Getaway to St. Joseph

If you want to head north for a short weekend getaway, Kansas City might be the first destination to come to mind. But about an hour beyond K.C. is St. Joseph, Missouri, where history, festivals and world-famous sandwiches are the talk of the town.

Celebrate

This month is a great time to visit St. Joseph, thanks to the town’s annual Sugarplum Festival (November 6–8) at Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. It features handcrafted goods from local folks, specialty food and cozy drinks—a great way to start the holiday season and do a little shopping for the people on your nice list.

Explore History

Fun fact: St. Joseph has 13 museums, which is more per capita than Washington D.C. If you’re a history buff, you won’t have trouble finding one worth visiting. The Pony Express National Museum celebrates St. Joseph’s legacy as the starting point of this horseback mail delivery service. The Wyeth-Tootle Mansion is excellent if you’re a fan of architecture and woodworking, while the 1858 Patee House Museum focuses on wild west history. And finally, an interesting spot on the National Register of Historic Places is Mausoleum Row at the Mount Mora Cemetery.

Treat Yourself

Take a break from exploring to get ice cream at Kris & Kate’s. This quirky, charming building is in the shape of a giant pink ice cream cone and just drips nostalgia. The treats are tasty too, like shakes, concretes and sundaes. This sweet little spot is seasonal, so you’ll need to keep it in your back pocket for a spring or summer trip.

Stroll the Streets

Take a walk through one of St. Joseph’s historic neighborhoods, where anyone charmed by lovely residential architecture will have plenty to see. Old Town North area is a must stop, where three districts are on the National Register of Historic Places (Cathedral Hill, Hall Street and Robidoux Hill) and are lined with gilded-age mansions and a variety of other architectural styles. The Harris-Kemper Neighborhood is another great stop, with sprawling homes in every style from Romanesque Revival to Craftsman.

Go Shopping

Continue your holiday shopping (or find a little something for yourself) at one of the town’s local boutiques. Juniper Lane features sustainable home goods, Clean Alchemy sells home fragrances and Manic Snail is packed with locally made stationery and quirky gifts. For home décor, head to Nesting Goods (which also sells some vintage and antique items) or Bee & Thistle (located inside a historic building).

Fuel Up

Did you know St. Joseph is the “self-proclaimed Tenderloin Capital of the World”? We’re talking big, juicy, breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches. Our advice: Lean into that when you’re ready to break for a meal. There are many places to get this indulgence around town, like the Hi-Ho Bar & Grill, an Irish pub that’s been in business since 1910 and offers several varieties of tenderloin sandwich. Or pop into the Hoof & Horn Steakhouse, St. Joseph’s oldest restaurant—around since 1898! Afterward, head to The Den for a modern speakeasy experience with pretty cocktails and even some mocktails on the menu.