Tag: Downtown in United States

Muny Band Concerts – A Romantic Small-Town Tradition There’s something undeniably romantic about a municipal band concert on a warm summer evening—and we don’t just mean romantic in the dating sense, though that applies too. We mean romantic in the larger, more encompassing way: the kind of experience that makes you feel connected to something timeless, that slows down the frantic pace of modern life, and that reminds you why small-town America still holds such appeal for those lucky enough to experience it. Long-time Ste. Genevieve resident Bill Naeger captured this beautifully in the Missouri Humanities Small-Town Showcase podcast when he reflected on what the Muny Band concerts mean to the community. He spoke of the romance they add to the town—the simple, profound pleasure of being able to pull your car up to the schoolyard where the band performs and just sit and listen. It’s a treat, he explained, that you don’t find many other places anymore. And he’s absolutely right. A Tradition More Than 70 Years Strong The Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band has been performing for over 70 years, making it one of the few municipal bands still actively performing in America. What was once a common feature Read more…

Ste. Genevieve Trolley – Your Ride to Wine Country Adventure Since 2016, the Ste. Genevieve Trolley has been providing safe, friendly transportation that connects the charm of historic downtown with the scenic beauty of the county’s wineries. What began as a community transportation service has become an essential part of the Ste. Genevieve experience—especially for visitors wanting to enjoy local wines without worrying about driving. The Perfect Wine Country Solution Missouri wine country is one of the region’s hidden treasures, and Ste. Genevieve County is home to several excellent wineries producing everything from traditional varietals to distinctive local specialties. The challenge? These wineries are spread across the beautiful countryside, and responsibly enjoying wine tastings means having a designated driver. That’s where the trolley transforms your day from logistically complicated to blissfully simple. How It Works For just $20, you receive an all-day ride wristband that gives you unlimited access to the trolley service. This isn’t a rushed, schedule-locked tour—it’s flexible transportation that lets you create your own wine country adventure at your own pace. Board the trolley at one of the convenient downtown stops, settle into your seat, and enjoy the scenic ride through the countryside to the wineries. Once Read more…

Stella and Me – Where Award-Winning Sandwiches Meet Tearoom Charm in Sainte Geneviève’s “Little Bohemia” At 198 North Main Street, tucked into Sainte Geneviève’s art district, newly dubbed, “Little Bohemia,” a quaint café with rustic hardwood floors, local artwork on the walls, and a cozy tearoom atmosphere serves what customers describe as “sandwiches so good you forget your own name.” Stella and Me has built its reputation one carefully crafted lunch at a time, earning awards, devoted regulars, and the kind of enthusiastic reviews that make food-focused travelers detour specifically to eat here. This isn’t fast-casual chain dining or generic café fare—it’s a small, intimate space where fresh ingredients, creative combinations, and genuine hospitality create lunch experiences that visitors remember long after leaving Missouri’s oldest town. Small Space, Big Flavors, in Ste. Gen’s Premier Lunch Spot Stella and Me occupies modest square footage—the kind of intimate space where tall visitors need to watch their heads and parties larger than four or five might wait for tables. But what the café lacks in size, it compensates for emphatically in flavor, quality, and attention to detail. Those award-winning sandwiches didn’t earn recognition through volume or marketing—they won because they’re genuinely excellent. The Read more…

Sweet Things Sweet Shop – “The World’s Okayest Candy Store” Where Nostalgic Treats Meet Hand-Dipped Chocolates in an 1860 Historic Building At 242 Market Street in downtown Sainte Geneviève, Sweet Things Sweet Shop occupies a two-room historic building dating to 1860, functioning as candy and toy store since the shop’s original founding in 1985—making it a 40-year Ste. Genevieve institution that’s survived multiple ownership changes, economic recessions, and the rise of online shopping through consistent quality, mother-daughter family operation (since late 2013), and self-deprecating “World’s Okayest Candy Store” branding that undersells genuinely exceptional hand-dipped chocolates, nostalgic penny candies, Jelly Belly selections by weight, novelty treats (bacon and cheese flavored crickets, anyone?), and carefully curated toys and children’s books. Sweet Things represents endangered species—the independent small-town candy shop where glass jars line shelves, chocolates are made on-site using traditional techniques, ice-cold Coca-Colas come in old glass bottles, and the owners (mother and daughter team who live in town) actually know customers by name, recommend favorites, provide directions to historic sites, and hand-deliver chocolate gifts within five miles of the store. Walking into Sweet Things triggers childhood memories for adults while creating new ones for kids discovering candy that tastes exactly as Read more…

Perched atop Oliver’s Restaurant off Main Street in the heart of historic Sainte Geneviève, Sylvia’s Loft blends modern comfort with the quiet charm of Missouri’s oldest town. Its bright, stylish interior feels like a hidden retreat—a cozy escape for couples or small groups who like that feeling of being right where things are happening. From your doorstep, you can wander to Zielinski’s for some antique shopping, The Orris of The Midnight Slip for live music, or down to the centuries-old landmarks that make this French Colonial town feel worlds away from the everyday. Inside, the loft offers room for up to four guests, featuring a plush queen bed, a double bed, and a well-equipped kitchenette perfect for lingering mornings or late-night snacks after a night out. Every detail, from its comfortable furnishings to its thoughtful touches, reflects the same spirit that defines Sainte Geneviève itself—welcoming, creative, and full of character. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a long, lazy stay, Sylvia’s Loft gives you space to rest, reconnect, and feel part of something timeless. Read more…