St-Louis-arch-3

St. Louis Summer : 5 Things You’ve Gotta Do

Saint Louis, Missouri, home to the Arch, the Cardinals, and so much more, this midwest city offers cool experiences even in the muggy summer months. Here are five things that you’ve got to try next time you’re in St. Louis.

1. Visit the Top of the St. Louis Arch 

 

If you’re going to St. Louis you’ll surely want to climb to the top of its most famous structure, the St. Louis Arch. Known as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis was a key U.S. city at the time of westward exploration.

The arch is 630 feet high, which is 63 stories, and interestingly spans 630 feet at ground level between the outer sides of the legs. There are trams in each of the legs that will carry you to the top at speeds of 340 feet per minute. You can fit six or seven people in each tram which can be quite tight–they’ll ask if you suffer from claustrophobia before you purchase a ticket. Tickets are $13 for adults (16+) and $10 for youth (3-15).

Such a cool structure. Viewing and taking pictures of the Arch up close makes it even more interesting and appealing.

  

 

In the basement of the arch you’ll learn more of the history and the building of the structure. Interestingly no one died while constructing the Arch, which began in 1963, and was complete two years later.

Views are very cool from up 630 feet. Here’s an empty Busch stadium. It would be cool to visit the top when there was a game being played. You can stay up aAnd the nice thing is that you can stay up here as long as you’d like.

Out the east windows, you’ll have great views of the Mississippi River which is just below the Arch and of Illinois which is beyond the river.

Here’s a shot looking west toward downtown St. Louis at sunset.

The space and windows at the top are quite small, almost like a long hallway.

When I visited, CityArchRiver project was currently under construction, so you if you visit in the next little while you’ll notice lots of work going on, but check out the plans for the area once complete. It’s going to be very nice and provide a much safer, more family-friendly environment. We can’t wait to take the whole family back when it’s done–should be complete in 2017.

2. Catch a St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game

 

Busch Stadium in St Louis, Missouri

There are few cities that love their sports team more than St. Louis loves their Cardinals. The new Busch Stadium, which opened in 2006, is one of America’s finest sports venues. From its rich baseball tradition, amazing restaurants and clubs, and spectacular views, nobody provides a better backdrop for a ballgame than St. Louis. I was thrilled to attend an inter-league game between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. The game was postponed due to a summer thunderstorm, and was threatening to be canceled, but the clouds lifted and thankfully they played the game. I must say I thought I had the best seat in the house, sitting in the third deck behind home plate. Views were amazing of the St. Louis Skyline including the St. Louis Arch.

3. Visit the Ballpark Village

 

In addition to an amazing sports venue, St. Louis has invested millions of dollars in the first ever sports-anchored entertainment district which occupies 10 acres and seven city blocks. Located just north of Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village adds to the great baseball environment and is a great place for a pre- or post-game meal and socializing (the Village is open year-round, even when baseball is not being played). The $100 million first phase opened in 2014  and is anchored with Cardinals Nation, Budweiser Brew House, Fox Sports Midwest Live!, among others. The Village also has five live performance stages, the largest retractable roof of its kind, the biggest indoor TV screen in the Midwest, and an outdoor festival space that recreates the infield of the previous Busch Stadium in its exact historical location. Phase two is now underway and I can’t wait to go back and see it when it opens in a couple of years.

 

4. Get a Frozen Custard at Ted Drewes

 

 

I remember visiting my cousins who lived in St. Louis when I was 11. After a Cardinals game at the old Busch Stadium, I remember them saying we all had to go to Ted Drewes. It was on a hot summer night and I remember the crowds of people waiting to eat the delicious frozen custard. It was a very cool experience. More than 25 years later when I returned to St. Louis, Ted Drewes was still as popular as ever–and just as good!! If you’re in St. Louis, visiting Ted Drewes is a must!! They have two locations, one not far from the St. Louis Zoo.

5. Visit the St. Louis Zoo

 

Admission is free to the 93-acre St. Louis Zoo, which has more than 5,000 animals from 700 species. The zoo has a insectarium, a children’s zoo, and a miniature train and is currently in the midst of a massive expansion after purchasing 13.5 acres nearby. While I didn’t make it to the zoo, I heard from multiple people that the zoo is a great attraction when visiting St. Louis. We will definitely be heading here on our next visit, as we love zoos!

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *