My name is Michele Fehlings, and my husband, Mick McCarter, and I, along with our 13-year-old black lab-mix, Callie, live just outside of the historic German community of Hermann, right along the Missouri River in east-central Missouri. Hermann is a beautiful small town set in a river valley surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Settled by German immigrants 175 years ago, the town continues to be rich in German heritage and winemaking. You still see vineyards almost everywhere you look, and there are seven family-owned wineries along the Hermann Wine Trail. It is truly a place that you can be proud to call home – in fact, Forbes magazine named it one of the prettiest towns in America.
Hermann...nestled along the Missouri River
I am a genuine “Hermann German”, born and raised in the area by German descendants. But I escaped after college and ended up in Southeast Alaska, where I met Mick, and where we called home for over twenty years. But a few years ago, after Mick retired, we decided to trade in our views of mountains and grizzly bears for views of grapevines and wild turkeys. We found a small house in the country with plenty of space, and we bought the Grapevine Guest Suite, a guest house in Hermann – one of many establishments in town to accommodate all of the weekend travelers who visit Hermann for the wineries and the various festivals, and for those just looking for a quiet get-away and to experience a piece of small-town Americana.
The Grapevine Guest Suite...in the heart of historic Hermann
Moving back home has also given me an opportunity to pursue an advanced college degree, and I can proudly say I am just a few courses away from receiving my MBA. I never expected to be a 45-year-old full-time grad student, and although it is a ton of work, I have to say that this is one of the most fulfilling times of my life. I am also an aspiring writer, an avid reader, a self-proclaimed homebody, and a pretty good cook. I am secretly addicted to HGTV, especially House Hunters International – my unmet dream is to one day spend a year or two living in a foreign country.
Our home in the country
So many places still to see in this world, but for right now, life is good here in Hermann, Missouri. I hope you enjoy reading about our town and our simple life here, and you are all invited to visit – just give us a call: www.hermanngrapevine.com. We know that once you visit, you’ll want to make it your hometown!
Our girl, Callie
