The Missouri Lakefront Village That Feels Like a Slice of Europe in the U.S.

When my family visited Europe, two elements of life stood out to us: walkability and outdoor dining. Even in large cities, time seemed to slow down at the shaded sidewalk cafes. Since then, we have enjoyed finding neighborhoods and villages where we can stroll around and find everything we want and need, especially delicious food. The small town of Hollister, Missouri, not only offers these qualities, but it also features Tudor Revival architecture, making it seem like something out of Europe rather than Southwest Missouri. The charm of Downing Street will transport you across the pond. 

Known as the "English Village," Hollister’s Downing Street Historic District has both fake and real history. When the railroad arrived in Hollister in 1906, a local man had an idea to turn this little spot along the White River into a tourist attraction. He took advantage of the depot location and the riverfront beauty, buying up land to rebuild several businesses along Downing Street in the style of an English village. Think timber accents, high-pitched roofs, and notable gables.

Visitors arriving by train would look out on this enchanting spot, begging them to disembark and spend their money. While tourism was the original reason for the architecture, the historic district is now over a century old, lending it true history. The quaint European-style street soon had a hotel, with the 1913 addition of the Old English Inn, now known as Ye Olde English Inn. You can still stay in the historic hotel, which truly has a European feel. The cozy lobby has low-slung ceilings and exposed timber beams. The elaborate stonework extends from the fireplace hearth across the walls, evoking a medieval castle vibe. You might even spot a suit of armor on display.

With the Ye Olde English Inn serving as an anchor of Downing Street, the pleasant village has nearly a dozen storefronts offering everything from hairdressers to an art gallery. You can stroll through antique stores and flower shops and even find a fine selection of cigars. Within a few blocks, there’s also a laundromat, a post office, and a car lot. This is reminiscent of the lifestyle you can enjoy in many places overseas, where suburbs and highways haven't interrupted communities.

Finding a place to eat won’t be a problem in downtown Hollister, but deciding which to pick will be, as Downing Street is home to many highly rated restaurants. The historic district has leaned into its European inspiration with several pubs, and many have welcoming patios that offer the sidewalk-café vibe I love so much. You can sit back with a brew and watch the world unfurl around you, as you can in many European cities.

My favorite Hollister restaurant is the Downing Street Pour House, which adds a modern flair to traditional English pub food. While the menu features British classics like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, my family loves their version of the Canadian classic poutine, with fresh home-cut fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. The restaurant also earns rave reviews for its massive Wagyu burgers, if American food is calling to you.

The train depot that started it all still stands, looking much as it did in 1906. In nearby Branson, you can even catch the Branson Scenic Railway, which allows you to tour the region on rails as Europeans do. Fall is the best time for beautiful views, as the Ozarks hillsides burst with color. Winter brings the iconic Polar Express excursion, complete with Santa and hot cocoa.

While Hollister’s English Village was originally built near the White River, those waters were dammed in 1913, creating Lake Taneycomo. Today, the lake serves as a focal point for scenery and entertainment. Hollister is a great spot for beginning paddlers to rent kayaks. You’ll put in on a small creek and can paddle to the open lake waters that run along the vibrant Branson Landing shopping and entertainment district. This area reminds me of England's Lake District, with scenic hills surrounding the waters.

If you can’t make it to Europe this summer, head to Hollister, Missouri. It has the two things I loved most about Europe: walkability and outdoor dining. You can stroll along a charming English-inspired street, stay in a historic inn, find excellent dining and beautiful patios, shop the local stores, and even hit the rails and waters. Hollister is a slice of Europe, tucked into the Missouri Ozarks. No passport required.