Women's Edition,
September 2008
Many would-be travelers are opting
for a “stay-cation,”
or stay-at-home vacation this year
Women's Edition, Inc.
Copyright 2008
In response to current airfares that are themselves “sky high,” many
would-be travelers are opting for a “stay-cation,” or stay-at-home
vacation this year. While this un-vacation may be attractive
economically, there are a few drawbacks. Most notably, when you
don’t actually leave your home, it becomes difficult to truly break
away from everyday activities such as phone calls, e-mail, and the
temptation to complete long-overdue projects around the house.
I would like to introduce the “day-cation.” Unlike its stay-put
cousin, the day-cation implies some travel is involved, usually
within a day’s drive of one’s home. For area residents seeking an
easy getaway as well as a destination that truly provides an escape
from the everyday, the Missouri Wine Country might be just the
ticket.
At the heart of this region lies the quaint town of Hermann, which
was built on the scenic hills along the banks of the Missouri River.
The area’s resemblance to the Rhine Valley prompted German scouts
from Philadelphia to choose this site for a colony in the late
1830s. Today, Hermann offers the charm of old Germany and beautiful
vineyards in the hills above town.
The Stone Giraffe is situated on a hilltop overlooking Hermann and
the Missouri River and offers unique accommodations. In a town with
numerous more traditional bed and breakfast inns, The Stone Giraffe
Owner Eddie LaBoube (pronounced “La Boo”) says he wanted to create
something distinctive to showcase the town’s “old world” charm as
well as what he refers to as the “peaceful serenity of the area.” A
Hermann native, Eddie grew up on a farm not far from where the Stone
Giraffe now sits. “When the original property came up for sale, I
knew it was now or never,” he shares.
When work began on the Stone Giraffe, Eddie enlisted the services of
an award-winning architect, a creative custom builder, and a
masterful craftsmen and artisans to create an upscale yet cozy
retreat made with all-natural wood and stone. Handcrafted doors were
created by a local artist, and you can see Eddie’s respect for the
past in the beams that were salvaged from the property’s original
barn and then incorporated throughout the house.
There are three rooms on the first level, which also houses the
kitchen, plus two additional rooms on the lower level, in addition
to a walkout patio. Each floor has its own gathering space where
guests can meet to share their day’s experiences or exchange ideas
over a glass of wine. Each of the five bedrooms at the Stone Giraffe
has a private bath, a feature not always found at a traditional bed
and breakfast. Each room features comfortable Shaker-influenced
furnishings. “Simple, understated elegance,” says Eddie of the
atmosphere. “It’s clean and crisp.” Guests can enjoy the view of
Hermann and the Missouri River from both indoors and out.
Not unlike the animal for which it is named, the natural stone on
the outside of the building and surrounding pathways is constructed
with traditional “giraffe stone” craftsmanship, which Eddie says
reflects the Missouri Ozarks heritage.
Stone Giraffe guests are treated to a variety of cheeses and locally
produced sausages each evening before dinner. At night, a snack of
angel food cake topped with a berry black wine drizzle is
accompanied by miniature chocolate giraffes. A continental breakfast
featuring freshly made quiche, locally produced sausages, and fresh
fruit salad is served in the morning.
Eddie’s employment took him away from Hermann in the past. When he
returned to his hometown in 1999, “I was ready to stay home,” he
says. He wanted to continue to operate the farm but not live there,
so one of his first projects was to convert the family home into a
guesthouse. The LaBoube farm, which earned the distinction of being
a Century Farm a few years ago, remains a family operation with
Eddie’s three sisters, their mother, and himself.
Sharon Havis, a Hermann native and former classmate of Eddie’s, left
the area for a number of years to pursue employment opportunities.
Eddie attended a class reunion a couple of years ago, where they
became reacquainted. Eddie shared with her his upcoming venture.
Shortly thereafter, Sharon resigned from her corporate position and
returned to Hermann, where she is now the manager. In addition to
accommodating guests at the Stone Giraffe, both Sharon and Eddie
continue outside employment. Eddie oversees the operation of the
LaBoube guesthouse and cattle operation. Sharon’s position with the
Hermann Public School System as a para- associate allows her the
flexibility needed in order to provide the “positively outrageous
service” for guests at both LaBoube Farms and the Stone Giraffe,
Eddie says.
Because Hermann is home to both Sharon and Eddie, they are able to
provide guests at the Stone Giraffe with an insider’s view of the
town, a role it is evident they both enjoy. “I’m proud of our little
town,” says Eddie.
A plaque in the eating area off the Stone Giraffe’s kitchen echoes
Sharon’s feelings: “Be Warm, Be Welcome, Be at Home.” They want this
to be like a home away from home, “where guests have the run of a
3000-square-foot house and freedom of movement about the place to
come and go as you please,” Sharon says. Eddie adds, “I want people
to leave feeling like they are extended guests, if not extended
family.”
In addition to arriving by car, visitors can travel to Hermann on
Amtrak. Sharon and Eddie say they are more than happy to pick up
their guests who arrive by train and shuttle them around town if
necessary. Other guests travel on bicycles along the nearby 250-mile
Katy Trail.
The Hermann Wine Trail has seven family owned wineries along a
20-mile path along the Missouri River between Hermann and New Haven.
Each winery reflects its own personality and contributes to the
charm of this quaint town. More than 150 buildings in the downtown
historic district are on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are galleries, antique and gift shops, museums, and
restaurants in Hermann alone. “We look forward to exceeding your
expectations,” says Eddie.
The Stone Giraffe is located at 1208 Highway H in Hermann. For more
information, including rates and availability, call 573-486-5100 or
visit www.thestonegiraffe.com. To learn more about the LaBoube Farms
guesthouse, visit www.laboubefarms.com. Other resources that might
be worth checking out are www.hermannmo.info and www.hermannmo.com. |
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