Fall is the absolute BEST time to visit Missouri, and with all the activities and events going on in September, Fulton and Callaway County is the best of the best!

The world-renowned Katy Trail and a Missouri autumn day are a match made in heaven. Whether your mount is two-wheeled or four-legged, you’ll enjoy a relaxing, easy ride filled with beautiful unspoiled scenery. (That’s right, we said four-legged. The section between Tebbetts and Portland allows horses.) When you’re ready for a break along the way, indulge in a tasty burger at Holtshauser’s Bar and Grill in Portland or an amazing breakfast (if you’re an early riser) or delicious lunch at The Landing Zone at the Jefferson City Airport, which is located on the Callaway side of the big muddy.

For a ride that doesn’t take you too far from civilization, wheel your bike onto Stinson Creek Trail in Fulton. Plus, at the end of your trek, you won’t be too far from a frozen beverage on the patio at The Station. Be sure to check out some of their neighboring Brick District shops and restaurants.

Motorcyclists also love riding the area’s fun, curvy country roads in the fall, stopping off along the way for a famous $2 Sammie (1-meat, 1-cheese on white bread) at Crane’s Country Store in Williamsburg. Kick back on their front porch while enjoying yours with a bag of locally-made Backer’s potato chips and an ice-cold soda. Then finish the day with a post-trip pick-me-up at the Post Office Bar & Grill for their famous hot wings, or get an authentic pie from Brooklyn Pizza. (Yeah, the owners really are from Brooklyn.) If you prefer upscale, but still casual dining, don’t miss the chef-driven offerings at Beks gastropub.

If your time is flexible, be sure to visit Callaway County September 9-11 for two special events. Serenity Valley Winery near Millersburg will host the 4th annual "Volks in the Valley" VW only campout. Check out the campers while enjoying their band and food truck pairing on Saturday night.

Bring your Willys or other type of Jeep to be displayed with others from around the Midwest at Willys Jeep Reunion & Swap Meet at Auto World Museum in Fulton. Participants will head out to Potawatomi Off-Road Park on Friday night with their stock (and not so stock) Willys. If dirt track racing is more your speed, head out to Callaway Raceway for some Friday night action.

And finally, experience a traditional Callawegian taste sensation during the fall events on the Callaway Mutton Trail. It starts with the Mokane “Worlds Fair” over Labor Day Weekend, continues September 23-25 at Muttonfest in Tebbetts, and concludes with the Calwood BBQ Mutton Dinner October 1 from noon to 7 p.m. 

 Obviously, there’s more to a Callaway County road trip than just getting on a bike, motorcycle or horse. Eat, drink, play and ride – explore it all the Callaway.