History and nature abound in Rocheport

It’s sort of cliché to call a place “quaint,” but that’s the word that comes to mind when visiting Rocheport, Mo., a small town about two hours east of Kansas City, located on BB Highway off of I-70. Rocheport is great for a day trip or a weekend getaway. It's filled with antique shops, historic buildings, artisans’ galleries and even a working blacksmith’s shop. But the town’s location on the Missouri River and the Katy Trail offers a plethora of outdoor activities to counteract any lazy drowsiness that may be brought on by the aforementioned quaintness.

Rocheport visitors can spend some time in the great outdoors by hitting the river with Drew’s Guide Service for guided fishing, sightseeing and bird watching. Trailside Café & Bike Shop can also help Katy Trail bikers with everything they need, including a sack lunch to take along on the ride.

Another outdoor attraction may be even more appealing – Les Bourgeois Vineyards and Winery. A tasting room, a gift shop, and a tour of the winemaking operation, and you’re set for a relaxing afternoon.

Many of the shops and art galleries in Rocheport are situated in the same area, so it’s an easy stroll from shop to shop. One of my favorites is Flavors of the Heartland, a gourmet food shop that sells food items and gift baskets, all produced in Missouri. Two- and three-dimensional art galleries also occupy some of the shop’s space.

Another inspiring art gallery is Manitou Studio, which has homemade pottery, ceramics, weavings, paintings and photography on display. It’s sometimes tricky to catch it open, though. It’s a private studio that is open “by appointment or by chance.”

There are almost too many antique shops in Rocheport to count, but I like the one called Grace, A Place of Restoration the most. Not only does it sell salvage items that have been renovated with new life, but there’s also a coffee and desert bar in there.

If you want to stay a night or two in Rocheport, you’ve got your pick of B&Bs to choose from. All of them appear to be – here’s that word again – as quaint as can be. There’s a Select Registry inn called the Yates House Bed & Breakfast; its membership with the registry means it offers the utmost in luxury and comfort. Guests can also stay at the School House Bed & Breakfast Inn, a converted 1914 school building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. About ten minutes away from Rocheport is Terrapin Creek Ranch, a secluded bungalow on a 300-acre farm. A stay there comes with a kitchen stocked with farm-fresh eggs and other breakfast goodies.

Rocheport is a seemingly perfect little town, with its endearing attractions, restaurants and accommodations. The history, art and outdoor fun it has to offer has even brought national attention, as it was named one of America’s Coolest Small Towns by Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine last year.

Plan your trip to Rocheport at http://www.rocheport.com.