For those times when a road trip is calling but a whole lot of time isn't available, consider heading to the nearby Missouri communities of Defiance and Cottleville for a trifecta of exceptional experiences. They're only about a 25-minute drive from Chesterfield.
Daniel Boone Village
The Daniel Boone Home in Defiance brings important state history to life from the early 1800s. It's nestled into rolling hills of wine country and overlooks the Femme Osage Valley. In April 2016, the 300-acre Daniel Boone Home property was gifted to St. Charles County by Lindenwood University.
Among the dozen buildings in the Daniel Boone village is the Old Peace Chapel, which can be toured by appointment only.
1868 Highway F, Defiance
636.798.2005
Good News Brewing Company
Next on the travel itinerary, head to Good News Brewing Company in Defiance for wood-fired pizza, specialty salads, a coffee bar, wines or choice of 10 to a dozen beers brewed on-site.
"Our menu changes daily," says owner Dan Tripp.
The other Good News owner is Matt Fair, and the brewer is Josh Miller. The trio just opened this Defiance brewpub in April (Thursday-Sunday) to expand from their O'Fallon locations. The Defiance location plays host to live music sessions, private parties and weddings. It can accommodate up to 300 customers, including a patio and rooftop deck.
Anyone who wants to park and bicycle to the brewpub enjoys the fact that it's located on the Katy Trail.
Dan says new summer beers are slated to include a summer stout, a citra wheat and a lemonade shandy. Outdoor, family-friendly games are also ready.
2886 S MO-94, Defiance
314.608.2903
Cottleville Wine Seller
Awaiting guests who want to simply wind down in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere is Cottleville Wine Seller with an outdoor wine garden (including plenty of umbrellas), beers, full bar, cheeses, specialty appetizers, deli sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and other light food. This restaurant and venue offers live entertainment most Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. In fact, owner Gary Grafeman says the band Up All Night will be playing July 6, and Spice It Up will perform July 12.
The wine list at Cottleville Wine Seller is long and varied. Beer offerings include domestics, specialties and premiums.
Gary says they enjoy supporting community causes. They recently partnered with Miss Missouri Katelyn Lewis as she hosted her last princess tea party as the reigning pageant winner. The party benefited the Children’s Miracle Network.
They also host Summer Sizzle sip and shop events. And, the venue is dog-friendly at the outdoor tables.
Cottleville Wine Seller customers often applaud the location's casual, inviting atmosphere and the homemade peach and raspberry sangrias.
5314 Highway N., Cottleville
636.244.4453
Trip Playlist with Missouri Roots
- "All I Wanna Do," by Sheryl Crow, native of Kennett
- "Johnny B. Goode," by Chuck Berry, rock legend from St. Louis
- "Missouri Moon," by Rhonda Vincent, Queen of Bluegrass from Kirksville
- "Missing Missouri," by Sara Evans, country star from New Franklin
- "Kansas City," by Wilbert Harrison
- "Take My Breath Away," by Berlin, written by Drury University graduate, Tom Whitlock
- "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Missouri," lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, from musical Damn Yankees
- "Country Grammar," by Nelly, from St. Louis
- "Sni-A-Bar Stomp," by The Hipnecks, from Columbia
- "Elvira," by The Oak Ridge Boys, who have a theater in Branson