Summer calls for long days outside basking in the sunlight, eating fresh, delicious food with your loved ones, and making plenty of memories together. While this summer may present some challenges thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still plenty of exciting things you can enjoy outside of the big city! Here are a few of our favorites:

Cool off at Farmington Water Park

When you can’t seem to beat the heat, grab your swimsuit and head over to the Farmington Water Park and The River’s Edge Splash Pad. Start the day off by visiting the Splash Pad from 9 to 10:30 a.m. every day and cool off for free. Occupancy in the water park is limited to 40 people, so come early to enjoy the day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tee off in Ste. Genevieve

Have you missed being outside? Get back into the swing of things and golf at the Ste. Genevieve Golf Club! The course is a beautifully-manicured, par 72, 18-hole design that welcomes players of every skill level. Its wide-open layout is great for the average golfer yet challenging enough more advanced players. Learn more before you go by visiting their website!

Take a Hike

Leave behind your worries and envelop yourself in the underrated beauty of southeastern Missouri. Wander through the sun-dappled trails, take Instagram-worthy photos of your surroundings, or let yourself unwind as bask 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).

Looking for a challenge? We suggest Hawn State Park, which boasts a nearly 10-mile-long backpacking trail that is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole state! Bird lovers will want to visit the 11.5-mile-long John J. Audubon Loop Trail, a lightly trafficked, serene trail. See how many different birdsongs you can pick out, or bring your binoculars to identify your favorite birds!

Check out the Bequette-Ribault House

Want to see a truly rare gem? Visit the beautifully restored Bequette-Ribault House & Hospitality Center in Ste. Genevieve! This historic post-colonial home is a must-see for history lovers and anyone interested in what life was like in historic Ste. Genevieve. 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 “poteaux-en-terre” structures remaining in the whole world, and Ste. Genevieve is home to three such buildings!

Go Back in Time in Ste. Genevieve

Take a little trip back into the colonial days by visiting historic downtown Ste. Genevieve. Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of Missouri’s oldest town and visit its many historic attractions. Stop by the Felix Valle House State Historic Site and the Bolduc House Museum to get an unparalleled glimpse into the town’s colonial past. Furnished in the style of the 1830s with a host of artifacts, the Felix Valle House is not to be missed. The Bolduc House Museum tells the story of New France, under the governments of both France and Spain prior to the Louisiana Purchase. Afterward, stroll downtown and visit the many quaint and unique shops Ste. Genevieve has to offer, including The Purple Finch, Sweet Things Sweet Shop, First Settlement Country Store, and more!

Bonus Adventure: Visit the First Capital of Illinois

Did you know that you can visit Illinois without crossing the Mississippi River? You can if you choose to journey into Kaskaskia, the first capital and only part of the state located west of the river. Settled in 1703 by French colonists, the once-bustling metropolis of Kaskaskia is now nearly abandoned due to devastating floods, but it holds so much history. Stop by to see the historic “Liberty Bell of the West,” located at the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site!

Come to Chaumette

Of course, no summertime adventure is complete without a visit to Chaumette Vineyards & Winery. Reserve your spot at the Grapevine Grill Restaurant and savor elegantly prepared farm-to-fork fare and our award-winning wine with a stunning view of Saline Creek River Valley’s majestic rolling hills. Make it an unforgettable experience by staying with us in one of our beautiful, state-of-the-art villas. Truly unwind and get away from it all as you experience our casually elegant winery destination with your loved ones.

For more information or to make your reservations, please call us at (573) 747-1000 or visit us at www.chaumette.com. We look forward to serving you!