Twelve Mile Creek Emporium
Recently, Davy and I had a chance to visit the quaint village of Caledonia on a crisp winter day. We stopped in at ‘the big yellow house’ right in the middle of town on highway 21. The historic three-story building was built in 1824 and is known by some as ‘the Ramsey house’, other’s the ‘Jacob Fisher House’. Having served as an inn when originally built by Mr. Fisher it is said the stage coach first came to this town only after this establishment came into existence. Living through the Civil War the inn would serve as a Union Hospital and was said to care for soldiers following the Battle of Pilot Knob at Fort Davidson.
The building has passed through many hands over the years but most recently it has come into the care of Pam and Roger Allen. Native to the Caledonia area, Pam and Roger started their own family operated business as a small band sawmill creating furniture and signs. They acquired the stage stop building in the late fall of 2015 and have been working to bring back to life the character and romance of the historic site.
Walking up onto the large deck and front porch we hurried inside out of the cold into the cozy front entrance to be welcomed with the sight of the large three-story staircase with a beautiful, continuous wood banister.
Twelve Mile Creek Emporium has a unique variety of home decor and specialty items in their primitive gift shop. Many local individuals are featured as vendors in their store offering distinct boutique products, handmade quilts, western wear, horse tack, and accessories. Vintage pieces, that have been restored, line the halls and fill the rooms to add an eclectic, cozy feel.
Down the hall, we found an inviting indoor dining area where they serve soups, salads, sandwiches and feature all Missouri made wines and beers. This was where we were greeted by Renee, a long-time best friend of Pam, who works in the shop helping out in multiple rolls.
Only open since May of 2016, Renee commented on how many of the local customers don’t realize that they have indoor dining available and that they are open through the winter months. “Caledonia doesn’t shut down in the winter,” stated Renee when she mentioned their winter hours, Wed-Sat 11am-5pm. “This is our home,” she continued, “we don’t go away for the winter or close up shop”.
They have even temporally enclosed the outdoor covered deck and bar to accommodate continued outdoor dining with the addition of a wood burning stove to keep the chill off. It was quite cozy in there even without the fire lit, completely out of the wind, with strings of lights creating a festive and inviting atmosphere in the outdoor space.
In addition to dining, beer and wine, and fun shopping; Twelve Mile Creek Emporium has Bed & Breakfast rooms available for a sweet, cozy get-away for you and your special someone.
They have three rooms available; the Moonlight Room with a private bath, The Quarantine Room with a bath across the hall (both located on the third floor), and the Bridal Suite with a private Bath and claw foot tub on the second floor.
In addition to all this, Twelve Mile Creek Emporium offers their space and services for events and as a wedding venue! From paint-chipped details and glass door knobs to antique dressing tables and vintage textiles; they have a quaint rustic feel to inspire the “Pinterest-perfect” wedding.
Among the amenities offered for events, such as weddings, are one of my favorite rooms in the building which they call the Bridal Staging room. This room has a private entrance up a staircase and can be rented by the day and comes with a complimentary bottle of champagne.
The room has a romantic and comfortable atmosphere with lovely, vintage furniture, and a unique room divider for dressing behind, made of antique doors. Roger and Pam added a private bathroom to this space, and the beautiful, new, hardwood floor in the bridal bathroom was made at their very own sawmill. The lighting in this space was so soft and romantic; a wedding photographer’s dream!
Speaking of photographers; Twelve Mile Creek also has an onsite photographer. Daughter, Sara Lawson, is the owner of CMC Photography and can be available for all of your photography needs.
Even only being open less than a year they have already hosted 3 weddings! Contact Twelve Mile Creek Emporium today to schedule your event and ask about their special bridal packages.
Other events that you can take part in at the Big Yellow House are their painting class nights! Teaming up with Rustic Junction they have begun hosting fun, themed painting classes. You will learn step-by-step to create your own unique keepsake sign to hang in your home. Keep an eye on their facebook pages to stay in the loop on announcements such as the next sign painting class at Twelve Mile Creek.
All in all, we had a wonderful visit and a warm welcome from the friendly folks in our own Caledonia, Missouri. We look forward to going back soon. Make your plans to visit today! What is your favorite place in Caledonia? Where should we visit next?
Christian, wife, herbalist and a writer here at Parkland Hub. I love peaceful days spent with my husband, Davy, sipping coffee, walking parks and eating homemade pizza.
