880. The twelve-foot ceilings, mansard roof, and tall windows of this Second Empire-style building are enhanced by original woodwork, antique furnishings, and quilts. Historic charm is complemented with up-to-date heating, cooling, and plumbing to maximize guest comfort, and rates are an excellent value. Our delicious breakfast included berry fruit smoothies, sausage-potato turnovers, sautéed apples, and chocolate chip banana bread, served in the handsome dining room, and accompanied by pleasant conversation with fellow guests. The Southern Hotel has gracious common areas, including a room with a wonderful antique pool table. The Cabbage Rose room is a favorite, with beautiful antique decor and a private bathroom. Each guest room has a claw-foot tub (no shower); some have the tub and toilet in the guest room itself with a privacy screen. Named for the owners' favorite movie, Somewhere Inn Time offers comfortable, colorful guest rooms, an airy and spacious common room at the back of the house, plus a swimming pool and hot tub. Best of all are the hospitable and welcoming owners, Jim and Mary Beth Ferguson. More inns…
From Ste. Genevieve, take the Mississippi River car ferry across to Modoc, Illinois, or drive south to the bridge at Chester. Stop at the scenic overlook for a good view of the river at Fort Kaskasia State Historic Site, just north of Chester, and tour the 200-year-old Pierre Menard Home, a fine example of French Colonial architecture. East of Prairie du Rocher is Fort de Chartres, a reconstructed 18th century French fort with an informative museum. Overnight in Maeystown at the Corner George Inn, just 35 miles south of St. Louis. Built as a hotel in 1884, each of its seven guest rooms offer country antique décor at affordable rates. Maeystown was settled by German immigrants in the 1850s, and the entire village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit December 2 and 3 to enjoy an old-fashioned German Christmas. For an additional inn in Chester…
If you haven't already done so, start or end your adventure with a visit to the famous Gateway Arch the most famous part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which also includes a giant screen movie theater and the interesting Museum of Westward Expansion. Expect long lines for the tram to the top of the Arch, so check on-line for ticket information.
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