Take a look around you – spring is blossoming everywhere! Daffodils and crocuses now flourish in countless gardens, robins sing jubilantly throughout the day, and the once dormant grass has now taken on a verdant shade of emerald. These much-welcomed signs of the new season can give many of us the itch to head outside and seek out adventure. If you’re searching for something fun to do, head over Ste. Genevieve and the surrounding area! Celebrate the arrival of spring with these 5 fun activities:

Step Back in Time and Brush Up on History

Take a trip back to the yesteryears of colonial times by visiting Ste. Genevieve’s charming, historic downtown. You’ll find plenty of interesting notable buildings, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop by the Felix Valle House State Historic Site and the Bolduc House Museum to get an impressive glimpse into the colonial past of Missouri’s oldest town. Afterward, take time to stroll downtown and visit the many unique shops Ste. Genevieve has to offer.

You’ll also want to add the beautifully restored Bequette-Ribault House & Hospitality Center, which is a must-see for any history lover. The two-room house is most noted architecturally by its originally steeped pitched Norman truss roof and “poteaux-en-terre” construction (meaning “posts-in-the-earth”), referencing its vertical logs built directly into the ground without a foundation. There are only five of these structures remaining in the whole world, and Ste. Genevieve is home to three such buildings!

Indulge in Something Sweet

Sometimes the breezy spring weather calls for a sweet celebration. While you’re enjoying beautiful downtown Ste. Genevieve, be sure to pay a visit to Sweet Things Sweet Shop and explore their fun and delicious Eastertime offerings. You can also bring home a seasonally assorted box of chocolates (or build your own box) and browse their toys and books to complete a young one’s Easter basket.

Of course, who could forget about nature’s candy? We’re talking about the sweet taste of honey! Visit Harold’s Famous Bee Co. to pick up a delightful assortment of local honey. They also offer cute lumbar pillows (You can’t get any better than “You’re the bee’s knees!”), clothing, soap, and beauty products. Don’t forget to try their very own bee balm, which is made naturally and ethically without harming any bees – they are adamant about caring for their hardworking drones!

Get Lost in Nature

What could be more wonderful than walking under the trees and watching plant life bloom around you in the youth of spring? Lace up your shoes and envelop yourself in the underrated beauty of southeastern Missouri. Wander through the sun-dappled trails, take Instagram-worthy photos of your surroundings, and let yourself unwind in the splendor of nature. Explore a geological wonderland and cool canyons in Pickle Springs (2 miles), or enjoy scenic waterfalls carved from ancient Lamotte sandstone at Hickory Canyon (1.5 miles).

If you want to make a day of your adventures, we suggest visiting Hawn State Park, which boasts a nearly 10-mile-long backpacking trail that is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole state! And listen up, bird lovers: you’ll want to visit the 11.5-mile-long John J. Audubon Loop Trail, a lightly trafficked, serene trail.

Go Bird Watching in Kaskaskia, IL

Also known as the first capital of Illinois, Kaskaskia is the only part of that state that you can reach from the west side of the Mississippi River. The historic, once-bustling metropolis is now nearly abandoned due to devastating floods that ravaged the land in the past, but its sloughs and ponds are inviting to many beautiful birds! Swing by this peaceful place and watch several species of birds including herons, egrets, ducks, stray whooping cranes, and more! Before you leave, make sure you visit the historic “Liberty Bell of the West,” located at the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site!

Visit Chaumette

Spring is an incredibly beautiful season to experience on our grounds! Reconnect with nature by venturing down our Chardonel Trail (1.5 miles) or our Norton Trail (3 miles), which both feature gorgeous views of the awakening land. Reserve your spot at the Grapevine Grill Restaurant to savor elegantly prepared meals and our award-winning wines while overlooking the rolling hills of the Saline Creek River Valley. Complete your adventure and bask in the day’s events by staying in one of our beautiful, state-of-the-art villas.

Ready to make this spring your most memorable one yet? Call Chaumette Vineyards & Winery at (573) 747-1000 to make your reservation. We look forward to serving you!