A Small Town that packs a fun punch!

As part of our Destination section, we are continuously searching for areas around The Heartland that are worth exploring- many just a road trip away! Weston, Missouri, about 30 miles from Downtown Kansas City, is definitely worth the trip! For a town of just over 1600 people, it is definitely gaining momentum- In 2015, it has been voted #1 Best Day Trip (for 13 years running!) by Ingram’s Magazine, #1 Best Overnight Destination by Visit KC.com,  Best Day Trip by The Pitch, Best Day Trip & Beautiful Town by Rural Missouri Magazine, and Best Small Town in Missouri by AAA Midwest Traveler Magazine.

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Historic Main Street in Weston, MO

Here at The Heartland Today, we think Weston is one of the coolest places North of the River! There is so much to explore! Go early on a Saturday and stay the day(or hit a “2nd Saturday” when the shops stay open late and the streets open up for strolling, music and entertainment.)

Our picks:

Enjoy Art and Culture? Check out one of Weston’s many art and history galleries/museums. We particularly like Bella Company, a part gift-shop, part gallery showcasing prints of dogs (and cats!) from artist Marie Mason- artwork to make you smile! (Fun t-shirts and caps too!)

Main Street Galleria– Step back in time and show your kids a true authentic soda fountain! Ice cream, fudge, and other treats also available and when the weather gets cool, the best hot apple spiced cider! Grab a treat and stroll through the many antique shops that Westin offers.

Looking for a good time? Get your pub on! Weston has several options for a great date night! Take a tour of The Weston Brewing Company, also known as the “oldest brewery West of the Hudson.  Brewery tours are available on Saturday. Grab a bite to eat at the American Bowman Restaurant located at the brewery and a popular Cream Ale at O’Malley’s, a lively Irish pub that offers live music every night.

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Pirtle Winery’s tasting room is built in a re-purposed church in Weston, MO.

Beer not your thing? This small town offers two wineries for tasting! At Pirtle Winery, built in a now, a re-purposed church in the town of Westin, Missouri, you are welcome to bring your own picnic basket(or buy one there, if you would like) or just walk-in for a complimentary tasting. Head seven miles north of Weston and you will find Riverwood Winery– a winery situated at the foot of the scenic Missouri River bluffs. The Winery offers gourmet food items which complement our wines, such as cheeses, crackers, deli meats, sausages and chocolates along with beautiful views and tastings. Live music and other entertainment is also offered on weekends!

Special night? A four-star cuisine restaurant is located in the heart of Historic Weston. The Vinyards, located in an Antebellum home, is a local restaurant that offers  a fine hand picked wine list and fine local wines from Weston’s own award winning Pirtle Winery. They also offer locally craft brewed beer from Weston Brewing Company & locally distilled spirits from McCormick Distillery. (Local Weston hot spots rolled up in very delicious package!)

Weston’s newest Gem: Hit Weston on a Saturday morning and you will find yourself basking in the smell of fresh, wood-fired bread and Hearth Bread Company’s Saturday Pastry Menu! Best Beignets and served with another of our favorites- Parkville Coffee from nearby Parkville, it’s a great way to #supportlocal and veer off the eaten path for breakfast on a Saturday morning!

Don’t want to leave Weston just yet? Book a stay at the Historic St. George Hotel/Inn at Weston Landing.  Very charming and historic bed and breakfasts just a walk away in Downtown Weston.11007254

Three weekends to look forward to are coming up in the fall:

September 12th- 2nd Saturday and the theme is Mystery Shopping to kick-off Fall! In each shop, with a $25 purchase, shoppers draw a SEALED envelope from a basket. Inside each envelope there will be a coupon for specials, discounts and/or gift from other participating merchants, redeemable from October 1 through 2nd Saturday in December.
Bring back your unopened envelopes between October 1 and 2nd Saturday in December to the shop that is listed on the outside of the envelope. When the envelope is redeemed, the seal must not be broken. Upon opening, the mystery coupon is revealed! This 2nd Saturday will also feature a face painter, caricature artists and karaoke. Many of the local restaurants have specials and concerts on the patios!

October 3rd and 4th will bring the 27th Annual Apple Fest, one of the most popular festivals of the Midwest! The Parade is Saturday at 10am followed by a day full of fun and activities- arts and craft vendors, farmers’ markets, and Weston’s famous apple dumplings, apple pies, and cookies will  be available through the local churches. Fun children’s activities both days are planned in the park with pony rides, carnival style games, face painting and pumpkin painting. Live music will also be on stage all day, both Saturday and Sunday! Great way to kick-off FALL!

Irish Festival October 9th, 10th and 11th 

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O’Malley’s Courtyard is the heart of Irish Fest!

O’Malley’s Pub & Courtyard is the place to be for Irish Fest!  Great Irish music, piping, dancing, and storytelling, along with traditional Irish food and drinks are what you’ll find at the three-day event.

Whether you can make a special event or just spend a relaxing day in Weston, we are pretty sure you will plan to go back! Such a great town to explore and see the beautiful views of Missouri, put this on your bucket list!  Happy Road-tripping!