3 Reasons (and more) to Visit Sedalia, Missouri

When I told T we were headed to visit  Sedalia, Missouri, on our way to Branson, he was skeptical! Now, we’re ready to go back when it’s summer to do more exploring! While there are many more things than just three to do in Sedalia, we are starting with these three because it’s what we got to explore and they were pretty great!

Daum Museum of Contemporary Art

I will admit that T and I are not traditionally art museum type of people. It’s just not something that we’ve ever gotten into. But, when I heard that the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art in Sedalia has a Chihuly piece, I told T we had to go! You see, I’ve never seen one in person and have been dying to do so. So, when we went to check it out! The art was good (at least in our opinion). While we were there, there was a photography exhibit by P.John Owen and there were some really need landscapes.

But, let’s talk about that Chihuly! They have Cathedral Violet Chandelier on exhibit. And it is magnificent. Considering the entire Chandelier is made out of blown glass, I can’t imagine how heavy it is. Whether you want to see this stunning Chihuly piece or the other works of art (and there is a large variety), the Daum Museum is a good stop for your visit to Sedalia!

One note: the Museum is located on the State Fairgrounds Community College campus and is not easily visible from the road. Enter the main drive to the campus and park. Walk straight south and off to your left (west) you’ll see the museum!

Kehde’s Barbecue

When we started researching Sedalia, one of the first things to pop up was Kehde’s Barbecue. We love barbecue. And this specific restaurant boasted eating delicious barbecue in an old train car. Um, hello?! It seemed like an obvious stop for us.

As soon as we parked and got out of our car, we could smell the bbq deliciousness. Kehde’s is housed in two different structures. The main part that holds the kitchen, front counter, and some seating is an old drive-in building. It is connected to an old train car in which patrons can enjoy their meal! Since it was our first time, we of course, had to sit in the train car.

The menu is extensive and includes everything from salads (Katy’s Salad 🙂 ) to barbecue and about everything in between!

Delicious BBQ

T chose the Smoked Pork Sandwich while I opted for a combo plate of both smoked pork and their brisket! Salads were promptly brought and quite impressive. Strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and celery topped our lettuce. And how about this, your table gets an entire BASKET of crackers to enjoy! So, munch away!

The barbecue was perfectly done! The sweet potato fries crispy and delicious! T enjoyed his sandwich and my brisket was some of the very best I’ve ever had! It actually reminded me a local company that was in our hometown back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s and I haven’t tasted anything like it since! I was over the moon happy with my meal! The best part for us was that prices were reasonable and we didn’t leave completely stuffed or hungry! Perfect to make way for our dessert at the Oak Room in the Hotel Bothwell! Side note, Kehde’s Barbecue was started and still owned by the Mayor of Sedalia, John Kehde.

Ozark Coffee Company & Roastary

While we didn’t get to enjoy a cup of joe from Ozark Coffee Company, we were so excited to be allowed a sneak peak of their brand new building! Ozark Coffee was started as a coffee bean roasting company by Justin Koehn many years ago. What started as a hobby became roasting beans to sell at the local Farmers Market. People were requesting coffee, so they bought a food truck and sold one kind of iced coffee alongside the beans at the Farmers Market.

When the market season was over, he was approached by a pharmacy in Sedalia. They offered them a small spot in the store to brew and sell their roasts. Shortly after that first winter, they were offered a permanent spot in a small store front in downtown historic Sedalia. Now, they have moved into their newest location.

Restoring the Past

The Koehn family purchased an old dilapidated building in downtown Sedalia and renovated it. Keeping a mixture of the history (built in 1873) of the building and combining it with modern touches, they have brought this gorgeous building to life making them a full service coffee shop and bakery! It is a gorgeous place and we can’t wait to return this summer to actually try out the coffee goodness!

Not only do the Koehn’s have the coffee shop business, but he continues to roast his own coffee beans. He works with specialist in the coffee bean industry to purchase the very best raw beans, roast them himself and then sell them in their own store as well as local grocery stores.

Justin sent us home with a bag of coffee beans and it smelled amazing the entire drive home! We will be brewing our first cup this coming weekend in celebration of their new location opening!

More Reasons to Visit Sedalia, MO

Whether you visit Sedalia in the winter or summer, there is lots to do! Our visit in the summertime included biking on the Katy Bike Trail, visiting hte Katy Depot, and exploring the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site! We also look forward to returning for the Missouri State Fair and the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival (the first weekend in June). We love strolling downtown historic Sedalia as well!

Wondering where to stay while on your trip to Sedalia?! We, of course, highly recommend the Hotel Bothwell!

While Sedalia was never on our radar prior to our visit to the Hotel Bothwell, it definitely is on our radar as a place to escape now. With these three reasons to visit (plus so much more), it’s a place you’re going to want to explore as well!

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