Cliff Manor Inn

Rebecca Rademan

This enchanting local historical landmark is nestled in the center of the capital city of Jefferson. It sits off a quiet tree-lined neighborhood cherished for its rich history and beautifully preserved character and is within walking distance of the State Capitol, downtown business district and Katy Trail. Cliff Manor is graciously decorated in a European-living atmosphere that includes beautiful linens and quaint bedrooms set high over the river town that offer both gorgeous scenic river and city views.

Enjoy your morning cup of coffee while sitting on your balcony or private porch, and watch the mist rise from the Missouri River as the sun reflects stunningly from the Capitol, located just west of the property. Ask for the Riverview or Bridgeton suites where you can unwind in elegant décor with a king size bed, fireplace and Jacuzzi tub after a long day of cycling or sightseeing.

A stay at the Cliff Manor includes a nearly entirely organically grown and locally sourced two-course breakfast each morning, consisting of savory offerings such as homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, fresh hen eggs, Belgian waffles, Dutch baby pancakes and crème brûlée French toast, served with fresh gourmet coffees and teas and fresh fruits of the season.

While visiting the tourist staples of the area such as the Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, Historic Missouri State Penitentiary and Cole County Historical Society Museum, stroll the river city’s newly revived historic downtown area, which has recently begun to experience an explosion of emerging art galleries, theater groups, boutique shopping, restaurants and charming bistros. Down the hill from the manor is the cherished Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub, a favorite local hangout, where you can enjoy an evening brew on the deck while listening to traditional Irish melodies performed by the owner and local musicians. Just atop the opposing river bluffs from the manor is the newly reopened Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant, where one can try a King Tower white wine sampler with grand names such as Medieval Mist and Noble Norton in the rustic tasting room or on the patio overlooking the vineyard and beautiful sunlit river bottoms. During colder months, savor your favorite notes fireside along with a tasty appetizer or dinner.

A short drive away is the Historic South Side and Old Munichburg District, where the area celebrates its German heritage with traditional music, dance and food at the annual Oktoberfest in September. If you’re craving the country, take the 15-minute scenic drive while admiring the breathtaking colors of the trees on your way to the darling and crowd-drawing Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival celebration that takes place each fall.

Cliff Manor offers historic charm and modern conveniences to anyone who is looking for a historic river town getaway to the capital city and surrounding areas. Check out cvbjeffersoncity.org and our Fall Arts Preview (page 97) for a complete listing of upcoming seasonal events within the area as you plan your stay.

The Inn at Hermannhof

Courtney Brown

Nineteenth-century elegance blends seamlessly with modern luxury at the Inn at Hermannhof in the historic town of Hermann, Mo. Built in 1886 at the corner of First and Gutenberg, the inn’s main building originally housed small businesses on the first level and featured a prominent family residence on the two upper levels. Restoration of the building was completed in 2007. The inn’s six restored hillside cottages originally served as house wineries in the 19th century.

The Inn at Hermannhof is located less than one hour from Jefferson City by car or Amtrak. Whether you choose a luxury guestroom inside the main inn building or in one of the hillside cottages, you are guaranteed to find modern amenities and luxuries including California king-sized beds, fireplaces in the bedroom and bathroom, oversized steam showers and whirlpool tubs, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Prepare to be delighted by charming personal and historic touches, as each guestroom is thoughtfully furnished with family heirlooms and antiques, fine linens and historic color palettes.

After checking in, venture out on the historic town of Hermann for the day. The Inn at Hermannhof is situated at the center of the thoroughfare. Browse through unique art galleries and antique stores, sample an array of beers at the Tin Mill Brewery, and be sure to enjoy live music and wine tastings at the Hermannhof Winery, the first two-time winner of the Brown-Foreman Trophy for Best New World White Wine.

Upon returning to your room at the Inn at Hermannhof, sit back and allow breathtaking views of the town and river to captivate you as you enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine. For a complete calendar of events in Hermann, go to visithermann.com. Cheers to the perfect getaway!

White Mule Winery & Inn

Dana Miller

What happens when you combine a team of white mules, a gorgeous country setting and some excellent vino? Throw in a former state lawmaker, and the recipe is complete: The White Mule Winery and Bed and Breakfast.

For the greater part of the past two decades, residents of Owensville and the surrounding countryside called upon Charlie Schlottach, a four-term state representative and former Gasconade County commissioner, on matters of state and local governance. These days, however, Charlie, his wife, Karen, and the entire Schlottach family — including Gus, Woody and Gracie — can be found tending the vineyards and managing the family’s winery and bed-and-breakfast in an operation that is fast becoming the trendiest spot in Gasconade County.

According to Karen, the winery has hosted 20 weddings this year alone; other seasonal events include the autumn “apple butter cook” (made the old-fashioned way, complete with copper kettles and wooden stir paddles) and an annual summer barbecue cook-off.

Looking for something to do Friday night? Each week, the winery serves a scrumptious steak dinner, complete with homemade dessert, baked from scratch by Charlie’s mother. Friday is also the night to hear live music by area musicians.

Perhaps the greatest treasure of the White Mule is the family who has cultivated the land and transformed a once-ramshackle farmhouse and acres of pasture into a flourishing B&B, vineyard and winemaking operation. The Schlottachs’ commitment to their craft is on display in every handcrafted detail on their property, and the product of the vine is further evidence of their dedication to the intricate art of winemaking.

Whether you are a local regular or one of the many travelers just passing through on Highway 50, visitors to the White Mule are always greeted warmly by Karen or Charlie, who will treat you to a full tasting of the White Mule’s excellent wines. The winery offers six varietals and a range of blends to complement any palate, from the full-bodied and complex Norton (one of the best in Missouri wine country) to the light and fruity Double Tree Red (a perennial favorite). You’ll soon find yourself heading toward the patio to relax with a full glass and enjoy live music in the open-air pavilion.

To top off your wine flight, leave room for a tipple of the winery’s signature spirit — the famous Mule Shine — a velvety smooth dessert wine (think port) made from the complex Norton grape and served directly from miniature oak casks. If the Mule Shine kicks a bit too much, consider staying in the bed-and-breakfast located in the cozy turn-of-the-century German farmhouse located directly adjacent to the winery. Each of the four rooms has a private bath, but for a real treat ask for the double, and experience a relaxing soak in the vintage claw-foot tub. The next morning, Karen will be over to fix a huge country breakfast.

For a memorable country getaway just a short drive from Jefferson City, try the White Mule Winery and Bed and Breakfast. You’ll be back! JC