9 Cozy Missouri Destinations To Visit In 2025
Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with a loved one is to escape to a destination where time slows, the scenery captivates, and every moment feels infused with magic. Missouri’s small towns provide just that—charming retreats brimming with history, natural beauty, and heartfelt hospitality. Imagine sipping wine in a softly lit vineyard, strolling hand-in-hand through a historic downtown, or unwinding in an intimate bed-and-breakfast. These nine cozy Missouri destinations to visit in 2025 offer unforgettable dining, enchanting and distinctive attractions, and cozy accommodations, setting the stage for the perfect getaway.
Hermann
Hermann is renowned for its German heritage and picturesque vineyards in the heart of Missouri's wine country. Visitors can explore numerous wineries, such as Stone Hill Winery and Adam Puchta Winery, offering guided tastings and tours. As you enjoy sampling various vintners, we recommend dining at the Vintage 1847 restaurant serving in the converted carriage house on the Stone Hill Winery grounds. This upscale family restaurant has served award-winning American and German cuisine for nearly 46 years. For a comfortable stay, consider the Inn at Hermannhof, which provides luxurious accommodations for an intimate weekend.
The downtown district has numerous small shops, boutiques, and antique stores where you can spend an afternoon browsing. If you need a breakfast place, many locals will recommend Stomp'n Grounds Espresso Bar for its deliciously brewed coffee and homemade hot breakfast. The community celebrates its roots with annual events like Maifest (May 16-18, 2025) and Oktoberfest (every weekend in October). These glorious festivals feature traditional music, food, and crafts and should not be missed.
Weston
Weston sits just north of Kansas City, offering a quaint downtown filled with antique shops, art galleries, and historic sites. One of the biggest festivals in the area, the town hosts the annual Weston Applefest every fall (this year, the event is scheduled for Oct. 12-13). The weekend will be filled with crafts, music, and local delicacies. (Many local farms also sell apple cider, apple butter, and fresh apples from their orchards).
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, book accommodations like the Hatchery House Bed & Breakfast, which provides a cozy retreat for visitors. While you are there, don't miss O'Malley's Pub, a historic brewery offering a unique underground pub experience with live music and a fantastic selection of craft beers. For a romantic evening, might we suggest a private cooking class with Chef Nicholas at Noah's Cupboard.
Ste. Genevieve
As Missouri's oldest permanent European settlement, Ste. Genevieve boasts well-preserved French colonial architecture and historic sites. The town offers guided tours of landmarks like the Centre for French Colonial Life and The Bulduc House. Every June, the community hosts the French Heritage Festival (June 7-8, 2025), where residents celebrate their French heritage with authentic foods, costumes, and music. For those who prefer long hikes outdoors, we suggest spending a few hours at Hawn State Park, which has fast-flowing streams, scraggly rocks, and glorious wildflowers blooming throughout the forest.
After an evening exploring the town or the trail, dine at Audubon's Grill & Bar, which offers a diverse menu and perfect wine pairings. For romantic accommodation, stay at the Main Street Bed and Breakfast, a beloved inn that has been a part of the community since 1880. For a breakfast staple, try Birdie's Coffee + Bakery, a quaint shop serving some of the best quiche on the planet.
Kimmswick
A short drive from St. Louis, Kimmswick is a Mississippi River town known for its charming shops, historic homes, and the famous Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery, home of the Levee High Apple Pie. This restaurant has been a local institution for four decades. (The Bakery offers over twenty varieties of pie and other homemade delicacies. Every one of them is worth sampling). For lodging, consider the Kimmswick Guesthouse, offering comfortable rooms within walking distance of local attractions.
If you visit the town, be sure to attend one of its several festivals, including the Strawberry Festival in June and the Apple Butter Festival every October. Both events attract visitors from across the region who come to explore the work of local artists and crafters. Whether you want a quiet interlude stuffing your face with sweet bites of pie or strolling through a busy festival looking at interesting artwork, this town has just what you need.
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock isn't a town, per se, because the entire village is a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can stroll through several buildings in this once-bustling Missouri River town, offering glimpses into Missouri's frontier history. The village also offers camping sites for those who enjoy the outdoors, whether hiking a local trail or sitting near an open campfire making s'mores.
While you are touring Arrow Rock, we suggest stopping in at J. Huston Tavern, Missouri's oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving classic American fare. The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre presents professional live performances throughout the year. (Lectures, educational events, and theatrical productions occur almost every weekend). While Arrow Rock might not have all the amenities of other small towns across the state, it is a peaceful place to refocus your priorities with the one you love.
Hannibal
Hannibal lies along the banks of the Mississippi River and is best known as the boyhood home of legendary writer Mark Twain. This picturesque community has a historic downtown filled with antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. The Mark Twain Riverboat offers a unique perspective of the mighty Mississippi with its romantic dinner cruise. Travelers can enjoy a first-rate meal, dance to live music or listen to the gentle lull of the river. Visiting the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum or the Mark Twain Cave is a must-visit for those who love history and literature. In addition, there are nightly ghost tours through the town’s historic haunts, adding an element of adventure to the weekend.
One of the best places to dine is LaBinnah Bistro, which is set in an 1870 historic home. This exquisite fine-dining restaurant infuses international flavors into every bite and has a top-notch wine list. The town has several high-quality B&Bs, including the Garth Woodside Mansion and Main Street Bed and Breakfast.
Ridgedale
If your idea of a cozy destination is a secluded lake resort, look no further than Ridgedale and the Big Cedar Lodge. This glorious hideaway sits on Table Rock Lake just south of Branson, offering visitors the natural beauty of the Ozarks, stunning lakefront sunsets, and first-class accommodations. You can spend your time in the luxurious spa, eating from one of eleven restaurant options, cruising on the lake, or even playing golf on one of their five championship courses.
While you are staying at the resort, activities are happening constantly, from yoga to pottery to paint and pour classes to wine and bourbon workshops. There is an entertainment complex (Fun Mountain) to release the inner child inside of you or if you want the family to enjoy some together time. If you can, plan on attending the Outlaw Music Festival on June 29, featuring the likes of Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and other great performers.
Cassville
Cassville is in the scenic Ozark hills, offering a charming small-town atmosphere and the perfect gateway to outdoor adventures. Most visitors discover this quaint community on their way to Roaring River State Park, the most popular state park in the state. If you love to fish for rainbow trout, this park is one of only three in Missouri stocked daily. Roaring River offers various accommodations for overnight stays, from camping to rustic cabins to nicely furnished modern rooms at the CCC Lodge. (Be sure to make reservations in advance). The community has a pleasant downtown district, which includes several antique stores, such as Peddler's Junction and the Wishing Wells Flea Market. For 2025, the Spring into Summer Festival will occur on May 10 at Harvick Farms as the locals celebrate changing seasons.
Branson
Branson is known for its folksy mountain music and family attractions as a premier tourist destination. The community lives up to its reputation as the state's entertainment capital during the summer, as visitors flock here to enjoy the local attractions. Whether taking in a music variety show, wandering through the Titanic Museum, or spending the day at Silver Dollar City, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Branson. The Showboat Branson Belle offers nightly dinner cruises around the lake, with great food, live music, and dancing.
Branson has its share of luxury hotels and hideaways if you know where to look. We recommend staying in one of the many cabins, such as those at Branson Woods Resort, Thousand Hills Golf Resort, and Hidden Falls Log Cabin Rentals. Try Billy Gails Cafe, known for its hubcap-sized pancakes, for a unique breakfast option. Don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table, because this place is that good.
These nine cozy Missouri destinations to visit in 2025 encapsulate the warmth and charm of Missouri's small-town life, offering unique experiences perfect for reconnecting with the one you love. Whether you're a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, these quaint, romantic destinations will surely make your visit memorable in 2025. Don't be surprised if you return more often than once or stay longer than planned.
