TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Overlook Farm on the Mississippi

Overlook Farm

Sometimes we want to go someplace and relax and we do mean REALLY relax.  Earlier this month we drove to the Overlook Farm located in Clarksville, Missouri right on the Mississippi River about 75 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri.  It is a 327 acre working farm.

Fish to fowl to honey, or eggs to herbs, their vast farm offerings are cultivated following organic practices.  Animals are raised on a renewable feast of fresh grass and are in wide open spaces.  They have 26 ‘hoop houses’ and 5 greenhouses where a huge variety of produce is grown year round.  They even have tomatoes in January!

Under the professional and very caring guidance of the fifth generation owner, Nathalie Pettus, the “Farm” now includes award-wining Inns, farm to table restaurants and premier event venues.   It is all nestled into the pastures and hillsides of the operating farm.

Cedarcrest ManorFor lodging we stayed in the magnificent Cedarcrest Manor which is an Antebellum estate.  It was built by Captain Benjamin Clifford who was a prominent riverboat captain.  Cedarcrest Manor began it’s life as a plantation home and soon became the archetype for a number of houses built in the Mississippi River Valley.

Cedarcrest ManorIt is a grand Manor estate and has lovingly been restored by the owner. Oversized Jacuzzi tubs and plush , comfy bathrobes are a feature in every room, offering the utmost in relaxation.  In-suite coffee makers provide instant access to a morning pick-me-up.

Cedarcrest ManorThey have a huge swimming pool and the gardens are everywhere.

Other guests stay in the Rackheath House just  just down the road. It was built in 1860 and completely restored in 2006.  it is Greek revival-style manor featuring sprawling ground, a spacious veranda and a flourishing garden filled with walking paths.

Other guests might want to stay at the Avalon House which is fully furnished with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen and a wrap-around-deck.  It has the most breath-taking views on the property overlooking the Mississippi River.   You can rent the entire house for a family gathering or business retreat.  There is also a Bridal Cottage which provides an intimate space for couples to get away for the weekend.  It is perched above the meadow, surrounded by rolling hills and has spectacular views of the sunrise and sunsets.  It has a  full kitchen.

The farm itself is a place to roam around and see how things are really meant to be… the orchards of fruits, hogs, cattle, chickens.  And you can purchase eggs, meat and fruits, etc. right there !

You can check out their website at: www.overlookfarmmo.com and you can call them at 573.242.3838.  You can also email them at  info@overllookfarmmo.com

Owner Nathalie Pettus has truly done a fabulous job in restoring this magnificent farm and keeping it updated.  It is truly a lifetime experience that will be in your memory forever!  Their staff is extremely professional and friendly.

Clarksville, Missouri is a very small town.  Actually the population is only about 430 people.   From downtown on the banks of the Mississippi River you can see the locks which controls the flow for barges.  A very interesting place to visit in downtown Clarksville is the 1845 Historic Elgin/Cottrell House Museum at 209 South First Street.  Owner Richard Cottrell has filled this two story house with the finest of the fine antiques!  Every room is filled from top to bottom with extraordinary antiques and from the Victorian era.  This is a ‘must see’ for anyone in the area.  It really is remarkable!

Visit their website at http://myoldhistorichouse.blogspot.com/

Don and RayAlways remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married).

Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/

Missouri Gay Travel Resources

0 thoughts on “TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Overlook Farm on the Mississippi”

  1. Thanks for the mention of me in you column. I am sorry it was not more and no pictures. That blog site is no longer, but people can catch me on facebook. Under my name, Richard Cottrell. I do a sometimes daily, but not always, blog about the house. As the River flood, a daily saga along the Mississippi and My old Historic House. People can also call 573 242 9688, to book a tour, party or ask questions. Thanks again, was fun meeting you two.

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