Good Times and Good Things Happen In Fulton & Callaway County, MO

Winston Churchill once said “No hour of life is wasted that is spent the Callaway.” OK, we made that up – he actually said “in the saddle.” But Sir Winston would have been right either way. He also said “I like things to happen, and if they don’t happen I like to make them happen,” an attitude he shares with Fulton & Callaway County, Missouri.

You might be wondering why we’re quoting Churchill. He obviously wasn’t from here – but his life and legacy are preserved here, at America’s National Churchill Museum. During World War II, Winston Churchill’s oratory carried England through its darkest days, from Dunkirk to the fall of Nazi Germany.

Explore his extraordinary life, including his highest and lowest moments, and his visit to Fulton in 1946, where his famous “Iron Curtain” speech. The museum’s gallery has a fine collection of Churchill’s art and memorabilia. The breathtaking Church of St. Mary, the Virgin, Aldermanbury, a 17th century church that was brought to Fulton from London, is a work of art in itself. Nearby, stands the sculpture Breakthrough - created out of sections of the Berlin Wall by Churchill’s own granddaughter.

If he were here today, Churchill would really enjoy visiting Callaway County - things are always happening here.

One of the best happenings is Morels and Microbrews – a one-day festival on May 4 in the downtown Brick District in Fulton that celebrates the most delicious fungi found in nature. The festival features tons of awesome breweries, delicious vendors, fresh and fried morel mushrooms and toe-tapping live music. Food, fungi and live music is all free to the public, but if you want to enjoy the microbrews, you’ll need advance beer tickets – which always sell out quickly. Early bird pricing is available until April 15. This year, we are celebrating Star Wars style: May the 4 th BEER with you!

But of course your appetite for fun is year-round. So it’s a good thing there’s so much to do, see, eat and drink the Callaway.

Indulge in your favorite flavors including authentic Louisiana cuisine at Fontenot’s Po’boys, Brooklyn Pizza made by Brooklynites, Cuban specialties at the family run Fulton Cafe, American gastropub specials at Beks’, and so much more.

Visit Serenity Valley Winery just outside Fulton, Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant in Holts Summit, and Elderblossom View Orchard & Winery in New Bloomfield. In addition to local wines, they all provide tranquil atmospheres with spectacular views. Don’t miss sampling some boozy slushies at The Station in Fulton, known for their amazing variety of frozen concoctions and their large patio. All of these locations offer live music during their summer music series.

For the adventurous visitors, check out Missouri’s Katy Trail, recently named the nation’s 13th best state park by Travel Awaits and the second best Recreational Trail by USA Today’s 10 Best. The 220 mile rail-to-trail conversion follows the Missouri River through the southern border of Callaway County. Not only is it popular with hikers and bicyclists, the Callaway County section from Portland to Tebbetts is also one of just two equestrian-friendly areas on the trail.

Photo courtesy Missouri Division of Tourism visitmo.com

Just outside Fulton, explore Prairie Garden Trust (PGT) , which was named a birding hotspot on E-Bird. If golf is your game, Fulton’s Tanglewood Golf Course is one of the best public courses to be found in Central Missouri.

Everyone remembers where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. One that date, a poignant statue commissioned for the Missouri Firefighters Memorial had just arrived in port from Italy. The Fire Fighters Association of Missouri donated that statue to New York City in honor of the heroes from the attack on the World Trade Center. A replacement statue paying homage to brave Missouri firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty is now on display in Kingdom City.

On a lighter note, go back in time at the Auto World Museum in Fulton. Without the automobile, we wouldn’t have had the suburbs, family vacations or the DeLorean time machine from “Back to the Future.” Explore automotive history featuring vehicles like a 1909 Model T, a 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom, a 1963 Corvette Stingray and so much more. And yes, there is a DeLorean.

And after a day of touring, treat yourself to a romantic stay at the Loganberry Inn Bed & Breakfast or a fun night at the game-themed Uptown Loft in the Brick District.

Things are really happening in Fulton and Callaway County. Winston Churchill would be proud. Come visit and be surprised by how much a small town can offer. Call us at 573-642-7692 for a visitor guide. #visitfulton #visitmo