10 Weekend Getaways Within Driving Distance of Your Home

Posted by admin on April 29, 2010

You work hard.  You deserve a break.

Taum Sauk Mountain
Iron County, Missouri
Take a few days to escape into the Missouri wilderness.  The Taum Sauk Mountain is the highst peak in the state.  Channel the inner hiker in you and trek through the park’s 7,448 acres of solitude.  The group of mountains the Taum Sauk sits in is called the St. Francois Mountains.  Over one billion and a half years ago, volcanic eruptions settled and cooled to form massive peaks – to which the roots have solely remained.  The Taum Sauk, standing at 1,772 feet tall can be reached easily by a beautiful walking trail.

The Windy City
Chicago, Illinois
One weekend may be too short to spend in this amazing city!  Of the many things do to in the Windy City, be sure to visit the Midwest’s top tourist destination – Navy Pier!  Take a ride on its 150-foot Ferris wheel, stroll along the boardwalk, and shop ‘til you drop!
If you appreciate beautiful landscape design and architecture, spend some time at Millennium Park, or take a trip to the 103^rd floor of the Willis Tower to experience the architecture from a bird’s eye view.  Tours are even available aboard a Chicago River boat – there’s not a more relaxing way to experience one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

The Plaza
Kansas City, Missouri
Truly elegance at its finest, The Plaza in Kansas City offers visitors the most exquisite shopping and dining experience.  With 180 shops, world-class dining establishments, and unbridled entertainment; from chocolatiers to couture clothes, you’ll never be short of finding something to play to your inner diva.  From May to September, enjoy outdoor music throughout The Plaza courtyards.  The atmosphere at The Plaza suits visitors of all ages and interests.  Whether you prefer a quieter scene, or upbeat night-life, you’ll find your niche in Kansas City.

Herman
Herman, Missouri
Set in the rolling hills of Missouri, Herman is one of the state’s most beautiful towns.  Nestled in the center of wine country, this quaint town is the perfect retreat from a fast-paced, city lifestyle.  Spend the day traveling the wineries, or take in a little history at one of Herman’s five museums.  The town welcomes all of its visitors with open arms; you’ll never be short of Bed & Breakfasts to choose from.

Branson
Branson, Missouri
If you’re ready for a weekend packed with fun and live entertainment, it’s time you visit Branson.  Truly perfect for a family vacation, the “Live Music Show Capital of the World” is packed with more than 50 live performance theatres, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, museums, and plenty of places to shop!
Minutes away, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, a day at the beach, and camping.  Branson also gives visitors a world-class dining experience – from Italian to Mediterranean, the options are sure to please any pallet.

Sainte Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
An absolutely beautiful small town just south of St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve’s French and German history is still evident in its architecture.  Tucked in the backs on the Mississippi River, this gem is the perfect place for you and your honey to enjoy a weekend together.  Its 19 wineries ensure you’ll experience the finest Missouri wines while you take in the beautiful Southern Missouri scenery.  Crown Valley Winery not only has breathtaking views from its patio, it is also home to a tiger sanctuary.  Take a look at winery websites in the area, many offer couples and group packages for drinks and lodging.

Lake of the Ozarks
Lake Ozark, Missouri
The Lake of the Ozarks offers visitors a variety of opportunities to enjoy on the water and soak up the sun.  Instead of renting a condo or hotel, try renting a house boat for a weekend.  The smallest boat fits up to nine people and includes all of the amenities you’d find in an upscale hotel.  Share this experience with your friends and family as you cruise through the Lake.  Stop off at the strip, spend an evening at one of Lake Ozark’s restaurant and bars, or relax on the water with eight of your closest friends!

Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Take a weekend to visit the home of Blues music.  Not only will you experience some of the best bar-b-q in the country, but a city that has a culture all of its own.  Take a trip to the Memphis Zoo, listen to live music, or walk down Beale Street to appreciate some Memphis’ quirks.  Beale Street is the Home of the Blues and the Birth place of Rock ‘n’ Roll.  With over 25 clubs and shops, you’ll never be short of places to go on a fun night out.

Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Memphis is to Rock ‘n’ Roll as Nashville is to Country Music.  Known as “Music City,” Nashville is a family-friendly getaway that won’t break the bank.  Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Grand Ole Opry, museums, parks, a full-size replica of the Parthenon, and the Adventure Science Center.  If you’re looking for a place to take your kids for a fun family weekend, Nashville is the perfect destination.

Augusta
Augusta, Missouri
Located on the bluffs above the Missouri River Valley, Augusta is St. Louis’ premier wine country.  Sit with friends, enjoy the scenery, and your favorite wines as you’re brought back to simpler times.  Perfect for a Saturday day-trip, Augusta is fun, relaxed, and close to home.
Some visitors also enjoy bike riding on the Katy Trail which runs through the town.  You’ll see some bikers stop at wineries along the way as well! The town also has unique shops, restaurants, bakeries, and Bed & Breakfasts.

Weekend getaways are a wonderful way to relax with your friends and family.  In just a few hours you could be spending a memorable weekend within driving distance of your Fischer & Frichtel home.

Choosing the Home That Suits You

Posted by Elizabeth on April 23, 2010

When choosing a home, it’s sometimes difficult to choose which style suites your needs the best.

Luxury Condominiums
Life in a condominium is not only maintenance-free, it’s high-class, urban style living. Often times, it is perceived that once you move into a condominium you have no freedom to customize your home. In some cases, this is true, but choosing a custom, luxury home builder ensures you’ll have the freedom to customize your already beautifully crafted condominium to live in the home of your dreams.

Elegance with Ease
This maintenance-free, amenity-rich way of life isn’t short on anything, especially a sense of community. Condominium owners have the ability to become familiar and interact with their neighbors quickly. These affordable, elegant homes are professionally landscaped and maintained which leaves more time to enjoy a martini on your balcony with friends.

Villas
Villas offer private, secure living. If you’re more partial to a quieter lifestyle, villas allow home owners to relax in the comfort of their own home without loud highway noise.  Sit on your porch and enjoy the sunset with lemonade or take a stroll around a lakeside walking trail.

Detached
Detached villas are luxurious, ranch-style homes with exterior maintenance services provided. Perfect for a small family, these homes allow owners to live in elegance-with ease.

Luxury
You’ve worked hard- you deserve it a luxury home.  If you want vaulted ceilings, you’ve got it; if you want a luxury kitchen with double ovens and custom upgrades, it’s yours.  With a vast array of affordable options, you’ll be able to customize your villa exactly the way you want it.

Exterior Maintenance
You’ll never have to worry about keeping up with the exterior of your house again.

• Forget about mowing your lawn.
• Don’t lose sleep over landscaping.
• No more shoveling the snow off your driveway or sidewalk.

Villas come with priceless amenities like peace of mind.  Though villas are typically smaller than other homes, they’re still equipped with basements you can retreat to in case of severe weather.  A close-knit, gated community ensures you can trust your neighbors, and are private but not secluded; many businesses are just blocks away if you need anything.

Towne Homes
Towne Homes are luxury hybrid of a condominium and villa.  Secure, private, and affordable, these homes are also equipped with exterior maintenance service.

Charming Character
These beautifully landscaped homes are surrounded by walking trails, canals, lakes, and shady trees – truly, the perfect place to relax on a Sunday.

Signature Homes
Signature homes give owners the freedom to customize their luxury house down to the last brushed-metal knob on the guest bathroom vanity. Whether you prefer to live on a large, wooded lot – or a smaller, more manageable lot- you will live an elite, elegant lifestyle.

Single Family Homes
Single family homes on full-sized home sites give home owners the freedom to garden and landscape exactly the way they’d like. These communities offer privacy without losing their small-town feel.

Manageable Home Sites
Living in a custom home on a manageable home site gives you the opportunity to enjoy your free time. Exterior maintenance is available for homeowners who prefer to have their lawn professionally managed.

Full-Sized Home Sites
Estate-sized home sites in prestige a community allows owners to live in resort-style luxury every day. Customize your gourmet kitchen and have your beautiful, wooded lot landscaped they way you’ve always dreamed.

Whether your nest is empty or full, your home should be a place to treasure the memories of a lifetime. Choosing a home can be difficult – let Fischer & Frichtel put your mind at ease.