Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Loganberry Inn Bed & Breakfast, Katy Trail State Park, Beks Restaurant & Bar, and the Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant are some top attractions among the rolling hills of mid-Missouri. After four days in nearby Lake of the Ozarks, my wife and I spent a couple of fun-filled days in Callaway County.
Callaway County in mid-Missouri is one of the most scenic areas of the state, and includes a popular stretch of the 240 mile Katy Bike Trail. The county includes the northern part of state capital Jefferson City, the county seat of Fulton, and several other small towns and villages. The southern border follows the Missouri River. Callaway County, organized in 1820, was named for Captain James Callaway, grandson of Daniel Boone.
Map of Loganberry Inn, Beks, Katy Trail, Red Wheel Bike Shop, and Canterbury Hill Winery
Loganberry Inn B&B in Fulton, Missouri
There is a wide variety of Fulton, Missouri lodging options, and the Loganberry Inn Bed & Breakfast is one of the top choices. Located just blocks from downtown, Westminster College, and the Churchill Museum, Loganberry Inn is in a quiet residential area. The Victorian decor is lovely, and each of the five rooms has been thoughtfully decorated, keeping the Victorian theme in mind with fitting updates. The front porch and the backyard gazebo are ideal locations to sit and sip your coffee or favorite beverage while enjoying the neighborhood and lovely landscaped yard.
The bed and breakfast is run by Nanette and her husband, Bobby. Nanette is a trained Holistic Chef and does a fantastic job with breakfast, bakery goods, and other items. We had a delicious breakfast, starting with some amazing grilled grapefruit topped with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of yogurt. Next Nanette served us a nicely done omelette with tasty candied bacon and a fabulous lemon raspberry muffin. With lots of fresh coffee and juices, our Loganberry breakfast was the perfect start to our day.
The house dates back to 1899, and has been used as an inn since the 1990s. Fulton is home to Westminster College, where Winston Churchill gave his famous Iron Curtain address, considered by some to be Winston Churchill’s best speech. Well known guests at the Loganberry Inn include Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill’s daughter Mary Soames, and Polish President Lech Walesa.
For those who need to pick up a few groceries or other goods, there is a Fulton Missouri Walmart close by. Restaurants, the Fulton Missouri YMCA, and a Fulton Missouri cinema are just minutes away. For a luxurious stay with a delicious breakfast, stylish decor, convenient location, and friendly owners, Loganberry Inn Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay in the beautiful historic town of Fulton.
Katy Bike Trail in Mid-Missouri
The Katy Trail State Park is the longest developed rail trail in the county. This well maintained trail goes from Clinton to Machens, with 24 trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. Much of the east-west trail follows the Missouri River, which forms much of the southern border of Callaway County.
We rented bikes at Red Wheel Bike Shop, just a few miles from the North Jefferson Railroad Depot, where we started our ride. We rode only a portion of the 240 miles, riding from North Jefferson, past Wainwright, and towards Tebbets before turning around and returning to our starting point. This stretch on the Katy Bike Trail MO was mostly straight and level. Over half of our path was shaded with tall trees on both sides, and provided welcome protection from the sun on this warm June afternoon.
You can find a Katy Bike Trail Missouri Map at their website or at the Red Wheel Bike Shop in Jefferson City.
Red Wheel Bike Shop in Jefferson City
Red Wheel Bike Shop is the perfect place to start your bike ride on the Katy Trail or other bike trails. Just down the street from the state capitol building in Jefferson City, Red Wheel Bike Shop has a wide variety of bicycles and equipment to choose from. Julie and I both had sweet 24 speed bikes that were easy to shift and maneuver. Each bike had a drink holder and a bag on the back for carrying snacks and other small items.
Red Wheel also has some great maps and information about various bike trails, and even offers a shuttle to nearby trailheads on the Katy Trail. Whether you are looking to buy or rent a bike, cycling shoes, new tires or other equipment, Red Wheel Bike Shop has you covered.
“Excellent customer service and cycling expertise are what set us apart!” – Red Wheel Bike Shop
Beks Restaurant & Bar in Fulton
Beks Restaurant & Bar is a popular gastropub and steakhouse located in the historic Fulton Brick District in downtown Fulton, Missouri. Along with other wonderful shops, restaurants, bars, and a cinema, Beks is part of the downtown area beloved by residents, tourists, and college students from nearby Westminster College and Woods University. Beks has been serving hungry folks in Fulton since 2005. Head Chef Daniel Proctor is very creative and is always striving to improve the food and service for diners.
My wife ordered the Barramundi, a delicious Asian Sea Bass. Sides included a flavorful lime rice, green beans, and grilled zucchini. I enjoyed the Sirloin with Herb Duxelles, Port Blue Cheese Butter, Demi Glace, and Fried Shallots served with mashed potatoes. For dessert, our server recommended the homemade Carrot Cake, and are we glad we took her suggestion! The Carrot Cake was moist, full of flavor, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting.
Beks has earned its reputation as one of the top restaurants and bars in Fulton. Steaks, seafood, burgers, pasta, duck, chicken dishes, and more are all prepared and served with care. Stop in family friendly Beks and see for yourself.
Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant in Jefferson City
Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant in Jefferson City is a fabulous place atop Holt’s Summit. After biking part of the Katy Bike Trail, we stopped at Canterbury Hill to relax with some wine and snacks. The building and surrounding patio are beautiful with sweeping views of the vineyards and surrounding landscapes. Canterbury Winery is the perfect setting for special time with family, friends, or other groups. In addition to a full menu and plenty of local and other wines, Canterbury offers a wide selection of cocktails and cold beers.
We each tried a flight of wines along with some appetizers. Flights include a selection of either Dry, Semi-Dry, or Sweet Wines. I highly recommend the tasty Portabella Fries – Portabella mushrooms hand-breaded, fried to a golden brown, and served with ranch dipping sauce. We also enjoyed the Meat and Cheese Platter, a selection of meat and cheese served with crackers, grapes, and a taste of their lavash and cream cheese. Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant also offers a wide variety of soup, salads, steaks, and seafood dishes. In addition, some tasty pasta, burgers, chicken, and other options are on the menu.
Bike, Hike, Eat, and Drink in Lovely Callaway County
Julie and I had a wonderful time in lovely Callaway County. Conveniently located halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, this area of mid-Missouri has so much to offer. Come bike the Katy Trail, hike the rolling landscapes, visit the colleges and museums, and eat and drink at the wonderful wineries and restaurants in the area.
The friendly folks of the Show Me State are waiting for you.
Thanks to The Beenders Walker Group for arranging our itinerary. Thanks also to Loganberry Inn B&B, Beks Restaurant, Canterbury Hill Winery, and Red Wheel Bike Shop for hosting us. All opinions are my own.
