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Volume 8, Issue 2 February 2012 |
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Greetings!
Although the 60 degree weather we've been having makes it seem as if winter may pass us by this year, February is here. Whether you support or oppose Transformation - be sure to vote February 7th and make your voice heard. Wishing you a fantastic February,
Ryan Winkler |
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Upcoming Meetings
February 3
· JC Outdoors Meeting
February 7
· Discover Jefferson City Foundation Meeting
February 8
· Diplomat Meeting
· Hotel/Motel Council Meeting
February 15
· Athletic Events Committee |
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St. Louis Post Dispatch travel writer finds delight in capital city
St. Louis Post Dispatch travel writer, Amy Bertrand, recently spent a weekend in Jefferson City for her son's hockey tournament at Washington Park Ice Arena. Although it had been many years since she had visited Jefferson City, Amy decided she and her family would stay an extra night and see some of the popular Jefferson City sights.
"We found that Jefferson City is full of learning opportunities for young and old. With its anachronistic downtown full of charming shops and shop owners and official buildings full of history, it offers a simple getaway just two hours west of St. Louis," Bertrand wrote.
 On January 1st, the St. Louis Post Dispatch published Amy Bertrand's recount of her trip to Jefferson City. Area attractions featured included Runge Nature Center, where the family witnessed four wild turkeys strutting their stuff. They snacked at Central Dairy and Zesto, grabbing dinner at Arris Pizza where Amy was impressed with the staff's patience while waiting on an entire team of hungry hockey players. The Best Western Plus-Capital Inn offered more than enough space for the family of four and all of their hockey gear.
The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau is always thrilled to see such positive media exposure for the capital city we know and love. We are delighted whenever a travel writer contacts us about coming to town and we are more than happy to share their positive reviews with fellow residents and visitors looking for fun, family activities to enjoy in Jefferson City.
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Calling all Food & Wine lovers
It's been nearly 30 years since Madison's Cafe opened its doors at 216 Madison Street. To the delight of Jefferson City visitors and residents, the restaurant has continued to produce authentic and original northern Italian cuisine and provide an ambiance that is loved by customers of all ages. In 2002, Madison's completed an outdoor patio for additional seating which has become a popular spot for al fresco dining.
You may have heard of Madison's Food & Wine pairing events but that doesn't guarantee you've had a chance to attend - the events often sell out months in advance! Recently, Steve Picker, execute director at the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau, was lucky enough to snag a ticket and spend the evening sampling a variety of dishes and trying new wines.
"The Food & Wine Pairing at Madison's was a remarkable experience," praised Picker. "It was fun to try new dishes that are not included on Madison's regular menu. It was obvious that all the guests who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Pairing the wine with the meal proved to be a very educational experience."
Madison's next Food & Wine Pairing event is slated for March 22nd at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 573-634-2988. Tickets are $75 per guest, which includes tax and gratuity. Food & Wine connoisseurs be warned - you will leave with a full belly and memories of a truly special night.
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MSP featured in Midwest Living magazine
In 2011, visitors came in droves to get locked up inside the Missouri State Penitentiary. The 2011 season saw a 47 percent increase in tour attendance - more than 17,000 people stepped through the gateway and heard the cool clang of the metal bars slam shut behind them. Also in 2011, the SyFy  Channel featured MSP in an episode of its hit show "Ghost Hunters." The show generated national exposure for Jefferson City and the prison site and sparked an immediate desire in paranormal enthusiasts to see the Missouri State Penitentiary in person. The show aired at the end of the 2011 tour season and left many on the edge of their seats waiting for the gates to re-open in 2012.
Local, regional and national media have taken notice in the increase in traffic at the Missouri State Penitentiary. Midwest Living, a nationally recognized publication, recently listed MSP No. 3 of its Top 25 New Places to Stay, Eat and Play. The magazine credited the prison's Ghost Tours for "pushing the interest in the creepy complex to a stratospheric level."
Whatever ones personal reason for touring the Missouri State Penitentiary one this is clear: the site has become an incredibly enticing attraction for tourists visiting Jefferson City. Visitors have come from 43 of the 50 states and countries such as Germany, India and Canada. The positive response is indicative of great things to come when tours re-open one month from now!
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Days Inn receives 2012 Travelers' Choice
award from TripAdvisor
Every year, TripAdvisor, a popular travel website that provides information on accommodations & activities, releases its Travelers' Choice Awards. TripAdvisor provides an annual list of best hotels, family vacations, beaches and destinations. The Best Hotels category is broken up between all-inclusive, luxury, trendiest, best service, etc.
In 2012, the Days Inn in Jefferson City was featured on the list of Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the United States. Fellow honorees included hotels in New York, California, Colorado, Florida and many other states. The Days Inn receives consistent excellent ratings from TripAdvisor travelers who have complimented the hotel for its great value, staff and rooms.
Congratulations to the Days Inn on this prestigious award! |
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Valentine's Day Events
Madison's Cafe
Madison's Cafe is offering a five course prix fixe menu for Valentine's Day. First course is a cup of lobster bisque followed by a second course of spenach salad topped with gorgonzola cheese, red onions and grape tomatoes. Raspberry sorbet for course three, ahead of an 8-oz center hand-cut filet mignon with vegetable medley and cavatelli pasta on the side for course four. The fifth and final course is gelato. Five course menu is $28.99 per person. Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more by calling 573-634-2988.
Capitol Plaza Hotel
The Capitol Plaza Hotel is offering a "Do Not Disturb" romance package for Valentine's Day. Available from the 10th-19th, the package includes a bottle of chilled champagne upon arrival, one night accommodations in a two-room King Suite, and breakfast for two (choose from room service or the Park Place Restaurant). Package is $123.99 and can be reserved by calling 573-638-2306.
Summit Lake Winery
Summit Lake Winery is celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary all February long. All bottles of wine are being reduced to the price they were when the restaurant opened in February 2002. Summit Lake Winery is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine's Day - watch for details on a special menu coming soon. Live music featuring Dave Baker. Visit www.summitlakewinery.com for more information.
Bingham's - Truman Hotel
Bingham's restaurant, inside the Truman Hotel, will be promoting a new menu on Valentine's Day. New featured items include coconut encrusted shrimp, portabella fries, a new hot cobb salad, blackened salmon salad. Filet mignon featuring Angus beef, chardonnay chickey and champagne salmon en croute are new entree additions. To make reservations at Bingham's call 573-635-5388.
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Tell us about it...
Are you submitting your events for inclusion in the CVB's Calendar of Events? The Calendar of Events is one of the most popular pages on the web site!
To enter an event, click here.
This is a completely free service the CVB offers, so get out there and enter in your information! Submissions are not guaranteed.
Call Ryan at 573-632-2820 with questions.
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Monthly Statistics
Marketing Report
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Visitor Requests |
January |
1,849 | |
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YTD |
1,849 | |
Website Unique Visitors |
January |
5,215 | |
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YTD |
5,215 | |
Website Visitors (Total) |
January |
6,214 | |
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YTD |
6,214 |
Diplomat Volunteer Hours
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Volunteer Hours |
January |
41 | |
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YTD |
41 |
STR (Smith Travel Research) Report
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December 2011 |
% Change 2010 | |
Occupancy |
32.6% |
-4.8% | |
Room Rate |
$60.16 |
-4.7% | |
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Year-to-Date |
% Change 2010 | |
Occupancy |
48.5% |
-1.2% | |
Room Rate |
$67.73 |
-0.2% |
**The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau monitors the number of walk-in visitors who stop into our office to request traveler's information, visitor guides, directions, recommendations, etc. Our office has seen a steady increase of about 10% every year since 2008. 2011 was no exception - we had nearly 250 more visitors than we had in 2010. People can't seem to get enough of our office and our friendly staff members, Jennifer Nelp and Sheila Sanford who greet them when they come in!
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Thank you for your interest in Jefferson City. We look forward to sharing more about our wonderful community in the future. Feel free to contact the Bureau with any questions you may have! | |
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