Find Farm-Fresh Charm, Scenic Hikes, And One Of Missouri's Oldest Breweries In This Town

It is hard to tell nowadays, but there was a time when Weston, Missouri, was the Wild West. When Weston was founded back in 1837, it was the most westerly settlement in the United States (hence the name). It boomed to become the second-largest river port on the Missouri River, and even Buffalo Bill Cody lived on Main Street for a while. Skip forward almost 200 years, and things have quietened down a little since Weston's 19th-century heyday, and that seems to suit most people just fine. Weston is now regarded as one of the best small towns in the Midwest, and it makes a great stopover for invigorating hikes, a historic brewery, and some farm-fresh delights for foodies.

Weston is a 40-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, and with a population of around 1,800 people, the very walkable historic center is perfect for a stroll while taking in the charming 19th-century architecture. The town also makes a superb base for enjoying the surrounding rural landscape (which looks stunning in the fall), including the chance to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark at Weston Bend State Park. Covering 1,100 acres, it's a scenic spot for hiking, cycling, and picnicking, plus some wonderful views over the Missouri River. Once you are done exploring, Weston offers plenty of ways to sate your appetite and slake your thirst with superb local produce, a few top-notch restaurants, and quality libations with their own dash of history.

Foodies will delight in the choice of local produce available in Weston, from the cheeses and gourmet ice cream of Green Dirt Farm Creamery to the range of homemade goodies at the Farmer's House Market. You can pick your own fruit at Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard or just relax with a handcrafted cider, or get further into local viticulture at the town's lovely wineries — Riverwood Winery also has an extensive selection of whiskeys to sample.

For beer lovers, Weston Brewing Company is a must-visit, established in 1842 and still winning awards today. Tucked away in an old cellar over 50 feet underground is O'Malley's Pub, the oldest bar in Missouri. It's a great spot to enjoy the craic and some of the brewery's finest ales, plus live music most nights. Also onsite at the brewery is the America Bowman Restaurant, serving delicious pub grub that goes so well with a pint or two: scotch eggs, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie, to name but a few.Elsewhere in town, you can dine on fine American gastronomy in a luxurious antebellum setting at Avalon Cafe. Situated in a beautiful 1847 antebellum residence, the menu ranges from steak burgers and pizzas to more imaginative offerings like elk loin and ostrich sirloin. Meanwhile, there are many great spots around Kansas City for BBQ, and Weston's Tin Kitchen has received rave reviews — seek out the pulled pork, 16-hour smoked brisket, hearty baked beans, and 24-hour slaw.

You'll likely need to walk off some of those calories, so head to nearby Weston Bend State Park and embrace the beauty of the area. The park has several low-difficulty trails for a post-meal stroll and some spectacular views of the Missouri River.

There are plenty of events in Weston for visitors to get involved in throughout the year. Regular walking tours provide a good oversight of the town and its history, and visiting the Weston Farmers Market is a perfect way to sample the best local produce and baked goods. The town also has some quirkier occasions worth looking out for. The Weston Bigfoot Search is a fun scavenger hunt around downtown where local businesses offer Sasquatch-related specials, and the Weston Testicle Festival is a chance for more adventurous gourmets to tuck into heaps of Rocky Mountain Oysters with fries.

The fall brings some other notable events, such as the Weston Applefest and the Weston Whiskey Festival in October — a dram at the latter is a great way to warm the cockles as the cooler weather sets in. While St. Louis is sometimes regarded as Missouri's best city for Halloween, Weston has a few spooky must-do things for your list. Book early for eerie stories at a dinner event and ghost walk hosted by Verna, the "Keeper of the Ghost Tales of Weston." For your jack-o'-lantern needs, also pay a visit to Red Barn Farm, where you will find the best pumpkin patch in the state. Later in the year, start the countdown to Christmas with a visit to the Weston Wassail Market or a Candlelight Christmas Concert. The town may be small, but it has plenty to keep you occupied all year round.