St. Louis: 250 Years, 250+ Cakes. Here we go....: Grafton

Monday, June 23, 2014

#15: Aerie's Riverview Winery

As part of the village of Grafton, is one of the places that bills itself 'the greatest views of the Midwest': Aerie's Riverview Winery. Yeah, they do have some great views. But what about in other states, and places in the St. Louis area? I can think of many more; most of them are stl250 cake locations.

It's not just a winery, but a full-service restaurant with a variety of stuff. What's great (besides the views) is the outdoor patio, consisting of two floors. While here, you can also go bird/eagle watching. Stay overnight at their lodge and/or cottages. Aerie's is also in the process of making this into a venue that is great for any special location, be it reunions or weddings. Grafton Zipline is also available here too!

And just a warning: when going to this place, you will be driving up a very steep road. I would switch your gear, and not recommend coming when the roads are bad. Plus, Grafton is a biker town, so definitely go on a day when motorcyclists aren't around (I guess during the week?). Also, while in good ole Grafton, IL, watch your speed. Law enforcement is everywhere here; I know from experience.

The sign that leads to Aerie's

Oh yes...then there's the views:

View of the Mississippi River from Aerie's

Just a look at some of the goodness of Grafton

Village of Grafton

Forestry

The cake sides. Rich Brooks decided to put the 'village of Grafton' theme, which fits well for this cake:

Top of the cake

Aerie's Riverview Winery on Facebook
Official website for Aerie's Winery
Official website for Aerie's View

203 Mulberry Street, GRAFTON, IL, 62037
Cake artist: Rich Brooks

UPDATE (9/4/2016): The cake is still there.

#14: Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center

Here is one of two Illinois state parks that are cake locations. This is located north of St. Louis, on the river road, near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. It's sad to say for an Illinoisan like me that I've never been here (besides getting the cake). But I know some people who love it up there....my nephews have camped with the Boy Scouts there and my distant cousin got married in a small, private ceremony up there. Here are the facts:

It is Illinois' largest state park in area, which is 8,050 acres.
Park is named after Father (or Pere) Jacques Marquette, who led a 17th century exploration of the Mississippi River.
The park was founded in 1931 as the Piasa Bluffs State Park, but was later renamed to its current name.
Besides the lodge (which was built in the 1930s and has since expanded), there are other rich parts of the park, including 12 miles of walking trails.
Animals that are found at the park are several different species of birds, deer and many others. Bald eagles are often seen there as well.
Several events are held here throughout the year, including some at the winery as well as small festivals, and parasailing.