Dotty's Cafe (Hartsburg)
- + Had dinner here a couple weeks ago and all I can say is...GREAT! The service, the food, the price...everything was great! I would eat three meals a day here if I could! I can't say enough good thin...
Discussion started 10/16/2006 04:41 PM by Jason - 7 replies (last reply by Linda at 09/22/2007 09:40 PM)Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:41 PM
Had dinner here a couple weeks ago and all I can say is...GREAT! The service, the food, the price...everything was great! I would eat three meals a day here if I could! I can't say enough good things!
RO on 10/18/2006 12:11 PM
I agree, Dotty's was only second to a great great place in Rochport called Abigales. Best meal I have ever had, start to finish.
Chuck from OP, KS on 04/05/2007 09:58 AM
We eat at Dotty's everytime we trail thru Hartsburg. Great place. Home cooked, comfort food. Have bought a couple nice little knick-knacks there too. We were sorry to see that the cyclery in Hartsburg closed down last fall. The people who ran it were good folk. The proprietor said he was moving the business to Jeff City(?) or Sedalia or somewhere else along the trail. Good luck to them.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 04/05/2007 05:36 PM
We've also eaten at Dotty's and found it to be a great place. Nice people, great food.
savage24 from KC,MO on 04/05/2007 10:09 PM
Add my name to the Dotty's fan club! Unfortunately, I don't get to visit there much since they are closed on my days off. If you are reading this and planning to visit Dotty's, please remember that they are closed on Monday & Tuesday. Be sure and check business hours when planning a ride on the Katy. This website is a great resource for that.
Bruce from O'Fallon, IL on 09/06/2007 06:02 PM
Ditto on the good comments about Dotty's Cafe. Extremely nice folks, place was very clean, great food. They'll give you ice and water for your bottles as well. There is also a small park under large shade trees to wait out the heat after lunch. Nice little town.
Trek Biker & Co. from St. Joseph, MO on 09/06/2007 10:27 PM
Bruce,
The park in Hartsburg is also a good place to dry a tent, eat a snack, or visit with an "old" trail friend. We hope you enjoyed your trip. We did make it back to Boonville and completed our Century ride. Steamboat Junction is a good stop, but I hear the hostel in Tebbets works too.
Linda from Bolivar on 09/22/2007 09:40 PM
I wished we could have eaten at Dotty's last Tuesday. After we gave up on a lunch, we ate our trail mix at the trailhead. Then as we were leaving, they opened just for a group--wish they could have put a sign out that they would open at noon that day to serve others, too. Our 'lunch' was ice cream at Jeff City later that afternoon. We weren't the only ones looking for lunch that day either--it would be nice if the businesses got together to make sure someone was open each day.
Cliff Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn (Jefferson City)
- + We had a very pleasant stay at Cliff Manor after a day of riding the Katy trail. Thom picked us up at the trailhead (do NOT try to ride your bicycle across that bridge) and took us back in the mornin...
Discussion started 09/09/2007 09:13 PM by Deby Elliott - 1 reply (last reply by Linda at 09/22/2007 09:29 PM)Deby Elliott from Dallas, Tx on 09/09/2007 09:13 PM
We had a very pleasant stay at Cliff Manor after a day of riding the Katy trail. Thom picked us up at the trailhead (do NOT try to ride your bicycle across that bridge) and took us back in the morning. He also rinsed off our dusty bikes, put them in a safe place for the night, and filled our water bottles and put them in the freezer for the next days' ride. The room comfortable, reasonably priced, relaxing, and we had a great view of the capital. Breakfast was to-die-for. We highly recommend it.
Deby Elliott from Dallas, Tx on 09/09/2007 09:13 PM
We had a very pleasant stay at Cliff Manor after a day of riding the Katy trail. Thom picked us up at the trailhead (do NOT try to ride your bicycle across that bridge) and took us back in the morning. He also rinsed off our dusty bikes, put them in a safe place for the night, and filled our water bottles and put them in the freezer for the next days' ride. The room comfortable, reasonably priced, relaxing, and we had a great view of the capital. Breakfast was to-die-for. We highly recommend it.
Linda from Bolivar on 09/22/2007 09:29 PM
We just had a great experience at Cliff Manor last week also. Thom shuttled us and the frozen water bottles were such a treat. We had a riverview suite (and view of the Capitol). The location is great--walking distance to downtown. Breakfast was amazing. We highly recommend this B&B.
Linda from Bolivar on 09/22/2007 09:29 PM
We just had a great experience at Cliff Manor last week also. Thom shuttled us and the frozen water bottles were such a treat. We had a riverview suite (and view of the Capitol). The location is great--walking distance to downtown. Breakfast was amazing. We highly recommend this B&B.
Apple Gate Inn (Augusta)
- + My husband & I spent two nights at The Apple Gate Inn in August and are still raving about it! We rode 100 miles on the Katy Trail over two sweltering 100 degree days. The Apple Gate Inn was the per...
Discussion started 09/11/2007 11:25 AM by Janet - 1 reply (last reply by Linda at 09/22/2007 09:23 PM)Janet from New Holland, IL on 09/11/2007 11:25 AM
My husband & I spent two nights at The Apple Gate Inn in August and are still raving about it! We rode 100 miles on the Katy Trail over two sweltering 100 degree days. The Apple Gate Inn was the perfect retreat - and only one block from the trail! The Inn has been beautifully restored and tastefully decorated. Our suite was perfect - comfortable, spacious, and private. Lynn prepared two fabulous breakfast feasts for us. She is a great hostess & we hope to go back soon!
Janet from New Holland, IL on 09/11/2007 11:25 AM
My husband & I spent two nights at The Apple Gate Inn in August and are still raving about it! We rode 100 miles on the Katy Trail over two sweltering 100 degree days. The Apple Gate Inn was the perfect retreat - and only one block from the trail! The Inn has been beautifully restored and tastefully decorated. Our suite was perfect - comfortable, spacious, and private. Lynn prepared two fabulous breakfast feasts for us. She is a great hostess & we hope to go back soon!
Linda from Bolivar on 09/22/2007 09:23 PM
Ditto! This place was the best and after Lynn's breakfast, we didn't eat again til 4 in the afternoon! We intend to return.
Linda from Bolivar on 09/22/2007 09:23 PM
Ditto! This place was the best and after Lynn's breakfast, we didn't eat again til 4 in the afternoon! We intend to return.
Would the Katy Trail be too dusty
- + I'm wonder if the Katy Trail is dusty when you ride this time of year. I'm thinking about pulling a trailer behind with my son, and was wondering if the dust would be a problem for him. Would the Ka...
Discussion started 09/21/2007 09:35 PM by rdclk1 - 2 replies (last reply by Linda at 09/22/2007 09:12 PM)rdclk1 from Chesterfield on 09/21/2007 09:35 PM
I'm wonder if the Katy Trail is dusty when you ride this time of year. I'm thinking about pulling a trailer behind with my son, and was wondering if the dust would be a problem for him. Would the Katy Trail ever be paved?
Paulie from Knoxville on 09/22/2007 12:29 AM
There may be some dust if it hasn't rained in a few days, but it shouldn't be to bad. Taking along some baby wipes is always a good idea. I'll take a dry dusty Katy over a wet soggy one anyday.
Paulie
Linda from Bolivar on 09/22/2007 09:12 PM
We just completed the trail yesterday--it was very dusty as most has not had rain since July and there were several areas (mostly McBain to Jeff City)where maintenance was laying new rock. We used a trailor for gear and the cover worked well but I wouldn't have wanted a child in it.
Bluffton
- + I would highly recommend the Rendleman home B & B. The host was great and the house was like staying in my grandparent's farm house. The house was down home and clean. The bed was firm and the shower'...
Discussion started 09/19/2007 08:49 PM by Brett DAugustine - 0 repliesBrett DAugustine from Branson MO on 09/19/2007 08:49 PM
I would highly recommend the Rendleman home B & B. The host was great and the house was like staying in my grandparent's farm house. The house was down home and clean. The bed was firm and the shower's were hot. The food was great! Dinner the night we were there was pot roast, carrots, potatoes, salad and rolls. There was plenty to eat.
This is a come back place
Going From The Katy Trail into Hermann
- + My sister and I have finalized our plans and will be staying in Hermann after riding the Katy from Hartsburg. I am looking for some advice and information on riding from the trail into Hermann. Is i...
Discussion started 09/10/2007 07:23 PM by Karla - 4 replies (last reply by Boatnbiker at 09/19/2007 07:56 AM)Karla from Effingham, IL on 09/10/2007 07:23 PM
My sister and I have finalized our plans and will be staying in Hermann after riding the Katy from Hartsburg. I am looking for some advice and information on riding from the trail into Hermann. Is is safe to ride this on our bikes? I've seen some info on shuttles and also escorts, but we would prefer to just ride into Hermann. How far is it from the trail to the downtown area, is there a recommended route? Any advice is welcome.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 09/10/2007 09:10 PM
Click on "Hermann" in the map above. Information on this site is accurate about the new bridge now. Thanks Ray. Yes...it's safe. There is only one route to take as only one road leads to Hermann from the north.
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 09/10/2007 10:32 PM
Riding from west to east, its easy to miss the turn off to Hermann. After you go under Hwy 19, take the narrow path to your right going up the hill to the Hwy. You should see the Loutre market on the left. Hermann is only a mile or so down the road. If you miss the turn, you will ride into McKittrick, turn around, you've gone to far.
Paulie
KT on the Katy on 09/11/2007 12:51 PM
Thanks Trek biker and Paulie. I knew they were working on a new bridge, just wasn't sure of the status. Also, thanks for the pointers on where to get off the trail.
Boatnbiker from Rhineland on 09/19/2007 07:56 AM
If your bikes are loaded it might be easier to just ride thru McKittrick to hwy 19 than it would be to push them up the embankment, especially if it's wet. Just stay to your left out to the hwy. and then make a left.
4th Annual Missouri Chestnut Roast
- + I have been to the festival in the past and picked up apples from the orchard there.
They are soooo delicious. Are there any this year, or did the freeze in April get them all?
I sure would l...
Discussion started 09/17/2007 08:26 PM by PK - 0 repliesPK from Columbia MO. on 09/17/2007 08:26 PM
I have been to the festival in the past and picked up apples from the orchard there.
They are soooo delicious. Are there any this year, or did the freeze in April get them all?
I sure would like to know before I come.
PK from Columbia MO. on 09/17/2007 08:26 PM
I have been to the festival in the past and picked up apples from the orchard there.
They are soooo delicious. Are there any this year, or did the freeze in April get them all?
I sure would like to know before I come.
A Day on The Katy Trail
- + Breakfast at the Trailside Bike Shop in Rocheport $10
Wine and cheese at Summit Hill Winery in Hartsburg $20
Lunchg and pie later at Dotties in Hartsburg $20
Dinner back in Rocheport at the...
Discussion started 09/17/2007 11:12 AM by Cliff - 0 repliesCliff from Edwardsville KS on 09/17/2007 11:12 AM
Breakfast at the Trailside Bike Shop in Rocheport $10
Wine and cheese at Summit Hill Winery in Hartsburg $20
Lunchg and pie later at Dotties in Hartsburg $20
Dinner back in Rocheport at the Bike shop $15
A day of spent the Katy Trail PRICELESS.......................
columbia spur trail
- + I'm coming in from out of town. how do I find the columbia spur trail? is there a trail head to park at? thanks.
Discussion started 09/14/2007 02:30 PM by brad - 4 replies (last reply by GC at 09/17/2007 07:17 AM)brad from wentzville on 09/14/2007 02:30 PM
I'm coming in from out of town. how do I find the columbia spur trail? is there a trail head to park at? thanks.
Brian L. from Wichita, KS on 09/14/2007 02:44 PM
Check out the Columbia page on this site for details & map -- http://www.bikekatytrail.com/columbia.asp
There's a trail head where it connects to the Katy, but I don't think there's parking on that end. However, I believe there's lots of parking available on the Columbia end.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 09/14/2007 05:34 PM
There is a trailhead with parking at McBaine, just a short distance east of the Columbia spur.
frank on 09/15/2007 10:41 AM
brad, you can also access the mkt fitness from stadium drive, about 2-3 miles m/l from I-70. there is a parking lot there and easy access to it. you might also check columbia, mo web site and find access to the mkt fitness trail there. thats how i found it. have fun, stay safe.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 09/17/2007 07:17 AM
Parking for the MKT trail into Columbia is plentiful.
First off, the McBaine trailhead is about a quarter-mile west of Hindmann Junction - where the MKT connections with the Katy. Hindmann Junction has a large kiosk/bench that is impossible to miss. Along the MKT, there are parking lots at the Scott Blvd access, the Forum Blvd access, at the MLK memorial and at the end of the trail in downtown Columbia at Flatbranch Park.
camping while using the Katy Trail
- + Is there anybody out there that is familiar w/camping along the Katy Trail. I am interested in riding west from the Roachport access site? If so do you need permits or reservations and should you let ...
Discussion started 09/17/2007 02:12 AM - 1 reply (last reply by howard hughes blues at 09/17/2007 04:45 AM)Anonymous from k.c.,mo. on 09/17/2007 02:12 AM
Is there anybody out there that is familiar w/camping along the Katy Trail. I am interested in riding west from the Roachport access site? If so do you need permits or reservations and should you let any branch of the authorities know when and where you will be on the trail? Thanks for any informational response anyone may have in this reguard
howard hughes blues from kc on 09/17/2007 04:45 AM
It's against the law to camp just anywhere on the Katy Trail State Park itself. There are a few designated sites in conservation areas---Davisdale, Diana Bend, Hartsburg. There are some campgrounds where you can pay, and some towns will let you camp in their city park. Just check TOWNS AND SERVICES. Going west from Rocheport you can camp in Sedalia State Fairgrounds and Windsor City Park, to name a few. Keep in mind if you decide you are above the law and just flop down and go to sleep anywhere, you could conceivably get in trouble.
Weldon Srping Trailhead Parking
- + One last question before our trip this weekend...Is it ok and safe for me to park my vehicle at the Weldon Spring trailhead from Friday afternoon until Sunday noon?
Discussion started 09/16/2007 10:29 PM by Karla - 0 repliesKarla from Effingham, IL on 09/16/2007 10:29 PM
One last question before our trip this weekend...Is it ok and safe for me to park my vehicle at the Weldon Spring trailhead from Friday afternoon until Sunday noon?
Rendleman Home B&B (Bluffton)
- + I would highly recommend the Rendleman home B & B. The host was great and the house was like staying in my grandparent's farm house. The house was down home and clean. The bed was firm and the shower'...
Discussion started 09/16/2007 08:28 PM by Brett DAugustine - 0 repliesBrett DAugustine from Branson MO on 09/16/2007 08:28 PM
I would highly recommend the Rendleman home B & B. The host was great and the house was like staying in my grandparent's farm house. The house was down home and clean. The bed was firm and the shower's were hot. The food was great! Dinner the night we were there was pot roast, carrots, potatoes, salad and rolls. There was plenty to eat.
This is a come back place.
Brett DAugustine from Branson MO on 09/16/2007 08:28 PM
I would highly recommend the Rendleman home B & B. The host was great and the house was like staying in my grandparent's farm house. The house was down home and clean. The bed was firm and the shower's were hot. The food was great! Dinner the night we were there was pot roast, carrots, potatoes, salad and rolls. There was plenty to eat.
This is a come back place.
Construction on the Katy Trail
- + Hartsburg Trailhead had posted notices today advising of construction/repair of trail between Hartsburg and McBaine. MM156 to MM158 and MM164 to MM168. Our experience was from Wilton Yacht Club, MM156...
Discussion started 09/14/2007 07:24 PM by bears - 1 reply (last reply by bears at 09/16/2007 03:09 PM)bears from Ashland on 09/14/2007 07:24 PM
Hartsburg Trailhead had posted notices today advising of construction/repair of trail between Hartsburg and McBaine. MM156 to MM158 and MM164 to MM168. Our experience was from Wilton Yacht Club, MM156.4 to Wilton, MM157.5. Trail was dirt/sand/limestone dust mix and occasionally 2" rocks mixed in. Soft areas and rocks might be a little rough on skinny tires. We only went to MM158.5 so I don't know about conditions northwest. Just a heads-up.
bears from Ashland on 09/16/2007 03:09 PM
Sorry, that should be 156MM to 158 MM and 162MM to 164 MM.
beginner family with kids
- + Family of Five ages four(on tag along bike),eight, ten, and a couple of 40ish old parents that are new to the biking are considering a Katy Trail trip. The longest ride we have made is fifteen miles....
Discussion started 09/11/2007 09:48 PM by Family of five - 2 replies (last reply by El Toro at 09/13/2007 06:59 PM)Family of five on 09/11/2007 09:48 PM
Family of Five ages four(on tag along bike),eight, ten, and a couple of 40ish old parents that are new to the biking are considering a Katy Trail trip. The longest ride we have made is fifteen miles. Any suggestions as to a good beginner route? We do not want to camp but would rather overnight at a B&B or hotel. We would like to get our feet wet with a two day trip. Any advice or suggestions?
Cliff from Edwardsville KS on 09/13/2007 10:00 AM
I would go to Rocheport and travel east. Hartsburg is a little under 25 miles so you might be able to make that in a day with the kids if you have ridden 15 miles before. You'd have all day to do it. There are benches all along the way to rest and trailheads and places like Katfish Katies and Coopers landing to stop at. The scenery is fantastic with several points of interest to stop and look at. You could stay at the Globe Hotlel or the Hartsburg Inn in Hartsbug then ride back to Rocheport the next day. Overall it's a very enjoybale ride with great scenery. Just be sure and check to make sure the places are open as alot of resturants and stores are closed along the trail at the first part of the week. Have a great ride.
El Toro on 09/13/2007 06:59 PM
I would second the plan laid out above. Good idea. Beautiful part of the trail. Getting prettier every day this time of year.
Tour of Missouri Camping-Friday Night
- + Any suggestions on places to camp Friday night? I will be heading towards St Charles from Columbia. How about a good place to watch the race go by on Saturday?
Discussion started 09/11/2007 05:03 PM by BLM - 3 replies (last reply by Trek Biker at 09/13/2007 08:46 AM)BLM from St Louis on 09/11/2007 05:03 PM
Any suggestions on places to camp Friday night? I will be heading towards St Charles from Columbia. How about a good place to watch the race go by on Saturday?
GB from O'Fallon on 09/11/2007 05:12 PM
Klondike Park is right on the Katy Trail and has new cabins [built last year] for rent. Follow this link:
http://parks.sccmo.org/parks/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=10
ss5 from Saint Louis on 09/12/2007 07:44 PM
FYI, Saturday the tour of Missouri bikers will be going through several streets in Augusta at around 3:00 p.m. Klondike Park is probably the best campground between St. Charles & Columbia, but if you stay there Friday night, you will have to do other stuff until the bikers catch up to you. The Steamboat Junction campground at Portland/Bluffton may be a more timely option, and it has received positive reviews in the past here, but I don't know what it's present status is.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 09/13/2007 08:46 AM
When bunched up this group will whirl past in a matter of a few seconds. It could very well take you much longer to position yourself than any fleeting glimpse will last. If you really want to experience the feel of the race, speed on in to St. Charles to see them pass and then you'll be there for the post race action. The loops the tour will make in St. Louis from Union Station to Forrest Park and back will provide several opportunities to view also.
Columbia Spur Trail
- + Is the Columbia Spur Trail hilly at all? I have a recumbent that probably belongs more on the street than a trail and I don't like the hills. IS the riding surface on the spur trail (chat) comparabl...
Discussion started 09/12/2007 05:09 PM by brian - 3 replies (last reply by GC at 09/13/2007 07:38 AM)brian from st charles on 09/12/2007 05:09 PM
Is the Columbia Spur Trail hilly at all? I have a recumbent that probably belongs more on the street than a trail and I don't like the hills. IS the riding surface on the spur trail (chat) comparable to the Katy Trail?
Anonymous on 09/12/2007 06:34 PM
The county and city MKT trails are in excellent condition. The only glitch is there are several small longitudal crevises in the trail between the Katy Trail connection and the top of the levee near the
sewage treatment plant. Some are large enough to catch a wheel but easily avoidable. The trails are not flatiron flat but there are
no appreciable grades except the little bump at the levee.
Arkie on 09/12/2007 09:52 PM
I have seen many recumbents on the MKT Trail. The closer you get to downtown Columbia the steeper the grade.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 09/13/2007 07:38 AM
It does have somewhat of an incline into Columbia, but one thing to remember, it is a former rail bed as well, so you aren't going to face any serious hills. Compared to the Katy going west of Boonville to Sedalia, theres nothing to it. I would think it would be very do-able on a recumbent. The surface, I think, is identical to the big trail.
Matson
- + If biking to a bed and breakfast on the trail, how can I find a list of places to park overnight where I won't be towed?
Please respond to jkinney@metrotilekc.com
Thanks
Discussion started 08/31/2006 04:39 PM by jk - 2 replies (last reply by Karla at 09/12/2007 06:29 PM)jk on 08/31/2006 04:39 PM
If biking to a bed and breakfast on the trail, how can I find a list of places to park overnight where I won't be towed?
Please respond to jkinney@metrotilekc.com
Thanks
Anonymous on 09/11/2007 03:33 PM
I just called the DNR (1-800-334-6946), and they said overnight parking is permitted at the trail heads. You just aren't allowed to be on the trail at night.
Karla from Effingham, IL on 09/12/2007 06:29 PM
Since parking is allowed at all trailheads, will it be SAFE to leave my vehicle parked at the Weldon Spring trailhead from late Friday afternoon until early Sunday afternoon?