I saw a notice for a “kite festival” recently, and remembered back to my childhood when we would lie on the grass and watch kites float above. It was soothingly mesmerizing. So I knew I had to go to this one. It was at the Arcadian Moon Winery in the countryside beyond Higginsville, Missouri. I drove the one and a half hours and entered a massive tree-laced property with multiple ponds. I instantly noticed that the sky was filled with bright heartwarming kites sailing on the breeze.
I entered the winery and ordered a berry sangria. It was one of the best I have ever had. By far. There was also a large outdoor stage with several consecutive bands playing throughout the day, including one of my favorites, Longshot. I decided to return to learn more about the Arcadian Moon. I went on a quiet Thursday afternoon, so I could take pictures and query the owner about the creation of this imaginative place.
I walked over to the winery building that is inside of what was originally a home, constructed in the 1920’s. I met the owner, Brandon, who amicably chatted with me. He told me the property used to be a catfish farm. That explains the multiple ponds. Brandon and his wife bought it in 2012, and opened it as a winery in 2013. I asked him about his professional background. His career was in sales. Previously he lived in Ohio, and began experimenting with making wine in his basement. He was tutored by his Italian neighbors. Brandon eventually began attending commercial wine-making classes, and perfected his methodology. Paired with having grown up on a farm, he had the best preparation for this endeavor. I have always thought that generational farmers make the best vintners.
I asked Brandon what else they offer on this enormous property. He says they have a partnership with Harvest Host, where RVs can boondock (primitive camping) for free. What a great idea! That made me curious about his plans for the future. I was amazed by his response. Brandon is going to install 150 full RV hook-ups. He is creating a banquet hall for 250 seats that will serve a “rustic Mediterranean” menu. He already has a woodfire pizza oven, and a full menu to provide meals in the winery building and outside patio. And for me, the piece de resistance, is a floating stage with amphitheater. I love live music so much that I created a Facebook group for music enthusiasts to find local bands at fabulous venues. I will be posting the Arcadian Moon often, because Brandon says they currently provide live music every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. That makes me sublimely happy. The Arcadian Moon offers a wide variety of events each week and throughout the year. Watch their social media for the evolution of this innovative venture. Brandon’s parting quote was his goal “is for this to be everyone’s favorite back yard”. The term Arcadian is a synonym for Utopian, and means “pastoral paradise”. It is aptly named.
I said my goodbyes, and then took a stroll along the pond. I knew that a swan couple lives here. Swans are my favorite bird, not just because of their majestic beauty, but because they pair for life. I founded the Swan Quill Literary Society in deference to their admirable devotedness, and because, purportedly, Jane Austin wrote her novels with a swan quill. So, I was awed at Serendipity’s gift to me – as I happened upon a swan quill along the pond’s edge. This truly is a magical place.
