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If you are looking for a vacation destination that has everything, look no more because St. Louis Missouri has offerings for the whole family. Did you know that the Gateway Arch, that greets visitors arriving from the east, is the tallest monument in the world, and that it is located on the banks of the Mississippi River that flows past St. Louis on its way to the gulf? St. Louis is rich in history and is daily shaping the future with its industry. No matter whether you are interested in history, the arts, fun and frolicking, eating or shopping, St. Louis is waiting for you to pass through its Arch and into a vacation to remember.

The Levee or the Landing Area

The Gateway River Arch is located in an area of St. Louis called the Levee or the Landing. There is always something happening along the banks of the Mississippi day or night. Whether you are interested in walking on the historic cobblestone streets that run through the area or hiring a horse drawn carriage, seeing the Levee is an easy activity. While you are walking, you can see barges pushing down the river or see people having fun on a river boat. While riding on a river boat you can see a dinner show and listen to great music.

Bordering the Levee is an area called Laclede’s Landing which is noted for its eateries, bars, and novelty shopping options. If you want to get off your feet for awhile, you can rent a bicycle to tour the area and burn off a few of the calories you consumed while visiting the café’s and bakeries. If you are up for some night life, be sure to check out the music offerings at the Landing and enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and listening to music.

Not far, just a short walk, from the Arch and the Landing sits the fabulous St. Louis Cathedral. When walking through the cathedral you will feast your eyes on tremendous mosaics, plush carpeting, and highly shined brass fixtures.

Forest Park

St. Louis’s history is laden with historical “firsts”. Dr. Pepper, the ice cream cone, and iced tea made their debuts at the 1904 World’s Fair which was held in St. Louis. Speaking of the 1904 World’s Fair, you can stroll through the fair grounds which is now called Forest Park. There are so many sites to see in the Park than you may want to plan a day or more to be sure you get to take in all the Park has to offer. It may be a surprise to know that Forest Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and it is rated as the third largest city park in the nation.

One of the biggest attractions at Forest Park is the zoo which is home to over 5000 animals and includes a children’s zoo that offers special exhibits, shows, and a train for riding around the zoo. The zoo offers special educational programs and events that make it a wonderful family outing. Maybe the best part is that the Park is Free. There is parking for about $9 a day so a visit to the Forest Park zoo is an affordable and remarkable experience for the family.

Besides the zoo, Forest Park offers many other options for a fun vacation experience such as: places to picnic, special music and sporting events, the Art Museum, the History Museum, the Science Center, and the Muny Opera. Forest Park is the heart of the city and has had a $100 million renovation. The Park’s survival is vital to the future health of the St. Louis region and your visit will be made memorable because of the value the city has placed on ensuring a quality experience.

Central West End

St. Louis’s Central West End is a must visit for anyone who is interested in unique shopping and eating experiences. Located around the Maryland Plaza, the Central West End is chock full of art galleries and one-of-a-kind- shops. If you love theatre and history, you must check out the famous Fox Theatre. Developers of the Fox renovated a 1929 movie house and restored it back to its former glory. You can get a tour of the theatre or you can buy tickets to attend one of the many wonderful entertainment opportunities St. Louis offers to vacationers and inhabitants alike.

There are many options for eating in the Central West End ranging from ice cream shops, to sandwich shops, to full menu restaurants. If the weather permits, you can eat on the sidewalk and enjoy a glass of wine with your meal. There are also street musicians who make the whole experience even more eclectic.

South St. Louis

A vacation in St. Louis wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are well known for the excellence and beauty of their exhibits. A trip to the Botanical Gardens is like a step into nature and a step out of urban. It is amazing to think that a large metropolitan city is just a few blocks away. One of the biggest treats - 79 acres big - at the Gardens is a butterfly garden that is fun and beautiful to see. The exhibits are seasonal so there are offerings throughout most of the year.

Six Flags Over Mid America

A trip to St. Louis might not be complete, if there are children and teenagers in the crowd, without a day or more at Six Flags Over Mid America. The park is about 20 minutes outside of the city. It offers a huge selection of rides for children and adults. It offers wonderful professional musical shows, a horde of eating and game opportunities, and a water park.

There is no doubt that St. Louis is a vacation destination that has something for everyone and can be easy on the pocket book.

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