A journey full of taste: Local wineries, specialty farms and restaurants featured in new book

A Missouri author is encouraging her readers to hit the trails -- the food trails, that is.

For residents of the Cape Girardeau area, the trail begins right at home. Wineries, specialty farms and locally-owned and-operated restaurants are not found in short supply in and around the river city.

Locally-grown-and-prepared foods have a close connection to the city's culture, said Nina Furstenau, author of the book "Savor Missouri: River Hill Country Food and Wine." For nearly a year, she traveled along eastern Missouri researching some of the most colorful places in the area.

"I have a strong interest in regional flavor and the people that create it," Furstenau said. "I wrote this book as a way to draw readers to what I consider the highlights of the state: the land, the food and the people."

She said she chose each location based on word-of-mouth. In each of the 30-plus towns featured in her book, she asked local residents for suggestions, then reached out to the owners of the farms or restaurants that came most recommended.

In Cape Girardeau, Furstenau's food trail includes the Rose Bed Inn, Celebrations Restaurant, Family Friendly Farm, Hinkebein Hills Farm and Laughing Stalk Farmstead. She praises both the inn and the restaurant for serving meals prepared with food from the local specialty farms, which grow organic vegetables and raise antibiotic- and hormone-free livestock.

"The criteria for the places featured in my book was that they had to feature products visitors could buy at a farm or location in town," Furstenau said.

Products available from the featured locations include fresh milk and eggs, fruits, vegetables and a variety of meats.

Furstenau also suggested stops for local wine lovers. In Brazeau, Mo., she referred to Hemmen Winery as "a charmer," bottling and selling unique wines, including rhubarb and pumpkin.

The River Ridge Winery in Commerce Mo., comes equally recommended with the wines produced from their hand-tended vineyards adorned with quirky names like "Lucky Dog" or "Ten Spot."

For those seeking family-friendly stops, she features a list of specialty farms and orchards.

In Benton, Mo., Diebold Orchards and Greenhouse is a perfect place to stop and pick your own in-season fruits, said Furstenau. Visitors also can pick their own peaches and apples at Beggs' Pioneer Market and Orchard in Jackson, or stop by their old-fashioned roadside stand.

Those looking for more of a store environment where the goods are on the shelf and ready for purchase may want to stop at Stonie's Sausage Shop in Perryville, Furstenau said. They offer more than 200 products, including sausages, specialty burgers and an entire wall of spices.

At Jones Heritage Farms and Market in Jackson, visitors can combine the convenience of visiting the market with an authentic farm experience. Hormone- and antibiotic-free pork, beef, chicken, eggs and produce can be found on their shelves along with other seasonal items.

Although there's no food to be purchased, the Breezy Ridge Alpaca Farm in Perryville, Mo., is another fun family stop. The farm shop sells scarves, mittens, hats and tiny alpaca dolls, all made from alpaca wool. Visitors also can tour the farm by appointment.

Meier Horse Shoe Pines, also in Jackson, sells some food, like their fresh lamb in the summer, but their main attraction is the Christmas Shop and horse-drawn wagon rides to a field where visitors can pick their own Christmas tree. Furstenau said visitors will be "charmed" by the experience.

It was important to include a variety of interests in her book, said Furstenau, to show readers the river hill country has something for everyone.

"I intended this book to be like an invitation to people to come and visit these places," she said. "I always knew Missouri was a beautiful state, but until I started getting out to these smaller regions, I didn't realize just how gorgeous it was. People will get that if they follow these food trails."

Furstenau will be signing copies of her book at 7 p.m. May 27 at Barnes and Noble in Cape Girardeau. "Savor Missouri" may be purchased at Barnes and Noble in Cape Girardeau or online at amazon.com, acclaimpress.com or barnesandnoble.com.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

611 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO

615 Bellevue St., Cape Girardeau, MO

834 State Highway V, Cape Girardeau, MO

434 Whispering Wind Lane, Cape Girardeau, MO

1521 County Road 649, Cape Girardeau, MO

13022 Highway C, Brazeau, MO

850 County Road 321, Commerce, MO

217 N. Outer Road, Benton, MO

2008 W. Jackson Boulevard, Jackson, MO

1507 Edgemont Boulevard, Perryville, MO

5739 State Highway W, Jackson, MO

908 Perry County Road 810, Perryville, MO

2146 County Road 330, Jackson, MO

3049 William Street, Cape Girardeau, MO