St. Louis, Missouri, is a vibrant city located on the eastern border of the state along the Mississippi River. It’s known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse culture. Some of its most famous attractions include the Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion in the United States, and the St. Louis Zoo, consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation.
The Same
When in St. Louis, experiencing the iconic ribs and visiting Archway Park are must-do activities that both The Dinks and The Family enjoyed, highlighting a shared aspect of their experiences in the city.
The Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis offers a variety of activities beyond the thrilling tram ride to the top of the monument. There is a fee for the tram ride to the top of the arch, but admission to the park grounds and the museum is free.
- Gateway Arch: This iconic symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. You can take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The best way to experience the monument is by taking a tram ride to the top. The tram is a unique, egg-shaped capsule that travels along an inclined railway within the arch. The tram is super tiny but a neat experience. The tram ride takes passengers 630 feet to the top of the arch, offering stunning panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. At the top there is beautiful views of the city. It slightly sways on windy days.
- Old Courthouse: This historic building, located just east of the Gateway Arch, served as the federal courthouse for Missouri from 1825 to 1895. It played a significant role in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, a landmark Supreme Court decision that deepened tensions leading to the Civil War. Today, the Old Courthouse is part of the Gateway Arch National Park and offers ranger talks and educational programs.
- Park Grounds: Take a walk on the paved paths surrounding the Gateway Arch and enjoy the views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. The park also features the Explorer’s Garden, showcasing plants used by Native Americans and documented by Lewis and Clark on their expedition.
- Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also known as the Old Cathedral is actually not on the national parks grounds but right at the edge. This church holds the distinction of being the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River. Construction began in 1831 and was dedicated in 1834. The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France is a testament to St. Louis’s rich history and religious heritage. It has witnessed many significant events and even served as a personal parish church for notable figures like explorer William Clark’s children.
St. Louis Riverfront Trail:
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along this scenic trail, which offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis.
Laumeier Sculpture Park:
Explore this outdoor sculpture park, which features more than 60 large-scale sculptures set amidst rolling hills, meadows, and forests. It’s a great place to appreciate art and nature.
City Garden:
Located in downtown St. Louis, City Garden is a vibrant urban oasis featuring lush gardens, whimsical sculptures, splash pads, and more. It’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Local Cuisine
Food: As always food is a big part of our journey and since this was a road trip, we were sure to pick up some local snacks for the car ride as well.
- St. Louis-style barbecue: This style features ribs, usually pork, cooked over indirect heat with a smoky and tangy tomato-based barbecue sauce. Unlike some other barbecue regions, St. Louis-style emphasizes a dry rub on the meat, allowing the smoky flavor to shine.
- Toasted ravioli: This iconic appetizer consists of ravioli filled with meat or cheese, breaded, and deep-fried. It’s a delightful and crispy take on the classic Italian dish.
- Salt + Smoke is a popular barbecue restaurant in St. Louis known for its delicious smoked meats and Southern-inspired dishes. We ordered ribs with double mac and cheese alongside toasted ravioli and it was simply amazing.
- St. Louis-style pizza: Unlike the thin-crust New York style or the deep-dish Chicago style, St. Louis pizza features a thin crust that’s cracker-like and toasted. It’s typically cut into squares and served with Provel cheese and a tangy tomato sauce. Imo’s Pizza is a St. Louis institution, famous for its take on St. Louis-style pizza which includes Provel cheese. Personally we did not care for it at all.
- Provel cheese: This processed cheese, a blend of Swiss, provolone, and cheddar, is a St. Louis original. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to dishes, especially toasted ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza.
- Fitz’s Root Beer: This St. Louis favorite has been around since 1904. It’s a creamy root beer, made with pure cane sugar, and is known for its smooth, delicious taste. Fitz’s is not just a soda, it’s a St. Louis tradition!
- Vess Soda: Another St. Louis original, Vess comes in a variety of unique flavors like black cherry, cream soda, and grapefruit. Vess is known for its use of pure cane sugar and for having a more robust flavor than some other sodas. These days, you can find Vess in many places around the country, but St. Louis is where it all began in 1888.
- Old Vienna Red Hot Riplets potato chips: These kettle-cooked potato chips are dusted with a special red pepper spice blend, giving them a unique and flavorful kick. They come in various heat levels, from mild to scorching, so there’s a Riplet out there for everyone. Old Vienna has been making chips in St. Louis since 1936.
The DINKs
Yup, you guessed it. We made sure to experience a sporting event in St. Louis and as usually it was baseball season.
Baseball Game:
The electric atmosphere, the crack of the bat, the taste of a hot dog – there’s nothing quite like a St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. Whether you’re a die-hard Cardinals fan or a casual baseball enthusiast, a trip to Busch Stadium is an experience you won’t forget. Check out the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, visit the Cardinals Authentic store, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
St. Louis Walk of Fame:
Pay homage to some of the city’s most notable figures, including Maya Angelou, Miles Davis, Robert Duvall, and Charles Lindbergh, by visiting their stars on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. You can stroll along the Delmar Loop and learn about the contributions of these talented individuals.
The Family
We were only in St. Louis for one day so besides the shared experiences above the only addition was picking a hotel with a view.
Hotel with a view:
The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch offers guests a unique experience with its rooms boasting stunning views of the iconic Gateway Arch. Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, this hotel provides luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities. Even the kids loved the view of the Arch which allowed us to see it at night all lit up as well as waking up and knowing that was what the days adventure was going to be about.
Summary
In comparing two distinct experiences of St. Louis, both the DINKs and the Family immersed themselves in the city’s iconic attractions and culinary delights. While both groups explored The Gateway Arch National Park and enjoyed local cuisine, their itineraries diverged in unique ways. The DINKs added a cultural touch with a baseball game and a visit to the St. Louis Walk of Fame, enriching their stay with historical and entertainment experiences. On the other hand, despite their brief visit, the Family strategically opted for a hotel with an arch view, maximizing their limited time to soak in the city’s landmark. Each approach offered its own charm and perspective on St. Louis, making it a delightful destination for both leisure and family outings.
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