April 21 - May 4, 2017 West End Word | Page 11

day trips
& overnights
Spring 2017

One-Of-A Kind Adventures Await In Land Of Lincoln

For unique opportunities for the whole family
visit Quincy, Litchfield & Effingham
Cross the Mississippi
River to Illinois to discover
history, Route 66 nostalgia,
wineries and outdoor ad-
ventures.
Quincy
Quincy, Ill., is a scenic
two-hour drive north of St. Louis along
the Great River Road National Scenic
Byway. Built in 1825 on the banks of the
Mississippi River, the town is steeped in
history and hospitality, and infused with
the arts and natural beauty.
Visitors are encouraged to take a self-
guided driving tour to experience Quin-
cys rich history. The town boasts over
3,664 buildings on the National Historic
Register, 70 locally-owned eateries, 30
parks, 18 Lincoln storyboards, 11 muse-
ums and five wineries.
A tourist favorite is the self-guided ar-
chitectural driving tour through 15 key
areas of the city, exposing a slew of di-
verse styles. For a special treat, tour Villa
Kathrine Castle, walk the historic river-
front, as well as the pristine East End His-
toric District.
Groups of six or more can see the
interiors of some of Quincys most stun-
ning gems during private home tours of
up to three homes in the East End His-
toric District. There are 20 homes from
which to choose. To schedule a tour, call
800-978-4748.
Sample five wineries along the Missis-
sippi Valley Wine Trail, which borders the
western most region of the fertile lands
of Illinois along the Mississippi River.
For more information, visit seequincy.
com.
Litchfield
Litchfield, Ill., located on Interstate
55 and Route 66, 60 miles north of St.
Louis, has long been known for its his-
tory along the Mother Road.
Experience the nostalgia at Jubelts
Bakery & Restaurant serving hungry trav-
elers since 1922, or at the Ariston Caf,
one of the oldest eateries along Route 66.
Litchfield plays hosts to a variety of
events each year including:
The bridge spanning
the Mississippi River
from Missouri to
Quincy, Ill.
courtesy Quincy
Area CVB
Litchfield Pickers Market, held every
second Sunday from April to October,
brings hundreds of vendors to the streets
of downtown Litchfield with vintage, an-
tiques, collectibles and more.
The 31st Annual Niehaus Cycle Sales
Customer Appreciation Days will be held
May 19-21 with demo rides, vendors,
bands, a stunt show and more.
cont. p. 12

Have a YAEGER Day!

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HOME TOURS OF QUINCY
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20 BEAUTIFUL EAST END HISTORIC DISTRICT HOMES Ttiti tititi tititititititititititititititititititititititititi
Custom tours arranged for groups of 6+ | $5/person tititititititititititititititititititititititititititititititititititi
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&

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WINE TRAIL

5 LOCALLY OWNED AREA WINERIES
Visit all 5 and receive your complimentary Signature Wine Trail Tshirt

Peruse seequincy.com to download the Private Home Tours Gallery of Homes

& the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail Guide, or call for more details today!

800.978.4748 | seequincy.com | 2 hrs north of STL on the Great River Rd www.VisitLitchfield.com 866-733-5833
Page 12 | West End Word
Explore Illinois Towns from page 11
A Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk will
be Saturday, July 1, at Lake Lou Yaeger.
Register at tourism@cityoflitchfieldil.
com or call 866-533-5833.
Independence Day Fireworks will be
held over Lake Lou Yaeger on July 4.
Party in the Park on Friday and
Saturday, July 21 and 22, in Downtown
Litchfield features a carnival, food, ven-
dors, pageants and more.
For a nature retreat, head to Lake
Lou Yaeger, a 1,400-acre public lake with
picnic areas, trails, campgrounds, horse
trails, swimming, two marinas and more.
At dusk, take in a movie at the Litch-
field Skyview Drive-In, the oldest con-
tinuously operated drive-in on Route 66.
Litchfield also boasts many dining op-
tions and six hotels.
Effingham
In Central Illinois, Effingham is eas-
ily spotted by the Cross at the Crossroads
where Interstate 57 meets Interstate 70.
With 17 hotels and over 65 restau-
rants, the town provides the best in ser-
vice and hospitality and welcomes visi-
tors to explore it and surrounding areas.
The Funfest Amphitheater, MY Ga-
rage Museum, The Effingham Perfor-
mance Center, Firefly Grill, Tuscan Hills
Winery and Lake Sara are just a few of
800-772-0750
the many attractions that draw thou-
sands of travelers each year.
Effingham plays host to a variety of
festivals each year.
Downtown Effingham will turn into
an art gallery for the Effingham Artisan
Fair May 5-6 featuring work from over 40
artists, plus wine and beer tastings, Kids
Korner, food and music.
The VW Funfest at Mid America Mo-
torworks kicks off on Friday, June 2, and
runs through June 4 with special dis-
plays, car show, Swapfest, seminars and
more.
On June 23-25 is the Moccasin Creek
Festival at Lake Sara. The three-day
Americana music festival also celebrates
other arts and crafts.
On July 28-29, downtown Effingham
hosts EffingHAM JAM, featuring a bar-
becue competition, live music, wine and
beer tastings and more. A Family Fest
music and art festival is also held that
weekend at Lake Sara.
For water recreation, check out Lake
Shelbyville, an U.S. Army Corps of Engi-
neers lake, for camping, boating, hiking,
swimming and more. The lake has been
touted as one of the best bass lakes in Il-
linois.
www.visiteffinghamil.com
Ellington, Mo.: Haven For Nature
Lovers In & Out Of The Water
Situated in the Ozark
Highlands of Reynolds
County, the area sur-
rounding Ellington is a
haven for nature lov-
ers in and out of
the water. The small
town is located at Missouri Scenic High-
way 21 and Scenic Highway 106 about
125 miles south, southwest of St. Louis.
To celebrate the arrival of warm
weather, Ellington is hosting Spring Fe-
ver Days on May 12 and 13. The festival
highlights local entertainment and fea-
April 21 - May 4, 2017
Clearwater Lake in
Reynolds County,
Missouri, is
considered a hidden
treasure by locals.
photo courtesy
Ellington
Chamber of
Commerce
tures a Car & Boat Show, a carnival and
Artists Alley. The event is located on Main
Street and admission is free.
The outdoor recreation draws visitors
who come to get unplugged from every-
day life and enjoy the many natural won-
ders. To unplug, head out to the 1,700-
acre Clearwater Lake for camping, fishing
and boating. The crystal clear Black River
and several springs empty into the lake.
Considered by locals to be a hidden
treasure, Clearwater Lake is a place where
families can relax without large crowds
and enjoy peace and quiet.
Surrounded by three state parks,
Clearwater Lake boasts excellent fishing,
boating and skiing, as well as canoeing
on the nearby upper Black River. Restric-
tions created by the U.S. Army Corp of
Engineers to preserve the lakes natural
beauty have prevented private boat docks
from being constructed leaving plenty of
open coast line for exploring.
The lake is home to three camp-
grounds: Webb Creek Park, Bluff View
Park and Piedmont Park. Three marinas
provide gas, supplies, boat and wave run-
ner rentals, and boat rental slips. In addi-
tion, located nearby are two other camp-
grounds: River Road Park located on the
Black River near the lake spillway and K
Bridge Park that is located on Black River
at the headway of Clearwater Lake.
Ellington is located centrally and is
only a short drive from Clearwater Lake,
Black River and the Current River. Visi-
tors will want to canoe, kayak or tube float
on the Black River or Current River, hike
the Ozark Trail or visit Blue Spring.
A movie under the stars at one of Mis-
souris last remaining drive-in theaters is
a sure treat as is a visit to the Reynolds
County Museum.
Numerous events are held through-
out the year in Ellington. The renowned
bluegrass band, The SteelDrivers, will
be in Ellington on Saturday, June 17, at
the Barn at the Hamptons. This will be a
small outdoor summer concert with lim-
ited seating.
One of the largest Independence Day
displays in the area is hosted by the El-
lington Chamber of Commerce. The
display is held on July 4 at the Junction
of Highway 21 and Scenic Highway 106.
Parking and entry are free.
Webb Creek Park, located on Clearwa-
ter Lake, will host storytelling events on
Saturday evenings for campers and visi-
tors to the park. The event will begin at
6:30 p.m. and will feature several differ-
ent characters. They include: C.W. Nich-
ols, a river guide from the mid 1900s; Lu-
ther Rowlett, a diver from the mid-1900s
and one of the first environmentalists of
the era; Runt Johnson, an oxen driver
from the 1800s.
Other events at Webb Creek Park and
Clearwater Lake include a boat Poker
Run May 27-28 and Fireworks on the
Lake on Saturday, July 1.
For more upcoming events, visit the
Ellington Chamber of Commerce Face-
Book page or www.ellingtonmo.com.
April 21 - May 4, 2017 West End Word | Page 13

~ Only 2 Hours South of St. Louis ~

Clearwater Ozark Trail Blair Creek & Current River
Lake and Webb Rocky Falls NN Hwy Cascading Rocky section; Hwy 106 Whether you are looking for
Creek Recreation Creek drops 40 feet through shut-ins of scenic igneous rock a one day hike or want to make a few days of it; hiking
Area Hwy H Bring into a lazy pool just right for these sections of the Ozark Trail is rewarding and
the family to boat, ski, fish, swimming. The rocks are not adventurous. Such splendid locations as Blair Creek,
and unwind on crystal too steep to climb nor the water Bloom Creek, Current River, Rocky Falls, Klepzig Mill and
clear Clearwater Lake. too swift to enjoy and the Buzzard Mountain Shut-Ins are located right on the trail.
This area of the lake is beauty of the area is breath- For the adventurous visitor this is a must!
formed where Webb Creek taking. The falls are on national
and Logan Creek empty Clearwater Lake
park property and the site offers Blair Creek Hwy
into Clearwater Lake. It picnic tables with fire grills 106 This area is a
is known for its crappie, and bathrooms. There is also a favorite of the locals! For
bass and catfish fishing in the spring and fun for the hiking trail along Rocky Creek the person who is looking
Rocky Falls
entire family all summer long. Camping is available at for the more adventurous. The for the unknown, adventure
Webb Creek Recreation Park; plus a full service marina Ozark Trail also goes through into the wild Ozark hills for
with boat/wave runner rentals on site. Webb Creek Park the park area for serious hikers. A must see if you are in the beautiful views, caves,
features over 40 campsites, swim beach, playground, the area and fun for all ages. Wear non-slip shoes and use swimming, picnicking. Here
showers, picnic pavilions, boat launch, and more. Call caution when climbing on the falls. Camera is a must! riding the back roads in ATVs,
Ride through off-road trails
Webb Creek Marina at 573-461-2344 for marina, UTVs and 4-wheel drives is
boat rental and campsite Current River Conservation Area Consists exciting and fun. Many horse
information. of 28,000 acres of state land. Deer, turkey, eagles, enthusiasts adore this area as well. Make sure and bring
elk and a multitude of wildlife can be seen. UTVs, ATVs, your camera you will want to capture this area in print.
Black River and K horse and vehicle traffic are welcome on miles of gravel Entrance located North of Hwy 106 on County Road 106-
Bridge Recreation roads that wind through some 60+ food plots. Buford pond, B (across from Blue Spring entrance).
Area K Hwy Float, canoe, Missouris first fire tower, a 1926 log cabin and an earthen
fish and explore the beautiful Fort Barnesville can all be found here. Buford Pond provides Scenic Highway 106 This 26 mile drive
Black River. Enjoy swimming, fishing and picnicking and is a favorite location of all. For between Ellington and Eminence is known state
camping and picnicking on the hunting enthusiasts an unstaffed rifle and archery range are wide for its scenic views and beauty. This section of
banks of the Black River. provided. highway is also home to the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
Camp at Clearwater Lake, K Bridge Recreation Area and Main park entrance located on South and sees many bicycle travelers from April-October.
Current or Black River Campground offers Road in Ellington, other entrances located
playground, showers, off Hwy 106 and H highway. Maps are Peck Ranch H Highway, Shannon County
electric and comfort station. Floats (raft or available at the main park entrance. Listen for the bugle this fall! Elk are now roaming
canoe) can be arranged on site by calling Jeffs the hills of the Ozarks and can be seen in Peck Ranch,
Canoe Rental at 573-598-4555. Cabin rental and Local Flavor Current River Conservation Area and the surrounding
a small general store is also available. Visit the Copeland-Shy Visitor region. Peck Ranch is open
Center to pick up brochures and from sunrise/sunset daily and
Current River Hwy 106 Fish, swim, information about the area. This home is offers a driving tour. Bugling
camp and relax on crystal clear Current believed to be the oldest home in Ellington, occurs in the fall, Sept-Nov.
River. Rough camping is available at Powder Mill nt or Black Rivers dating back before 1900. Located at 155 W. Check the Missouri Dept of
Float Curre
(formerly Owls Bend) and features 10 family Walnut Street (Hwy 106). Conservation website for
sites each with a picnic table, fire pit, lantern hook You wont want to miss the Reynolds County park closing details. Maps are
and bathrooms nearby. These are on a first come basis. Museum while visiting Ellington. This museum is filled with available at park entrance.
Most campsites at Powder Mill are located on the water relics from days gone by and the rich history of the Ozarks.
so bring your tubes and rafts and expect to get wet. This Volunteers staff the establishment and are happy to answer

Elk

questions; open Mar-Nov, T-F 10-4 and 2nd Saturday of the

campground is conveniently located near the Ozark Trail

which passes by on the far side of the river. For the short month 10-4. Call 573-663-3233 for more information.

To add a little nostalgia to your visit grab a blanket

hike enthusiast a marked 1.5 mile hiking trail leads to the

beautiful Blue Spring. Family sites are $10.00 per night; or your lawn chairs and enjoy a movie the way your

electric not available. grandparents once did under the stars! Built in St. Louis

"

1949 and recently renovated, 21 Drive In is one

"

Blue Spring, Current River Hwy 106 of only 13 operating drive-ins in Missouri. Movies
Blair Cree

This spring is the 6th largest spring in Missouri and start at dusk May-September. 21 Drive In is located

Black River

known for its deep blue color. The quiet forest hike south of Ellington on Highway

Ellington

through huge oak and sycamore trees prepares 21. Call 573 945-2121 for show

"
ZO
235 !
visitors for the coming scene as they approach the information. !

The Reynolds County Farmers

sky-blue waters of Missouris deepest spring. The "

!

Clearwater

Market is open the 2nd & 4th Lake

stunning beauty of the spring named Spring

Eminence
!

of the Summer Sky by early Native Americans Saturdays of the month June- "

Sept., located at the Main Street "

and the peaceful natural setting are treasures

Pavilion in Ellington. Enjoy fresh

to long be remembered by those who stop to see

"

"
the spring. A walk of about a quarter mile along produce, honey, organic meats,

Cu

plants and more all grown locally.

! rr
en
" Lake

a forest path is required to get to the spring

tR Rivers

O
Z iv

Hike to Blue Springs 527

e

r
location. The parking area has picnic tables and Ozark Trail

514

Roads
bathrooms. A trail of 1.5 miles connects the Blue

!
0 1 2 4 Miles

Spring parking lot with the Powder Mill campground. Check us out on Facebook Ellington Chamber of Commerce

www.ellingtonmo.com

Events: Spring Fever Days, May 12-13 The Steel Drivers, June 17

July 4th Fireworks Reynolds County Fair, September 28-30

Page 14 | West End Word
2017 EVENTS IN
WASHINGTON, MO
May 12 - Music at the Market
19-21 - Art Fair & Winefest
21-Graces Place Car & Truck Show
25-Sunset on the Riverfront
Jun 8 - Music at the Market
22 - Sunset on the Riverfront
23 - Cajun Festival
Jul 13 - Music at the Market
27 - Sunset on the Riverfront
Aug 2-6 - Town & Country Fair
24 - Sunset on the Riverfront
26 - Foodstock
Sept 9 - Jaycees Brewfest
14 - Music at the Market
22 - Chili Cook-off
23-24-Fall Festival of the Arts & Crafts
28 - Sunset on the Riverfront
Oct 12 - Music at the Market
28 - Pumpkin Palooza
Kirkwood to
Washington
Twice Everyday
For more information:
1-888-7WASHMO
www.washmo.org
636-239-1743
events@downtownwashmo.org
Take I-44 West to Exit 251
Then North on Highway 100
12 OUTDOOR MURALS~www.cubamomurals.com
HISTORY MUSEUM~www.crawfordmomuseum.com
CUBA LAKES GOLF COURSE~www.cubalakesgolf.com
VETERANS MEMORIAL
HISTORIC UPTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT ALONG ROUTE 66
UNIQUE RESALE, ART & GIFT SHOPS DINING ANTIQUE MALLS
VISITOR CENTER AT I-44 OVERPASS (EXIT 208)~www.visitcubamo.com
CRAWFORD COUNTY FAIR, JULY 11 - 15
MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW TO VIEW
THE ECLIPSE, AUGUST 21
Live Music and Special Events Begin Aug. 18 and go all weekend.
Towns Plan For Great Eclipse Taste The Wine,
This summer, area towns
in the Show-Me-State
including Cuba, down
Interstate 44, and
Perryville, down In-
terstate 55, are plan-
ning festivals around Aug. 21, the date
of the total eclipse of the sun. Dubbed
The Great American Eclipse, Missouri
is said to be one of the best places in the
country to see the total eclipse when the
moon gets between Earth and the sun.
Cuba
Cuba and other towns in Crawford
County are planning a three-day celebra-
tion beginning Aug. 18 surrounding the
eclipse with live music and special events.
Cuba, situated along the Meramec Riv-
er 80 miles southwest of St. Louis, is where
art meets history. The town, dubbed the
Route 66 Mural City, boasts 12 outdoor
murals which depict scenes from history,
including visits from Harry S. Truman,
Amelia Earhart and Bette Davis.
The area also touts a history museum
and a veterans memorial. Shoppers can
find unique items at resale, art and gift
shops and antique malls plus dining at
area restaurants.
Cuba hosts the annual Crawford
Take a Step Back in Time...
Spend a Stress Free Day in this Historic, Picturesque Setting
Surround yourself with history great for Family Photos,
Family Reunions, Camping and so much more.
For more information call 573-824-5404
or email: slmhistorymuseum@gmail.com
Listed on National
Registry of Historical Saxon Lutheran Memorial
Places Frohna, MO... just 90 minutes south of St. Louis
Visit us on Facebook 573-824-5404 saxonlutheranmemorial.org
County Fair July 11-15 with big name en-
tertainment, a parade, carnival rides and
truck and tractor pulls and more.
Perry County
Perry County, located about 80 miles
from St. Louis off I-55, is making plans
to welcome visitors for the eclipse.
Festivities begin with Solarfest in Per-
ryville on Aug. 18 and 19 and continues
with Mudfest obstacle course and Solar-
Glow 5K Run and Walk on Aug. 20. On
Monday, the eclipse can be viewed at
one of many viewing sites.
The county was settled by Lutheran
immigrants in the early 1800s. Learn
about that history in Frohna at the Sax-
on Lutheran Memorial, an outdoor his-
tory museum.
Perryvilles first bed and breakfast,
Willow House Bed and Breakfast, offers
lodging, as well as private dining for spe-
cial events.
GIRLS WEEKEND
for Eight $64 EACH
Whole House Rental
Shuttle to Barrens Winery
Saturday Night ~ Appetizer,
Dinner & Dessert
Sunday ~ Gourmet Breakfast
Options:
~ Friday Night Stay additional
$36 each
~ Guided Kayak Tour for Couples
and Girls Weekend Packages
~ New cottage available, call for details
Call ( 573 ) 547-9900
2017 AUGUSTA 15 YEAR
PLEIN AIR ART FESTIVAL
ANNIVERSARY
APRIL
20 -30 TH
15 Year Plein Air Dance Youth Paint Out
Saturday, April 29 Sunday, April 30
WWW.AUGUSTAPLEINAIR.COM
April 21 - May 4, 2017
See The Art In
Wine Country
With award-winning win-
eries, scenic rolling hills
and river bluffs, plus a
host of events, Missouri
Wine Country invites
visitors to come, re-
lax and savor the day
and a glass of wine.
Featuring rich German history, the
quaint town of Augusta along Highway 94,
as well as the historic river town of Wash-
ington, located off Highway 100, boast a
number of wineries. Tourists are invited
to tour the wineries and stroll through the
towns historic districts.
Augusta
From April 20-30, the area surround-
ing Augusta will be filled with over 130
artists at the 15th Annual Augusta Plein
Aire Art Festival. The artists will be scat-
tered throughout the area capturing the
rolling hills of wine country.
Art completed during the festival will
be on display and available for sale each
day at the Augusta Visitor Center and at
each special event. Judging and awards
and the final sale will take place at Mount
Pleasant Estates on April 30.
The public is invited to observe the art
as it unfolds at events hosted by wineries
and neighboring communities.
With approximately 11 bed and break-
fast establishments, restaurants, unique
specialty shops, the quaint village is per-
fect for a weekend getaway, such as the
upcoming total solar eclipse. Augusta is
making plans to celebrate the occasion.
Washington
The historic river town of Washington,
billed as the Heart of Wine Country, of-
fers shopping, dining, sightseeing and
wines.
See the sights while enjoying the events
which the town hosts throughout the year.
The Downtown Washington Fine Art
Fair & Winefest will be held May 19-21.
Sample wines from Missouri wineries.
The art fair highlights a juried selection
of Midwestern artists.
Washington Town & Country Fair is a
highlight of the summer on Aug. 2-6 with
fine art, midway rides and lots of enter-
tainment for the whole family.
Washington is also hosting events sur-
rounding the total solar eclipse on Aug.
21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Fairgrounds.
Other eclipse events will take place on
Aug 19 at Washington Public Library and
Aug 20 on Main Street downtown.
For more information, visit www.wash-
mo.org.
Over 130 professional artists
painting outdoors
Over 20 amazing events
throughout the 10 day festival
Events at 8 different wineries in Augusta
TH
and neighboring communities
Art for sale daily from the easel and at
our Pop-Up Art Gallery.
FINAL SALE Sunday, April 30
at Mount Pleasant Estates
636-228-4005