Councilman Joe Brazil's Blog

Fall is here and that means it’s time for road trips to view foliage, attend festivals and enjoy Historic Missouri Wine Country and other attractions in southern St. Charles County. Fall is an amazing season, and I wish everyone headed to this area a wonderful trip and a safe experience on the roads. Please keep these travel safety tips in mind:

• The beauty of fall in rural St. Charles County can be breathtaking. The hills and valleys in the Augusta/Defiance/New Melle areas provide opportunities to view nature’s leaves at their best. A word of caution, though: Please be aware of your surroundings. The roadways in southern St. Charles County are hilly with a lot of curves and turns. It is important to follow the speed limit, and to drive even slower during rain or other inclement weather.
  
  

• Along with the roadways, there are numerous farmers working to harvest their crops. With this activity comes tractors and equipment moving from one field to the next on public roadways, making traffic move slower. Please be patient with the farmers as passing them can be very dangerous. 
  
  

• Also, while you are enjoying your fall drive through the countryside, please be aware it is mating season for white-tailed deer. With the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area (also known as Busch Wildlife) making up a large portion of south St. Charles County, there will be a lot of deer crossing the roadways either alone or in groups. Again, please be aware of your surroundings while driving in the country. 
  
  

• Finally, fall is a popular time to visit wineries in St. Charles County and other neighboring counties. If you and your family and friends are headed out to these venues, select a designated driver or reserve group transportation. Driving intoxicated is always dangerous, and it becomes even more so when the various conditions I previously mentioned are involved.

With these tips in mind, check out the Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Historic Missouri Wine Country, New Melle Chamber of Commerce, St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, and St. Charles County Parks websites for the latest fall event listings and information. As you will see, there is so much to do. I hope to see you this season!