Saving One Small Town, Rocheport, Missouri

We remember our impressions of Rocheport when we first came to town.  It was 1985 and there really wasn't much going on here.  Old buldings weren't in good condition.  Most commercial space was empty except for piled up junk inside.  Many historic homes appeared unloved and some had been torn down and replaced by trailer homes.  Only a few children played in public areas.

Rocheport was, however, a very small town and we love small towns almost no matter what.  These are the places where generations of Americans have grown up.  We kept returning to Rocheport for visits.  The small town heart of Rocheport still beat and there remained a loyal nucleus of residents hoping to save this place from the fate of many, perhaps most, small towns across our country.

After several years of day visits, we bought a building lot to construct a historic replica home in our historic neighborhood location.  Our investment added to energy and investments of others and soon Rocheport was on the upswing.  Historic properties saw new life.  Small businesses opened and some prospered as more and more Rocheport residents stopped leaving town for employment and made their living working here in the developing tourist trade.  Rocheport's popularity as a tourism destination and great place to live has continued to grow and drive our independent economy.  Property values remain modest but have continued to improve even during the economic stress of the recession.

As very small towns disappear all across America, Rocheport stands as a rare example.  One small town slowly dying and ready to disappear has found new life and prosperity.  Rocheport was named in 2006 "One of America's Ten Coolest Small Towns" by Frommer's Budget Travel.  We invite you to visit and enjoy our wonderful small town.  While you're here, eat at our fine restaurants, enjoy the Missouri River bluff top view from Les Bourgeois Winery and Bistro, hike or bike Katy Trail State Park, and explore our small shops.  Of course, you'll want to spend a night or two at Yates House Bed & Breakfast.  We think you'll love Rocheport.


Conrad and Dixie Yates
Your Innkeepers

True/False Film Festival Coming to Columbia, Missouri in February

Attention film buffs.  The seventh annual True/False Film Festival is coming February 25-28, 2010 to Columbia, MO just fifteen minutes east of Yates House Bed & Breakfast in Rocheport.  This documentary film festival lasts four days and turns five venues in downtown Columbia into a film utopia.  Included are documentary films freshly discovered at Sundance, Toronto and other film festivals.  Other films receive first showing at True/False.  The venues are wonderfully intimate and most showings are attended by film makers and participants.

Complete True/False Film Festival information is available.

Conrad and Dixie Yates
Your Innkeepers

American Bald Eagles Have Landed in Rocheport MO

Each year, we look forward to the return of American Bald Eagles to Rocheport.  They arrive with Winter and leave with Spring living along the banks of the Missouri River and fishing at the mouth of Moniteau Creek, a few hundred yards from the Yates House Bed and Breakfast. 

More of these beautiful winged creatures come every year.  Last winter, there were nearly fifty flying about and sitting in trees waiting for some unfortunate fish to rise near the river surface. 

Birders and photographers find it easy to get close enough for viewing and all sorts of excellent photo opportunities.  Naturally, binoculars and appropriate long lenses are suggested.

Make plans to stay at the Yates House Bed and Breakfast located in Rocheport, Missouri over these early months of 2010 for a fantastic bird watching experience!

Conrad and Dixie Yates
Your Innkeepers

Rocheport Missouri Cooking Classes

We are busy planning our 2010 Classes and Gourmet Weekends which will be held at our Rocheport Missouri Bed and Breakfast - the Yates House.

You will want to check our Cooking Classes page on our web site for all the details - dates, schedules, menus, and related matters are being developed and will be posted when ready. Email newsletters will be issued when class information becomes available, so you will want to sign up to receive a Yates House Newsletter by going to the bottom of any page on the Yates House web site and clicking on the Sign Me Up! button provided.

Interested in a Customized Classes just for your group of six to eight participants? Not a problem! Call Dixie at 573-698-2129 or email her at info@yateshouse.com and she will work with you to arrange a class that will perfectly suit your group's needs.

Conrad and Dixie Yates
Your Innkeepers