Falling for the Lou: A Guide to St. Louis Charm

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Advisor - Erika Allen
Curated By

Erika Allen

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Advisor - Falling for the Lou: A Guide to St. Louis Charm
Curator’s statement

St. Louis was the perfect mix of Midwest vibes, affordable fun, quirky surprises, and great food. Whether you’re looking for a foodie weekend with friends or a family-friendly adventure, STL is a destination that delivers. Welcome to your next adventure.

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Where to stay in St. Louis

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Things to do in St. Louis

View from the Gateway Arch 630 feet in the air

  • No trip to St. Louis is complete without a trip to the Gateway Arch. This 630-foot monument features a ride to the top for some incredible views, as well as a museum at the base.

  • A Busch Brewery Tour offers behind-the-scenes tours of the brewery, including multiple beer samples and a trip to see the famous Clydesdales. First-responder and military discounts are available.

  • Speaking of breweries, if you’re into ghost hunting, make sure to book a ghost tour at the Lemp Haunted Brewery. You’ll get your heart rate elevated while exploring the creepy underground tunnels and learning about Prohibition-era history. Pro tip: Study up with your favorite ghost show’s episode featuring the Lemp family.

  • The Missouri Botanical Garden is a peaceful and beautifully designed garden escape. Highlights include the Climatron Done, the Japanese Garden, and the butterfly house.

  • Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, a Cardinals game is a fun experience. The energy is amazing, and the views of the Arch at sunset are breathtaking.

Places to eat & drink in St. Louis

When else would you want to have a coffee in jail? So fun!

  • Imo’s Pizza is a must when in STL. The thin-crust and signature Provel cheese is a must-try when in the city.

  • The Foundry Food Hall is perfect for a large group. Make sure to try the toasted ravioli—an STL classic!

  • The Fountain on Locust features the “World’s Smallest Ice Cream Cone” and is the perfect size to finish off a meal. If you’re skipping the meal and going straight for dessert, you’ll experience award-winning ice cream sundaes and adult beverages. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.

  • Pappy’s Smokehouse is a BBQ lover’s dream. This spot usually has a line wrapped around the building, but if you’re in a hurry, look for a table at the side of the restaurant to order your food to go—you can still eat at an outside table even if you order that way.

  • Antagonist Cafe is a unique coffee shop inside an old jail, offering small-batch coffee, fresh pastries, and cozy vibes. There’s even a game room in the back.

Need to know

Make sure to pack comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around a lot. Also, reserve parking spots downtown at least a day in advance for the Gateway Arch.

Advisor - Erika Allen

Travel Advisor

Erika Allen

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our St. Louis page.