'Taste of Missouri' includes Springfield stops

The entry deadline for “Taste of Missouri” was July 29, according to a news release from the Division of Tourism.

The five trips are the Southwest Sampler, featuring Carthage, Joplin and Springfield; the Northwest Sampler, featuring Kansas City and Jamesport; the Northeast Sampler, featuring St. Louis and Hermann; the Central Sampler, featuring Sedalia, Columbia and Jefferson City; and the Southeast Sampler, featuring Sikeston and Ste. Genevieve.

Southwest

The winner of the Southwest Sampler will have the chance to visit Springfield and use gift certificates at Hemingway’s Blue Water Café inside Bass Pro Shops. The winner also will receive gift certificates for Honey Heaven, Agrario, The Vineyard Tearoom and Haruno Japanese Sushi Bar and Grill.

They’ll also be treated to a stay at the Walnut Street Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Southwest Sampler also includes dinner at Carthage’s Whiterose Restaurant and Winery and passes to Precious Moments Inspiration Park.

In Joplin, the winner of the Southwest package will dine at the Bistro at Sandstone Gardens and Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill and tour Richardson’s Candy Factory.

Northwest

The Northwest Sampler includes accommodations for four in Kansas City, with the opportunity to try Gates and KC Masterpiece barbecue.

It also features a tour of Boulevard Brewing Co. and a look at buried treasure at Arabia Steamboat Museum. In Jamesport, the state’s largest Amish Community, the winner will see the area via Amish Country Bus Tours and will sit down for a family-style Amish meal at Gingerich Dutch Pantry and Bakery. The winner’s party also will rest and relax at Country Colonial Bed and Breakfast.

Northeast

One winner and three traveling companions will have lunch at Sassafrass, the new café at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, and dinner on The Hill. They’ll also tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, receive passes to the top of the Gateway Arch, a cruise on the Gateway Arch Riverboat and tickets to the City Museum. In Hermann, they’ll ride the Katy Trail with a one-day bike rental from Hermann Ride, Rest & Go, dine at Stone Hill Winery’s Vintage Restaurant and tour the Stone Hill and Adam Puchta wineries. They’ll rest at Meyer’s Hilltop Bed & Breakfast.

Central

In Sedalia, the winner will receive lunch for four at Ivy Cottage Tea Room, and a gift certificate for guberburgers – hamburgers spread with peanut butter – at the Wheel Inn Drive-in and a stay at the Hotel Bothwell.

The winner also will receive a welcome package at the Katy Depot Heritage Site and tour the Sedalia Heritage Trail with stops at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, the Missouri State Fairgrounds and Bothwell Lodge State Park. In Columbia, the winner will stay at the Comfort Suites next to the Boone County Farmers Market and sample Agri-Missouri Products from the area. A $200 gift certificate will provide dining, shopping and entertainment in Columbia’s downtown district.

Southeast

In Sikeston, the winner and three guests will eat at Lambert’s Café and tour Sikeston’s Historic Depot and the Beggs Family Farm. The group will rest at Klein House Bed and Breakfast, a turn-of-the-century Victorian-style home. In Ste. Genevieve, the group will experience French culture, tasting wines at the Crown Valley and Ste. Genevieve wineries. They’ll dine at Treasured Memories Tea Room and the Inn St. Gemme Beauvais. They’ll also tour the Felix Valle State Historic Site and sleep at the Somewhere Inn Time Bed and Breakfast.

The Division of Tourism’s Web site, www.VisitMO.com, offers information about the “Taste of Missouri” promotion and recipes for a variety of dishes from throughout the state, including descriptions of the towns and regions from which the recipes originate. The site also offers ideas for trips in Missouri focused on sampling the state’s fare.