Tag: Fun

The Bolduc House Museum and LeMeilleur House – Two Centuries, Two Homes, One Remarkable Story In the heart of Ste. Genevieve’s Historic District, two neighboring houses tell one of the most compelling stories in American frontier history. The Louis Bolduc House and the LeMeilleur House, separated by just a few decades and a few yards, offer visitors a rare opportunity to witness how French Creole culture evolved during the pivotal years when the Mississippi Valley transitioned from colonial outpost to American heartland. Together, these homes create a living timeline of cultural adaptation, architectural evolution, and the persistence of identity in the face of dramatic change. The Louis Bolduc House: Portrait of Prosperity in French Colonial America The Man Behind the House Louis Bolduc wasn’t just a homeowner—he was a force in colonial Ste. Genevieve’s economic and social life. As a prosperous French Creole merchant, Bolduc built his fortune through a combination of fur trading, lead mining interests, agricultural production, and general merchandising. His business networks stretched from New Orleans up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, connecting Ste. Genevieve to broader colonial commerce. But Bolduc’s influence extended beyond business. He served as a community leader, helping to govern this frontier settlement Read more…

What would you expect to find walking the streets of the oldest town in Missouri? Perhaps historic homes, charming shops, or a glimpse into colonial life. But a working pewter foundry? That might raise a quizzical brow. If you know what pewter is—that lustrous tin-based alloy that graced the tables of our nation’s founding families—you understand just how rare the practice of pewter-making has become in modern America. If the term “pewter” itself is unfamiliar, well, that only confirms its rarity. Either way, discovering ASL Pewter Foundry in Ste. Genevieve is like stumbling upon a living museum where ancient craft traditions are still practiced with passion and expertise. Masters of an Ancient Craft For nearly 40 years, Pat and Tom Hooper have been keeping this centuries-old metalworking tradition alive, creating museum-quality pewter pieces that honor historical designs while meeting contemporary standards of craftsmanship. Their dedication to the craft goes beyond mere production—they are true artisans who understand the history, chemistry, and artistry that goes into every piece. The Hoopers spent years traveling the Renaissance Faire circuit, where discerning collectors and history enthusiasts quickly recognized the exceptional quality of their work. Unlike cheaper pewter products that may contain lead, ASL Pewter Read more…

Brix Urban Winery and Market offers visitors a unique taste of handcrafted beverages paired with small-town charm and historic ambiance. Under new ownership since 2024, Brix is now part of the Schaaf family’s growing collection of beloved local establishments, which includes Pat’s Pastries in Ste. Geneviève, as well as Celebrations, Goose and Gander, and Ebb and Flow in Cape Girardeau. This family dedication to quality and community shines through in every aspect of the Brix experience. Step into their inviting tasting room where you can sample their specialty: homemade mead, the ancient honey wine that’s experiencing a modern renaissance. In addition to their carefully crafted meads, Brix also features Ebb and Flow home brews, bringing the best of the Schaaf family’s beverage offerings together under one roof. Whether you’re a mead enthusiast or curious to try this historic beverage for the first time, their knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting experience that’s both educational and delightful. Take a moment to relax under the dappled shade of their picturesque grape arbor—a perfect spot to savor your drink while soaking in the historic atmosphere of one of Missouri’s oldest communities. The outdoor space provides an ideal setting for conversation, contemplation, Read more…

21124 Cave Rd Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Call us at 573-543-5284 Hours Daily Hours 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Family-owned Cave Vineyard and Winery is a must-stop destination on your tour of Ste. Geneviève’s Wine Country! Cave Vineyard offers its guests a wide array of award-winning, estate-grown Strussione Wines. Begin by sampling wines in the tasting room that overlooks some of the most scenic rolling vineyards in the county. Then ride the tram to the cave for an afternoon of live music, picnic lunches, or just to cool off on a hot summer day. Picnic baskets are welcome. Or should you desire, one can be prepared for you in the tasting room. Please click here for hours, wines available, beers to sample, and information on their biscotti bar. Read more…

Centre for French Colonial Life – Gateway to America’s French Heritage At the corner of 2nd and Market Streets in the heart of Ste. Genevieve’s Historic District stands the Centre for French Colonial Life, serving as both the welcoming gateway and administrative headquarters for one of America’s most significant French colonial museum campuses. This isn’t just another local history museum—it’s a sophisticated institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the remarkably rich story of French colonial presence in the Mississippi River Valley. Your Journey Begins Here The Centre for French Colonial Life is designed to be your first stop when exploring Ste. Genevieve’s French colonial heritage. Inside this modern, purpose-built facility, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your visit: thoughtfully curated changing exhibits that provide context and depth, a well-stocked gift shop offering books and items related to French colonial history, and friendly staff ready to answer questions and help you plan your exploration of the museum campus. This is where you’ll purchase tickets for the guided tours of the historic Bolduc and LeMeilleur Houses, pick up campus maps, learn about special programs and events, and get oriented to the broader story you’re about to experience. Read more…