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By Deborah Eakin Osborne
Women's Edition
HERMANN, MO. — 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 1830's. 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 their 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, 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 walk-out patio. Each floor has it's 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 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 of 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. 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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