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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.

The Ultimate Overnight Stay in Topeka, Kansas

November 19, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Topeka, Kansas is a city that intrigues me. It’s a metropolis of doers, makers, and creative people. Its attractions reflect a spirit of progress. I was impressed by its eclectic arts scene, restaurant options, and historical museums. When given the chance to Exit I-70 to Topeka and stay overnight, do it. You won’t be disappointed.

The view of downtown Topeka from the Cyrus Hotel's outdoor lounge. The state capital is located within walking distance.

BREAKFAST

The first stop on my travel itinerary took me to Judee’s Coffee (2111 SW Chelsea Dr.). I heard that the coffee shop was highly recommended for serving the kind of coffee connoisseurs rave about.

As I drove up to the building, I saw shoppers milling around a nearby business looking at furniture on display. Some people were exiting with full shopping bags while others were excitedly making their way inside. It was a thrift shop. Very cool.

Judee’s Coffee is located adjacent to God’s Storehouse, a massive store housing gently used household goods and apparel. Just my luck. I could enjoy breakfast and then shop for antique glass and vintage jewelry afterward.

The barista crafted the perfect chai latté for me. The cafe smelled of freshly baked peanut butter cookies while I sipped my drink and watched shoppers peruse the shelves. Quiche, homemade tarts, and cookies sat in the pastry case waiting for someone to enjoy. A line formed at the counter.

To my surprise, the cafe’s menu prices were quite reasonable. A brown sugar latte on the seasonal board was only $2. Considering they serve Oddly Correct coffee from Kansas City, it was a real value. Later, I chatted with the employees and learned that the cafe’s menu prices are set low to make good coffee accessible to everyone. They refer to it as “generosity at its best.”

That’s a mission that I can get behind, and I’m sure you can as well. When in Topeka, consider driving to Judee’s Coffee for a breakfast treat before a morning of shopping. View the cafe’s hours here.

KANSAS MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Since I was less than a 10-minute drive from the award-winning Kansas Museum of History (6425 SW. 6th Ave.), I set out to discover the stories of the people and places that make the Sunflower State unique. For the price of a $10 adult admission, I gained access to exceptional exhibits. In fact, it’s one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas History.

The best way to appreciate the collections is to start in the Early People exhibit and work your way through to the museum to the Recent Past. Along the way, you’ll learn how Native Americans settled in areas of Kansas, the impact of the Civil War on the state’s people, and the tragic story of Bleeding Kansas.

This is a mini version of an earth lodge like the one on display at the Pawnee Indian Museum historic site in Republic County, a finalist in the 8 Wonders of Kansas History.

Did you know that settlers left their treasures behind or along the roadside to make the trek across the country easier? They only took about 6 months of clothes with them.

A full-size covered wagon helps you to imagine what it must have been like to travel as a family and settle on the frontier. As you meander into the largest room, you’ll discover the impact of passenger trains on the state’s economy. Later, exhibits featuring artifacts of the early 20th Century set the scene while you listen to the voice of the state’s most distinguished soldier, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as he delivers a speech.

The final exhibit features pop culture artifacts from the recent past. It’s an immersive experience. Sit down in the 1950s dinner. Gaze at the glass shadow boxes filled with fast food artifacts. Think back to the early days of Big Cheese Pizza and White Castle, NuWAY, and Pizza Hut. Which Kansas restaurant was your favorite as a child?

When was the last time you enjoyed a burger and milkshake while sitting at a diner’s counter?

One of the highlights of touring the museum was seeing John Brown’s chair. It was the same one he sat in while keeping watch from Charles Smith’s farmhouse on the Underground Railroad. Additionally, the hatchet of the infamous bar room smasher Carry Nation is on display at the museum, which I always wanted to see up close.

Other displays you might appreciate include walking through Santa Fe’s oldest surviving locomotive and standing underneath the first Kansas-built plane from 1911.

“I have only a short time to live – only one death to die, and I will die fighting for this cause. There will be no more peace in this land until slavery is done for.” – John Brown, 1856.

Set aside at least an hour to take a self-guided tour of the Kansas History Museum. If you bring little kids with you, ask the visitor’s desk about interactive trivia game that makes their experience through the museum just as enjoyable as yours. View the museum’s hours and admission prices here.

NOTO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

It was time to drive back toward downtown. First, I took a detour to the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District in North Topeka for a walk-thru its many art galleries during First Friday. Known for its large collection of street art and eclectic shops, it attracts locals and tourists in search of culture.

I started my tour of the historic district by ducking inside the NOTO Art Center (935 N. Kansas Ave.) to get my bearings. While there, I discovered a quaint gallery space featuring a tribute to the city’s green spaces, “See Topeka.” Did you know that the Top City is home to 109 public parks? Paintings inspired by travel posters showcase many of the parks from Ted Ensley Gardens to Animaland.

Redbud Park across from the NOTO Art Center features a gazebo and a Topeka postcard mural.

I encourage you to visit NOTO on the First Friday of the month to appreciate paintings, sculptures, and metalwork by regional artists. Each independent gallery sets its own hours but they all stay open late on First Friday. If you’re an artist, you’ll definitely feel at home here.

Visitors also enjoy the quirky antique stores and inviting eateries that make up the restored neighborhood. You’ll likely need a couple of hours to truly shop the stores because each one is stocked full of collectibles and uniquely individual pieces. If you’re someone who drools over mid-century furniture, step inside of Eclectic Designs. Stores like Kaw River Rustics, Pinkadilly, and Corner Market are worth shopping at for home decor finds.

If hunger sets in while shopping, I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at The Wheel Barrel (925 N. Kansas Ave.) known for award-winning grilled cheese artisan sandwiches. Check the sidewalk board for the day’s specials. Norseman Brewing Company (830 N. Kansas Ave.) serves a full menu of craft beer selections and hearty meals in a dimly lit taproom made for Vikings.

Street art and oversize murals make NOTO Arts & Entertainment District a must-stop. Notable murals include brightly colored scenes of animals, dreamscapes, and flowers. You’ll stop in your tracks when you see the building that doubles as a massive mosaic. It’s covered with intricately placed, tiny pieces of colored glass.

Make sure to look for the golden “Bull Giraffe” located in Breezeway Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the murals with flying pigs, prancing elephants, and be sure to trek across the rainbow crosswalk.

LUNCH

The Pennant (915 S. Kansas Ave.) is not your typical burger joint. It’s a two-story destination for fun that just happens to serve tasty burgers and milkshakes. It’s also a bowling alley, bar, and retro arcade. Stepping inside the restored historic building is like transporting back to your childhood when all you dreamed about was a day of play and yummy treats.

Famished from a morning of exploring the city, I dined on the Pennant Original Burger topped with everything with a side fries (don’t forget the truffle sauce for dipping). If you’re craving it, you’ll find it on the menu. Homemade chili three ways. Patty melts. Milkshakes topped with cupcakes and sprinkles. Most patrons leave the restaurant with a box because they don’t want to leave a bite behind.

The Pennant was voted the Best of The Best Topeka “All-Around Restaurant” three years in a row.

Before you visit The Pennant you need to bring three things: an appetite, your A-game, and a roll of quarters to play Space Invaders or Pac-Man in the retro arcade. Plan your visit and view their hours here.

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

There was just one more place I had to explore before checking into my hotel. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site (1515 SE Monroe St.) is listed on the Civil Rights Trail recognized as a place where the events that happened there changed the world.

The day Monroe Elementary School opened in 1927, it was was a racially segregated school. Parents of several students joined others in Topeka as plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit against the “separate but equal” doctrine, which was eventually ruled as a violation of the 14th Amendment by the United States Supreme Court.

Having been a product of the bussing system as a child in the 1980s and a high school teacher later in life, I felt chill bumps walking through Monroe Elementary School during my self-guided tour.

Visitors should start their tour inside the gymnasium to watch a 30-minute introductory film explaining the climate of the civil rights era and the case that ended legal segregation in public schools. Afterward, you can walk inside each classroom dedicated to the timeline of events. The upstairs is closed to visitors.

I was moved to tears as I watched videos of civil unrest. I imagined what it was like to be a student at Monroe Elementary School. A visit to the historic site is one that is well spent and it is certainly a memorable one.

If you have questions upon entering the school, I recommend asking the knowledgeable National Park Service ranger on site. To view the museum’s hours, plan you visit here. Admission is free. Tip: Don’t miss the mural directly across the street painted by Kansas City artist Michael Toombs that commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision.

LODGING

The state’s capital city is host to many hotels, but I had my eye on one in particular that I heard was beyond measure.

Cyrus Hotel (920 S. Topeka Ave.) is a modern boutique hotel that recently opened in downtown Topeka. Luxury rooms, elegant restaurant and bar, and close proximity to top attractions make it a solid choice for lodging in the capital city. When people ask where I stayed overnight in Topeka, I can’t wait to rave about the hotel.

The building is over 100 years old, but you can’t tell from its up-to-date style. Hip furnishings with brass finishes are the backdrop for well-designed spaces throughout the hotel. My corner room had floor-to-ceiling windows that provided stunning views of downtown, especially at night when the skyline was aglow.

I found the in-room amenities to be exceptional. The interior design included built-in storage and an oversized desk. A frequent traveler, I appreciated the convenience of having a refrigerator, Keurig coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi access in the room. When it was time to retire for the night, I loved the luxurious bed linens. Cyrus Hotel considered every detail when designing a space for ultimate relaxation.

Hotels guests will appreciate the lounge with a fire pit in the courtyard. Ready for dinner and drinks? You don’t have to leave the hotel to find an excellent dining option. Fedeli’s Steak & Pasta Restaurant & Bar serves classic fine dining in a sophisticated setting. They’re known for locally-sourced steaks, but I was craving Linguine Carbonara. The dish met every expectation and then some.

As I sat at the clothed table enjoying my meal and sipping on an espresso martini, I felt as if I had been transported outside of Kansas to New York City. To top off the experience, I indulged in an after-dinner drink, a classic Old Fashion. Swanky, indeed.

For guests who would prefer to enjoy breakfast at the hotel, it is served from 6:30am-10:30am downstairs. One of my favorite Topeka restaurants, The Pennant, is located across the street and they will also deliver a meal to you at the hotel via guest services.

If you get the opportunity to choose your accommodations for an overnight stay in Topeka, I hope you’ll choose the Cyrus Hotel. Not only does it make for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city, but the amenities spoil you. Did I mention it is also pet-friendly and street parking is free from 5pm-9am? It just keeps getting better.

That’s exactly what you can expect from an overnight visit to Topeka. Every destination, restaurant, and neighborhood will surprise you. It’s a city that works hard to evolve and progress. It’s more than the home of the Kansas Statehouse, it’s a travel destination with unparalleled attractions that you need to experience for yourself.

With more than enough to do in Topeka, an overnight stay is simply not enough time to experience it all. I look forward to visiting the Topeka Zoo, Mulvane Art Museum, and Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Park.

Are you ready to book your overnight stay at the Cyrus Hotel and explore Topeka? Leave your travel questions for me in the comments below.