Chill Out The Callaway
As George Gershwin wrote, it’s “summertime and the livin’ is easy.” July heat in Missouri encourages you to take it down a notch and ease up. Fortunately, we know how to chill in Fulton & Callaway County.
Step back in time and escape the heat in the serene interior of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin of Aldermanbury in Fulton – the graceful 17th century Christopher Wren church that was transported stone-by-stone from London to central Missouri. Below the church, explore Winston Churchill’s legacy at America’s National Churchill Museum. 10 minutes away, discover 100 years of automotive excellence at the Auto World Museum, featuring cool rides like a 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom II and 1982 DeLorean Coupe. (Open weekends, 9 am - 4 pm)
A nice compromise between being indoors and being in the heat is to spend time near the water. Stock up on fresh summer produce at the Fulton, New Bloomfield, or Holts Summit farmers markets and head out for some fishing at Little Dixie Lake or McCredie Farm Lake. Just don’t forget the watermelon!
If you actually love the heat, it’s a great time to get outdoors. Shoot skeet or sporting clays at Prairie Grove Shooting Sports, near Columbia in northwest Callaway County. Play a rousing game of paintball or laser tag (or fling some axes) at Battle Creek Paintball in Kingdom City. Jump on the Katy Trail at the Tebbetts or Mokane trailhead or hike Stinson Creek Trail in Fulton. Speaking of Mokane, check out the 15th Annual AMVETS Frogs and Hogs event, July 15 & 16.
When you’re done working up a sweat, load up the family and head to Fulton City Park pool. The splash pad at Fulton’s Memorial Park is scheduled to reopen later this month, as well.
Continue the cool down indoors with Lulu's Frozen Yogurt or a treat from the old-fashioned soda fountain at Sault’s Drug Store. Thirsty? Try a Starbucks Teavana shaken ice tea from the Playhouse Café, a Go-Jo iced coffee from Go-Po Gourmet Popcorn , or tour the world with boozy slushies like the Daytona Beach at The Station…all in Fulton.
As hot summer nights ease into pleasant evenings, relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the live music at Serenity Valley Winery near Millersburg or ElderBlossom View Orchard & Winery near New Bloomfield. Check their websites for scheduled performances.
Some outdoor fun plus some indoor escapes plus cold drinks and treats plus a lot of relaxation…it’s a prescription for a perfect Callaway County summer getaway.