Blackberry Hill:
A beautiful drive in ends pulling into a beautiful old farmhouse.
Saint James, Missouri
A Quiet Escape Within the Escape
A beautifully kept small town of fewer than four thousand people, tucked neatly between the pull of St. Louis and the rolling calm of the Ozarks. This is a place where smiles are genuine and warm, where time seems to move at half-speed, and where the air smells just a little sweeter—less burdened by the weight of modern life.
If you’re looking for a place to rest between long stretches of travel, or simply need to step away from the constant buzz of the city, Saint James makes a strong case for the underrated pause. You won’t find nightlife or neon here. What you will find is stillness. Quiet roads. A slower rhythm. Tranquility and simplicity walking hand in hand.
Reading a book solely by its cover is oftentimes a big mistake. This place had amazing food! Country Cafe St. James, Missouri
The dining options are few, but they come from hands that still care—folks who take pride in every dish they make. We picked a restaurant based on nothing but distance and nearly turned around when we pulled up to what looked like a kindly old lady’s home. But we hadn’t chosen poorly. Books and covers, right? Some meals remind you that love and legacy don’t come with signs or branding.
Later, stepping outside with a satisfied belly, I caught sight of a flag waving gently in the breeze. Just beneath it sat the town’s municipal golf course. I wasn’t expecting much, but what I found floored me. Greens that could hold their own against some of the best in Southwest Florida, nestled quietly into this unassuming town. That’s Saint James in a nutshell—unexpected quality, quietly proud, and content to let you discover it on your own terms.
Blackberry Hill
Entrance to an age-old and beautifully restored farmhouse.
Eight minutes from the golf course, through country roads lined with pre-statehood farms, we came upon the place we’d call home for a few days. The route takes you along a wide, winding creek, over a bridge that’s seen better decades, and through a leafy canopy that makes you stop caring whether you’ve gone too far.
Then, just when the road feels like it might fade into the woods, a paved driveway appears—Blackberry Hill.
Overlooking the valley below, a tastefully restored farmhouse stands tall, with over a century of history in its bones. The circular driveway, the dual-sided porch, and the massive stones outlining the property give it a timeless elegance—like it’s been waiting for you without ever needing to call out.
The entrance is tucked to the side, through weathered double doors that open into a scene straight from a dream: a cozy coffee bar, a wide and welcoming kitchen, and thick wooden beams crossing overhead, anchoring the living space with warmth and rustic charm. The dining room and second bedroom carry the same thoughtful touches—simple, intentional, honest.
Simplistic elegance defines Blackberry Hill
Upstairs, the suite creaks under your step—no sneaking here—but every sound feels like a whisper from the past. The space has been updated with care, honoring what it was without trying to disguise it.
Through a pair of glass-paneled doors, the view stretches out across the hills. A soaking tub waits near the window. A walk-in shower stands ready to rinse away the road. It’s romantic. It’s cozy. It’s the perfect little retreat inside the bigger journey.
We stayed here while exploring the area, even entertaining the thought—however quietly—of what it might be like to call this place home. Saint James and Blackberry Hill didn’t just offer a break from the road. They gave us something to wonder about. Something to want.
Behind that cold-hard stare this turtle was happy Same Gal saved it.
