Image via Complex Original
Overshadowed by other Midwestern cities such as Chicago and Minneapolis, St. Louis definitely holds its own across the board. There are numerous parks throughout the city to relax, plus plenty of great food and beverage to sample. If you're visiting St. Louis for the first time, be sure to explore the various neighborhoods, which all have their unique flavor. But for now, check out these ways to get the most out of the Gateway City.
Admire the Gateway Arch From Afar
Location: 1 South Broadway
Although it seems like a great idea to go up to the top of the Arch, it's better to catch a gaze from a distance. To get to the top, one must endure long lines and ride in a cramped pod with four other people to view the city from the sky. Instead, ditch the lines and head to rooftop bar Three Sixty for a late-afternoon beverage and catch a great view of downtown without a crowd.
See a St. Louis Cardinals Game
Location: 700 Clark Ave.
Their 11 World Series titles make the St. Louis Cardinals the second most successful MLB team of all time. Games at Busch Stadium offer a beautiful skyline view (Arch included) and an opportunity to sample local food and drink alongside the typical ballpark fare. Although the newly opened Ballpark Village is right next door to the stadium, the surrounding bars and restaurants are a good bet for post-game festivities. Start at Broadway Oyster Bar.
Catch the St. Louis Blues, Too
Location: 1401 Clark Ave.
The St. Louis Blues don't have the flashy championship pedigree of the Cardinals, but the team is well loved in town. Scottrade Center has been home to the team since 1994, and is also home to a live organ player during games. Team USA shootout hero T.J. Oshie is on full display along with rising star Vladimir Tarasenko.
Relax on Art Hill
Location: 1 Fine Arts Drive
During the winter, Art Hill is a haven for sledding. Anytime it's warm outside, the large hill opposite the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park is perfect for a picnic. St. Louisians come from near and far to throw out a blanket and relax solo or with friends. On any given day, you can catch families playing alongside college kids throwing a frisbee around while couples lounge over wine. Enjoy the view of the Grand Basin fountain while soaking up the sunshine. If you'd like to lounge outside but also want to look at sculptures, the Laumeier Sculpture Park is where you should head to.
Channel Your Inner Artist
Location: 1 Fine Arts Drive
When you're done with your picnic or afternoon nap on Art Hill, make your way across the street to the St. Louis Art Museum. Admission is free (except for special exhibits), which makes it a great, inexpensive destination for locals and visitors. Included in the museum's collection is an actual mummy from Egypt. Besides the Art Museum, there are numerous smaller galleries around town (along with spray-painted walls), so make sure to also explore the local Van Goghs.
Visit the Animals at the Zoo
Location: 1 Government Drive
If you’re done lounging on Art Hill but don't want to see any art afterward, walk down the road to the Saint Louis Zoo. General admission is free, while extras include additional exhibits and a small train that circles the zoo. The large bird cage on the property still remains from the 1904 World's Fair. There are many favorite displays, including elephants, and penguins, and the sea lion show.
Enjoy an Ice-Cold One
Location: 7260 Southwest Ave.
St. Louis is most notably home to Anhuseuer-Busch. Since Belgian giants InBev bought the company in 2008, there's been a bigger push towards microbreweries, with over 20 in the metro area. Schlafly was the originator of the microbrew movement when they started brewing in 1989. They offer tours at their brewery and have two restaurant/tap rooms. Make sure to also try some other local favorites, such as 4 Hands, Civil Life, Perennial Artisan Ales, and Urban Chestnut.
Enjoy the Food Around Town
St. Louis is known for a few things, including toasted ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza. You can have both in one fell swoop at local chain Imo's Pizza, purveyors of the thin Provel pies beloved in the Gateway City and ridiculed everywhere else. A local institution is Crown Candy Kitchen. The family-owned business has been operating since 1913 and serves up a hefty BLT Sandwich beloved by all. The shop also has great milkshakes and malts, and also makes a smorgasbord of confections in-house.
Don’t Skip Dessert
Location: 6726 Chippewa St.
The perfect ending to a great meal is a tasty dessert. A summer tradition for many St. Louis children (and their parents) is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. The specialty of the house is the concrete, a blend of toppings and custard so thick that they flip it upside down in front of you before serving. One very sugar-laden invention from St. Louis is the gooey butter cake—Park Avenue Coffee embraced the dessert and has 76 varieties for sale.
See Live Music
Location: Various
It may not have the reputation as other great music cities such as New Orleans, but St. Louis can hold its own musically. Definitely try and catch local blues and soul singer Kim Massie at Beale on Broadway, where she performs twice a week. Two other local hallmarks, Jazz at the Bistro and the St. Louis Symphony, are worth exploring as well. The Pageant in the Loop is a great neighborhood venue that attracts big name artists and comedians to town.
