How We Spent Three Days in Jefferson City, Missouri

 

Missouri State Capitol Building, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Hello friends, welcome to the blog! I am so glad to have you. In this installment, I'm eager to share with you all about how my partner Walter and I spent three days in Missouri's State Capitol, Jefferson City. If you're a history buff like me, Jefferson City may be just the place you'd like to visit. This city is rich in museums, historic sites, and public spaces for you to enjoy. Come along and I'll share all about our three days here. 

Central Dairy, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After arriving in town, the first place we visited was the locally famous Central Dairy. When I asked my friends about must-visit locations in Jefferson City, Central Dairy was mentioned several times! Walter and I both got waffle cones, mine being double chocolate chip, and his being butter pecan. We were impressed by the large flavor selection and fast service. The cones were delicious on a steaming hot day, and I recommend making a stop here during your visit. 

Capitol Grounds, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    

Bicentennial Bridge, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

Cannon at Capitol Grounds, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After leaving Central Dairy, we headed over to the Capitol Grounds. The grounds around the Capitol building are open to the public and have been transformed into a beautiful space. Here there are several monuments, access to the Bicentennial Bridge which leads to Deborah Cooper Park, and a neat old cannon from 1769. 

Duke's on the BLVD, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    For dinner, we decided to check out Duke's on the BLVD. I got the Duke's original smashburger and fries, which was delicious. I liked the vibe of the place and the staff were kind as well. If you like a good burger, hit up Duke's during your visit. 

Towne Grill, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Kicking off day two, we headed out for brunch at Towne Grill. Walter and I both ordered the French toast, which we both loved. Our waitress was wonderful, and the meal was served in a jiffy. There are lots of things that make Towne Grill so adorable, therefor I recommend you come see for yourself!

Missouri State Penitentiary, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

     After our meal, we headed over to the Missouri State Penitentiary for our two-hour tour! I recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure your spot, as the website makes it simple to do so. The staff and guides at MSP are fantastic, and clearly passionate about what they do. This tour was extremely moving and educational, something I recommend for those willing to learn about the darker sides of Missouri's past. I plan to do an in-depth post on MSP in the future, so stay tuned to the blog for that! 

    We took this tour during an extreme heat warning, with the heat index reaching nearly one hundred degrees. The staff was incredibly proactive and considerate, ensuring we all had water, fans, and took breaks if needed. Exhausted from the heat, Walter and I concluded our day after the tours end, and opted to go for a swim at the hotel for the evening. 

Missouri State Capitol Building, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    On our final day in town, we woke up and headed back over to the State Capitol grounds. Though this time, we were heading inside. The Missouri State Capitol building is completely open to the public, and the first floor serves as the Missouri State Museum. 

    Walter and I browsed the exhibits, learning about Missouri history from the formation of the earth to modern day. Two large wings of the capitol house artifacts and exhibits for the public to view, entirely for free. I enjoyed our time here greatly and suspect we will be back someday to take the full guided tour of the capitol. 

Madison's, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After the Missouri State Museum, we had worked up an appetite. I had a hankering for a Caesar salad, so I searched where the best place to get one nearby would be. Madison's, located downtown, quickly appeared to be my answer. We slipped into a booth and dug in, and I'm happy to report that the salad was delicious.

Strikers, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Following a siesta at the hotel, Walter and I struck out for some fun on our last night in the city. Across the highway from our lodging is Strikers, a bowling alley, arcade and restaurant. We played a couple games of bowling, pool, and then sat down for a snack. I ordered the pretzel bites and queso, which I loved. 

    

Bicentennial Bridge, 2026

    This concludes our three-day trip to Jefferson City. Thank you for coming along and I do hope we've helped you plan your visit to our state capitol. We had a great time and learned so much valuable information about our home state and its history. I do hope you'll join me again on the blog in the future, until then, take care, friends. 

Visitng Blueberry Hill on the Delmar Loop | St. Louis, Missouri | Landmark Landing

 

    

    Hello everyone, welcome back to the blog! I wanted to share with y'all this really neat place I got to visit a few weeks ago called Blueberry Hill! Blueberry Hill is a restaurant and music venue club located in The Delmar Loop in St. Louis, Missouri. This was actually Walter and I's first time visiting Delmar Loop altogether, and I can't wait to go back and see more! Y'all know my best friend Aliyah, she makes a great tour guide and has found all the must see places in St. Louis. She is who took us to Blueberry Hill, and it certainly did not disappoint!

     

    Blueberry Hill was opened in the 1972 by a man named Joe Edwards, who had a vision for The Loop. The Delmar Loop had been an entertainment and commercial hub starting in the 1920s, but by the 1950s, began experiencing decline. The 1970s, and Joe Edwards, brought revitalization to The Loop, creating the popular tourist attraction we know today. The Delmar Loop prides itself in being deemed one of the "Top 10 Streets in America", and I can see why! 

 

 

    It's hard to describe the aesthetic of Blueberry Hill exactly, but in three words, I would say it is maximalist, quirky, and fun! The few photos I took doesn't even begin to cover all there is to see in this building, and I honestly wouldn't want to spoil it for you! Walking around the winding rooms and halls was the most enjoyable part for me, around every corner there is a surprise. Cases full of memorabilia, vintage items, themed decor. This place really could be considered a museum on top of everything else. Do any of my readers remember Howdy Doody? I've never seen so much of him in one place!

     I really love everything they have on display, but pictured above is what really took my breath away. In that case is Chuck Berry's guitar. If you know St. Louis and you know music, you know Chuck Berry. Blueberry Hill has several related items for fans to see, which is totally awesome if you ask me. In addition to this, St. Louis's own "Walk of Fame" exists on Delmar Loop. We stopped to see Chuck Berry's star during our walk to Blueberry Hill.

     I didn't try any food during my visit, but a friend said the pretzel bites were a good choice. We enjoyed the sound of the band coming from "The Duck Room", the live music room at Blueberry Hill. Joe Edwards, the owner, has had many impressive acts visit the Duck Room, and has met countless of notable artists. Photos of Edwards and the host of stars he's met line the walls of several rooms and hallways. That I will leave to be a surprise, because we had so much fun looking at the images one by one and I suggest you do the same. When it comes to my favorite artists, it seems that Joe has met them all. 

    I will definitely be visiting Blueberry Hill again in the future, and if you decide to visit The Delmar Loop, I suggest you make a stop to see it for yourself! My photos really don't do this place justice, and I'll try to do better when I revisit, but truly I was immersed in my experience, and I think you will be too. Thank you for visiting the blog and if you visit Blueberry Hill, please let me know your favorite thing you saw! 

     
 

Mary Jane Burgers and Brew - Perryville, Missouri | Small Business Sunday

 

The Cowboy Burger and fries, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Most of you already know how much I highly encourage supporting small business, especially the local ones. When I travel for blog projects, I try to make it a point to try a new eatery when I can. Recently my family and I spent an afternoon in Perryville, and we happily took the opportunity to eat at the much loved Mary Jane Burgers and Brew. To no local's surprise, it did not disappoint!

    Immediately upon walking to front door of the restaurant, the atmosphere was set. Music, great smells and bright colors fill the senses. Upon entering we were greeted kindly by staff, and sat quickly. Our waitress was an absolute doll, so friendly and helpful. It took us some time to decide what to order, due to there being so many options on the menu. I decided to go for the Cowboy Burger and fries. I was very happy with that decision, as both were delicious. My parents also loved their meals, and we were already planning when to come back before we even left the table.

    I am happy to report that this place is absolutely worth the hype, and I recommend making a stop here if you have the chance. Not only is the food superb, but the vibe and aesthetics are eye catching as well. The building is a brick beauty dating back to 1894, with its Victorian details still on display for patrons to see. The décor is artsy and will put a smile on the face of any creative. They also even host events, from live music to renaissance fairs. What is your go to order that we need to try from Mary Jane Burgers and Brew? I am always open to suggestions! Thank you for reading and taking the time to appreciate our local small businesses. If there is a small business you would like for me to check out, feel free to comment, message, or email me!

Patti’s 1880s Settlement | Landmark Landing

     

     At the time I’m writing this post, my mother and I are traveling. We’re making our way through western Kentucky, bound for Tennessee. Our appetites were growing, and she had made a suggestion of where we should stop to eat. She recalled a place she had eaten once before, called Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Just from the name, of course I was interested. 

     This restaurant is completely 1880s themed, even down to the clothing of the employees. The entrance features a fair sized gift shop, full of decor, knickknacks, and souvenirs. We were seated after a short wait, (and after I had purchased a magnet for my already overcrowded refrigerator door) and greeted by the kindest staff. 

     Imagine my surprise when the waitress brought to the table a terracotta flower pot with fresh homemade bread flowing out of it. She placed a small cup on the table, filled with their specialty, strawberry butter. I’ll admit I was skeptical, but now I insist that you all try it. The sweet and savory combination is to die for. Both my mother and I both ordered seafood, and we both agree it was fabulous. 

     If you are ever near Grand Rivers, Kentucky, I highly recommend stopping by Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Not only a great eatery, but it is surrounded by a quaint, charming village. If you ever visit, let me know what you think!