….to buy a fat pig. Now, perhaps you aren't in need of a fat pig. That's ok. The Meramec Region has an abundance of other stuff like fresh produce, jams, jellies, baked goods, plants, and other meat products, lovingly brought to Farmer's Markets by hard-working growers in the area. This is freshness extraordinaire, and it would be a downright shame for you to miss their offerings. You guessed it! They are on this map, just waiting on your visit. Be sure to check days and times before you jiggety-jig out to market. And, on behalf of all those farm families who do all this hard work, we'd like to say, "Thanks!"

Now, close your eyes. Weather is crisp, just a bit on the nippy side. Earthy smells tease your nose. Apples. Cinnamon. Pumpkins.

Did you know that pumpkins were once considered a remedy for freckles and snakebites? Now, we can't confirm or deny those claims, but can say that pumpkins definitely seem to be the ticket with which we are admitted into fall. So, it seems reasonable that "Visit a Meramec Region Pumpkin Patch" should be on your fall "must do" list.

From wagon rides, corn mazes, bounce houses, petting zoos to pumpkin picking, these delightfully amusing zones are fall in a nutshell, and fall isn't fall until you visit one.

Yep, they are marked on the map for you. Take a gander.

So, the history of Gasconade County says that "Gasconade" most likely came from the French word gascon, meaning boaster or braggart. Seems that people who lived along the river were inclined to brag about their exploits when they returned to St. Louis. 

Now, we feel like they still have cause to brag. Because this area is one of the most scenic, versatile, day-filling zones in the Meramec Region. Highway 19, from I-44 to Hermann, offers something for everyone, for sure. Wineries, breweries, restaurants, gift/specialty shops, all steeped knee-deep in a rich, German culture make a wonderful destination you will want to immerse yourself in. If one day isn't enough, there are plenty of quality lodgings that offer much more than a place to lay your head. Check it out on the map. You'll be bragging about your trip!

No big surprise that the Meramec Region owes a great big "Atta Boys!" to Lewis and Clark for their exploration of the Missouri River. River towns Hermann, Gasconade, Morrison and Chamois, in Gasconade and Osage counties, bring that unique flavor found only in settlements touched by the "Big Muddy." The mouth of the river was first encountered by Marguette and Jolliet while canoeing down the Mississippi in 1673, followed by a full exploration of the river from mouth to headwaters in 1804-05 by our heroes, Lewis and Clark.

Highway 100 rolls through the river towns and meanders into rural spectacle. You won't want to miss wineries, distilleries, and specialty shops, as well as remarkable rarities (Hydrofoil Museum, anyone?) All these places are on the map.

Go do your own exploring!

You don't have to be in the Meramec Region for long to see that a major connector to north/south offerings is US Route 63 (soon to celebrate its 100^th Birthday). The region covers 75 miles of the Route's 337.75 Missouri miles. This roadway links citizens to Jefferson City, just outside the northern boundary of the region, to Interstate 44 down Rolla way. If you are looking for a whole other level of connection, don't despair! US Route 63 is not just a quick way to get there. This drive will take you through some of the most picturesque and serene landscape you can find anywhere. Along the way, small to medium-sized towns will keep you busy with shops, wineries, restaurants and various other elements of interest. Older parts of 63 tend to run on top of a ridge in the region, and the resulting scenic view is especially visible in Osage County.

This travelway takes you through the German communities of Osage County, the county seat of Maries County, across the Gasconade and Maries Rivers and connects you to State Routes 68, 28 and 42 and numerous lettered routes that provide an abundance of opportunities for side trip adventures. Check out the map and connect today!