Maryland Bound... Day Three

Why is Missouri called the "Show Me State?" I had always thought it referred to the beauty of Missouri- a kind of tourism campaign. There are several stories about the origin of the nickname ranging from political to industrial but the consensus is that regardless of how it started, it now refers to the "conservatism and devotion to simple common sense that characterize Missourians." We spent the day in Missouri admiring the landscape and talking to people... and found both my assumption and the "real story"to be true.

As we drove along I-40 and I-44 admiring the gently rolling tree-covered hills we were reminded of the diversity in the landscape of the United States. Having seen everything from rocky deserts to lush green prairies and hills- and everything in between, I am in awe at the infiniteness of God's creation.

I always wondered where jigsaw companies get the pictures they use for their puzzles. Now I think I know- they use Missouri landscapes for the puzzles...

 These gorgeous Red Bud Trees line the roads and also grow naturally in the forests.

I am quite sure I have seen this picture of Hermann, MO on a jigsaw puzzle!

We arrived in Hermann, MO in the afternoon and fell in love with the quaint little town of German heritage along the banks of the Missouri River. It was established in 1837 and many of the original buildings remain- churches with tall steeples, tall clock towers and brick buildings. We enjoyed a tour of the Stone Hill Winery- the history from 1836 through prohibition and to the present time was fascinating.  After looking at their restaurant menu, we decided to come back for a German dinner- excellent Sauerbraten and Jager Schnitzel!

Our tour guide at Stone Hill Winery  took a picture of us in the wine cellar.

We checked into our Bed and Breakfast, the Alpenhorn Gasthaus, in the late afternoon. The owners, Adrian and Kate, are gracious hosts and made us feel welcome in their home. Besides Adrian and Kate, three sheep, three cats and a flock of chickens call the Alpenhorn home.

The Alpenhorn Gasthaus Bed and Breakfast- built about 1840

 The upper two right windows are our room and it was GORGEOUS!!

Our room was beautiful- and we definitely felt pampered.

The fireplace was set so it didn't give off heat- but provided great ambiance!

The sitting area was very comfy- and chilled water and 
Swiss chocolates were left for us on the tray!

After dinner Adrian took us to the wine cellar to sample some Port wines and enjoy some of Kate's homemade chocolates- raspberry truffles and triple chocolate balls rolled in cocoa powder- that were heavenly! A perfect end to a wonderful day!! (284.1 miles driven today- no time zones crossed)

Richard and Adrian enjoying a glass of Port in the wine cellar.

Kate's homemade chocolates