games

St. Louis, Missouri: A Traveler’s Essential Guide to the City

May 6, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Explore St. Louis hosted my visit. However, all opinions and photos are mine.

Are you ready to explore the top things to do in St. Louis?

Whether planning a first-time trip to St. Louis or returning for a visit, you will want to use this essential guide to the city to plan your vacation around the city’s must-see attractions and restaurants. In The Lou, its rave-worthy, award-winning destinations are not to be missed.

The Arch in St. Louis at springtime — The Gateway Arch is an iconic landmark of St. Louis designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, which opened to the public on July 24, 1967.

WHERE TO STAY

St. Louis Union Station Hotel

If you’re going to plan an overnight stay in St. Louis, the only place to reserve accommodation is at Union Station Hotel (1820 Market St.), part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The luxurious experience is beyond measure.

A train station designed by architect Theodore Link and opened in 1894, it served as the gateway to the West for passengers traveling by rail across the country. Beyond the opulent Grand Hall was a 75-room hotel for travelers or businessmen. On a typical day, 100,000 people stopped at the station, including celebrities like President Harry S. Truman, Joan Crawford, and Joe DiMaggio.

Union Station Hotel Lobby — The balcony view from the fourth floor of Union Station Hotel is awe-inspiring. Opened to the public in 1894, the Grand Hall has a 65-foot vaulted ceiling, the train station’s original waiting room.

I was wonderstruck by Union Station Hotel’s detailed finishes, which included mosaic tile, stained glass, archways, and wrought-iron railings. I traveled via a gold elevator to my room above the Grand Hall, where the elegant decor and plush furnishings welcomed me. Artwork depicting historic railroad photos hung on the wall.

The room exceeded my expectations, from the full-length leaded glass mirror to the rain shower head and bathroom amenities.

St. Louis Union Station Hotel Grand Hall Ceiling — Every evening at 5:00 pm, a 3D fire and light show set to music projects on the Grand Hall’s ceiling.

My room stay included access to self-serve complimentary full breakfast in the Executive Lounge. The on-site Starbucks, on-site restaurants, and free Wi-Fi were added bonuses. I found the front desk staff accommodating, especially after learning that I neglected to pack a few essentials.

Executive Suite — The Grand Hall Luxury 1 King’s Waldorf Astoria bed was the softest I’ve slept on during my travels thus far.

You’ll find your stay at St. Louis Union Station well worth the expense as it is within walking distance of popular downtown attractions and access the street for the city’s new soccer stadium, CITYPARK. If you visit St. Louis for the first time, you might as well do it in style and comfort. You look forward to returning to your room to relax after a fun-filled day exploring The Lou.

PRO TIP: Prepare to use valet service when arriving at the hotel with your car. Otherwise, schedule a Lyft and Uber to pick you up and drop you off at the main entrance.

wall — Intricate stained glass and tile work frames the bar area in the Grand Hall, where guests can enjoy cocktails at Happy Hour.

SIP & SAVOR

The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern

One step inside The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (2 South 20th St.), and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a European pub made especially for soccer fans. The sports bar is an extended part of the Union Station Hotel and is directly across the street from CITYPARK. If you don’t have tickets to the game or want to celebrate the team’s win, The Pitch is the ideal place to gather with soccer enthusiasts.

The Pitch bar — You always have a good view of the game from any corner of The Pitch.

The food menu features pub fare raining from nachos to sandwiches, and if arriving for breakfast on the weekend, you can count on the Irish Slinger or Biscuits & Gravy to curb your cravings. The Pitch’s drink menu features local, regional, and imported beer and a long list of wines and hard ciders.

PRO TIP: If you want to watch the CITYPARK soccer game at The Pitch, arrive before game time, or you can count on a long line of people at the door to welcome you.

appetizers — I can’t recommend the Cheese Dip enough. Made with chorizo, white quest, corn, and roasted chilis, it was a popular appetizer at our table.

Budweiser Brewhouse at Ballpark Village

On a Cardinals game day at home, Budweiser Brewhouse (601 Clark Ave.) is the place to be. Since 2014, the multi-story complex has served ecstatic baseball fans St. Louis-style classic fare and classic beer. The brewhouse opens three hours before the first pitch on Monday and Tuesday home games.

Why miss a chance to experience a Cardinals game celebration unlike any other place in the city? The kitchen serves sports bar fare 11 am-9 pm, and the drinks are always cold. Cheering on the Cardinals or celebrating a win is more fun from the Bud Deck Rooftop. I enjoyed the view of the Ballpark Village with access to a private bar and catered appetizers.

PRO TIP: If you’re hanging with a group of 8 or more people, reserve a table or lounge area. Otherwise, seating is first-come, first-served.

Budweiser Brewhouse — Post-game cocktails are a must after a St. Louis Cardinals game.

Food Hall at City Foundry

To dine at City Foundry’s Food Hall (3730 Foundry Way) is like dying and going to culinary heaven. Imagine 17 local-only restaurants under one roof. As they say, “Your stomach will thank you.”

taco shack — Award-winning Kalbi Taco Shack’s menu features meals made with house-made Asian marinades and fusion flavors.

The city’s first food hall is where you dine on authentic, local menus ranging from creole entreés and street-style tacos to cheesecake and popsicles. During my visit, I couldn’t resist trying “t-ravs,” aka toasted ravioli, a food staple for St. Louis residents. STL Toasted‘s buffalo chicken version with blue cheese dipping sauce lives up to the hype.

An order of eight toasted ravioli makes for single lunch or a shareable appetizer. 4 for $10

Don’t leave without enjoying a Berry Lemon Waffle at Press Waffle Company topped with a mountain of whipped cream. I also recommend a Key Lime Cheesecake popsicle at Poptimism STL. I promise you will want to make the Food Hall at City Foundry a stop on your visit to the city for its variety of original, thoughtfully-prepared food options.

PRO TIP: Go with friends – you’ll want to share one another’s lunch or dinner choices.

Olive + Oak

For restaurant-goers searching for an elevated dining experience where the wine and the food compete to be the star, Olive + Oak (216 W. Lockwood Ave.) in Webster Groves is the best choice. The James Beard award-winning restaurant serves sought-after favorites like baked clams, beef tenderloin, and goat ragu. High-end shareable plates like the 32 oz. Prime Cowboy Ribeye takes dining to another level.

wine glasses — Reservations are recommended, and food and wine events require them.

During our visit, we enjoyed a six-course meal with wine selected by Napa Valley winemaker Julien Fayard of Purlieu Wines. By far, the Dungeness Crab Rangoon paired with 2021 Le Pich Sauvignon Blanc was my favorite meal moment, plus Fayard’s personal visit to our table made it that much better.

PRO TIP: There are multiple seating areas, including a more casual atmosphere near the bar.

Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria

In the mood for artisan Italian food? The place to dine is Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria (2 Locations), a restaurant and bar operated by a husband and wife team. After living in Italy, chef and owner Katie Collier were inspired to open the award-winning restaurant’s first location, which earned “Best Pizza” and “Best Pasta” from Feast Magazine.

We dined on Roasted Chicken Pizza with arugula, an adequate size for two people to share at lunchtime.

PRO TIP: The patio was nearly full during the lunch hour at the Rock Hill location (9568 Manchester Rd.), so arrive at 11 am to grab a table outdoors.

Billy G’s Kirkwood

Gioia’s Deli

A mainstay on the St. Louis foodie scene since 1918, Gioia’s Deli (4 Locations) evolved from a market to a deli. The original restaurant is in The Hill, a St. Louis neighborhood known for its Italian markets, restaurants, and boutiques.

Gioia’s Deli is famous for its Homemade Hot Salami Sandwich made with fresh sausage and sliced fresh to order, which helped make them a James Beard award winner in 2017.

During our visit, I asked the employee behind the counter how she preferred to order it. I ordered the Hot Salami and Roast Beef sandwich on garlic cheese bread with melted provolone, mayonnaise, and pepperoncini peppers. I added Old Vienna Red Hot Riplets bbq flavored potato chips on the side to complete the local foodie experience. You will not regret eating at Gioia’s Deli.

PRO TIP: Remember their slogan, “We make our sandwiches your way.” Don’t hesitate to customize the sandwich; you should order it on garlic cheese bread.

Salami and Roast Beer Sandwich — For reference, the “small size” sandwich is plenty of food for one person.

Shaw’s Coffee

Also located in The Hill, Shaw’s Coffee (5147 Shaw Ave.) is a corner café specializing in sourced coffee from the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. The dark-roasted beans are uniquely strong in flavor. Although I love coffee, I craved hot tea on a rainy day.

My London Fog, made with Earl Grey Tea, was perfectly prepared with just the right amount of frothy foam. If you prefer a mid-day non-coffee drink like me, consider ordering an Italian Soda, Granita, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

PRO TIP: Save room for a pastry made by a local bakery, Breadsmith.

coffee shop windows — Outside, pedestrian walkways are painted the colors of the Italian flag.

4 Hands Brewery Co.

If given a chance to try craft beers at a new brewery, I always say, “Yes!”4 Hands Brewery Co. (1220 S. 8th St.) has a welcoming taproom, event space, and production facility on one site. The brewery, founded in 2011, has expertly mastered craft beer and a line of spirits. They are methodical about how they’ve grown over the years and recently announced they are opening a taproom in a St. Louis suburb, Kirkwood, and a brewpub in Chesterfield.

I was fortunate to sit in on a group tasting and tour led by brewery president and co-owner Kevin Lemp. I suggest reserving a similar experience.

We were ushered upstairs to an event space featuring a massive bar flanked by retro arcade games. Our group learned about the flagship, limited-release, and seasonal beers. We toasted one another with sample glasses of gin, vodka, and infused spirits from their line of crafts spirits.

1220 Spirits — If you add tonic to the Blue Morpho gin, it turns a purple hue.

Afterward, we toured the 20,000-foot production space and listened to Lemp’s business story while employees operated the canning line. We learned that 4 Hands Brewing Co. also produces a non-alcoholic beverage, Hallogram Blonde Ale.

I’ve toured several breweries, but 4 Hands Brewing Co. exceeded my expectations for what a team can produce at the highest quality.

StilL 630

I promise you’ve never experienced a distillery like StilL 630 (1000 S. 4th St.). The distillery and tasting room is in a renovated Hardee’s fast-food restaurant. Although the space is modest, owner/founder Dave Weglarz’s produces best-in-class whiskey, bourbon, fin, and rum from grain to glass. Each one starts with a handcrafted recipe that is distilled, bottled, and packaged by hand.

Take a moment during your tasting experience to familiarize yourself with the distilleries awards wall.

One-hour Grain to Glass Distillery Tours is scheduled on Saturdays, offering visitors a chance to sample spirits of their choice. I appreciated a whiskey/rum hybrid sample. Aside from the production, you’ll be impressed with the Botanical Library, consisting of over 400 distilled samples of individual ingredients.

PRO TIP: Stop by for classic cocktails specials starting at $10/glass every Friday 5 pm – 9 pm.

At StilL 630’s distillery and tasting room, visitors can every variation of spirits produced by founder Dave Weglarz.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

For decades, St. Louis residents have happily stood in lines at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (6726 Chippewa St.) to enjoy thick, creamy “concrete” custard with flavor mix-ins for over 80 years. It’s customary to order at the window and then wait for it to be called by name. On any typical day, the parking lot is filled with people sitting in their cars eating frozen custard.

I ordered the iconic must-have dessert savoring it down to the last bite. My micro cup of Twisted Caramel was plenty of custard for one person.

PRO TIP: Don’t worry. The line moves quickly. Preview the menu before getting in line, and look for seasonal specials posted near the window.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard — Ted Drewes frozen custard is a popular dessert and a St. Louis tradition for residents and visitors. The “concrete” is a must-have treat because it’s so thick it can be served upside down.

SPORTING EVENTS

St. Louis Blues

Sports are king in The Lou. St. Louis Blues takes to the ice from October through March to defend its hometown pride. The team competes against other NHL teams in a race for the Stanley Cup, an honor they won in 2019.

The atmosphere on game day was electric when we entered Enterprise Arena. A brass band welcomed fans as they entered the arena. We danced in place before navigating upstairs to suits to watch the game. Arena fans went bonkers as each player took to the ice. Lights strobed, cheerleaders danced, and the place was abuzz with energy.

PRO TIP: If you don’t watch a game from a suite, consider reserving sections 101-106, 113-119, and 126 for the best game views, according to RateYourSeats.com.

St. Louis Blues NHL hockey — Within minutes into the game, the St. Louis Blues scored against the Dallas Stars.

St. Louis Cardinals

You can’t come to St. Louis without attending a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium (700 Clark Ave.). Recognized as 11-time World Champions, fans converge on the ballpark to cheer on the hometown team with chants and roars of applause.

Fortunate to watch the Cardinals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates from a suite, the panoramic view was breathtaking. The energy from the crowd was off the charts between announcements of the game. Want to tour the stadium? One-hour guided tour tickets are available to purchase at Gate 3 – you’ll also want to the public art.

PRO TIP: View the current game schedule, and don’t forget to review the purse/clear bag rule policy.

Busch Stadium St. Louis Cardinals Game — A panoramic view from a private suite at Busch Stadium offers guests a remarkable perspective of the downtown skyline.

St. Louis CITY

Soccer fans will feel at home watching St. Louis CITY take on MLS rivals inside CITYPARK (35 Hunter Ave. St). Fans jump to their feet from 22,500 seats inside the newly built stadium, where every seat in the house gets you closer to the action. The open-air stadium hosts about 20 MLS season games yearly, collegiate sporting events, and summer camps.

Pre-game and post-game parties are the norms outside the stadium’s gates, where a DJ or live band is known to play. Grab a bite from one of the multiple local food vendors or purchase grab-n-go bites at CityScan. James Beard award-winning Chef Craft designed the food experience.

PRO TIP: The Pitch Club provides a VIP experience, and attendees meet players as they enter and exit the stadium. Twenty-eight premium suites and 32 pitch boxes offer an elevated experience.

CITYPark soccer stadium — The stadium’s turf consists of Bermuda with rye for deep roots shipped from the Carolinas. Mobile grow lights keep it green on no-sun days.

TAKE A TOUR

St. Louis Aquarium

Saltwater fish. Sharks. Turtles. Stingrays. The St. Louis Aquarium (201 S. 18th St.), within walking distance of the Union Station Hotel, is home to over 13,000 sea creatures. Hands-on activity areas teach visitors of all ages about the native habitats of the animals. The rope bridge over Shark Canyon and Stingray Touch Tank are must-experience features, and the animal encounters led by aquarium ambassadors are worth the visit.

I recommend experiencing the interactive train raid that departs every 15 minutes. The virtual experience is like taking a Union Station train under the sea!

PRO TIP: Purchase aquarium tickets in advance or be disappointed when they sell out. Other family-friendly attractions nearby include a carousel, mini golf park, outdoor Ferris wheel, and ropes course.

aquarium in St. Louis — Opened in 2019, the aquarium’s Animal Care Team teaches about animals ten times daily.

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

If touring the famous Gateway Arch, the most entertaining way to get there is by boat. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer one-hour daily cruises to the monument and back on the Mississippi River. Since the days of the Gateway Arch’s construction, onlookers have enjoyed the leisurely ride to admire the skyline and monument for photo-worthy views.

After a catered lunch in the dining room, our group climbed the stairs to the upper deck for the best view. The waters were calm, and the boat crew’s hospitality was top-notch.

PRO TIP: Check the website for thematic river cruise excursions like PJs, Pancakes, Skyline Dinner Cruise, or the Blues Cruise.

St. Louis Gateway Arch — Cruises on the river are available March-November.

Gateway Arch Museum & The St. Louis Arch

You can’t visit The Lou without a trip to the Gateway Arch Museum and a ride on the tram to the top of The Arch, America’s tallest monument spanning an awe-inspiring 630 feet. It’s a National Park (the smallest!) with 91 acres completed in 1965, which Thomas Jefferson envisioned as the Gateway to the West.

Take it from me, someone who is incredibly afraid of heights and small spaces, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll regret not doing at least once. Plus, the 30-mile east and west view from the top of The Arch is worth the effort.

St. Louis Arch — The ride in the tram pod seats five people (snug!) and is well-lit throughout the four-minute ride up. The decent takes a bit less time.

Opened in 2018, the Gateway Arch Museum features highly interactive and engaging displays that explain how the city was founded, the people who settled there, and how it evolved into a city noted for its innovative spirit.

PRO TIP: Buy your tickets online in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as tickets can sell out quickly.

Downtown St. Louis — View from the top of The Arch overlooking downtown St. Louis.

City Museum

How do you describe a place that defies one’s imagination? City Museum (750 N 16th St.) describes itself as “weirdly wonderful,” but I’d call the multi-story building/outdoor attraction Whoville meets Willy Wonka meets a surrealist dream on steroids.

People of all ages love exploring its tunnels, slides, and thematic rooms. The entire complex includes adventure spaces except for a bar, gift shop, restaurant, and art gallery. Is it right for you and your kiddos? Review the website’s information page before purchasing tickets and paying for nearby parking.

PRO TIP: Visit on a cool day or dress in lightweight clothing with comfortable shoes. The museum heats up during summer due to a lack of air conditioning and indoor/outdoor tunnels.

City Museum St. Louis — One look at City’s Museum’s entrance and you know you’ve never seen anything like it.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Forest Park

When I learned that Forest Park is twice the size of New York’s Central Park, my mouth dropped open in shock. After a tour of part of it, it is worth experiencing first-hand. Consisting of 1,300 acres, every kind of outdoor activity you can imagine exists, from paddle boating and canoeing to court sports and cycling.

Several historic buildings, including the Jewel Box (pictured below) and the Saint Louis Art Museum, are in the park. A trip to the park is not complete without a picnic on scenic Art Hill adjacent to the art museum with views of the basin.

PRO TIP: Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the park to maximize the experience. View an interactive map.

Great Rivers Greenway

St. Louis is a community that appreciates its people and wants them to stay healthy and get outdoors. Great Rivers Greenway connects communities with 120-plus miles of paved trails for walking, cycling, and green recreational spaces. Designed with each community in mind, each trail offers views you wouldn’t see from a car.

The greenways allow people to traverse adjacent to water via forested city areas and stop at locally-owned businesses. The Brickline Greenway will connect The Foundry and The Amory (see below), making it possible for users to stop at each one for a bite to eat, to view a concert, or to do a little shopping.

Fresh Thyme grocery store is located at The Foundry, a portion of the Brickline Greenway.

INDOOR RECREATION

Armory at STL

Imagine an indoor playground designed for adults. Armory at STL is the biggest bar in the city, with endless entertainment opportunities, from playing games to watching a live concert. The 250,000-square-foot complex features interactive games, a two-story slide, TVs to watch the games, over 92 taps behind the bar, and VIP spaces.

The Armory — Bring a large group – there’s plenty of room to play!

At Happy Hour, our group enjoyed a nacho bar with cocktails and beer before playing immersive foosball, mega ping pong, and arcade games. We jumped at the chance to ride an adult-sized tricycle and paired up to teeter-totter.

PRO TIP: Watch the website for upcoming news and event details. The owner plans on adding a second-story outdoor bar space as well.

A foosball table made for large groups is unlike any table you’ve played before, making it a fun challenge even for four people.

Puttshack

Another new addition, Puttshack (3730 Foundry Way), is a must-stop during your St. Louis vacation for its high-tech 18-hole mini golf course.

The indoor course tracks your score for you while you play. Unlike a typical mini golf course, Puttshack’s holes are designed with a Carnival-like aesthetic. Depending on the hole’s design, your ball may need to travel through moving parts, bounce down a trail of snare drums, or pass through spiral paths.

It’s also a place that would be ideal for hosting a party. The restaurant serves globally-inspired dishes, and you can expect sophisticated cocktails as the main attraction at the bar. Remember, it’s best to reserve your gameplay online before arriving, especially on the weekends.

PRO TIP: Keep track of your assigned player number. It corresponds to your score on the TV monitors.

Putt Shack’s bar is approachable from all four sides and divides each 9-hole mini golf course.

BONUS PLACES TO EXPERIENCE

Football fans can root for the St. Louis Battlehawks at the Dome at America’s Center. The home of NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA, World Wide Technology Raceway is an adrenaline rush.

Art from six continents fills the Saint Louis Art Museum, while artifacts from days gone by makeup displays at the Missouri History Museum.

Exploring nature within the city limits with the family? Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saint Louis Zoo are essential stops.

Cardinals Nation — Ballpark Village is where all Cardinals fans hang out before and after the game.

You’ll have a blast in St. Louis, and I hope this comprehensive city guide provides helpful resources to plan your vacation to St. Louis. As they say, there is always something new in The Lou.

Keep the road trip going! If you’re in the Kansas City area, I suggest checking out my blog post, 7 Ways to Explore Culture in Kansas City, for more urban adventures.

Pillars of the Valley — Outside of CITYPARK soccer stadium, an area memorializes the former Mill Creek Valley neighborhood demolished in the 1950s for an urban renewal project.

Greater Andover Days: Family Fun for All Ages

October 16, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: City of Andover sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Greater Andover Days are the ultimate weekend experience for festival fans of all ages. Since 1967, the annual 4-day event has brought the community together to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you’re a resident of Andover or just passing through town, the festival is worth a visit thanks to a long itinerary of entertaining things to do – the fun never ends! A $5 button ($3 if you purchase it early) gains you access to all the festivities.

I took advantage of a sunny weather day to visit most of the Saturday events. The impressive lineup of things to do kicked off with the parade on Andover Road. Parents and kids lined both sides of the street ready to grab flying candy thrown from floats passing by. The energy was high as Boy Scouts kicked off the parade leading a trail of local school groups, Shriners, and trucks advertising local businesses toward Central Avenue. “Candy! candy!” yelled the kids with arms raised as they begged for sweet treats. It seemed the entire community showed up for the parade to applaud and wave in the spirit of Greater Andover Days.

As soon as the parade came to an end, families gathered their belongings and headed to Andover Central Park (1607 E. Central Ave.). Parking wasn’t an issue since there were plenty of spaces available at nearby Andover Central Middle School. A free shuttle took people to and from the festival, but I walked since it was a short distance.

The 80-acre park is a beautifully maintained area that plays host to various stations of entertainment from KidsFest to live music productions at Capitol Federal Amphitheater. To enter, each festival attendee wore their official button and walked directly into the festival where a half-dozen vendors waited to serve everything from flavored popcorn to barbecue at the food court.

Car enthusiasts gathered at the Wheat State Falcon Club Car Show to “ooh and ahh” over classic and modern cars. Shined and detailed to perfection, old-school vehicles sat on display for onlookers to enjoy. Gearheads grabbed their phones to snap photos. Vehicle owners chatted about their love of all things cars. In my opinion, the shining star of the show Ford Falcon Squire Wagon. Its white-wall tires, candy red paint, and classic design caught my attention as well as that of passersby. What make and model do you hope to see on display at a car show?

The fun didn’t stop there! Parents shuttled their kids to the carnival where the rides like the ferris wheel and fast-moving Tilt-a-Whirl awaited. I think the best part of the carnival was witnessing adults taking their kids on rides for the first time. They sat close, buckled in and smiling ear-to-ear as they experienced carnivals rides as a family. “Are you scared?” one asked of his son while waiting in line. “Yes!” he exclaimed. They felt jitters, but they experienced joyful moments. It was fun to watch.

Festival Tip: For $25, you can purchase a wristband that lets you ride as many rides as you want during the carnival. While a button is required for entry to Greater Andover Days, the wristband provides hours of entertainment Friday-Saturday.

While the fishing clinic at Lake George and hot dog eating contest took place, I returned to the carnival to buy concessions food and check out the games. I asked the concessions stand worker, “Which should I buy…cotton candy or a snowcone?” Once I saw the massive bag of spun sugar, I opted for a cherry snowcone, a yummy choice.

The sound of arcade games and a ringing of the winner’s bell rang out only steps from the concessions stand. A lifelong fan of Skeeball, I had to check it out. With every toss, kids and their parents worked hard to win oversized stuffed animals.

More activity was bustling at the Business Expo/Craft Fair where artisans sold unique gifts and local store owners talked with festival-goers. In a nearby tent, kids excitedly picked out the design they wanted to have painted on their faces while parents introduced themselves to one another. Entrepreneurs talked business and chatted about local happenings.

Nearby, small groups of kids ran to the nearby bouncy houses, a highlight of Saturday’s KidFest. Children couldn’t kick off their shoes fast enough. Piles of sneakers sat outside the entrance of an inflatable castle as kids jumped and giggled inside. Long lines formed to climb the towering stairs to slide down slides where parents waiting poised with cameras.

The Greater Andover Days committee worked hard this year to continue some of the traditional events while adding new ones to the lineup. Another highlight of the day was watching the Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center perform “School House Rock” on the City Hall Plaza. The young performers delivered a showstopping performance that entertained while educating kids. Afterward, kids jumped up to burn off energy at three family-friendly stations nearby: hay maze, water balloons, and pedal cars.I took a break from the activity to grab lunch at the food court where there were many choices for street food fare. I walked by a barbecue food truck and a grilled hamburger station but ultimately decided to order a “tacone” from The Twisted Kitchen food truck. It’s a taco in a fried flour cone stuffed with beer or chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes topped with salsa. If you’ve never tried one, I’d recommend it. Based in El Dorado, you can find their food truck at Wichita area events next spring through fall.

I knew just the place to sit down and enjoy my meal. The beer garden. Set up on Central Park Lodge’s patio within viewing distance of the concert stage, it was the ideal setting to people watch and listen to the band’s perform soundcheck. Speaking of bands, Greater Andover Days is known for hosting two bands on the Saturday night of the festival at Capitol Federal Amphitheater. On this night, Texas Hill and Chronic Audio entertained the crowd seated in foldable chairs on the lawn.The excitement of the day was topped off by a spectacular firework show that lit up the night sky over Andover Central Park. Onlookers craned their necks to admire the colorful splendor. If you’ve never experienced Greater Andover Days, I’d recommend buying a button for each member of your family and taking advantage of the extended weekend of entertainment. A short drive from Wichita, it delivers a good time.

50 Ways to Break Up the Monotony of Your Life: A List of New Experiences to Try

August 13, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Recently I lost a close family member to cancer and during that time of grieving, I was reminded how fleeting life can be and that I wanted to seize every moment moving forward. I vowed to try something new, to push myself to show up to life every day.

My life had become a routine of commuting to work, sitting in a cubicle, and then coming home and repeating the same evening activities almost daily. Do your work days all seem to be a blur, and before you know it, you’re waking up on Saturday uninspired? I can relate.

So, I promised myself that I would incorporate new experiences into my day to break up the monotony and force my brain to fire off new circuits to positively impact my life and health. Some days I wake up and already know what new experience I will have on that particular day, and other days I refer to a bucket list of sorts saved in my phone notes.

Either way, I’m having a blast learning about myself, firing up my brain, and sharing these experiences with others. I’m feeling rejuvenated and showing up for life, a more delightful one.

You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” – Henry David Thoreau

We only get one life, and I plan to live mine to the fullest. This list consists of activities I recently experienced or that I hope to try soon. Not all of these experiences require spending too much money or require a lot of time. Perhaps you would like to stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone and try one or all of them too?

Go to brunch with your parent at a restaurant you’ve never tried.
Drive a different route to work.
Call up a family member you haven’t spoken to in years (or that you only text occasionally) and ask about their day.
Reach out to a co-worker or friend who works nearby and ask them to meet you for lunch.
Volunteer on a committee, for your church or kid’s school or a neighborhood association.
Say yes when a friend invites you to travel to the lake, go camping, or site-seeing outside of town. Better yet, ask them to go with you.
Eat local. Sip coffee at a local cafe or try the seasonal beer at a brewery.
Style your hair differently than you did yesterday.
Change up your fragrance. Wear new perfume or cologne.
Pull your bicycle out of the garage and take it for a spin around the neighborhood after dinner one evening.
Visit the library, walk over to a book category that interests you, and close your eyes. Run your hand across the shelf of books until you decide to stop. Remove whatever book your hand landed on and check it out to read it.
Introduce yourself to a stranger and make small talk.
Tour a neighborhood in your city that you never explore.
Smile and say hello to a stranger on the street. You might find you have something in common with them.
Don’t just sunbathe while at the lake or pool. Run and jump in the deep end with careless abandon. “Cannonball!”
Desk yoga.
Paint and sip wine at an art studio.
Visit a festival and eat at a food truck. Ever tried bbq nachos? Curry chicken?
Eat your lunch away from your workplace at a park.
Try an adult coloring book.
Learn new skills by taking a webinar.
Grab some friends and sign everyone up to try an escape room challenge.
Experience a local seasonal activity like riding in a horse-drawn sled at Christmas, making s’mores with the Girl Scouts on National S’mores Day or grab a map and navigate a corn maze at a pumpkin patch.
Wear colored socks to work.
Pick up a new hobby that doesn’t involve using technology.
Create a date jar with ideas for date night fun. Draw a new idea from the jar this weekend.
Buy yourself flowers.
Travel anywhere you’ve never been before.
Throw a party that coincides with a random food holiday.
Follow a recipe for food you normally buy. No churn vanilla ice cream anyone?
Visit a tourist attraction or museum in your own city.
Pick fruit in an orchard.
Point the car west and just drive.
Stop and talk to your neighbors when you see them outside.
Always go to the movie theater? Try a dramatic play production instead at a local theater.
Lasertag. Paintball. Water balloon fights.
Grow vegetables or purchase them from a local farmer instead of buying them from a store.
Walk into a toy store and buy a toy to assemble yourself like a puzzle or box of Legos.
Try a different way of exercising or use a different exercise machine at the gym.
Watch wildlife anywhere but in your own neighborhood.
Take a new car for a test drive.
Walk your friend’s or neighbor’s dog.
Host a potluck or food contest amongst friends at your home. Who can make the tastiest beef jerky, mac-n-cheese, or pizza?
Let a local artist or friend sketch your portrait.
Get a henna tattoo.
Celebrate your city or town’s birthday. Take in the sites and buy cupcakes to celebrate.
Try a Pinterest DIY project.
Listen to a different radio station all day long.
Take a tour of the city from the air.
Do anything counter to your normal routine, and when a friend or family member suggests doing something you’re about to reject, say “yes!”

Have an idea of something I should try? Challenge me by leaving your idea in the comments section below!

35 Free Summer Activities for Adults

June 15, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

If summers “off” as a high school teacher taught me anything, it was that I was always on the hunt for free (or nearly free) summer activities. I certainly couldn’t afford to go out every weekend for a wine night or to a summer concert series on my salary alone. So, I created a fun list of 35 Free Summer Activities. Scroll down to choose an activity!

Visit the local art museum. Most offer a no-cost day on the weekend, but it is common courtesy to donate a dollar or two when you enter.
Ask a friend if you can swim in their neighborhood’s community pool.
Walk the air-conditioned mall and head to a department store’s make-up counter to try on a shade of summer lipstick.
Check out the latest magazines or books from the local library. They often have summer reading group discussions planned. Ask for their calendar of events.
Sample tasty local fare at the area’s farmers market. Many farmers offer samples of honey, sausage, and artisan cheeses.
Host a summer-themed movie night for friends with fresh-popped popcorn. (See our popcorn seasonings recipes). Encourage each attendee to bring their favorite candy to share.
Volunteer to be on the building site crew for Habitat for Humanity.
Tour a flea market, mall, or city-sponsored event. Enjoy the people watching.
Plan a seriously competitive game night at home. How long has it been since you broke out the ol’ Scrabble board?
Mark down your not-so-new belongings and host a one-day garage sale. If it isn’t sold, it goes to Goodwill.
Stop by an area winery for free samples. Check their calendar for the release of their newest blend.
Go on a model home tour.
Test drive a convertible.
Go fishing at the state park or your neighborhood’s pond.
Invite your musician friends over for a jam session on the deck in front of the chiminea.
Seek out your area’s nature center. Walk hand-in-hand with your honey or take the dog for a brisk walk.
Check your park board’s event calendar. Yoga in the park at sunrise anyone?
Brush up on your Shakespeare while enjoying a dramatic local theater production at the city park.
Put the chairs in the middle of the yard and stargaze with ooey-gooey smores.
Go geocaching. Don’t forget to bring your own trinket, pen, and paper to leave in the capsule once you find it.
String up a hammock or lay back in the gravity chair and read a hot romance novel checked out from the library.
Kick off your flip flops and dance with your special someone on the deck by the light of the moon.
Go on a photo shoot outdoors capturing beautiful landscape, nature images.
Take the dog to the area dog park and meet other fur baby parents.
Take up frisbee golf.
Turn on the sprinkler system and have a backyard water party.
Make a competition out of catching fireflies in a jar with a friend.
Host a BYOB party or assign each guest a food item to bring.
Play quarter pool (or going during a open to the public free time) at billiard hall.
Have a watermelon seed spitting contest from the deck.
Lay on a beach blanket at the park and let your thoughts wander while you declare cloud shapes.
Wash your car in your swimsuit. Take breaks to drink lemonade. Let’s face it. Detailing your car is hard work.
Make alcohol-infused fruit popsicles.
Go to a local airport’s airshow or tour their aviation museum.
Actually talk to your neighbors when out for a walk. They secretly want to break the ice with you too.