Three Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
February is the month for valentines. It’s also a great time for parents to plan a weekend getaway for some quality time together. Here are a few local ideas.
Weston, Missouri
Nestled on the banks of the Mighty Mo, Weston is a quaint river town about an hour north of Kansas City. With charming boutique shops, locally owned restaurants, wineries, breweries and a beautiful state park, Weston is a favorite weekend getaway.
Where to Stay: Firefly Inn (WestonFireflyInn.com). This bed and breakfast was notably featured in the filming of Lifetime’s Rebuilding a Dream Christmas. The inn has recently been renovated with luxurious accommodations. Guests enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast and Midwestern hospitality at this boutique inn.
Memorable Experiences: Sample local wines and beers at local businesses and enjoy a day of shopping for antiques and collectibles on Main Street. Weston Wine Company features a wine tasting room and hosts events throughout the year, including murder mysteries and trivia nights. Pirtle Winery, housed in a historic church, has been serving Missouri wines since 1978. Weston Brewing Company celebrates the town’s Irish heritage with its selection of craft beers.
More to Do: In the winter months, you may ski or snow tube at Snow Creek. And May through October, the Historic Weston Orchard is a wonderful u-pick farm, cider mill and winery to explore. Year-round, visitors enjoy hiking and biking at Weston State Park where trails offer scenic views overlooking the Missouri River.
Where to Eat: O’Malley’s Irish Pub is one of Weston’s most loved landmarks, serving traditional Irish fare. Tin Kitchen is a Southern smokehouse known for homestyle cooking in an old-fashioned setting. The Avalon Café, located in an 1847 home, offers fine American dining.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Located near the Mississippi River in the heart of Missouri’s wine country, this small town celebrates its French heritage and history.
Where to Stay: Audubon’s Hotel and Restaurant (TheAudubons.com). The charming hotel celebrates John James Audubon and his love for birds with beautiful artwork throughout the hotel. Each room is luxuriously appointed with comfortable mattresses and bedding. The restaurant and bar are open nightly for guests and serve homemade meals and delicious drinks.
Memorable Experiences: Of the many wineries in the region, Cave Vineyard with its winery and distillery is one of the most unique. Named for the saltpeter cave on the property, this is one of the few places where you can enjoy locally made wines in a natural cave. This family owned winery sells award-winning wines made from grapes grown on property. On a tour, visitors learn about the wine-making process and have the opportunity to sample the wines, our favorite being the Chambourcin, a medium-bodied dry red. There are many more local wineries to explore in the area. MissouriWine.org
More to Do: Ste. Genevieve celebrates its French history at many local museums. The Centre for French Colonial Life features exhibits telling the area’s history and role in the Revolutionary War. The museum also tells of the state’s early settlers who became known as Creoles. The 1806 Guibourd-Vallé House is on the National Register. The home was constructed for Jacques Guibourd with vertical, hand-hewn log walls and a double-pitched roof, notable as the only historic house in town where visitors can go into the attic to see the Norman truss architecture. The Sainte Geneviève Museum Learning Center is home to Guy Darrough’s collection of dinosaur replicas.
Where to Eat: Common Grounds is a special restaurant known for hiring special needs individuals in the community. With a wide selection of affordable beverages, pastries, salads and sandwiches, this is a wonderful lunch spot. Café Genevieve is known for American fare and hospitality. And El Potosino is a favorite Mexican restaurant.
Wichita, Kansas
This small city in Kansas offers many great options for a weekend getaway. With a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience, historic shopping and dining, and boutique hotels, this is an easy trip from Kansas City.
Where to Stay: Hotel at Old Town (HotelOldTown.com) is walkable to Wichita’s Old Town district, a favorite spot for shopping and dining. The hotel features spacious accommodations, the 1906 Lounge with live jazz on weekends, and a variety of suites to suit your taste.
Memorable Experiences: Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a one-of-a-kind experience animal lovers won’t forget. This unique wildlife park is a truly exceptional place where visitors experience the adventure and wonder of meeting animals up close and personal. Whether it’s feeding giraffes and lemurs, going behind the scenes to meet and feed Amur leopards, swimming with penguins or encountering a new baby animal ... the experiences guests find at Tanganyika make the park one of the most memorable getaways in the Midwest. With the Best Day Bundle, you can experience two animal encounters, unlimited feeding and unforgettable memories.
More to Do: Old Town is a favorite Wichita district with many shops and restaurants. Throughout the year, it is the spot for festivals, live music and events. Botanica, Wichita’s 17-acre botanical garden, is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House to see the designs and influence of one of the world’s most famous architects and designers.
Where to Eat: One of the most romantic restaurants in Wichita is Georges French Bistro. The Sienna Tuscan Steakhouse features upscale Italian cuisine. And the Larkspur Bistro & Bar is a favorite for locals.
Kristina Light writes about memorable experiences in Kansas City and great vacations all year long on KCParent.com.