Tis' the Season!

Fairs and festivals mark the harvest season in the Old Trails Region.  Local communities highlight their heritage and unique products with contests, auctions and events.  Flowers, produce & baked goods vie for prize ribbons and the prestige of being "best in class."
Marching bands and civic groups show their community pride with entries in parades and booths offering visitors a taste of local favorites.  Artisans line streets with their crafts, while local shop owners welcome you in, care where you came from and invite you to visit again.
Apples and pecans have long accompanied traditional crops like corn and soybeans in the celebration of the harvest throughout the Old Trails Region.  Each year the State Championship for Apples and Cornhusking take place in Waverly and Marshall respectively, while the Missouri Pecan is Brunswick's claim to fame.  While Higginsville celebrates with a Country Fair, Lexington hosts Apples, Arts and Antiques showcasing the tastes and talents of the community.  Each fall, high school bands throughout the State trek to Carrollton to march & perform at the Annual Band Day. From Liberty through Arrow Rock to Boonville, the list goes on & on...
Today, wineries have joined in along this historic route, to offer samples of the fruits of their labor.  Special events and music offer guests the chance to relax in varied venues.
Scattered throughout the Region, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy nature at MO Dept. of Conservation sites and some of the most outstanding state historic sites Missouri has to offer.
How do you find details on all this fun??  The Event Calendar listings on oldtrails.net have details and contact information.  Follow us on Facebook at Old Trails Region.   Come out and enjoy!

What to do in the new year?

As the holiday season comes to a close, and winter begins to fully set in, members of the Old Trails Region may be wondering what to do to fill their weekend time.  It's too cold to be outside, what else is there to do? Just because the weather is keeping you indoors doesn't mean that you have to spend your time sitting on the couch in front of the television.  Many Old Trails businesses are still operating with indoor activities.  Many of the wineries are conducting wine tastings on Sundays from 1:00pm to 6:00pm (Baltimore Bend, Terre Beau, and Fahrmeier Family Winery), while the Van Till Family Farm and Winery has Friday night Pizza Night from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday Pizza Day from noon to 5:00pm.  Not into wine? Take an overnight excursion to one of the many bed and breakfasts that the area has to offer.  Many local museums are open during the winter months if you are interested in learning the history of the area.  So pick a city, county, or several, and plan your weekend trip!! For ideas and a listing of the Old Trails Region members check out the website at http://www.oldtrailsregion.net/! The winter is no excuse not to discover a new area of our region!

Getting Around the Old Trails Region this Summer (2011)

Rising water and road construction are adding a challenge to enjoying the Old Trails Region.  However, this challenge also presents travelers with the opportunity to travel a new route to their destinations.  While taking an indirect route will increase travel time, travelers will also experience new scenery along some of our country backroads.  Those travlers not wanting to take the "scenic route," can take comfort in knowing that most of the detours currently being used are fairly short and should only add a few minutes to their travel time.  To ensure arriving at your destination via the quickest route, call ahead to your destination to get directions from one of our hospitable partners.  You can also check out the Missouri Department of Transportation's Traveler Information Map.  The map displays locations along your route that may be closed or under construction.  You can click on the icons within the map to learn more about what's happening with the road at that location.  You can also use the map to plan an alternative route. 
We look forward to seeing you this summer!  Happy trails.