A gathering of female friends off on an adventure together is sometimes labeled a “girls’ trip.” But that’s so 2020. It’s time to broaden your horizons – because now it means a trip to Fulton, Missouri to visit a variety of popular destinations that are owned and operated by women!

Fulton is an amazing historic destination headlined by America’s National Churchill Museum and the breathtaking Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury. Centrally located, it’s easily reached for a day trip or overnight visit from Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City. And we’ve got a great itinerary for you that is bursting with girl power!

Start out by making an appointment in advance to visit Carolyn Linton at Green Meadow Barn Company. This master maker preserves the heritage and ambiance of old barns and homesteads by transforming the reclaimed wood into focal pieces to fit any décor. Many of her exquisite unique items come with the story of the barn or home that was the source of the wood.

Then plan an extended wander through The Brick District for shopping, snacking and dining.

First stop: 1Canoe2, where Beth Snyder has created a line of cheerful, thoughtful paper goods and gifts, cards, artwork and textiles. You’re sure to find something perfect to give as a gift – but chances are you’ll also find something you can’t resist, just for you. And when you go back home, you can still join their class in bullet journaling online.

Phyllis Swiney and Barbara Reid have created an incredible don’t-miss shopping destination in the Brick District: a resale boutique and upstyled creations shop with a heart. Re-Made with a Purpose is staffed entirely by people with disabilities who use their special talents and imagination to create an uplifting line of inspirational gifts and home décor.

By now, you’re likely ready to refuel. Iris Atkinson was born in Cuba, and with her husband, John, she’s brought the delicious cuisine of her home to downtown Fulton. With legitimate Cuban food, sandwiches, soups, salads and plantains that get rave reviews, the Fulton Café is “a hoppin’ Cuban place.” It’s open for weekday lunches only, so plan accordingly.

Now that you’ve topped off your energy, you can get back to exploring the charming Brick District. Be sure to see Virginia McCoskrie at Smockingbird's Unique Gifts. She’ll fix you up with quality local Missouri-made items, including gourmet foods, books, and bath and body products as well as fun socks, puzzles and games.

Whether you’ve developed a little hollow spot you want to fill with something special or looking for gifts for friends, family and business colleagues - Brooke Bartlett and her husband Nick have turned an ordinary snack into an extraordinary treat: popcorn with attitude. GoPo Gourmet Popcorn combines locally grown, farm-fresh kernels with real, high-quality ingredients to craft amazing new flavors. Their six signature popcorns include traditional caramel and cheddar as well as Slowburn Kettle and Everything Tiger. And rotating featured specialties include delights like lemon meringue and grasshopper pie. Bet your mouth is watering just hearing about it!

When you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, treat yourself to some “me” time at Monique Jensen’s 

Salt Teas Spa and Boutique. A tea foot soak is just the right prescription for tired feet, but the main attraction is an infrared sauna lined with pink Himalayan sea salt. During a 15-30 minute session, the conversation is guaranteed to get hot and colorful! After all, the sauna reaches temperatures of 100-150 degrees and is lit in vivid hues.

Now that you’re all relaxed, head out to Serenity Valley Winery, where Regina Ruppert and her vintner-husband Lee will offer you with a selection of more than 20 wines, each handcrafted in small quantities. All their wines are fermented and bottled on-site, allowing visitors to observe a continuous wine-making facility.

Finally, head back to the Brick District for one more amazing meal, at Kimberly Perry’s Ms. Kim's Fish & Chicken Shack. Stop in for her classic fried chicken and fish, or branch out with shrimp, frog legs or whiting (a white fish with light, lean meat and sweet, delicate flavor). A meal at Ms. Kim’s isn’t complete without a smattering of Southern sides – think black-eyed peas, collard greens, pickled beets, potato salad, and red beans and rice.

One perfect day in Fulton can still leave you wanting more, so instead of heading home after dinner, check in at Loganberry Inn. The 1899 grand Victorian bed-and-breakfast has hosted renowned guests including Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill’s daughter Mary Soames, and former Polish President, Lech Walesa. And after a luxurious night’s rest, Monique Jensen will spoil you with a gourmet breakfast.

Whether a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll be left with a lasting impression: in Fulton, Missouri, the ladies have got it going on!