Welcome to Historic Jefferson City- 

You're Invited to Feel the History  

and Join in the Fun    

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2011

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Jefferson City is animated with authenticity - a diverse, living, breathing city with a vibrant pulse. Everywhere you look in this city there's the potential for fun, a backdrop for a festive atmosphere and something for everyone to embrace.

Smiling and chatty patrons gather around outdoor tables at one of the many eateries in the downtown area to enjoy a specialty coffee, a smoothie, a cold beverage, live music or al fresco dining. Visitors and residents move in and out of the shops and boutiques along each side of the streets, looking for that perfect gift. Just walking down the sidewalk, you can feel a sense of belonging and history in the classic architecture of buildings, stunning monuments, exhibits, beautiful gardens and the striking Missouri State Capitol. Immerse yourself in a downtown street festival, check into the live theater scene, pay a visit to a winery, view the works of local artisans at a gallery or discover a local band at one of the city's many exciting nightspots.

No matter what your interests are or how you choose to spend your time in Jefferson City, know that you will be warmly welcomed into the heart of the city, while it captures yours.

Taking it to the Sidewalks

There are many street side patios in downtown Jefferson City to enjoy your favorite foods, friends and pleasant summer evenings.

Whether you're in Jefferson City's downtown area for shopping, business or just a leisurely walk, your next delicious meal or satisfying beverage can be found only a few footsteps away with a variety of sidewalk cafés, coffee houses, and bars and grills to choose from. Dine indoors or enjoy a mouth-watering dish outside on a pleasant summer day at Madison's Cafe, O'Donoghue's Steaks and Sea Food, Café Via Roma, Yanis Coffee Zone, Chez Monet, Arris Bistro, The Downtown Diner, Yo Yums, Gumbo Bottoms, Mortimer Kegley's, Prison Brews or one of many other extraordinary options in the district. Wherever you choose to pull up a chair, inside or out, you'll find the best the city has to offer at the table.

Hit the Katy Trail

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Missouri's river bluffs and picturesque farm landscapes from the Katy Trail in Jefferson City.

Grab a bicycle, lace up your boots and throw your pack over your shoulders for some exploring on a portion of the Katy Trail, the longest "Rails to Trails" conversion in the United States. Formerly the MKT rail line, the Katy Trail stretches for 237 miles across Missouri from St. Charles through Jefferson City to Clinton. Half of the trail follows Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's legendary journey up the Missouri River. In the spring of 2011, a pedestrian and bike bridge over the Missouri River was added in Jefferson City. Cyclists and runners love the Katy Trail in Jefferson City, because it's flat, it's very scenic and it has easy access to the city.

Stroll Through History

Built in 1839, the white stone Lohman Building at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site in downtown Jefferson City once served as a grocery, tavern, telegraph office and hotel.

Feel the history from the ground level on a stroll through Jefferson City and absorb the pride of Missouri and America on a walking tour of the many celebrated locales around town. Start at the base of Jefferson Street and visit the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. The area dates back to 1839, making it the oldest riverfront landing on the Missouri River. Cross to the corner of Jefferson Street and East Capitol Avenue to see the stunning bronze Lewis and Clark Monument at the Katy Trailhead Plaza, commemorating June 4, 1804 - the date when Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped in the area. Just a block away is the Missouri State Capitol building, where you can take in all the stunning beauty of one of the most attractive state capitols in the country. Be sure not to miss the fountains, statuary and memorials surrounding the Capitol, along with sweeping views of the Missouri River. The Missouri Veterans Memorial and Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial are just two of the must-see sites on the Capitol grounds. And while you're at the Capitol, soak up the state's past in the Missouri State Museum on the building's first floor. You can also take a free, guided tour of the Capitol Building or you can pick up a map at the information desk for a self-guided tour. Visit the Governor's Mansion, built in 1872, at 100 Madison Street and take a free tour of the first floor this spectacular home. While you're there, admire the flowering beauty of the Carnahan Memorial Garden between the Capitol and the Governor's Mansion.

Enjoy a spectacular view from the Missouri River bluffs at Summit Lake Winery, just 2.8 miles from downtown.

Fruits of Life

The flavor of life is in the fruits of a winemaker's labor. Wine aficionados who are visiting the Jefferson City area can look to two local wineries - Summit Lake Winery and Native Stone Winery and Bull Rock Brewery - to satisfy their love for outstanding drink, fabulous food and great ambiance. Summit Lake Winery sits atop a bluff just five minutes from downtown Jefferson City in Holts Summit, at 1707 South Summit Dr. It features eight wines (four red and four white). Native Stone Winery and Bull Rock Brewery, less than 10 minutes from downtown at 4317 Native Stone Road, nestles amid 300 acres of rolling hills and fields. It offers seven wines and famous Bull Rock Beer. Summit Lake and Native Stone both feature live music on select dates and each offers a restaurant with an assortment of menu choices including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts and much more.

Shine the Spotlight

A production of "The Wizard of Oz" by The Little Theatre in Jefferson City.

Lovers of live theater, rejoice - there is always a performance just right for you in Jefferson City. To secure a seat for one of the many magnificent shows during the packed 2011 summer live-theater season in Jefferson City, head to the theater's respective box office. From now until the end of the season, Jefferson City lifts the curtain on well-known musicals, compelling plays, dinner theatre, local playwrights' works and large productions by well-known performers. Check the schedules on the websites of the following locations and theater companies to find out when your favorites are set to be on stage: The Etta and Joseph Miller Performing Arts Center, The Little Theatre of Jefferson City, Stained Glass Theater of Mid Missouri, The Capital City Players' dinner theater and The Scene One Theatre.

Coming Up ...

Stars Under the Stars Outdoor Movie Series

Dates: July 15 ("Jumanji") & Aug. 5 ("Ferris Bueller's Day Off")

Time: Show activities begin at 7:30 p.m., movie starts at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m.

Location: Missouri State Capitol south lawn

Description: Enjoy your favorite movies on a giant inflatable screen under the stars and against the backdrop of the Missouri State Capitol. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments (no alcoholic beverages permitted) and be entertained by these free family films shown on the Capitol's south lawn.                  

For More Information: (573) 634-6482

Cost: Free

Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair

Dates: July 25- July 30

Time: gates open at 5 p.m.

Location: Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds, 1445 Fairgrounds Road

Description: Join Cole County residents for a week of games, rides, crafts, food and entertainment, as they celebrate at the 2011 Cole County Fair. The 61st annual Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair features five nights of carnival rides, motorsports events and local and national musical acts including: new country star Craig Campbell (Tuesday July 26), country star Rick Trevino (Wednesday July 27), country stars Restless Heart (Thursday July 28), Uncle Kracker (Friday July 29) and Starship starring Mickey Thomas (Saturday July 30). Miller Spectacular Armband nights are Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 -11:30 p.m. 

For More Information: (573) 893-3950 or visit www.jeffcityjaycees.org 

Cost: Admission is $5 Monday and $10 Tuesday through Saturday for ages 10 and up

Cruisin' for MDA

Dates: July 30 & Aug. 27

Time: 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: High Street, Downtown Jefferson City

Description: Come see the largest car show in Jefferson City the last Saturday of every month from March to September. Listen to the classic tunes supplied by COOL 97.5, grab some food sold by the Jefferson City Host Lions Club and look at the cars displayed on the streets. The car show benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

For More Information: (573) 680-9458 or visit Cruisin' for MDA's Facebook page 

Cost: Free

Missouri State Criterium Championship

Date: July 31

Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Downtown Jefferson City (the route circles the Capitol and goes along High Street, Madison Street and Capitol Avenue)

Description: The best amateur and professional bicycle racers in Missouri will compete on the streets of Jefferson City for the Missouri State Championship jersey and a $2,000 prize list. There will be races conducted throughout the day for each amateur category. The course is a one mile loop through downtown and around the Capitol.

For More Information: (314) 862-1188 or mike@bigshark.com or visit BigShark.com 

Cost: Free for spectators, $25 to participate

United as One, United We Sing

Dates: August 27

Time: 5-9 p.m.

Location: Missouri State Capitol south lawn

Description: Join people from all over the nation as they gather on the South side of the Missouri State Capitol for a celebration of our state, our country and our faith. The Annual United as One, United We Sing will include performers from outside the state as well as area musical talent such as the Apologetics.

For More Information: www.unitedasone.info 

Cost: Free

DON'T MISS...

Future World Heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston learned the art of boxing while in the Missouri State Prison yard.

The Missouri State Penitentiary Tours - Tour the oldest continually operated prison west of the Mississippi. Decommissioned in 2004, the MSP serves as a historic landmark, once called the "Bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine. Walk through Sonny Liston's cell and see the site where he learned to box before he became the world's heavyweight champion in 1962. Hear stories about Pretty Boy Floyd's incarceration and James Earl Ray's escape, as well as the gas chamber, where 40 executions took place.

Old Munichburg -  

Grab your lederhosen and brush up on your Schuhplattler steps and come experience Oktoberfest in  Old Munichburg.

Jefferson City's historically German "South Side" neighborhood is being revitalized. You'll find first-class shopping, restaurants, lodging, beautiful brick homes and a big dose of German-American hospitality. Old Munichburg comprises approximately fourteen blocks located south of the Rex Whitton Expressway (US 50/63); west of Monroe and Poplar streets; north of Franklin Street; and east of US 54 West.

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For more information about these and other attractions in and around Jefferson City, please contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-769-4183, at

VisitJeffersonCity.com or at the city's Facebook or Twitter pages.   

(573) 632-2820 ext. 305

sarah@visitjeffersoncity.com 

VisitJeffersonCity.com