10 Things To Do in STL

That is NOT a tourist trap.

Alrighty, so before I left for school in Kansas City, my friends and I was always hitting up some spots to just chill. Granted some may be tourist spots but that's ok ! Honestly just read it and let me know what you think!

1. The Zoo

Not to brag BUT the St. Louis Zoo is one of the best in the Country. Not state, not midwest, the COUNTRY. Not to mention admission is FREE.

Ugh, my family, friends and I would literally just go to the zoo on a sunny summer morning and stay to about 2p.m. I decided to got here last year for my 20th birthday with my boyfriend Jeff and it was honestly the best time I ever had there. our inner child came out and we bought any and everything we wanted no matter the cost. I recommend you to get there a bit early (especially in the summer) because parking is a bit wonky, and you don't want to end up walking miles to the entrance.

They do ask you to make reservations, but they are still free. Non-free attractions include food stands/restaurant's, the train that will take you all around the premises, the sea loin show, and food to feed the sting rays. Though they are not free, they aren't expensive. Lasy year Jeff and I:

- fed the stingray's

- bought train tickers

- bought 3 pineapple smoothie's

- tickets to the sea loin show

- lunch from the food stands

and didn't spend over $60. like I said, it's the perfect spot for those summer day's and they even do "BOO in the Zoo" which is late nights at the zoo with decorations for halloween. I must also admit that it's very easy to go here and not spend 💴 as well, making it the perfect free attraction all around.

2. The Aquarium

The St. Louis Aquarium opened on Christmas Day in 2019, and it was a huge event for the city. Although it is not free like the zoo, it is a fun go to spot (and date night) that's kid friendly, and adult friendly as well. I know people who did not like the aquarium simply because they felt as though it could've been more to the exhibits. Although they are not wrong I mean come on?! It's the ONLY aquarium St.Louis, look at the fish and be merry.

When you first walk in they have this interactive 'train' ride that takes you along the history of Union Station, although I must say it would be a lot cooler if it actually moved. And the first stop after the train is seeing the Bologna Whales and a tank full of Garra rufa you know, the fish that Trina Vega placed her feet in on Victorious ? Keep in mind that you cannot actually place your feet in the tank, but they do allow you to get some hand sanitizer to place your hands in the tank. It's free to do as well and it also feels like a million little kisses, though you may feel shocked at first.

On the top floor of the aquarium, you can feed snapping turtles as many times as you want and you can also interact with the sting ray's on the other side. Both are free to feed so that is one advantage over the zoo, up there you can also see St.Louis very own Lord Stanley ! A blue lobster that was gifted to the aquarium named after the Stanley Cup Championship the St.Louis Blue's won in 2019.

See what they did there?

3. The Ferris Wheel

Also located in the Union Station, next door to the aquarium is the new Ferris wheel that was opened in 2019 as well. It stands at 200 feet, making it taller than the Statue of Liberty. It has 42 enclosed gondola's with seating for about 8 adults. Trust me it is not for those with a weak stomach.

I have personally never been on, because I am one of those with the weak stomach, BUT many friends and family members of mine have and they loved it.

It shows riders the perfect St.Louis skyline, and I've also seen gender reveal's happen here as well. So grab your boo so y'all can be like those couples in the movies. you know what I'm talking about.

4. The Boat House at Forest Park

Located about 5 minutes from the zoo is the Forest Park's Boat House. Here, you can grab a beer or cocktail and rent a paddle boat, canoe or a stand up paddle board and explore over 22 acres of waterways that houses ducks, frogs, dragonflies, egrets and kingfishers. They're famous for their ducks.

The most treasured memory I think I'll always have of this place is when my mom took my older cousins, sister and I there and my cousin Alyssia's flip-flop fell off of our paddle boat so the duck took it. They also have a dining area, making it the perfect outdoor day that you can anything from nachos to pulled pork. They are closed for the winter however, so anytime after April 1st.

5. The Arch

Hear me out. Yes, this may look as though it's starting to look like countless of other articles about St. Louis but in my defense I am not telling you to go inside the arch. Matter of fact, I have never been inside the arch.

But the area and lawn surrounding the arch is beautiful. You can take a walk on the trail along the Mississippi River, granted it's not the blue seas on would see in Florida or anything, but it's the vibe your going for. THE VIBE. Feel free to bring lil Tito or Bella as you explore the grounds.

I live for packing up a blanket and some snacks and having a picnic on the lawn, and in the summer? Trust me making the perfect family outing or date. I also took sunrise yoga courses on the lawn just below the arch on summer mornings, so make sure to Google it to see what times & dates they. meet up now. Across from the arch is Kiener Plaza, where in the winter they have ice skating and igloo's for heat.

6. Westport Social

With one location in Maryland Heights, Westport Social is a refined bar and gaming lounge at Westport Plaza featuring indoor bocce, hoops, floor and table shuffleboard, ping pong, darts, snookball, private karaoke rooms, live music, and more. Enjoy an evening full of handcrafted cocktails, shareable plates, and friendly competition.

It is kid friendly but after 4 p.m. it's only for those 21 and over making it THE perfect place to gather your friends and do something during the day or night!

The food is always on point, and did I mention it's really not that expensive? The patio is LOVELY so you already know it's vibe during the summer time and the service is always a 10/10. And the big screens literally surrounds the place, so you'll never miss a game.

Make sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up with the updates and latest specials.

7. Saint Charles Historic District

Just west of St. Louis you'll find St. Charles, a river city with a unique historical perspective, beautiful sites, friendly people and a pace just a little slower than that of the big city. Founded as Les Petites Cotes (The Little Hills) by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette, Saint Charles, MO grew into a thriving riverfront trading center for a young America.

The street is filled with wineries and restaurants that have outdoor patios that shines in the summer time. Although they have maybe a handful of boutiques, it's mainly known for the restaurants. Trust me the rumors are true, I've had some of the best salmon and mashed potatoes here, and a wonderful ice cream cookie sandwich as well.

8. The Galleria Mall

No matter where you go, you are always going to want to go shopping. This mall is located in Clayton and has a mix of specialty shops will exceed your expectations and delight everyone on your list.

There are stores here that are unique to the St. Louis market and no visit to this retail destination is complete without a bite at one of the casual sit-down dining establishments, conveniently located on the ground floor with a movie theater and a play ground for the little ones.

With popular food establishments such as Cinnabon, Chic Fil A, Canes, Panda Express and the Cheesecake Factory. They also have this amazing little Chinese Food Stand that has the most AMAZING Chicken Caesar salad. TRUST ME, GET THE SALAD!!!

Stores include GAP, Forever 21, LUSH, Apple, AKIRA, Build-A-Bear and many more it really does suite everyone on the list.

9. Ameristar Hotel and Casino

Now you might have already heard of Ameristar Hotel & Casino, but this location is top their. With a result style pool, a full spa, 3 restaurants, a game room, late night bakery and casino?! It's easy to spend the whole weekend here without ever having to leave the building. It's located in Saint Charles, only 10 minutes from Historic Saint Charles and less than 2 minutes away from a dine in AMC, and a plaza full of restaurants, nail shops, and other hotels they become booked fairly quick.

The rooms I normally stay in always include a separate stand up shower, a huge soaker bathtub, a tv in the bathroom, a little seating area from the beds and of course some super soft and plush bedding. like I said it's easy to stay here a full weekend and still crave to add more nights to your stay, it's perfect for year round with an unlimited amount of DoorDash Options.

10. The St. Louis Premium Outlets at Saint Charles

Visit St. Louis Premium Outlets located just 30 minutes from downtown and only 20 minutes from Lambert - St. Louis International Airport. With more than 90 designer and name brand outlet stores including adidas, Coach, kate spade new york, LOFT Outlet, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Gap Factory, Under Armour and Vans with savings at 25 - 65% every day for shopping that's always worth the trip.

It's located in Chesterfield, not too far from a Top Golf, Target, Bath & Body Works and more it's in the perfect location to spend a full day or even weekend.

The outlet is literally just that. And trust me when I say the sales are amazing, I went to the Vans outlet more than I can count and racked up on their 'Buy one get one free' sale.

Alright y'all, I have literally sat here and planned a whole trip for y'all in some of the most popular area's in (or around) St.Louis including Saint Charles, Chesterfield, Clayton, Forest Park and etc. If you have any questions or comments as always- leave them down below or follow me on Instagram (@_.k.c) and let me know what y'all think when you visit.

But keep in my that this is my home, and I'm sensitive about my *.

Talk soon.

KC