Mother and Daughters Weekend A Cozy Off-Season Stay at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail There are certain towns that quietly do something powerful. They slow you down. They soften the edges. They give people room to breathe again. McKittrick and Hermann are those kinds of places—especially in the off-season. And The Mercantile on the Katy Trail sits right at the center of that experience. Why Quiet Towns Matter More Than We Realize In a world that constantly demands attention

Quilting Is Alive and Well in Hermann, Missouri Quilting Bee Fabrics Event, Hermann, Missouri Quilting is sometimes spoken about as if it belongs to the past—something quaint, fading, or purely nostalgic. That assumption doesn’t hold up in Hermann . Here, quilting is alive, social, and relevant . It draws people together across generations, fills classrooms and shops, and quietly carries forward one of the oldest artistic traditions in American life. Qu

Katy Trail Bluffs by the Missouri River The Katy Trail State Park is often described as “easy,” “flat,” and “beginner-friendly.” That description is technically true —and also incomplete. If you’re planning a ride from Pleasant Hill to St. Louis , especially for the first time, the real question isn’t can you do it. It’s how you want to experience it . After reviewing advice from seasoned Katy Trail riders—many of whom have logged hundreds (or thousands) of miles—the patter

A Cozy, Romantic Winter Tradition Worth Planning Around Hermann Chocolate Wine Trail Why the Chocolate Wine Trail Is a February Favorite Winter in Missouri wine country has its own kind of magic—and the Chocolate Wine Trail is one of the reasons locals and visitors alike look forward to February every year. Held the fourth weekend of February , the Chocolate Wine Trail has become a beloved Valentine-season tradition for wine and chocolate lovers. Couples, friends, and groups

A Hands-On Winter Weekend Built for Friendship, Food, and Tradition Summer Sausage Making Class 101 at Hermann Wurst Haus February Is for Connection in Hermann February isn’t about rushing—it’s about slowing down, gathering, and sharing . In Hermann, February has become a quietly perfect time for friendship weekends, couples’ getaways, and meaningful experiences that don’t compete with peak-season crowds. One of the most beloved February traditio

Discover why Hermann Missouri is one of the Midwest’s most beloved small towns. Explore wineries open year-round, dining, the Katy Trail, and where to stay near Hermann for a cozy, meaningful getaway.

Stay at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail in McKittrick Missouri is known for its unexpected charm — places where history, personality, and a little bit of eccentricity collide. Travelers who love destinations with character aren’t looking for cookie-cutter hotels or predictable itineraries. They want stories, texture, and experiences that feel memorable the moment they arrive. That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail in McKittrick, Missouri . A Stay

Why The Mercantile on the Katy Trail Is the Perfect Place to Stay Missouri is full of small towns that feel made for romance—historic streets, river views, wine country sunsets, and a slower pace that invites you to linger. Whether you’re planning a couples’ weekend, a cycling escape, or a cozy wine-country getaway, these towns offer charm without crowds and experiences that feel personal, not packaged. At the center of it all is The Mercantile on the Katy Trail in McKittrick

Why January Is When It All Comes Together Hermann Wedding Planning It’s That Time of Year Again in Hermann Every January, something special happens in Hermann . Engaged couples, families, and friends arrive with fresh excitement, new rings, and big ideas—ready to explore venues, meet vendors, and start turning plans into dates on the calendar. January has quietly become wedding planning season in Hermann , and for good reason. The Hermann Wedding Trail (Now the Hermann Hill W

What to Expect When Staying at a Historic Trailside Building A Beautiful Old Building — and an Honest Conversation about peak seasons The Mercantile on the Katy Trail is a historic nationally registered building . It’s full of character, history, and charm—but it is not new construction, and it was never designed for modern day. That matters, especially during peak seasons . One of the most overlooked aspects of staying here isn’t comfort or location—it’s noise dynamics crea

A Quiet Start to the New Year for Flexible, Prepared Riders Eagles on the Katy Trail Is It Feasible to Ride the Katy Trail in January? Yes— January riding on the Katy Trail State Park is feasible , but it is highly weather-dependent and best suited for riders who value flexibility, solitude, and realism over guaranteed conditions. January is not a “lock it in six months ahead” month. It’s a watch-the-forecast, pick-your-window, adjust-your-plan kind of month. When conditions

December vs January vs February vs March — What to Expect, What’s Open, and How to Prepare Is It Possible to Ride the Katy Trail in Winter? Yes—but winter riding on the Katy Trail State Park requires flexibility, preparation, and realistic expectations. Missouri winters are famously unpredictable. One day it can be 72°F in the morning , and the next day 18°F at the same hour . Warm spells, cold snaps, freeze–thaw cycles, wind, snow, and ice all play a role in trail condition

Are Services Still Available and Is It a Good Time to Ride? Can You Still Ride the Katy Trail After October 15? Yes—you absolutely can still ride the Katy Trail State Park after October 15. While some seasonal services begin to taper off in late fall, many Katy Trail towns, lodging options, shuttles, and food stops remain open well into November , especially in popular wine-country and cycling corridors. In fact, mid-October through early November can be one of the most rew

Why December Is Underrated — and When It’s Absolutely Perfect Warm winter on the Katy Trail How Is the Katy Trail in December? December on the Katy Trail State Park is one of the most underrated times of year to ride—and for the right rider, it can be spectacular. Some Decembers deliver 60–70°F days , dry trail conditions, and miles of quiet riding with the trail nearly to yourself. Other years bring cold snaps, freeze–thaw cycles, wind, and soft sections that demand patien

Historic Stops, Small Towns, and Where to Stay Along Missouri’s Most Famous Rail Trail Introduction The Katy Trail State Park isn’t something you skim past at highway speed. It’s something you enter . Mile by mile, the trail slows you down—past river towns, grain silos, tunnels, coal towers, and storefronts that only make sense when experienced at trail pace. This guide to sites to see along the Katy Trail is written from a different vantage point than most. It comes from Mi

Plan a Hermann, MO getaway: wineries, historic sites, Katy Trail rides, and roomy suites at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail. Book direct & save.

If you call yourself a wine aficionado, mark your calendar and book your stay : the Annual Best USA Sommelier Association Fundraiser is one of the most anticipated Missouri wine-country events of the year. Whether you're hoping to rub elbows with sommeliers and dedicated connoisseurs, or simply enjoy a night of elevated dining and fine wine, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Missouri wine country’s insider evening has it all—chef-crafted courses, sommelier-curated p

Katy Trail, McKittrick Trailhead If you last rode the Katy in the 2010s, the experience has evolved. Today’s riders blend gravel miles...

Planning Hermann Oktoberfest? Get the evergreen guide to beer gardens, live music, winery tours, trolley tips—and the best place to stay by the Katy Trail.

Cyclists from the Big BAM and Katy Trail rides love staying at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail — where comfort meets convenience. From early luggage drop-offs to trailhead access just steps away, discover why McKittrick, Missouri, is the perfect rest stop for your next Katy Trail adventure.