St. Louis has a lot to offer, from the iconic Gateway Arch to a vibrant blues music scene. But sometimes you want to get out of the city, slow things down, and experience small-town life. Fortunately, there are many charming small towns within easy driving distance of St. Louis, MO.
1. Clarksville
The river town of Clarksville, which is located about 80 minutes north of St. Louis, has undergone a renaissance in recent decades. This town of fewer than 1,000 people features historic homes, antique shops, specialty stores, and bed-and-breakfasts, and an eight-block-long business district that faces the Mississippi River. During the cold weather months, Clarksville is considered to be one of the best spots in Missouri to see bald eagles.
Don’t miss the Overlook Farm restaurant, located at 16095 Highway W in Clarksville, which offers gorgeous views of the northern Missouri countryside. It’s the perfect place to stop before heading back to the city.
2. Kimmswick
This picturesque town is known for its rich history, which dates back to the 1850s. If you’re interested in preserved historic buildings, charming shops, and unique architecture, you’ll love Kimmswick.
This Missouri town hosts several annual festivals, including a June Strawberry Festival and an October Apple Butter Festival. But Kimmswick, which has a National Register Historic District, makes a great day trip any time of the year. Best of all, this town is just 30 minutes south of St. Louis.
3. Rocheport
Established as a trading post in the nineteenth century, Rocheport offers many of the same views that Lewis and Clark would have seen more than 200 years ago. The downtown area features shops, galleries, and the Friends of Rocheport Historical Museum, located at the intersection of First and Moniteau streets.
Be sure to swing by the Rocheport General Store, at 202 Central St., which sells a variety of goods and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This Missouri town is a roughly two-hour drive from St. Louis, but it will be an easy drive in your Chevrolet Trax, which has standard features including lane keep assist with lane departure warning and forward collision alert.
4. Ste. Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve is the oldest permanent European settlement west of the Mississippi. Located just an hour south of St. Louis, this Missouri community offers everything you need for the perfect day trip, including boutiques, dining, and outdoor opportunities to hike and bike. Check out First Settlement Antique Store, located at 132 Merchant St., which specializes in fine glassware, vintage clothing, stained glass items, and handcrafted wood accessories.
With so many great communities to explore, you’ll need a reliable set of wheels. Head to Bommarito Chevrolet South County and pick out your next vehicle today.
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