St. Joseph

  Tiki headed east and a little bit north ending up in St. Joseph, Missouri for a weekend. After miles of corn and soybean fields, we finally came to the Missouri River


The first order of business was to find what we hoped would be a nice place, which we found on our favorite site for lodging - HomeAway.com.
                       

We found the Vineyard to be everything it said it was on the HomeAway website. Given the choice between the grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast or the apartment above the Carriage House, Tiki jumped at the chance for the carriage house.
Built in 1890, this place has been meticulously renovated. The carriage house was comfortable and perfect for a weekend getaway.

           

There were two comfortable beds; one in a bedroom, and one situated in the corner of the main room. The couch in the living room was also very comfortable, once Tiki sunk down into it, he didn't want to get up for a while.
But what he saw across the room intrigued him - a cabinet full of small antique dolls, all just about his size.
For dinner the first night and breakfast both days, the kitchen was well stocked with more pantry items than what is usually found in vacation rentals. Everything was clean and ready to go.
       
French doors opened to a view of the neighborhood, which was an eclectic collection of renovated and dilapidated 1800's and early 1900s homes.

     
The next morning, after a good night sleep - Tiki was off to explore St. Joseph. Unfortunately, the Riverwalk Trail was closed because of flooding.

Next, Tiki set off to find Fort Smith. Driving through St. Joseph was a bit of a challenge. There are many one-way streets and this particular weekend there were many street closures.
But after a few wrong turns, we found the very small and quiet Fort Smith, overlooking the city.



This historical site may be small, but it is packed with interesting information in the displays. Tiki learned that Fort Smith was named after Col. Robert Smith who commanded this small outpost to safeguard the city. The fort was built in 1861 by Union Troops from the 16th and the 52nd Illinois Infantry. Situated with the river to one side and the city to the other, 2,500 troops with 12 cannons were ready to protect St. Joesph.
    

Of course, Tiki had to have a little fun. After a friend mentioned a Flying Squirrel, he had to see if he could fly. Fortunately for Tiki, these cannons are not operational.

Next Tiki headed to the house where Jesse Jame was shot and killed. The cost is $4 for adults; $3 for seniors; $2 for students and under age 5 are free. 

    

This is the exact spot where the famous outlaw fell and died after being shot in the back.

   

After the Jesse James House, Tiki walked next door to the Patee Museum. http://ponyexpressjessejames.com/. The cost here is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; $5 for students and under age 5 are free.
This place has an incredibly large number of artifacts. Room after room was filled with relics from days gone by. Each room of this former hotel has a theme. 


Tiki found his favorite room and discovered he is small enough he could ignore the "don't sit on me" sign on the carousel horse.

One room was devoted to weapons and crime of early St. Joseph.



A 13-star flag; there's not many of these around anymore.


As the evening started approaching Tiki went downtown and enjoyed the many murals and statues along the sidewalks.

                 

Finally, it was time to end the day with dinner and drinks at Boudreaux's Lousiana Seafood and Steaks. http://www.boudreauxstjoe.com/

  

The alligator bites were scrumptious. All in all, they have a great menu - if you go, you got to try the crab-stuffed mushrooms - they are to die for!


Good night St. Joseph!

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