Hotel Audubon Grill and Bar Where the past meets the present.

By Kristie L. Smith Nikitin

 Picture it! Ste. Genevieve, MO 1903. An autumn chill descends on the oldest town in the “Show Me” state and a weary traveler wanders into the Palace Bar looking for a hot meal and a stiff drink. They came to the right place. The barkeeper adds a generous pour, of bourbon, to a short glass and slides it  front of the stranger.

 Fast forward to the 1990s and Greg Ferguson walks into the establishment for the first time. Back then it was called the Cafe Ste. Genevieve and was known for its prime rib. At the time, it did not even cross Greg’s mind that he and his business partners were going to own this place in 30 years or so. Audubon’s Hotel, Audubon’s Restaurant and Audubon’s Palace Bar have an aura steeped in history, restored comfort, and a gracious, welcoming charm.

Greg shares his proprietorship duties with wife, Pat. Working in concert with the Fergusons is Greg’s brother, Jim, and his wife Mary Beth. All have rather defined roles in making sure Audubon's runs smoothly. The Fergusons-Four are led by Herb Fallert, senior partner, and ambassador of good will. Herb and his wife Norma had purchased the space in 1986, and earned their stripes operating in the food service and lodging industries over the decades.

Ste. Genevieve, a city on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, is home to Audubon’s. The renovated auberge is a blend of southern and Midwestern friendliness with all the comforts of home, and then some. Audubon’s Hotel provides the perfect accommodations for a long weekend getaway or an overnight special occasion-celebration. Make sure to book an extra night to explore the nearby historic homes, museums, and wineries.

 Dinner, drinks or an overnight stay, this place does not disappoint. The original 13 rooms have  been consolidated into a cozy seven room configuration, appropriately named after birds. Yes! The “Audubon” in the name is famed naturalist, ornithologist and founder of the Audubon Society, John James Audubon, who settled in Ste. Genevieve around 1811 and made quite an impact on the town.

Audubon himself would approve of the property’s decor — luxurious enough to be comfortable but not overdone or fussy. Goldilocks would also be pleased. The rooms are not too big, or too small. They are just right. The furnishings are a heady mix of dark woods and natural light with white quilted bedding, stately gray walls, white trim, and white plantation shutters. The Turtle Dove Room has exposed brick and a tufted settee. Guests will be torn between lounging in the rooms and exploring nearby shops and attractions.

  The hands-on management team, with a combined hospitality experience of nearly forty years, has seen to the details in the guest rooms, in the dining room and in the tavern. The award-winning restaurant, which has been featured on television and in magazines, treats patrons to a complimentary dessert for birthdays and anniversaries. Overnight visitors enjoy a cocktail on the house each night, and a gratis continental breakfast each morning.

For more than a century Ste. Genevieve, Missouri has been hosting residents and travelers in warm, welcoming comfort at the Audubon’s location. The tradition continues with Fallert and Fergusons at the helm. Comfort, cocktails, and culinary delights abound. The past meets the present around every corner at Audubon’s Hotel, Audubon’s Restaurant and Audubon’s Palace Bar.