The St. Louis Goodness Guide is brought to you by goodnessknows®. All opinions are 100% my own.
As many of you may or may not know — I currently reside in St. Louis, and it has a lot of great things to offer not only local residents, but tourists as well. Today I thought I would share a few of my favorite places. Ones that I have frequented on more than one occasion. Maybe you’ll be inspired to swing by these parts and explor this St. Louis Goodness Guide first hand {wink}.
Here are just a few of my favorite things, places and ideas:
Gateway Arch – Discover magnificent views from the top of St. Louis’ Gateway Arch. If you’re afraid of heights, it might not be the best choice of activity, but the views are pretty incredible. A short tram ride (a unique transportation system to the top) cost adults $10 and $5 for children.
St. Louis Zoo – We have a beautiful and FREE zoo here in St. Louis. Did I mention free (one of the few free zoos in the nation)? It is a must-see attraction, with over 18,000 animals and 3M visitors each year — an adventure awaits.
Missouri Botanical Gardens – The nation’s oldest botanical garden is still in operation and a National Historic Landmark. Grab your camera and enjoy capturing the beautifal garden as you stroll through the park. With shops, cafes, tram tours and more — you’re sure to enjoy your visit. A popular attraction is the Japanese Garden (it’s beautiful). Prices vary based on events.
The Butterfly House – A division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this establishment is a public natural habitat dedicated to the education of butterflies. It’s literally a butterfly zoo, friends. The indoor tropical conservatory is the heart of the Butterfly House. Its carefully controlled environment houses nearly 2,000 tropical butterflies in free flight. Prepare to have a butterfly land on you and soak up the beautiful habitat that has been created for them to live in.
Chandelier Hill Vineyards– Our favorite winery. Chandlier Hill is ocated just outside the town of Defiance, Missouri (near America’s first wine district, Augusta). You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards — and with a full-service restaurant offering wine country cuisine and award winning wines from Missouri and the West Coast, you’ll lose track of time! It’s a wonderful spot.
The Face & Body Spa – A St. Louis local day spa with three locations. They offer massages, facials, body wraps — as well has hair and nail care services. I recently decided to treat myself to facials once every 4-6 weeks and The Face & Body is where I go. It’s first class service!
Parks: Forest Park, Faust Park and Quail Ridge. I’ve lived in St. Louis for about 8 years and these are our staple go-to parks. Whether there’s an event, we’re having photographs taken or we’re just looking for a picnic spot, here is where you might find us. Each park has their own charms.
Forest Park: Forest Park is the seventh largest urban park in the United States. It contains the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Zoo, two museums and an outdoor theatre. Visitors and locals can enjoy walks or bike rides on the pedestrian path that circles the park.
Faust Park: Created in 1968, Faust Park is one of St. Louis County’s most unique parks — and one of my favorites. With historic buildings, parks, walking trails, and the St. Louis Carousel, you won’t be disappointed in making a visit here. Another popular spot for families to be photographed. Close by, you’ll also find The Butterfly House that was mentioned above.
Quail Ridge: Quail Ridge offer fishing, off-leash dog park, picnic areas, twalking trails and a disc golf course. With natural prairie preservations and a foot bridge, it makes a lovely spot for photgraphing nature and it a popular spot for photographers.
Eats. We all have such different pallates, but if you’re looking for a recommendation and enjoy sushi, Drunken Fish is one of our favorite places to eat in Maryland Heights. Delicious sushi and a great environment. You MUST try the Starburst Roll. For dessert, take a drive down to Ted Drews. Ted Drews sets the bar very high for frozen custard here in St. Louis. It’s been around for over 80 years, so you really should give it a try and let me know what you think {wink}.
However, many times, when I’m not sure of what the plans will be — I like to keep a snack on hand. That’s where the goodnessknows® snack squares enter the picture.
They’re filled with yummy ingredients and make a perfect snack while on the go. Available in three delicious flavors:
- apple, almond & peanut, dark chocolate
- cranberry, almond, dark chocolate
- peach & cherry, almond, dark chocolate
I could offer a gazzilion other suggestionson places to see, eat, etc. — but then I’d basically be publishing an on-line book…. and I’d lose your attention pretty quickly, sooooo I’d encourage you to Google other fabulous attractions and eating spots around the St. Louis area.
Now it’s your turn! Tell me one of your favorite local spots in your area. Favorite restaurant, park, tourist attraction, etc. I’d love to hear from YOU.
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Lisa Brown says
The wineries in the area are a fun attraction; there are a number of them and you can spend the hopping to each and tasting the different wines on offer.
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Bryn says
We love the magic house. So perfect for little ones but pretty darn cool for adults too.
Julie Wood says
My favorite attraction is our big RIght in the City park called Riverfront Park. We had a world’s fair and the park was created for it. But there are so many wonderful family things to do at this park, and right now they are having the gorgeous Lighted Chinese festival. We had so much fun going to it in the evening and seeing all the bright lights.
Tarah says
It’s not “local” as in something I can run around the corner to, but it’s in our state. I love our Pictured Rocks up north in Michigan. They’re beautiful and truly a treasure. I cannot wait until our boys are a little older so we can take them on the same hike my husband and I went on to get a great view of them.
LaTanya says
I love Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant in Charleston, SC
Ashley Ponder says
I live in southeast Arkansas so I big tourist attraction is the hunting. People come from all over the country to hunt here. I love St. Louis! My favorite restaurant there is Calico’s. I wish I could visit there more often.
Gina M says
I loved hearing about St. Louis!! My favorite place in Richmond, VA is called Maymont Park. It is a sprawling landscape that was turned into a beautiful park. It used to be a plantation with a beautiful old house that has been turned into a museum. We love visiting for picnics and long walks through the natural setting.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Heather C says
I love City Grocery , it’s where the July Girls (Birthdays in July) have long lunches in July and December. The food is excellent.
Linda N. says
There is a local cafe that serves the most amazing breakfast items and they serve them all day long. I absolutely love their red velvet nutella pancakes and egg benedict. I am there at least once weekly.
Amy S. says
I live in really small town so there’s not much going on, but the best thing is there’s a winter parade after Thanksgiving when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to light the Christmas tree on Main Street.
JenniferMiller says
I love Montelle winery just before Augusta. They have a beautiful back patio that is on a bluff that has a great view at all times of year.
Karen Taylor says
Table Rock Lake!
HS says
I enjoy dining at Café Latte of St. Paul. The offer unique soup and desserts , chocolate turtle cake is my favorite.
Evie B. says
I love the local zoo in my area. It’s a great way to spend the day with the whole family and it’s always a great time.
Dawn G says
One of my favorite local places is Talkeetna, AK. It’s a quaint little town with some fabulous eats. From the nearby river, you get spectacular views of Denali.
Angie @ Knick of Time says
Well, we’re practically neighbors! 🙂 Actually, I live just a few hours north of you in Illinois, but we go to St. Lois often. In fact, I’ll be passing through there tomorrow on the way to Arkansas. My favorite place near St. Louis is St. Charles – love that charming little town!
Laura J says
Oh one of my favorite local places is the Caponi Art Park in Eagan, Minnesota! Its a natural setting that seamlessly blends art and nature! Its so neat and the kids love going there! They have a sculpture garden that is so neat and a theater in the woods!
Kim Henrichs says
I loved visiting St. Louis!! One of my favorite spots around here is Tanglewood which is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It is my favorite summer go-to!!
christine burd says
I love the new southwestern style of cuisine at Kachina Grill located in the Westin hotel in Westminster co.. Colorado also has a top notch natural history museum and lovely mountain towns like Estes Park and Vail.
Karla Neese says
I live in the Oklahoma City area and my favorite area is downtown OKC. There is so much to do! Everything from rowing on the river, Bricktown district (an old warehouse district that was revamped) complete with canal rides, restaurants and much more, Myriad Gardens with free concerts, a botanical garden and that’s just the start! Come visit OKC!
http://www.visitokc.com/trip-planning/trip-ideas-guides/downtown-walking-tour/
Amy Orvin says
My favorite local spot is the SC Aquarium located in Charleston, SC.
robyn donnelly says
I lived in St. Louis MO for many years and I loved Forest Park and that area. Now I am in Louisville, KY and I love the natural bridge and the waterpark on the river in downtown louisville.
Kathleen says
Our home is located in Central Ohio. There are so many nice county parks to visit. One is called the Bridge of Dreams, it is the largest covered bridge in the area. The only people that don’t walk the bridge are the Amish families their buggies. From their we head to the nearest village Gambier to walk the paths of Kenyon College, the oldest continuing college east of the Mississippi River. There are so many wonderful places to stop for a meal to eve begin to list.
Alina says
I reside in MI and one of the prettiest attractions to see is Lake Michigan up North. Gorgeous from anywhere you stay.
Sean says
The Ann Arbor Arboretum is stunning with it’s massive greenery variety and all the beautiful flowers blooming especially in the Spring and Summer time. It’s also a site to see in the FALL.
Janice R. says
I love to visit a very large park near where I live. They have many different activities for adults and kids as well as a lot of great walking paths and places to eat.
Cheryl says
I live in the small town of Thomasville, NC, aka the chair city…so much beautiful furniture has been manufactured here over the years. Our most notable attraction here is the “Big Chair’, located in the town square…it’s huge. lol I’ve always wanted to climb up there somehow and have my picture taken. At Christmas time they put a large Christmas throw pillow in the chair. It’s our icon…and I love that big chair.
Susan Smith says
We love our local Henry Doorly Zoo and always get yearly passes. It has a couple indoor domes so we can visit it all year round.
Theresa warren says
We have never visited St Louis. One of my favorite attractions in the Indianapolis area is Conner Prairie which is an 1836 living history museum. The museum continues to offer families fun and educational programs. My husband and I met and worked there almost 24 yrs ago and as the event planner we celebrated our wedding there as well.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
I’ve never been to St. Louis, but you have certainly given me lots of reasons to visit! Just letting you know that I am going to feature this post tonight on Best of the Weekend.