The 2010 Valentine's Weekend Route de Vin festivities are set for February 13 and 14, and I cannot word the announcement better than they did:
“Roses are red, violets are blue, the Route Du Vin has something special for you! This Valentine's Weekend, romance the one you love on the Route du Vin! An afternoon, or an entire weekend, in Ste. Genevieve enjoying fine wines and decadent foods is sure to help you find your Valentine passion!”
Tickets are $20 per person until January 29; and $25 per person after January 29. Besides the wonderful wine and food paring menu, the purchase price includes a complimentary wine glass and 10% off wine purchases made that day. There are three ways to purchase your tickets: You can call Sainte Genevieve Winery at 800-396-1298; or you can pick up your tickets at any of the participating wineries; or you can purchase on-line at http://www.twinoaksvineyard.com/ (at the top of the website select Wine Store, then Events).
The Route de Vin (http://www.rdvwinetrail.com/) hosts other festivities throughout the year. The webmaster is working on updating the website with the 2010 festivities. But you can sign-up for e-mail updates, and you can find the Route de Vin Wine Trail map with a listing of the wineries involved in the wine trail, five of whom are MRHA members. While you are at it, check out the winery member websites: http://www.saintegenevievewinery.com/; http://www.twinoaksvineyard.com/; http://www.chaumette.com/; http://www.cavevineyard.com/; and http://www.charlevillevineyard.com/. Better yet, print the PDF wine trail map and experience the beauty first hand!
Fine wines. Decadent foods. What a great job I have!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Great Last Minute Gifts . . .
A fun part of my job is sharing comparisons with people. An example: while discussing our event table display with a couple, I asked the husband what he thought his wife would appreciate more . . . an overseas, factory-make fragrance basket from a box store or one of these (as I picked up a hand-made vase from MRHA member Julie Bricknell, owner of J Brick Pottery). The distant glaze over his eyes began to fade as his wife let out a sigh of delight and replied for him, “One of these! One of these!”
From pottery made of Mississippi River mud, to stained glass, Alpaca wool clothing, stained glass beauties, paintings, and jewelry, there is much to choose from that will make anyone’s gift super special. Just take a look below for contact information of MRHA artisan members that will make this Christmas memorable!
Julie Bricknell, of J Brick Pottery, is an amazing artist who comes up with beautiful vase designs AND great practical items. J Brick Pottery has a few unique pottery pieces for sale at the general store of MRHA member Eggers and Company B&B in Farrar (www.eggersandcompany.com), and other locations in Altenburg and Cape Girardeau, or by appointment at her studio near Pocahontas. Give Julie a call at 573-837-9941 for information. Want to see samples? www.jbrickpottery.com
Boy, does this cold system coming in remind me to get out my scarf and gloves. Artisan Connie Blechle, of Perryville, creates clothing products from her own Alpaca herd. I saw a wonderful scarf (so soft!) and the cutest of felted hats at MRHA member Odlie’s Linen & Lace, Etc., (www.odileslace.com) located on Third Street in Ste. Genevieve, the other day. Give Connie a call at 573-768-1790 to see where else you can pick up these great gifts!
Richard Otte of The Stained Glass Shop, located at 260 Merchant Street in Ste. Genevieve, not only has a beautiful display of items for sale, he and his partner, Michelle, also commission for one-of-a-kind creations. The bench outside his shop has got to be one of my favorites! Contact Rich and Michelle at: 573-883-5359.
And let’s not forget our jewelry artisan Linda Klossner, of Klossner Studio in Cedar Hill, Jefferson County. Contact Linda at: 636-274-4628 for information on her products.
Then last - but definitely not least - is our amazing painters, Iris Vincent and Juanita Rapp Wyman, both of Ste. Genevieve. These artisans have original paintings, prints, and great greeting cards in several shops around Ste. Genevieve. Check out samples of Iris’ work at http://imvartgallery.blogspot.com or give her a call at: 573-883-2622. You can reach Juanita at: 573-883-9533 for more information on location for finding her creations.
So scurry on out to pick up these great gifts – only three more days until Christmas! What a great time of year! I’m sooo excited!
Lisa
573-883-0767
From pottery made of Mississippi River mud, to stained glass, Alpaca wool clothing, stained glass beauties, paintings, and jewelry, there is much to choose from that will make anyone’s gift super special. Just take a look below for contact information of MRHA artisan members that will make this Christmas memorable!
Julie Bricknell, of J Brick Pottery, is an amazing artist who comes up with beautiful vase designs AND great practical items. J Brick Pottery has a few unique pottery pieces for sale at the general store of MRHA member Eggers and Company B&B in Farrar (www.eggersandcompany.com), and other locations in Altenburg and Cape Girardeau, or by appointment at her studio near Pocahontas. Give Julie a call at 573-837-9941 for information. Want to see samples? www.jbrickpottery.com
Boy, does this cold system coming in remind me to get out my scarf and gloves. Artisan Connie Blechle, of Perryville, creates clothing products from her own Alpaca herd. I saw a wonderful scarf (so soft!) and the cutest of felted hats at MRHA member Odlie’s Linen & Lace, Etc., (www.odileslace.com) located on Third Street in Ste. Genevieve, the other day. Give Connie a call at 573-768-1790 to see where else you can pick up these great gifts!
Richard Otte of The Stained Glass Shop, located at 260 Merchant Street in Ste. Genevieve, not only has a beautiful display of items for sale, he and his partner, Michelle, also commission for one-of-a-kind creations. The bench outside his shop has got to be one of my favorites! Contact Rich and Michelle at: 573-883-5359.
And let’s not forget our jewelry artisan Linda Klossner, of Klossner Studio in Cedar Hill, Jefferson County. Contact Linda at: 636-274-4628 for information on her products.
Then last - but definitely not least - is our amazing painters, Iris Vincent and Juanita Rapp Wyman, both of Ste. Genevieve. These artisans have original paintings, prints, and great greeting cards in several shops around Ste. Genevieve. Check out samples of Iris’ work at http://imvartgallery.blogspot.com or give her a call at: 573-883-2622. You can reach Juanita at: 573-883-9533 for more information on location for finding her creations.
So scurry on out to pick up these great gifts – only three more days until Christmas! What a great time of year! I’m sooo excited!
Lisa
573-883-0767
Monday, December 14, 2009
More December Activities!
It’s official. I am not a fan of goat cheese. I was at an event recently and the stuff they had everywhere was left wanton as far as my taste buds are concerned. Yuck! So what do I base my culinary expertise on? Baetje Farms, of course! The first time Steve Baetje tried to get me to try Veronica’s artisan goat cheese, I said, “No thanks. It tastes like goat.” To which Steve jokingly replied, “Tastes like goat. Now, Lisa, have you ever licked a goat?” Well, I did have to admit, “No” but it was the only way I could explain that barnyard, funky aftertaste left in my mouth. Working hard to be the good Coordinator I want to be, I stepped up to the plate and carefully put a Baetje Farms goat cheese sample in my mouth.
Oh my heavens! Amazing! Wonderful! Can’t even get a supply home before I’m munching into it! I don’t know what it is – the fresh spring water, the organic herb tea and supplements, the green pastures, or lots of love and interaction with Veronica – that makes Baetje’s artisan goat cheese so amazing, but I’m telling you that you are missing out if you haven’t tried their product. Check out Baetje Farms product on Saturdays from 10 am to 3pm at Southbound Fuel, Ste. Genevieve County, at Exit 150 on I-55. Baetje Farms is there with sampling and buying opportunities you don’t want to miss! Can’t make it on Saturdays, check out their website for other vendor locations: www.baetjefarms.com
Need a little more reason and less buying for the season? Lynda Lorenz, curator, would like to invite you to the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna, Perry County. All decorated for Christmas, SLM will be open from 9 – 1 Wednesday through Saturday. Don’t miss up-coming special events: December 17 and 18 the SLM is hosting an open house; and don’t miss the Live Nativity Scene on December 19, from 5 pm to 9 pm. You will have the opportunity to hear the Christmas story as told by shepherds, angels, and other witnesses as you make your way to the manger. Special treats for children 5th grade and under. Check out their website for directions: www.saxonlutheranmemorial.com
Have up-coming events? Keep me posted with an e-mail: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Lisa J. Palmer
573-883-0767
Oh my heavens! Amazing! Wonderful! Can’t even get a supply home before I’m munching into it! I don’t know what it is – the fresh spring water, the organic herb tea and supplements, the green pastures, or lots of love and interaction with Veronica – that makes Baetje’s artisan goat cheese so amazing, but I’m telling you that you are missing out if you haven’t tried their product. Check out Baetje Farms product on Saturdays from 10 am to 3pm at Southbound Fuel, Ste. Genevieve County, at Exit 150 on I-55. Baetje Farms is there with sampling and buying opportunities you don’t want to miss! Can’t make it on Saturdays, check out their website for other vendor locations: www.baetjefarms.com
Need a little more reason and less buying for the season? Lynda Lorenz, curator, would like to invite you to the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna, Perry County. All decorated for Christmas, SLM will be open from 9 – 1 Wednesday through Saturday. Don’t miss up-coming special events: December 17 and 18 the SLM is hosting an open house; and don’t miss the Live Nativity Scene on December 19, from 5 pm to 9 pm. You will have the opportunity to hear the Christmas story as told by shepherds, angels, and other witnesses as you make your way to the manger. Special treats for children 5th grade and under. Check out their website for directions: www.saxonlutheranmemorial.com
Have up-coming events? Keep me posted with an e-mail: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Lisa J. Palmer
573-883-0767
Monday, December 7, 2009
Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree!
The season is upon us. Christmas and holiday music is on the radio and in all the stores. A busy time of year that can mean wonderful family gatherings or stress-filled occasions. I love this time of year. It’s a little more difficult now that all the kids are grown and scattered around in different cities – even different states. Ste. Genevieve is not our home gathering place. Having transplanted here with my husband’s job 4 ½ years ago, it is only “home” to our youngest daughter, Allana, who is now in college. Springfield, Missouri, is our home gathering place and a central location for all of us.
As I talked with Allana yesterday I told her Dad and I were decorating the Christmas tree. “Oh, how sad,” was her comment. See, decorating the tree has always been our first family event of the season. As our three daughters grew up and made homes of their own, they still made it back to help Mom decorate the tree. My response to Allana? “Dad and I are at a stage where we need to make new holiday traditions or there won’t be Christmas in our house.” So how did I get myself into the Christmas spirit despite being away from family? A walk through a Christmas Tree Farm.
Because we will travel during the season, a real tree will probably not find its way into my living room; however, that did not stop me from enjoying the smell of warm apple cider and fresh cut trees at Meier Horse Shoe Pines. As I rode in the horse drawn wagon I saw smiles on children’s faces that helped me picture my own “Nana” babies. The sounds of families walking through the tress looking for just the right one embraced my heart. I recommend this journey to everyone – real tree or not.
Here in the Mississippi River Hills Association we are blessed with two Christmas Tree Farms, one on each side of the region. Meert Tree Farm is located at 14560 Dry Fork Road, Festus, in Jefferson County (www.meerttreefarm.com). And in Cape Girardeau County is Meier Horse Shoe Pines, located at 2146 County Road 330, Jackson (www.meierhorseshoepines.com).
Tells us about some of your holiday traditions. Click on the "comment" button and leave a word or two, or even better - a favorite recipe! What a wonderful way to be thankful for all our blessings!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator, 573-883-0767
As I talked with Allana yesterday I told her Dad and I were decorating the Christmas tree. “Oh, how sad,” was her comment. See, decorating the tree has always been our first family event of the season. As our three daughters grew up and made homes of their own, they still made it back to help Mom decorate the tree. My response to Allana? “Dad and I are at a stage where we need to make new holiday traditions or there won’t be Christmas in our house.” So how did I get myself into the Christmas spirit despite being away from family? A walk through a Christmas Tree Farm.
Because we will travel during the season, a real tree will probably not find its way into my living room; however, that did not stop me from enjoying the smell of warm apple cider and fresh cut trees at Meier Horse Shoe Pines. As I rode in the horse drawn wagon I saw smiles on children’s faces that helped me picture my own “Nana” babies. The sounds of families walking through the tress looking for just the right one embraced my heart. I recommend this journey to everyone – real tree or not.
Here in the Mississippi River Hills Association we are blessed with two Christmas Tree Farms, one on each side of the region. Meert Tree Farm is located at 14560 Dry Fork Road, Festus, in Jefferson County (www.meerttreefarm.com). And in Cape Girardeau County is Meier Horse Shoe Pines, located at 2146 County Road 330, Jackson (www.meierhorseshoepines.com).
Tells us about some of your holiday traditions. Click on the "comment" button and leave a word or two, or even better - a favorite recipe! What a wonderful way to be thankful for all our blessings!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator, 573-883-0767
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Gobble! Gobble!
Whether you eat turkey, ham, fish, tofu, or a wonderful array of all harvest goodies available, Thanks Giving is that time of year we just have to celebrate. If we are close to family the gathering begins. If we are a long, long distance from family, the gathering may be with others. All in all, it is generally a time of laughter, afternoon naps, and feeling afterwards like the before-the-meal, stuffed turkey!
Speaking of turkeys . . . from now until Christmas, I will be getting requests for fresh, hormone free, range turkeys. The only MRHA member I have listed for turkey is Jones Heritage Farms in Cape Girardeau. www.jonesheritagefarms.com. If any of you have turkeys available, please let me know. If you know of someone in the region with turkeys but not an MRHA member – let me know that, too. There’s no better way to recruit a new member than helping them promote their products.
The MRHA office will be closed Wednesday, November 25. I’ll be back on the clock first thing Monday morning, November 30. Wow! How did that happen! Only one month left until Two Thousand Ten, or is that Twenty Ten? Another entire conversation!
Happy Thanks Giving everyone!
Speaking of turkeys . . . from now until Christmas, I will be getting requests for fresh, hormone free, range turkeys. The only MRHA member I have listed for turkey is Jones Heritage Farms in Cape Girardeau. www.jonesheritagefarms.com. If any of you have turkeys available, please let me know. If you know of someone in the region with turkeys but not an MRHA member – let me know that, too. There’s no better way to recruit a new member than helping them promote their products.
The MRHA office will be closed Wednesday, November 25. I’ll be back on the clock first thing Monday morning, November 30. Wow! How did that happen! Only one month left until Two Thousand Ten, or is that Twenty Ten? Another entire conversation!
Happy Thanks Giving everyone!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The last week’s board of director’s 2010 planning secession was small in attendance but mighty in synergy! Board member Lynda Lorenz, curator for the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in East Perry County, was a gracious host as we enjoyed chili and other goodies by a wood fireplace. Thank you, Lynda. If you have not made it to this wonderful bit of history you are truly missing out. Visit their website at www.saxonlutheranmemorial.com.
“I would like to see what other members up to?” is a statement I get all the time. So, in response, we are planning member showcases starting April 2010. The concept: Each county will have its month in the MRHA limelight. One day of that month, the members in that county will have an opportunity to have an open house. The open house will be attended by members from the other five counties. Sound like something in which you would like to participate? We are starting with Jefferson County and moving south so put out your doormat. Your coordinator will be contacting you soon!
Map update: Michael Bricknell, son of Steve and Julie Bricknell of Cape Girardeau County, is doing a wonderful job at designing the cartography and layout of our new MRHA map. The printer bids are in and it looks like we will have a product ready for Christmas! What? You never got around to submitting your ad? Well, there are just a few days left before it is too late. Give your coordinator a call and I’ll see what I can do!
Member site visits: These next few months will see your coordinator out in the field making one-on-one contact with you, the MRHA member. I’ll be loaded with logo items such as new member window clings and membership cards, small logo display table stands, and logo product labels. So many of you I know by name, others by face, but most I have never seen your passion – what you are doing to live your dream. Put your smile on – I’m coming loaded with camera, also.
As always, let me know if I can help you with anything. See you all soon!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator 573-883-0767
“I would like to see what other members up to?” is a statement I get all the time. So, in response, we are planning member showcases starting April 2010. The concept: Each county will have its month in the MRHA limelight. One day of that month, the members in that county will have an opportunity to have an open house. The open house will be attended by members from the other five counties. Sound like something in which you would like to participate? We are starting with Jefferson County and moving south so put out your doormat. Your coordinator will be contacting you soon!
Map update: Michael Bricknell, son of Steve and Julie Bricknell of Cape Girardeau County, is doing a wonderful job at designing the cartography and layout of our new MRHA map. The printer bids are in and it looks like we will have a product ready for Christmas! What? You never got around to submitting your ad? Well, there are just a few days left before it is too late. Give your coordinator a call and I’ll see what I can do!
Member site visits: These next few months will see your coordinator out in the field making one-on-one contact with you, the MRHA member. I’ll be loaded with logo items such as new member window clings and membership cards, small logo display table stands, and logo product labels. So many of you I know by name, others by face, but most I have never seen your passion – what you are doing to live your dream. Put your smile on – I’m coming loaded with camera, also.
As always, let me know if I can help you with anything. See you all soon!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator 573-883-0767
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
It's a hard job . . .
What a busy time with so many things to see! Last week found me receiving a tour from Christy Parrish, business developer, of the new market building and activities going on as MRHA member Jones Heritage Farms expands its operation north of Cape Girardeau. Besides a place to sell their meats and eggs, the market is looking for regional products. If you have products, give Christy a call and let her know what you have – 573-576-7579. And check out their website: www.JonesHeritageFarms.com.
My next stop was a visit with new MRHA member Vicki Lantz at Lazy L Exotics just a few miles south of Jones Heritage Farms. Vicki and her family have bred exotic animals since 1988. They will be opening a walk-thru zoo and picnic area, Lazy L Safari Park, in the Spring of 2010. While there I had the joy of standing next to a one-week old Zebra and one-week old donkey, and both made it clear I was not suppose to stand there unless I was scratching their ears. Add to that the 6-month old camel that liked licking my sweater, and my day was complete! See their list of animals and read adventures from their alternative livestock farm by visiting their website: www.lazylsafari.com.
This Saturday, November 7, I hope to have time to run out to Southbound Fuel on Hwy 32 at I-55 in Ste. Genevieve County, and enjoy Baetje Farms artisan cheeses as I attend their Cheese Tasting. Cheese sampling and sales will run from 10 am to 3 pm. Yumm!! To find out more about Baetje Farms check out: www.baetjefarms.com.
Believe it or not, Christmas is around the corner and Meier’s Horse Shoe Pines is busy getting ready for you to enjoy all the activities and trimmings as they open their Christmas Tree Farm on November 27, 2009, at 10 am. The last wagon leaves the barn at 4 pm each Saturday and Sunday, so don’t miss out!
Got news to share? Send it to me: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org.
As I said, “It’s a hard job.” But, I guess someone has to do it - - - might as well be me!
My next stop was a visit with new MRHA member Vicki Lantz at Lazy L Exotics just a few miles south of Jones Heritage Farms. Vicki and her family have bred exotic animals since 1988. They will be opening a walk-thru zoo and picnic area, Lazy L Safari Park, in the Spring of 2010. While there I had the joy of standing next to a one-week old Zebra and one-week old donkey, and both made it clear I was not suppose to stand there unless I was scratching their ears. Add to that the 6-month old camel that liked licking my sweater, and my day was complete! See their list of animals and read adventures from their alternative livestock farm by visiting their website: www.lazylsafari.com.
This Saturday, November 7, I hope to have time to run out to Southbound Fuel on Hwy 32 at I-55 in Ste. Genevieve County, and enjoy Baetje Farms artisan cheeses as I attend their Cheese Tasting. Cheese sampling and sales will run from 10 am to 3 pm. Yumm!! To find out more about Baetje Farms check out: www.baetjefarms.com.
Believe it or not, Christmas is around the corner and Meier’s Horse Shoe Pines is busy getting ready for you to enjoy all the activities and trimmings as they open their Christmas Tree Farm on November 27, 2009, at 10 am. The last wagon leaves the barn at 4 pm each Saturday and Sunday, so don’t miss out!
Got news to share? Send it to me: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org.
As I said, “It’s a hard job.” But, I guess someone has to do it - - - might as well be me!
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