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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.

Weston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend Visit

November 10, 2019 by Vanessa 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for information.

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite towns — Weston, Missouri! This charming town, located northwest of Kansas City and only 20 minutes from Leavenworth, Kansas, has been voted The #1 Best Day Trip by Ingram’s Magazine 15 years running. I love Weston for its abundance of shops and attractions including a brewery, winery, and seasonal entertainment!

During a fall weekend, I spent as much time as I could in Weston soaking up sunny days strolling Main Street shopping unique boutiques. From home decor stores with shelves lined with candles and specialty food items to one-of-a-kind shops stocked with artwork or antique cameras, Weston has it all!

The town was established in Northwest Missouri in 1837 and sits nearby Weston State Park, a must-stop for those who prefer to opt outside and enjoy tree-covered trails for walking or biking, overnight camping areas or an off-leash dog park.

The shops are the main attraction in Weston’s historic district. People travel to the area to visit the locally-owned boutiques and artists’ spaces. It’s not uncommon to walk into a shop and find an artist at work on their craft. View the town’s store directory here.

Weston Brewery Company

On our last visit to Weston, we skipped the brewery because we were short on time and the annual Irish Fest was underway — the area was crawling with tourists! I wasn’t going to miss experiencing the brewery and restaurant this time around.

Although we didn’t reserve a tour, which is not necessary but recommended, we did convince a very nice employee to give us a short walk-thru tour of the O’Mally’s 1842 Pub. (Brewery tours are available at 1 pm, 3 pm & 5 pm on Saturdays. Expect a one-hour tour of the brewery, underground cellars, the secret 4th cellar, and tasting. Tickets are $5 for anyone over 14, and younger visitors are free.)

Established by German immigrants, Weston Brewing Company has been operating since 1842. The walls are covered in black and white photos of the past. It’s tough not to be in awe of the operation’s historical roots.

Can you see me? This is the hallway that leads into O’Mally’s 1842 Pub, an underground space where they host Celtic bands. You must experience it.

If you love visiting museums and enjoying a craft beer or cocktail, you’ll definitely appreciate visiting the underground pub. Just sitting there while gazing at the stone walls covered in historic memorabilia, I felt like I had transported by to 1842 when the brewery was established.

The cellar pub was originally used to make lager beer and was built six stories underground. It was closed during Prohibition and remains the second oldest brewery west of the Hudson River.

American Bowman Restaurant

After enjoying our refreshing craft beers, we headed back upstairs to the American Bowman Restaurant for a bite to eat for lunch. Although I was a bit disappointed to learn the restaurant was out of Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels (they must have been hoarding them for the Irish Fest the next day?), we thoroughly enjoyed the Sausage Sampler and Irish Eggrolls.

This is the restaurant menu, which looks like a newspaper, and includes a listing of upcoming events and the history of the building.

Tin Kitchen

Noted for some of the best ribs in the Kansas City areas, the Tin Kitchen stays busy from 11 am-9 pm serving authentic barbecue meats and yummy side dishes. We were able to snag a two-top table within 10 minutes of waiting at the hostess desk, which was surprising since it was in the middle of their Saturday lunch rush.

Expect a short wait if arriving at the Tin Kitchen for dinner on a busy weekend.

We dined on barbecue ribs (of course!) and opted for the homemade mac-n-cheese and baked beans for our mouth-watering side dishes. Their meat is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over pecan-wood. When making the most of a weekend in Weston’s historic district, make sure to leave time for a stop at Tin Kitchen.

We loved the service at Tin Kitchen. The waitress had the kitchen split our lunch order without even having to ask her.

Pirtle Winery

Perhaps you’ve sipped wine in church before, but not like this! Established in 1978, the family-owned Pirtle Winery is inside a former Lutheran Evangelical Church that was built by German immigrants in 1867.

We enjoyed a wine flight in the tasting room, located on the top floor as you enter the outdoor stairs. I was impressed by the award-winning selection of wines. One of the white wines I sampled was poured from a can! (They sell wine by the bottle, but three of the varieties come in 4-packs at $24.95 each.)

I found the stained glass windows inside the Pirtle Winery’s tasting room to be beautiful.

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I went outside my comfort zone and selected their famous Blueberry Mead as one of my flight selections. Noted to be “a blend of orange blossom honey and fresh blackberries,” I was impressed with how much I enjoyed its flavor. The selection has earned the family multiple gold medals and came highly recommended by a local store owner. When in Weston, make sure to stop at the winery!

The Pirtle Winery has been family-owned and operated since 1978.

Shopping

The best reason to visit Weston, Missouri is for the town’s quaint shops. Main Street is lined with independently owned businesses ranging from an antique camera store (the man who works there is the sweetest and he is incredibly knowledgable!) to multiple home interior decorating boutiques. During our recent visit, I made sure to return to Buffalo Ranch Home Furnishings, a store stocked to the brim with holiday decor, home accents, candles, jewelry, and a bunch of other cool stuff you don’t need but totally want!

Shopping for gifts and collectibles is easy in Weston! Every store is anchored by a friendly shop employee and the shelves are lined with cute items from coffee mugs to aromatic soaps.

If you don’t find an open, free parking spot on Main Street, there are a couple of lots available in the historic district or you can park on adjacent streets.

Holladay Distillery

Known for its rich history of producing bourbon, Holladay Distillery was established in 1856 by Ben Holladay who originally acquired the Pony Express. Today, it is operated by the McCormick Distilling Company (you’ve heard of the vodka, right?) and is the total experience for booze-loving tourists.

The grounds at Holladay Distillery are expansive and stretch as far as your eye can see from the road. Look at that cute pup! Sasha enjoyed relaxing with us outdoors after our tasting room experience.

My only regret is that we didn’t think ahead to reserve our spots on the afternoon tour of the distillery, but that’s another great reason to return to Weston! The highly-rated tour experience costs $10 for adults and allows you to “see, smell, taste, and touch real Missouri bourbon being made using the original recipe from 160 years ago.”

In the early 1800s, Ben Holladay purchased gallons of whiskey for 25 cents and then sold a sample shot for the same price. Today, the distillery is well-known for its 25 cent shots in the tasting room. You can also enjoy the same experience in the “McCormick on Main” tasting room in town.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend of dining, drinking, and shopping in a town with friendly locals and small-town charm, add Weston to your road trip itinerary. There is more than enough to do to fill the weekend if you take advantage of all of the area’s entertainment options. If you need lodging, Weston has cute bed and breakfasts. We stayed at the spacious Hilton 2 Suites in Leavenworth where we enjoyed generous amenities and our dog was welcomed.

There is always something going on in Weston! View upcoming events. If you’re in the area, also make a point to visit the nearby town of Leavenworth, Kansas just over the bridge and across the state line. Love the historic aspect of a small town? Consider adding Abilene, Kansas, the boyhood home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Thinking of visiting Weston, Missouri? Pin the image below to our Pinterest board!

How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Omaha, Nebraska

June 11, 2019 by Vanessa 11 Comments

Disclosure: Visit Omaha sponsored this post; however, all opinions and photographs are mine.

Are you seeking to visit an affordable Midwestern city where you never run out of things to do? Travel to Omaha, Nebraska.

Because of its grid system, the city is easy to navigate, and visitors appreciate its accessibility and on-trend downtown scene.

Omaha is dotted with historic neighborhoods. We stayed in the Midtown Crossing area, which is within minutes of the Old Market district, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and the Blackstone District (an ultra-hip area for those who appreciate supporting local eateries).

CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS

HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM

This isn’t your typical zoo. The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s exhibits are world-famous! It is known for its indoor Desert Dome and North America’s largest indoor rainforest, but if you ask me, one of the ultimate stops within the park is the Antarctic penguin area!

Dress comfortably for the season you’re visiting the zoo. You’ll be doing a lot of walking unless you traverse the park by train or Skyfari.

While walking through the Lied Jungle you will be able to observe over 90 species of animals and towering waterfalls. Crossing a rope swing bridge takes you to a new area of the jungle while winding paths lead you to an abundance of tropical flowers and seating areas. Bring your camera. You’re going to want to capture the bright colors (and sounds!) of the jungle.

When visiting the zoo, you can expect to see plants and animals from all parts of the world. Fun Fact: You can sign up for Backstage Tours that take you behind-the-scenes at the zoo.
Ask about how to gain an all-access pass.

I think visitors will need a minimum of three hours to tour the zoo and aquarium, a swift look at many of its best features but certainly not enough time to enjoy the behind-the-scenes opportunities or animal feeding sessions.

The Desert Dome can be seen from the road as you enter the zoo’s parking lot. It’s mammoth! Get ready to be transported to another climate as you walk red dirt paths to view reptiles, meerkats, bobcats, and much more.

Again, you’re going to want to plan your journey since the park features seven indoor exhibits and eight acres of African Safari. My second favorite area to observe the animals was inside the Cate Giraffe Herd Rooms. A female giraffe was born only weeks before our visit, and we were able to see it resting while her mother ate nearby.

Is this the closest you’ve been to a giraffe? Get a closer view by heading inside the giraffe herd rooms or you can even sign up to feed them.

Pro Tip: Secure round-trip tickets for the Skyfari that takes you above and across the zoo. The slow-moving rail system is the perfect way to observe animals in their habitats without fighting the crowds. I don’t recommend taking the tram, which stops way too often along its trail and you’ll find yourself sitting and waiting for passengers to board rather than moving on to your next stop. Prefer the train? It winds through the top half of the park.

If you ride the Skyfari, you get an unobstructed view of the entire park and directly above the African Grasslands.

A steam locomotive features 11 open-air coaches and a caboose, an ideal choice for those who want to see almost the entire zoo without walking it.

You’re going to want to make a trip to the zoo in the early morning hours. We scored a great parking spot close to the entrance because we arrived at 9 am. However, the lot was beyond capacity by the time we left the park three hours later. And it’s a HUGE parking lot!

If you want to plan your experience prior to arriving at the zoo and aquarium, you can download their free app. You can even purchase your tickets via the app! The park is open year-round except on Christmas Day.

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

Dripping with history and filled with interactive exhibits, The Durham Museum is a must-stop during your visit to Omaha. The building was originally opened in 1931 as Union Pacific’s train station but today it is the home of permanent, interactive exhibits highlighting the city’s story.

The Union Station lobby is a photographer’s dream. If you appreciate taking photos of architecture and design, you’ll easily spend upwards of thirty minutes shooting images of the restored railroad station.

Kids (and adults!) will enjoy walking through restored locomotives and viewing the model trains, pretending to be a shopper in the Buffett Grocery Store, and exploring a life-size tipi when learning about Native American history.

Do you appreciate diving deep into the history of a location you’re visiting? Step inside the Mutual of Omaha Theater to watch a film detailing the history of Omaha.

Perhaps you prefer perusing professional photography. Don’t miss the museum’s expansive photo gallery and make a special stop at their photography archive open to the public Tuesday-Friday only.

I enjoyed the locomotive exhibits and the history of the steam train the most since I come from a railroad family.

Visitors of all ages will appreciate the meticulous restoration of the commuter trains on-site. You’ll feel like you’re a passenger traveling from Omaha to Kansas City while sitting inside the train!

Pro Tip: Be sure to save time to visit the soda fountain and candy counter located adjacent to the museum’s main entrance. You’ll love stepping back in time to the early ’30s while enjoying an old-fashioned phosphate or sundae!

The museum is open six days a week. Another bonus? Parking is free on the 10th Street bridge located across from the main entrance. There are two levels for parking, so it shouldn’t be an issue.

DELECTABLE DINING

MULA

When you think of Omaha, you don’t necessarily think of tacos, oysters, or duck salad. You’d be wrong! Dining options in Omaha are vast and on any given day you can find meals that appeal to every palette.

When visiting the Blackstone District, a renovated neighborhood near Midtown Crossing, we dined on tacos at Mula, a Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria. If you love tequila, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store thanks to over 150 tequilas listed on the menu! The staff is well-versed in the history and production of tequila.

We enjoyed the homemade House Guac as an appetizer to accompany our drinks (a Michelada and a Cucumber Margarita). Later, we dined on delicious tacos made with flavorful grilled meats and fresh produce. I highly recommend the Carne Asada Taco and the Baja Fish Taco. (Each taco is sold individually.)

Eventually, I ordered a warm plate for freshly fried Churro Bites covered in cinnamon and sugar – so yummy I nearly finished them all on my own!

Pro Tip: Dining with eight or more people? You’ll need a reservation. If you have a party of four or less people, ask for a table near the window for an open-air dining experience that allows you to dine while people watching the neighborhood.

CRESCENT MOON

When in Omaha, you have to dine on the classic “Blackstone Reuben” sandwich at Crescent Moon. “Originally created at the famous Blackstone Hotel (just a few steps away) with slow-cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss and 1000 island dressing, plus a couple of our secret ingredients, grilled on marble rye. This is one Reuben you’ll rave about.”

We ate every bite while enjoying the laid-back, dive bar atmosphere.

PLANK PROVISIONS

Another remarkable place to dine is Plank Provisions, located in the Old Market district. We snuck in just in time for their “Coastal Happy Hour in the Heartland” from 3 pm-6:30 pm on a Saturday and took advantage of the discounted menu options, including $1 oysters and a plate of loaded fries covered in clam chowder.

We sipped on cold wine and beer to our heart’s delight while bellied up to the Edison-lit bar.

M’S PUB

Hours later we found ourselves hungry for dinner. Despite our efforts to find an affordable steak house in the Old Market district that didn’t require a reservation (or that didn’t have an 1.5 hour wait), we were drawn to the outdoor patio at M’s Pub.

Someone waiting for the hostess told us that we needed to book a reservation, but we were sat within minutes without one and happily dined on premium dinner entrees including this warm duck salad drizzled with warm bacon vinaigrette.

PRO TIP: Why wait in line for a table? Opt for patio dining or sit at the full-service bar! Sometimes you actually score faster, better service.

Trust me, you’re going to be glad you visit Omaha, Nebraska. The city welcomes you with open arms and they make it hard to leave.

Are you considering extending your trip? Drive about an hour to the state’s capital city, Lincoln. Plan your trip using my post including insider pro tips for a delightful overnight experience.

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WHERE TO STAY

St. Louis Union Station Hotel

SIP & SAVOR

The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern

Budweiser Brewhouse at Ballpark Village

Food Hall at City Foundry

Olive + Oak

Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria

Billy G’s Kirkwood

Gioia’s Deli

Shaw’s Coffee

4 Hands Brewery Co.

StilL 630

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

SPORTING EVENTS

St. Louis Blues

St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis CITY

TAKE A TOUR

St. Louis Aquarium

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch Museum & The St. Louis Arch

City Museum

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Forest Park

Great Rivers Greenway

INDOOR RECREATION

Armory at STL

Puttshack

BONUS PLACES TO EXPERIENCE

Weston Brewery Company

American Bowman Restaurant

Tin Kitchen

Pirtle Winery

Shopping

Holladay Distillery

CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS

HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

DELECTABLE DINING

MULA

CRESCENT MOON

PLANK PROVISIONS

M’S PUB

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