Tag Archives: Weston

photo of Weston Missouri Main Street

On the Tasty Trail — Lunch at the Tin Kitchen

Teardrop Trail Log: June 20, 2017

The charming town of Weston, Missouri was settled in 1837. The success of the town was based on the exporting of large quantities of tobacco and hemp grown in the region. It was also the town that equipped Lewis and Clark as well as wagon train masters and other adventurers for their trips west. During this time, Weston had grown to be the second-largest river port in the state.

I compiled a list of attractions after Sara Tucker of Cool Tears Magazine had suggested Weston as a stop on the Teardrop Trail. Main Street climbs upward from what had once been the riverbed filled with steamboats. It is lined with quaint, old buildings that exude the charm of a bygone era, many on the National Register of Historic Places. We found a parking spot that would accommodate both the Lady and the Ambassador and began our walking tour of this pre-Civil War town. We passed the Weston Historical Museum, the National Silk Art Museum, Victorian homes, antique shops and more.

photo of The Tin Kitchen interior

The Tin Kitchen

Weston’s rich history includes eating well. We always enjoy new dining adventures when we travel on the Tasty Trail. As we strolled down Main Street, we spotted the Tin Kitchen, Southern Smoke House, that occupies the old Rumpel Hardware building. Built in 1842, the building has been lovingly restored to preserve all of its wonderful charm. We were enchanted by the dining rooms that feature the original pressed-tin ceilings, wainscoting, dark wood tables and bars. We slid into one of the comfy booths that line the walls.

Graphic of Tin Kitchen Logo

Tin Kitchen Logo

I ordered the Friday special, a grilled salmon salad with a yummy Balsamic Vinaigrette and Jim enjoyed The Cheeseburger and 24HR Slaw. After our wonderful lunch, we explored the TK2 – The Public House at Tin Kitchen, offering craft beers on tap along with a full bar featuring a great selection of wine, spirits, and craft-cocktails set in the same lovingly restored interior.

We had developed a fondness for the Show-me state and hope to visit again soon.

On to Edmond, our next stop!

photo of The Cheeseburger and 24HR Slaw

The Cheeseburger and 24HR Slaw

photo of Weston Bend State Park sign

On to Weston Bend State Park

Teardrop Trail Log: June 19, 2017

As we departed Pella, our route took us along Lake Red Rock toward Knoxville, Iowa. The railroads and coal mining had provided growth during the 19th century. My grandmother had been a teacher in a rural one-room school in Marion County near Knoxville. It was so long ago since I had visited her that I only had a few memories from her recollections of her time in rural Iowa.

graphic of Lewis and Clark Expedition Map

Lewis and Clark Expedition Map

Our destination was Weston Bend State Park on the bluffs of the Missouri River. Sarah Tucker, the editor of Cool Tears magazine had recommended the Weston area for its scenic beauty overlooking the Missouri River. The river and the region’s rich soil attracted many Native American tribes including the Iowa, Kansa and Fox. On their expedition to explore the West, Lewis and Clark reached the Weston area in 1804. Their journals detail a Kansa village on the river. Upon their return visit two years later, they described the many fur traders traveling up the river.

The tobacco industry had flourished in the area in the mid-19th century and five tobacco barns are located within the park. The McCormick Distillery that began operations in 1858 east of Weston claims to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in the country.

photo of our camp at Weston Bend

Camp Weston Bend

Weston Bend is little gem of a park, on 1,133 acres with only 37 campsites. We found the campground host and checked in. I have always liked meeting the hosts at each of the campgrounds and have fanaticized about trying the host’s role in the future.

As in many of our camping experiences, we met the neighbors, Steve and Chris Hutoron of Phoenix from the site next door and enjoyed several conversations. As we hiked on one of the many trails, we met other hikers Tony & Maggie with Yadi and Chenielle and their friendly dogs. The highlight of the hike was when we caught a glimpse of the Missouri River at the scenic overlook where Lewis & Clark had seen it.

The next morning, we would set out to explore the historic village of Weston, Missouri.

photo of Historic Missouri River Overlook

Historic Missouri River Overlook