Romantic Getaways: Hermann, Missouri

Several years ago, my wife was searching online for a nice, romantic area for the two of us to escape the chaos of our daily lives. It had to be somewhere really special, because, as all marriages do, we had gotten into a really bad place. This getaway needed to provide us not only with a relief from raising 6 children, but also had to create an environment of healing and regeneration that was quickly taking the wind out of our marriage sails.

Little did we know at that time that Hermann, Missouri would be a continuous romantic getaway for us for years to come. Hermann Hill Bed & Breakfast (as it was known then) was built in 1995 by Terry and Peggy Hammer. Both are retired school teachers who have a passion to build a wonderful community that is certainly becoming an amazing reality. It is a true blessing that they have chosen to invest in this community. Hermann has a wonderful history and it is nice to see a small town pull itself up by the bootstraps in the after effects of a Recession.

Hermann was founded in the 1830's by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia. It was promoted through German publications with the first early settlers being "led by George Bayer and Edward Hermann, who bought the land and is considered by many to be the founder of the town." The society eventually sold shares of its 11,300 acres of land which became subdivided into the town it is today.

"The society had almost utopian goals of a 'heart of German America' where it could perpetuate traditional German culture and establish a self-supporting colony built around farming, commerce, and industry. The town is named after Hermann der Cherusker, a Germanic leader who defeated the Romans in the year 9. In 2009, the city of Hermann celebrated the 2,000th anniversary of the battle, in which the Germanic warrior Hermann defeated three Roman legions and changed the course of history. A bronze statue of the city's namesake was dedicated, and has been standing since December 2009 in the Hermann Park." (hermannmissouri.com)

The area is known for its wineries, which have been built back up since the 1960's. Stone Hill is probably the most popular, akin to the Starbucks of the wine world. During Prohibition their property was turned into a mushroom farm, but now it is a thriving business with award- winning wines. OakGlenn is another popular hangout which overlooks the Missouri River and is always hosting a new line of very excellent wines. My wife and I love their "Sweet Caroline" which we enjoy every time we visit. Other wineries include Adam Puchta, Robller, and Hermannhof.

After travelling down scenic Route 100, we found ourselves stepping back in time as we slid into the streets of downtown Hermann. Many of the buildings and structures date back to the pioneering days of the 1800's, giving the town a comforting feel. Life is much slower here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Right away my wife and I could feel that this was the place where we would find the tranquility and rejuvenation we were seeking. We traveled past the the town courthouse, old-time shop windows, the town's one book store, ice cream shop, and other small businesses that look like they really struggled through the Recession and still do today. Every now and then a business will go under, although another one will usually take its place. It is still very much a thriving community and is growing every year. We then traveled through Hermann's residential neighborhood and up the steep hill, leading us to the bed and breakfast that looked wonderful on its website. We couldn't wait to check in and actually experience what we saw at home. Here's a video tour of our room.

Shortly after checking in a welcome tray was brought to our room with crusty bread, four different kinds of cheeses, grapes, and a Boursin cheese spread. Two glasses of your choice of wine or beer accompanies each tray.We enjoyed ours sitting on the balcony which overlooks the bowl-shaped valley of Hermann. It truly is a spectacular view, especially when strong weather flashes lightning bolts across the landscape. Hermann Hill is not only known for its Inn and cottages that look high over the Missouri River, but also for its wedding banquet hall and marriage gazebo, and the future Conference Center and Hotel scheduled for 2016 and 2020.

The one thing you will find in your experience is that Terry and Peggy have stressed paying attention to all the little details that make for a great stay. They have created an atmosphere with very little interruption from the outside world. Aromatherapy is stressed with hand soaps and jacuzzi spa fragrances that fill the room. If you would like a deep massage to get relaxed, Hermann Hill offers that too. The rooms are well sound-proofed, so you feel like you are the only couple there.

Here you can truly escape into the luxuries of a world-class breakfast brought to your room at your specified time, the use of jacuzzis and hot tubs, working fireplaces (seasonal), very comfortable king-size beds with high count thread sheets and blankets, access to a full kitchen and dining room, and so much more! And to top it off, Terry personally visits each room around 10:00 pm to deliver ice cream and two delicious cookies that he sets in front of your door, illuminated with a burning white candle.....amazing!

It is really difficult to fully express how wonderful the Hermann Hill encounter continues to be with this hub. Each year they add something new to our stay to wow us even more so than the last time we stayed. The bottom line is you just have to go and experience it for yourself. The room rates are a bit pricey, but I assure you, it is well worth the money. You won't regret it. You may even decide to get involved with their "Same Time Next Year" program where you pay this year's rates for the same time period the following year, assuming the room isn't already taken. My wife and I have the Cynthiana room booked over Father's Day weekend every year. Don't bother with Cynthiana that weekend, it's already taken. :)