Ste. Genevieve Voted One of America's Coolest Small Towns by Budget Travel Magazine
By Emily Sladek

One among 647 entries, Ste. Genevieve has earned a spot as one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America, and now is competing for the top honor of Coolest Small Town in America.

Situated in southeast Missouri's wine country, Ste. Genevieve's Route du Vin Wine Trail offers several of the area's finest wineries. A visit to the wine trail can easily be partnered with a stay in one of the surrounding bed and breakfasts as well to create a quaint vacation.

Rich with history, Ste. Genevieve is Missouri's first European settlement dating back to the 1700s. The town offers many historical pauses, hued with late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century homes, centuries-old buildings that house many of the town's local businesses, churches, and bridges among others.

Holding several festivals, parades and other events of the sort to celebrate this history, there is almost always something going on in Ste. Genevieve. "The town hosts over 20 events annually," said Stephanie Bell, Director of Tourism for Ste. Genevieve. "These festivals celebrate our French, German and American heritage, as well as visual and performing arts." Annual occasions such as the French Heritage Festival, Rural Heritage Days, and Fourth Friday Art Walks all celebrate a piece of the town's uniqueness. Many other festivals and events help to make the town stand out.

When asked of the town's main attractions, Bell said, "At first glance, it is obvious Ste. Genevieve is unique with its collection of French Colonial and German architecture, but there is far more to this small town than meets the eye. The authentic architecture lends a romantic ambiance, but it is what is found in the buildings that make the town one of the coolest in America. Ste. Genevieve is home to a vibrant art community; locally owned and operated boutiques and antique shops; diverse dining establishments, wineries, salon and day spa and beautiful Bed & Breakfast Inns."

Up against small towns such as Damascus, VA, known to many as Trail Town USA for its unique location along the Appalachain Trial and former copper mining town Jerome, AZ, revered for it's old-west history, Ste. Genevieve is in good company for the title of Coolest Small Town in America. Voting goes through January 21. To vote for Ste. Genevieve and learn more about the contest, click here!