Fulton, Missouri is full of surprises that will make you go, “Wow!” Sure, there’s the tasty sensation known as Morels & Microbrews, which for 11 years has offered craft beer tasting and the chance to enjoy one of spring’s tastiest surprises - the much coveted morel mushroom.

This festival is short, just like morel season. We guarantee you will be wowed by what is packed in between 12 noon - 4pm. There’s 20+ microbrews, countless pounds of fried and fresh morels available for purchase, local food trucks, and free, live music by the Kay Brothers. Tickets for beer sampling and commemorative glass must be purchased in advance. The rest is free and open to all.

The fun in Fulton doesn’t begin or end with Morels & Microbrews. Here are a few suggestions about how to build the perfect Brick District weekend getaway.

Friday, May 3
Start your evening with a refreshing, boozy slushie, or ice cold beer, on the patio at The Station. Follow up with dinner at Beks, where you will find tried and true favorites and chef-driven specials. Try to save room for the house made desserts.

Saturday, May 4
Start your morning with a specialty coffee and a bite to eat at the Court street Cafe, located inside the Brick District Playhouse, Fulton’s renovated historic 1920’s theatre.

After brunch, head down to the Fulton Farmers Market. If you pass by a stand selling fresh morels, buy them. They are a precious commodity, and folks start lining up about an hour before the morels go on sale at 11 am.

While you are waiting for Morels & Microbrews to start, pop into the many independent shops throughout the Brick District. Step inside the shops at 528 Court Street, where you’ll find a world of discovery, including art and art supplies at Garriott Porter Art Studio, upcycled furniture at Chalk-It Up, hand crafted treasure at Jewelry by LaToshia, LuLaRoe clothing at Shelly’s Chromatic, and all things related to cards and board games at Cardboard Castle.

Sample the fresh-made popcorn at Go-Po the Gourmet Popcorn Shop. Check out the gifts, accessories and kitchen wares at Smockingbird’s. Get lost in the shelves of new and used books at Well Read. Shop for upscaled home goods at Re-Made for A Purpose. Find botanical gifts and inspiration at Wild Sage Goods.

Feeling a bit hungry later that afternoon? Take a short stroll down the street for an award winning, real-deal New York-style pizza from Brooklyn Pizza. Yeah, it’s true. The owners are from Brooklyn. Or, checkout the soulful fare at Ms. Kim’s Fish and Chicken Shack.

Sunday, May 5
After breakfast at your hotel, B & B, hotel or local café, head over to America’s National Churchill Museum which is housed under the 17-century St. Mary the Virgin, Church of Aldermanbury.

The church, designed by Christopher Wren, had stood in London since 1677.  Badly damaged during World  War II, the church was rebuilt stone by stone on the Westminster Campus in Fulton to commemorate Winston Churchill’s 1946 “Iron Curtain” speech, which is considered to be a harbinger of the Cold War. 

The museum offers the largest Churchill collection in North America. Standing next to the church is the sculpture Breakthrough. It was created by Churchill’s granddaughter from eight sections of the Berlin Wall.

Before you leave of town, make a stop at the Auto World Museum. Auto World has 70 rare and vintage vehicles set among prints of historic scenes and nearly full scale building facades.

If you have a couple more hours to spare, wrap up your weekend with a trip to the country for a nice glass of wine, a wood-fired pizza and a spectacular sunset at Serenity Valley Winery.