weekend communities outside St. Louis (Ste. Genevieve, Bonne Terre: hotel, restaurants, vs.)

[france7]

I have been looking into weekend or getaway communities surrounding St. Louis. I'm hoping someone might have information on some of these places. Innsbrook has gained somewhat of a reputation for itself as a lake and golf community, but it is quite expensive. I am wondering about a lake community called Grayhawk in St. Gen county, and also another golf and lake community in Bonne Terre called Terre du Lac. If anyone has the inside scoop on any of these or could recommend another within an hour or so of the city, I'd appreciate it!!

[billiken]

I've never heard of either of those (but I'm barely familiar with Innsbrook, to show my level of knowledge haha). The only weekend getaway near St Louis I've done is the Hermann, MO wineries. There are some cute Bed & Breakfasts, beautiful views, and wineries/restaurants to enjoy. We typically do this as a nice romantic getaway during the peak of the busiest work period for both of us (this year we decided on the all-you-can-eat-and-drink seats at a Blue's game vs. Husband's Hometown team + hotel haha). Now, if you're hoping for something more kid-friendly than adult-friendly, Hermann might not be the best choice.

Worthwile to note: There's an Amtrak station in the middle of "downtown" Hermann--I was unaware of this until my friends told me!

[france7]

Thanks, billiken! I've taken a drive out to Hermann before and it is really beautiful, especially in the Fall. I forgot about that Amtrak station; that's a winner. I know Ste. Genevieve county is also known for its wineries. I wonder how that region compares to Hermann. Ste. Genevieve is a bit closer to the city I think...

[aragx6]

Terre Du Lac is gorgeous -- my grandparents retired down there in the 80s and never left. Lot of older folks out there, but the lakes and woods and rivers are stunning. Would be hard to go wrong there. Easy to get to from St. Louis -- for years my uncle commuted daily (off-peak) to work in St. Louis County.

Innsbrook is full of more weekenders in general that Terre Du Lac and it's an area I absolutely love too. Those A-frames are kind of adorable, no?

I haven't heard of Grayhawk but I bet one of our others posters from Ste. Gen does!

[france7]

Yes, definitely stunning. I actually drove down to Terre du Lac a while back to have a quick look around and was amazed at the quality of their lakes. I mean they look ocean BLUE! That is something rather uncharacteristic of Missouri lakes it seems to me. I wonder if it has something to do with the elevation of the area....and I wonder if that would make it cooler (or at least less humid!) in the summertime!