Abby Hoover
Managing Editor
Weston, Mo., is the state’s top day trip destination, and for good reason. The historic hillside town has something for everyone – from great local produce to expertly crafted beer, wine and liquor, and handmade crafts and wares from around the world.
The historic downtown is about 40 minutes from Northeast Kansas City – on the drive, be sure to check out the progress on the KC Current stadium from the Bond Bridge – and an easy highway drive through the Northland.
We started our day at Weston Red Barn Farm, which has an orchard, wildflowers, a variety of barnyard animals, and a farm store with fresh produce, meat and many other tasty things. It was nostalgic for my husband Tucker and I, as we got married on the farm almost five years ago on a much chillier day in November.
After petting the donkeys, pony and goats and admiring the large chicken coop and duck enclosure, we selected some fresh peaches to take home.
On our drive into town, we passed Holladay Distillery, founded in 1856, which hosts 90-minute tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for $25. While we passed on this trip, we had a great time on our tour a few years back and would highly recommend it to bourbon enthusiasts.
Once in Weston, navigating the hilly, narrow streets should be done carefully. We went straight to Main Street and found parking easily. If all street parking is closed, look for signs directing traffic off Main Street into free nearby parking lots. This is also where you’ll find a playground for little ones who have been in the car too long.
Our first stop in town was Weston Coffee Roastery at 413 Main St. They roast their beans on site and have a lovely, cozy shop. I tried the Lavender Haze, a latte with a combo of lavender syrup and white chocolate. Tucker, not a caffeine drinker, opted for a Lavender Lemonade.
Weston is rich with unique locally owned shops with a variety of gifts, antiques, decor and more. We started at Weston Tobacco, a cigar lounge and store. Weston and its surrounding farmland have a long history of growing tobacco.
From there, we perused shops on Main Street, but I was most excited for Renditions Polish Pottery. While entering might overwhelm the senses of some, I adore the colorful patterns jumping out at me from all directions from baking dishes, tea pots, mugs, plates, cookie jars – just about anything you could imagine!
There’s no shortage of options, and I will say from personal experience, it is much easier to choose handmade, authentic Polish pottery from a store in Weston, Mo., than it is to bring it back on a flight from Poland. After much deliberation, I chose a teacup and matching cream pitcher, which are now resting safely at home in my antique secretary.
While Main Street was buzzing with activity, Weston is definitely an autumn town. Many stores were closed in the middle of the day on a summer Sunday. We enjoyed reading the plaques outside each storefront that tell the history of the building and about its architectural style.
For those looking for Weston souvenirs or Weston Bend State Park merchandise, don’t miss Cactus Creek, a cute and eclectic vintage store and boutique.
Reminiscing on our honeymoon to Scotland and Ireland, we stopped into The Celtic Ranch, a boutique and jewelry store that feels just like the real thing. In the back hides one of Main Street’s best kept secrets – a Whiskey Snug with over 1,100 Irish Whiskeys, Single Malt Scotches, unusual bourbons, ryes and an extensive offering of international spirits. It’s the Midwest’s largest selection, and visitors can purchase samples by the shot or a bottle to enjoy.
Feeling Irish after our stop at the Celtic Ranch, we decided to return to one of our local favorites, O’Malley’s Pub at Weston Brewing Company. Weston was founded in 1837, and at the time was the furthest town west in the U.S. Not long after, in 1842, Weston Brewing Company was founded.
We enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips at the brewery’s American Bowman Restaurant and headed down – and I mean down – into the pub. At six stories, O’Malley’s Pub is the tallest commercial building in Weston, but it’s nearly all underground. Descending 55 feet into the original lagering cellars, guests can visit three vaulted limestone cellars and can often enjoy live music.
After all that food – and drink – we needed to walk it off. We headed to Weston Bend State Park where short trails give hikers beautiful views of the Missouri River and beyond. We checked out an old tobacco barn in the park, which explains the history of the crop in the area, and ended our walk at a nice overlook over the river. We’ll definitely be back in the fall to enjoy the leaves.
Our last stop before heading home was at Green Dirt Farm, a creamery famous locally for its signature sheep cheeses, mixed milk artisan cheeses and cow’s milk ice cream made on a sustainable farm. They have a café with gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie boards, beer, wine and other foods and crafts from local small-batch makers. I opted for a scoop of strawberry on a waffle cone.
For those looking to spend more than a day in Weston, we recommend the historic St. George Hotel or the Hatchery House Bed & Breakfast.
Historic Weston, Mo., is an easy, close getaway for anyone looking to escape the city for the day. With something for travelers of all ages and interests, it would be a perfect place to take visitors to Kansas City, friends for a pub crawl, antique collectors or the whole family.
VISIT WESTON, MISSOURI
Weston Bend State Park
16600 MO-45
Weston, MO 64098
(816) 640-5443
mostateparks.com
Weston Red Barn Farm
16300 Wilkerson Rd
Weston, MO 64098
(816) 386-5437
westonredbarnfarm.com
O’Malley’s Pub
540 Welt St
Weston, MO 64098
(816) 640-5235
Green Dirt Farm Creamery
1099 Welt St
Weston, MO 64098
(816) 386-2156
greendirtfarm.com
Weston Roastery
413 Main St.
Weston, MO 64098
(816) 386-4141
The Saint George Hotel
500 Main St.
Weston, MO 64098
Holladay Distillery
1 McCormick Ln
Weston, MO 64098
(816) 640-3056
holladaydistillery.com
Weston Tobacco
357 Main St
Weston, MO 64098
(816) 386-4086
westontobacco.com
