It’s Wandering Wednesday! We traveled to the little German town of Hermann, Missouri today. It was our first time in town and found it to be a very quaint little place.
Lunch in Herman Missouri
My posts sound like we only wander for the food, but, we hit the Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern for lunch. This building was constructed in 1878 and was the oldest continually operating tavern west of the Mississippi. Humm? Seems like I heard that before somewhere around Arrow Rock. Anyway, it sounded good.
Since neither of us cared for German food, we played it safe with tenderloin and prime rib sandwiches. They hit the spot and we enjoyed their chips which had a hint of garlic.
Hermann consisted of many little antique, toy, gift and misc. shops which we stepped into and browsed the afternoon away.
Museum in a Caboose
A Missouri Pacific Railroad caboose had been converted into an interesting mini museum. There were old pictures of steam locomotives, former railroad workers, and other interesting pictures mounted on the walls. A showcase was made with a toy train set. It depicted a train wreck at the Gasconade Bridge, and old railroad maps and memorabilia were displayed throughout the caboose. DeSoto should build the same type of display with the caboose at the railroad employee memorial near Main Street.
The architecture of their old buildings were amazing. I’m glad the people of Hermann had the foresight to preserve them for future generations to enjoy. It makes me sad to think of DeSoto’s old depot and YMCA building which was demolished and removed from Main Street.
Winery Tour
We toured the Stone Hill Winery located on a hillside near the edge of town. It was interesting to see all the barrels and vats waiting to age in their old wine cellars.
We finished the afternoon with a long drive throughout the surrounding hills and valleys. There were many old farms with homes, barns and out-buildings along the winding roads. We would have loved to hear the stories and histories about each little place along the way.
As our wandering Wednesday winds down we drove back through our little town of DeSoto, Missouri, and knew there was as much rich history here as in Hermann.