2 posts tagged “ford expedition”
Imagine life with no alarm clocks, no cell phone, no pager, no answering machine, no computer and no noise. Just peace and quiet. That life may be impossible to obtain, but it can happen if only for a few hours or perhaps a few days in Ste. Genevieve MO, just 1 hour south of St. Louis. An easy drive in the family Ford.
This is a charming, laid-back town, where bicycles stand on the sidewalks without locks and people stroll in and out of inviting little shops filled with antiques, crafts, gifts, sweets and wine.
One can enjoy the charm of an Old World village plus the comforts and convenience of modern living. Stroll through the streets of this unique community, dine in a variety of restaurants, browse the specialty shops and stay in distinguished bed and breakfast inns and other fine lodgings.
Beauvais-Amoureux House
The Beauvais-Amoureux House was built over-looking Le Grand Champ agricultural fields in 1792. This is a French creole vernacular post in ground (poteaux-enterre) construction; one of three in Ste. Genevieve and only five in the US. Its cedar log walls are set directly into the earth, without a foundation. The roof system consists of king-post trusses and longitudinal wind braces. The house is located at 327 St. Mary Road and is open occasionally to the public.
Hawn State Park
After leaving the historic site, point the Ford towards Hawn State Park which is just 16 miles from the city in Ste. Genevieve County, off Hwy 32. This is the best wilderness experience that nature has to offer to forget traffic jams, family crises and work related problems. Within the 4,953-acre park is the 2,570-acre "Whispering Pine Wild Area".
Nowhere else in Missouri can one find these rare plants, some left behind by glaciers. When snow is on the ground winter provides a special treat of frozen water falls and wonderful ice sculptures. Spring brings the wild pink azaleas which grow from the bluffs, hills and sandstone. You will also see the dogwoods, redbuds and many, many wildflowers.
When arriving at the park drive up to the information office and get a map. This will help to select one of the many trails and direct you to the campground, picnic area and facilities. For more information, call 573-883-3603.
After visiting the historical homes and hiking in park, head back into town for shopping at the unique gift stores and antique shops. You'll wish you had brought the Expedition instead of the Taurus so there'd be more room to load up all your purchases. Then relax over a lovely dinner and rest up with an overnight stay at a bed 'n' breakfast before heading back into the city.
Hopefully you are aware of the wonderful attraction that is located in South St. Louis – the Missouri Botanical Garden. Founded in 1859, it is the nation's oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark.
The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw's original 1850 estate home, and one of the world's largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.
The year 2009 marks the Garden’s sesquicentennial anniversary. For over 150 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun—and also a center for education, science, and conservation.
The Garden is beautiful at all times of the year, and the coming holiday season offers even more reasons to come for a visit. Pile Grandma and the kids into your spacious Ford Expedition and experience first hand the beauty of this local landmark.
Gardenland Express: Wednesday, November 26–Sunday, January 4, 2009
One of St. Louis’s most beloved holiday traditions returns with Gardenland Express, the Garden’s annual holiday flower and train show. Be swept away to a wintery wonderland in the mountains of Vermont.
Tiny villages, ski resorts, and covered bridges dot the living landscape of dwarf conifers, evergreens, succulents, and moss. Eight G-scale model trains chug through the scenery surrounded by hundreds of colorful poinsettias and seasonal flowers.
Gardenland Express is a temporary installation, created fresh each year by the Garden’s talented team of horticulturists and volunteers.
Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House - All throughout December
Tower Grove House, the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw will be decorated with wreaths, garlands, floral centerpieces, greenery and a holiday tree the month of December.
Christmas Carols in the Garden - December 13 – 1 4
Santa in his sleigh, musicians and carolers, and roasting chestnuts—it’s all part of this celebration of the sounds of the season.
Five choirs, a brass ensemble, a jazz combo, and a harpist will perform throughout Garden grounds. Mulled cider, hot chocolate, and cookies will be available for purchase, and the Garden Gate Shop will be open for holiday shopping. Leave the Focus at home and bring the Ford SUV, because you are going to want to load up on the fabulous gifts you will find for everyone in the family.
