Hi Y'all!

I had a lovely day again at our MOBOT event of the Best of Missouri Market. If you read my writings at all, you know how much I enjoy this city attraction. There's always something "happening" at the Garden. This time it was the 16th Annual Market. They had over 130 vendors and artists showing and selling their wares.

This was my first time to attend this event and it was just great, as the weather co-operated with sunshine and a nice breeze! You'll see a bit of what was offered in my slideshow, but they had so much to see and buy, you'll just have to make some time in your busy schedule to come here and see it too!

There was fresh produce from Soulard Market, flowers and plants, herbs, nuts, candies, meats (mmmm, brats!), seasonings baked goods and of course our famous Missouri wines and Cheeses. So many tastings! Yum.

Artists brought their hand-crafted furniture, wooden birds, ironwork, sculptures, baskets, pottery and so much more! Most of the items there were unique and not the same old thing we see at the craft shows that are so popular here in St. Louis County.

I was there early as I'd been warned about the crowds being huge. They were and increased as the day wore on. I wore out from the walking and stopped near the fountain to rest and enjoy people watching. I just had the best time talking with folks and taking photos, which I hope you'll enjoy viewing. Add this event to the list of things you want to do here in St. Louis in October. Links to some of the artists/vendors can be seen in the following slideshow!

One thing nice about our midwestern area is that we can take some nice drives here and find ourselves in wine country!

If you know wine, you already know that Missouri  is giving California a run for their money! You might have heard but some of the award winning wines that are coming out of these winerys. Germany never seems too far away, when you take a trip out to Hermann . The rolling hills and spectacular views here will take you on a mini-vacation! Stop by the wineries at: Hermannhof, Stone Hill, St. James, or Mount Pleasant (located in nearby Augusta ). Blumenhof Winery is located in Dutzow, just off the Katy Trail. Some of the wineries charge a small fee on summer weekends, but tours during the week, there is no charge.

Out in Marthasville, you'll find the grape growers, Connie and Dan Burkhardt hard at work on their vineyards. Stop by for a tour at Bethlehem Valley. Did you know that grape growers and wine makers are usually 2 separate businesses? Dan sells his grapes to a winery and they make his own label with the state grape Norton (or Cynthiana) a robust red wine.

Now if you're planning a romantic weekend, you might want to check out the nearby Bed & Breakfasts that are in that area too. Don't delay in getting a date scheduled. If you like antique shops and river views, you're gonna love visiting here.

  Register NOW for the 2007 Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Missouri taking place on February 3 - 5, 2007. Have a grape time!

For past award winning wine suggestions: