Jefferson Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

This charming community 150 mi/240 km east of Dallas was once the leading center of commerce and transportation for the state, thanks to its location near the Red River. But the river's course changed, and today Jefferson is best-known for its lovely old homes (many of them bed-and-breakfasts), its antiques markets and its proximity to Lake o' the Pines State Park (great fishing and scenery).

Be sure to visit the Atalanta, a restored railroad car once owned by Gilded Age moneyman Jay Gould, and the Excelsior House, a lovely hotel where Ulysses S. Grant and Oscar Wilde both stayed (http://www.theexcelsiorhouse.com).

On the first weekend in May, Jefferson holds its "historical pilgrimage," when several of the restored homes are open to the public.

Overview

Introduction

Located on the Missouri River 105 mi/170 km west of St. Louis and occupying a more or less central location in the state, Jefferson City became the state capital in 1821, though it was only a small village at the time.

The Capitol building has a statue of Ceres, goddess of grain, perched at its top. The inside of the building is worth seeing too: The State Museum is there, and there are paintings by Thomas Hart Benton, N.C. Wyeth and other artists.

From the Capitol, it's a short walk to three other sights: the governor's residence where docents in period costumes will guide you through the first floor of the mansion, the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, which includes three of the city's most important historic buildings, and the Cole County Historical Society and Museum.

Overview

Introduction

Jeffersonville, Indiana, which touts itself as the "Sunny Side of Louisville (Kentucky)," includes the Falls of the Ohio. Its 386 million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. Visitors can walk on remnants of a coral reef laid down when the area formed part of an ocean sea bed. Lewis and Clark began their epic journey together in nearby Clarksville in 1803, and Jeffersonville's strategic position directly across the river from Louisville was significant during the Civil War.

The Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville is located in a 22-room, late-Victorian mansion belonging to the Howard family of Howard's Shipyards.

G.A. Schimpff's Confectionery opened its Jeffersonville store in 1891 and is famous for its cinnamon redhots and hard-candy fish. Visitors can stop in for a glimpse of candy making or to enjoy an old-fashioned cherry Coke or chocolate malted in the authentic 1950s-style soda fountain.

Star Cruises offers brunch, lunch and dinner excursions on the Ohio River, which forms the southern boundary of Indiana.

If you have time while in the area, a visit to the Concrete Lady is an odd but fun stop for the entire family. It's one of the largest yard and garden ornament stores you'll ever find. From fountains and bird baths to pig pots and gnomes of all sizes and dispositions, the Concrete Lady has them all.

Jeffersonville is also known as the birthplace of two fast-food chains. Both Rally's and Papa John's Pizza originated there.