Find Charm and Literary Nostalgia in Hannibal

FESTIVALS

A great time to visit is in July during the Annual National Tom Sawyer Days, a family-friendly festival. The event includes carnival rides, a parade, live music every evening, a large arts and craft festival, a beer garden, contests and celebrations of Twain’s famous character. On July 4 at dusk, watch an impressive fireworks display explode over the Mississippi River.

Starting sweet, this year sees the 11th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza, a celebration of all things sweet with more than 20 local Hannibal businesses offering specials. Pick up a Chocolate Passport (note: not literally chocolate) from historichannibalmo.com/chocolate and check out the list of participating businesses. The festival runs from Friday, March 12 to Sunday, March 14. Before you start your tour, visit the Hannibal Visitor’s Center (925 Grand Ave., Hannibal, 573-221-2477, visithannibal.com) to pick up a free mask if you don’t already have one.

ATTRACTIONS

Visiting Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is a must. Enjoy a self-guided tour through a maze of Twain attractions: his boyhood home, J.M. Clemens Justice of the Peace office and a museum dedicated to Twain’s life. It’s a great place to learn more about the American author and real-life people who inspired his writings. 

If you’re a history buff, Hannibal History Museum should be on your radar. It explores the city’s history and has a fun section on famous Hannibalians, such as the Unsinkable Molly Brown and inventor of the Lear Jet and founder of Motorola, Bill Lear. 

Mark Twin Riverboat offers one- and two-hour cruises daily (two-hour cruises include a meal). Select the one-hour sightseeing cruise, which is a leisurely boat ride down the Mississippi where you can soak up the scenery and learn a little bit more about Hannibal. 

Downtown Hannibal is filled with cute shops peddling items like jewelry, soap, housewares and pottery. 

STAY

Hannibal is home to an array of lovely, historic B&Bs, including The Belvedere Inn located only four blocks from downtown. This restored 1859 Italianate Mansion boasts a billiard room, garden, front porch perfect for summer afternoons and a homemade breakfast each day. The owners spent seven years restoring the home.

EAT & DRINK

Mark Twain Brewing Co. is a popular brewery that serves great beer and classic pub fare such as burgers, wings and barbecue. Many items are named after characters in Twain’s books. If you fall in love with a brew, there are bottles and cans to-go in select varieties. For those who don’t want a pint, there are mimosa flights and wine options.

Foodies should head to LaBinnah Bistro for fine dining with a Mediterranean twist. Including fish and steak, the menu is extensive. Share a Mediterranean sampler for an appetizer and save room for the dessert menu, which features authentic baklava. 

Need a jolt of energy after touring Hannibal and sampling chocolate? Stop at Java Jive Deli & Bakery (211 N. Main St., Hannibal, 573-221-1017), a second generation family-run coffee shop established in 2000. This spot includes a full-scale bakery that makes desserts and pastries from scratch; a deli serving sandwiches, salads and soups also from scratch; and ice cream from Missouri’s own Ice Cream Factory.