Romance Runs Through It: Your Guide to Missouri Love Stories

Devin Joubert
Aug 11
3 min read

Updated: Aug 16

Where love stories wind like rivers—steady, surprising, and impossible to forget. 🌾💕

From rolling Ozark hills to riverfront towns, Missouri is a romance novel waiting to be written. Think misty morning walks near the Mississippi, antique shops tucked into cobblestone streets, and fall festivals where sparks fly over cider and pie.

In Missouri, the air smells like campfire and possibility. So slip on your coziest flannel, grab your favorite romance read, and let the Show-Me State show you what heartland love is all about.

Welcome to Missouri!

If you know me, you know I’m originally from Minnesota (and have a special place in my heart that’s Minnesota-shaped), but I’m so excited for you to visit Missouri and meet the wonderful lineup of romance authors we’ve got in store. Trust me—these stories will show you the real meaning of Midwest swoon. ❤️

Where love stories are as winding as the Ozark roads—and just as breathtaking.

You might fall in love on a float trip, or over an argument about BBQ. Expect bluegrass concerts under the stars, bookstore kisses in St. Louis, and surprise reunions in riverfront towns.

Missouri is the twist in the story you didn’t see coming—but needed all along.

Tropes:

Summer fling turns forever
He’s her brother’s best friend
Love triangle at the family lake house
Secret songwriter trope
Unexpected proposal at a float trip gone wrong

Let's Meet Our Authors From Missouri!

This page will be updated with videos when they publish on YouTube.

Tara Grace Ericson

When chatting with Tara, she shared that her books are clean Christian romance.

Check out her interview here:

Tara's Interview!

Elora Chapman

When chatting with Elora, she said her book is 1 chili pepper according to our spice rating guide. There is minimal cursing as well, but this was for historical reasons.

The Books

Aren't they pretty?

💕 Fun Things to See in Missouri

(for lovers of romance, cozy reads, and Show-Me State magic)

Charming Small Towns

🏘 Hermann, MO – A dreamy German-inspired town with wineries, cobblestone streets, and autumn festivals. Think fall strolls, wine tastings, and slow-dancing under café lights.

🌲 Weston, MO – Vintage shops, scenic bluffs, and all the Hallmark vibes. Add a cozy inn, a local distillery, and you’ve got small-town romance with a spark.

🛍 Kimmswick, MO – Quaint shops, pie by the slice, and carriage rides during Christmas festivals. It’s giving “we were just friends until that day…” energy.

🍁 Arrow Rock, MO – Historic charm, intimate theaters, and lantern-lit streets that feel like stepping back into a period romance. Bonus: perfect for a writer’s weekend or a dreamy retreat.

🎨 Ste. Genevieve, MO – Missouri’s oldest town with French Colonial vibes, art galleries, and bed-and-breakfast getaways. It’s got “escape the city and find yourself—and love” written all over it.

Nature & Scenic Romance

🌅 Lake of the Ozarks – Sunset cruises, paddleboarding duets, and late-night dock talks. Whether it's a rekindled spark or a vacation fling, the lake sets the mood.

🏞 Elephant Rocks State Park – Climb ancient boulders, hike scenic trails, and sneak kisses in stone hideaways. Quirky, fun, and perfect for adventurous couples.

🚣 Ha Ha Tonka State Park – Ruins of a stone castle overlooking spring-fed waters. It’s gothic romance meets rugged Midwest.

🌸 Katy Trail State Park – Bike or hike through Missouri wine country with river views, charming stops, and plenty of spots for a romantic picnic.

🍂 Johnson’s Shut-Ins – A natural waterpark carved into volcanic rock. Add in fall colors, and it’s a date day no one forgets.

Unique Attractions

🎢 Silver Dollar City (Branson, MO) – Old-time charm meets thrilling rides. Stroll through artisan markets, split a cinnamon roll, and maybe kiss on the Ferris wheel.

🚂 Branson Scenic Railway – Ride vintage railcars through the Ozark foothills. Cozy up with your sweetheart and imagine your own turn-of-the-century love story.

🍷 Augusta Wine Trail – Vineyard views, live acoustic sets, and the kind of conversations that start slow and turn deep. This one’s for the soulmates.

🌟 The World's Largest Rocking Chair (Fanning, MO) – Offbeat and totally worth a photo. Because every great love story deserves a quirky roadside detour.

🍨 Central Dairy Ice Cream (Jefferson City) – Retro vibes, extra-big scoops, and the joy of sharing a cone with someone who gets you.

🦢 Forest Park (St. Louis) – Paddleboat rides, art museums, and picnic-perfect lawns. It’s a choose-your-own-romcom setting, right in the city.

💌 Don't Forget Your Romance Reading Passport!

You can get it here for free. Follow along on the journey as we travel through the midwest on the Romance Reading Roadtrip! You'll also find ways to win some pretty flirty and fun books and bookish items in the Passport, so make sure to download it! :)