This is arguably the best time of the year. The summer heat is waning, there’s a hint of autumn in the air and it’s a great time to indulge your wanderlust with a fantastic road trip.

Discover the wonderful wineries of Callaway County, starting with Serenity Valley Winery in Fulton. Relax while overlooking their scenic lake, with a glass of red, white or boutique wine in hand. Whether you’re making some wine, attending a private party or just enjoying a tranquil sunset, Serenity Valley will soothe your soul.

Head south for an incredible dinner accompanied by their Missouri-crafted wines at Canterbury Hill Restaurant & Winery in Holts Summit. Their hilltop location is the perfect setting for an evening of wine sampling, a night out or a special event. The views, the sunsets, the wine and the food…it’s all spectacular.

Treat yourself to a whole new experience in wine at ElderBlossom View in New Bloomfield, an elderberry orchard and winery in the heart of Missouri.  Juice and nectar, which are both delicious and medicinal, are available for purchase, and they feature a variety of elderberry mocktails. Open Sundays only, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Autumn is also the time for festivals, so go enjoy a road trip with the whole family that takes you all around Callaway County. On Sep. 14, Callaway Rough Riders presents their fourth horse show of their 2024 season at their arena on Tilla Drive, off Route 4 starting at noon. If you miss it, you’ll have one more chance on Oct. 12.

Sep. 20-24, make time for the Tebbetts Picnic & Muttonfest. This third stop on Callaway County’s Mutton Trail offers a weekend full of fun for the whole family – with food, live entertainment, vendors and more! Just head down Highway 94 to 15 minutes east of Jefferson City. Check the website for daily details of the events. 

On the evening of Sep. 20, Dueling Pianos, a fun, audio participation game, returns to Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant in Holts Summit. Their fantastic chef will offer a limited menu, but the event fills up quickly so get your tickets today.

Since 1972, the Hatton extension club has hosted Hatton Craft Day on the first Saturday of October. Visitors from Missouri and beyond come to enjoy nearly 200 vendors located in and around three buildings full of crafts, food and fun for all ages, including kid activities and tractor rides. This year’s event is October 5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in Auxvasse.

And the final stop of the Callaway County Mutton Trail is Oct. 5 at the Calwood BBQ Mutton Dinner, noon-7 p.m. at the Calwood Community Center in Fulton. But if you want to be sure you’ll get to eat, get there early – this annual event often sells out well before 7 p.m.

Fall into fun this season—hit the road, sip some wine, and enjoy the festivals and scenic beauty that Callaway County has to offer!