Tucked away in the Midwest is St. Louis, Missouri – a city where you can journey through time, seamlessly blending the pioneering days with the modern metropolis. During my visit, I was able to mix work and play. So, whether you’re grabbing your briefcase or your spirit of adventure, get ready for a ride through the streets of St. Louis. It’s a moment to soak up the Gateway City’s rich history while diving into exploration!
Destination Insights
St. Louis, Missouri is located just south of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. It was the starting point where famous explorers, Lewis and Clark, embarked on their legendary expedition in 1804, forever shaping America’s future.
Today, the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene with an array of attractions to explore, including sports stadiums, museums, and performing arts venues. Not to mention, its lively dining scene with restaurants and microbreweries adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience!
Gateway Arch
The iconic Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of America’s westward expansion. It’s the tallest man-made monument and achieved National Park status in 2018. Despite Gateway Arch being the smallest National Park of 91 acres, there’s a treasure trove of history – a museum nestled beneath the arch and surrounded by landmarks like St. Louis’ Cathedral and Old Courthouse. The arch’s stainless-steel catenary curve is a sight to behold and a must see! And for those willing to overcome their fears of claustrophobia and heights, a 3-minute tram ride to the top at 630 feet offers unparalleled views of the cityscape and beyond.
Weather
St. Louis boasts a humid subtropical climate with four seasons.
Spring and summer bring the heat, with temperatures ranging from around 50°F in the mornings to a toasty 90°F during the day. Oh, and keep an eye out for those thunderstorms – they love to crash the party! I was there in early May, and wow, the weather was gorgeous. I even had a blast watching it rain like crazy one evening!
Fall and winter cool down, with temperatures ranging from a brisk 30-50°F. Snowfall is common, especially in November and December. But beware of snowstorms, as they can disrupt travel with temporary road closures
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | • Flight from MDW to STL (Approx. 1 hour): Nonstop plane ride was a jiffy! • Gateway Arch National Park: Tram Tour to the top, museum walkthrough, then stolled around the trail to the Old Courthouse. Insider tip: Check the schedule for the tram, made the last tour with 4 mins to spare! |
| Evening | • Dinner at Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill: Savored delicious eggplant parmigiano, homemade lasagna, tortellini alla panna, and carrot cake. Also enjoyed a refreshing Aperol Spritzer and wonderful bottle of wine – Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Tre Stelle 2019 is my new favorite! • Night at Courtyard by Marriot Downtown West Hotel: Contemporary hotel with views of the Gateway Arch. Insider Tip: Avoid the area to the North, it was mentioned to not be as safe. |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at The Bistro in Hotel Lobby: Enjoyed oatmeal with blueberries and brown sugar. |
| Afternoon | • Business Trip: Lead Scientific AI workshop at MilliporeSimga. |
| Evening | • Dinner at Square One Brewery & Distillery: Enjoyed vegetarian drummies, beer pretzels, and veggie burger with a Going Green cocktail. • Night at Courtyard by Marriot Downtown West Hotel: Recap at in the hotel lobby with glass of red wine. |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at The Bistro in Hotel Lobby: Indulged in french toast with strawberries paired with chai tea. |
| Afternoon | • Flight from STL to MDW (Approx. 1 hour): Nonstop plane ride back to Chicago. |
Next Time Must Do’s
Would love to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. Additionally, I’ve heard the Budweiser Tour is a fun time!
Wilderness Wisdom
Safety comes first. Before you head out, do some research on your destination. Take St. Louis, for example – it has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with 1 in 16 becoming a victim of property crime as of May 2024. Scary, right?
During your trip, choose reputable places to stay. Keep an eye on your surroundings, dress appropriately, and stick to reliable transportation. And don’t forget to keep in touch with family, friends, or coworkers. Trust your gut instincts – if something feels off, it probably is. By keeping safety in mind and taking smart precautions, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest while staying safe and sound.
Trailside Ties
During my trip, I immersed myself in “Think Again” by Adam Grant. Early on, this book grabbed my attention with a relevant example on safety and embracing new ideas – the Mann Gulch fire of 1949, where innovative thinking saved smokejumper lives but was tragically disregarded by some because it was such new thinking at the time. Grant talks about engaging with diverse perspectives and finding practical ways to rethink your future. It’s been a real eye-opener for me, sparking some deep thoughts during my journey.
Photo Journal
Summary
Whether you’re visiting for work or play, St. Louis offers a journey through time, where every street corner tells a story. Hope you get the chance to dive into the rich history of the Gateway City and embark on an exploration!
* This post includes affiliate links. If you decide to snag something through them, we may get a little commission—no extra cost for you, though! Your clicks and purchases help fuel our journey for more adventures. Thanks a bunch for being part of the journey!