St. Louis, a city rich in history and vibrant culture, beckons you to explore and enjoy all it has to offer. From delectable cuisine and captivating museums to lively arts and charming local spots, St. Louis has something for everyone. As Royally Baked, a vegan restaurant in the area, aptly puts it, “Immerse yourself in the vivacious ambiance of St. Louis and its surroundings. Explore the city’s offerings but don’t forget to venture beyond its limits to discover wineries nestled along scenic country roads, crystal clear springs for swimming, and beautiful hiking, biking, and walking trails.” Whether you’re planning a visit or are already a resident, this article will help you craft a fun and memorable St. Louis bucket list.
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Enjoying the Outdoors in St. Louis
With winter on the horizon, now is the perfect time to relish the pleasant weather outdoors. St. Louis offers a plethora of outdoor activities that provide a rejuvenating escape to reconnect with nature. Missouri photographer and videographer Brendan Luke Trogdon of Royal Photos recommends exploring the various parks in the greater St. Louis area, such as Forest Park and Cuivre River State Park. Photographer Heather Bennett of Bee Brook Photography suggests a leisurely stroll through Forest Park, highlighting spots like Deer Lake Riffles and the pathway to the Victorian Footbridge.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Alexandra Caspero from Delish Knowledge shares her love for Forest Park, emphasizing its vast offerings like running around the outer trail, paddle boating on the inner lake, and exploring the free Zoo, History, or Art museums within the park. Stephanie Reid from Amor et Vita raves about the Missouri Botanical Gardens, a serene oasis in the city perfect for a relaxing stroll. Don’t miss the events at the Gardens, from music festivals to holiday light displays.
Stephanie and Peter Zettl from Zettl Phototography recommend adding Laumeier Sculpture Park to your must-visit list, a hidden gem with over 70 modern outdoor sculptures set amidst 105 acres of natural beauty. For a unique outdoor experience, Conor from Upshot Coffee suggests exploring the Katie Trail and enjoying a coffee break at Brake Shop before embarking on a scenic riverfront hike or bike ride.
If hands-on activities are more your style, STL Mommy Kim Julian recommends a family visit to Grant’s Farm, where you can interact with animals and enjoy camel rides. Augy Knickmeyer from Missouri Fly Life Guide Co. suggests exploring the thriving fishing culture in the St. Louis area, with opportunities for guided fishing trips and connections with local fishing clubs.
Andy McEwen of LouFly Guide Service recommends trying guided fly fishing trips for trout and smallmouth bass near downtown St. Louis. Dive into the outdoors and make the most of St. Louis’ natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Culinary Delights and Local Favorites
St. Louis boasts iconic local dishes and fantastic dining experiences that showcase the city’s unique food culture. From Lonas Lil Eats’ innovative cuisine to Peacemaker Lobster and Crab’s fresh seafood, St. Louis has a diverse culinary scene waiting to be explored.
For coffee lovers and food enthusiasts, Good Press Cafe is a welcoming neighborhood spot that offers great coffee and delicious food in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Raquita Henderson of Pinxit Photo recommends Indo STL/SadoSTL for delectable seafood and sushi dishes. For sweet treats, Wedding Wonderland’s Temptations by Wedding Wonderland and La Patisserie Choquette are must-visit spots for exquisite cakes and pastries.
Raqhelle Millbrooks from RaqhTheWorld recommends indulging in chocolate-infused cocktails and desserts at Bailey’s Chocolate Bar for a sweet and scrumptious experience. Experience the diverse culinary offerings in St. Louis and discover new favorite spots for a memorable dining experience.
In addition to restaurants, St. Louis offers unique culinary experiences to add to your bucket list. Jamie from Spotless STL enjoys exploring local Farmers Markets for gluten-free treats, flavored teas, and fresh produce, adding a local touch to your culinary adventures.
Exploring St. Louis’ Vibrant Creative Community
St. Louis’s creative scene is a colorful tapestry of diverse art forms that reflect the city’s cultural richness. Whether you’re visiting renowned institutions like the St. Louis Art Museum or uncovering hidden gems in local studios, St. Louis offers a myriad of artistic experiences to suit every taste.
Local photographer Henry David recommends checking out Project String Quartet’s tribute to David Bowie for a unique musical experience. Explore the unconventional City Museum, an artist-built playground in an old shoe factory that offers thrilling and imaginative spaces to explore.
Photographer Jaimie Nicole Krause extols the wonders of City Museum, a playground on steroids featuring a rooftop Ferris wheel, numerous slides, and quirky attractions. Discover the vibrant arts community in St. Louis and immerse yourself in its creative energy.
Explore More of St. Louis
When visiting a new city, it’s easy to stick to familiar areas and miss out on hidden gems. Venture beyond the main tourist attractions in St. Louis to discover unique finds and bucket-list experiences waiting to be explored.
Ericka Frank, owner of The Cup recommends exploring the historic Central West End neighborhood for its charm, architecture, and vibrant dining and retail scene. Nick Findley from Dutchtown invites you to explore St. Louis’ diverse and dense neighborhood, filled with historic architecture and beloved local treats like Merb’s Candies and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
Wedding and portrait photographer Elizabeth Miller from Truly Moments highlights Old Webster as a blend of small-town charm and trendy vibes, perfect for browsing vinyl records, enjoying a coffee, and supporting local businesses. Dive into the spooky season with a visit to the haunted Lemp Mansion, a historic house with a chilling past and intriguing ghost tours.
Where to Drink Like a Local
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, cocktail aficionado, or simply enjoy classic pub vibes, St. Louis offers a diverse array of bars, breweries, and distilleries to enhance your St. Louis experience.
Jesse Stansberry of BrewHop STL recommends visiting local breweries to immerse yourself in the region’s character and taste. Trust invites you to experience St. Louis’s rich history with a modern twist at their craft cocktail bar, Trust, housed in the restored Mississippi Valley Trust Company building.
For live music and sports enthusiasts, Billy’s On Broadway is the go-to spot in downtown St. Louis for local favorites, craft beers, and inventive cocktails. Laura Leister, Co-Owner of St. Louis Board Game Bar and Cafe suggests a fun date night at their establishment, playing board games and enjoying drinks in a relaxed setting.
Crafted in the Tower Grove East neighborhood offers handcrafted cocktails and upscale bar food in a vibrant atmosphere. For a unique experience, PubCrawls’ bar crawl through iconic St. Louis venues with exclusive drink specials and a lively nightlife scene is a perfect way to explore the city’s bar scene.
Essential Workspaces in St. Louis
St. Louis offers a variety of welcoming spaces for both professional needs and creative projects. For photography work, Ellie from 20th Street Studios recommends their light-filled studio spaces for photoshoots and events. For collaborative work and networking, Alex of TechArtista invites new residents to explore their coworking space in the heart of St. Louis.
St. Louis Community Services
Discover how St. Louis cares for its community through dedicated services and initiatives. Bridge Bread Bakery empowers individuals experiencing homelessness through meaningful work and baking skills, while St. Louis ArtWorks offers art apprenticeships and job training for youth, enriching lives through creativity and skill development.
Take a New Hobby From St. Louis
Immerse yourself in interactive activities and new experiences in St. Louis. Craft Alliance offers classes in various art forms like glasswork, ceramics, and metals, catering to beginners and experienced artists alike. Dive into the vibrant arts scene by exploring unique classes and workshops to discover a new passion in St. Louis.