St. Louis Vibes & Adventures: A Journey Through the Gateway City

??My recent trip to St. Louis started with a smooth flight, and as the plane began to land, I was filled with excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.

??? Upon arriving at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, I found it to be a medium-sized hub that was easy to navigate, instantly sensing the vibrant energy of the Gateway City. As an animal lover, I was very, very excited to see an advertisement showcasing the St. Louis Zoo, which was already on my list of places to visit. I'll be sharing more about the zoo below.

After leaving the airport and checking into my hotel, my first stop was the iconic Gateway Arch.

1. Gateway Arch

The architecture of the Gateway Arch was unlike anything I had seen before in my travels around the world. It was truly a sight to see, with its sleek, stainless steel curves reaching gracefully into the sky, symbolizing the city's role as the "Gateway to the West."

Don't be fooled by its slim appearance—the inside of the arch is a lot bigger than I had imagined and even includes a museum!

After checking out the museum and exploring its interactive exhibits and historical displays, I got on board the elevator to go to the top.

The elevator ride at the Gateway Arch is unique and often compared to a "Ferris wheel elevator." It features small, pod-like capsules that hold about five passengers each. These capsules are designed to gently rotate as they ascend, ensuring that passengers remain upright during the journey to the top.

Upon reaching the top, I was able to see the St. Louis landscape, and it was breathtaking. The panoramic views of the city, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding areas were truly stunning, offering a perspective of the city that was both inspiring and unforgettable.

2. The Delmar DivINe

The Delmar DivINe is a transformative community hub aimed at revitalizing the Delmar Boulevard area. It hosts various nonprofit organizations and social enterprises, providing essential services and collaborative spaces to foster community growth and development.?

The building is rich in history, featuring vibrant paintings, a cozy eating area nestled between its sides, as well as historical telephone booths, apartments and beyond, offering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and residents alike. I am thankful for the tour given by Maxine Clark, the former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop and currently the Chief Inspirator of the Delmar DivINe.

3. World Chess Hall of Fame

So, I am a huge lover of chess and museums, and the World Chess Hall of Fame brings them both together. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the museum. It spans three stories and hosts a large chessboard, creating an immersive experience for any chess enthusiast. The museum features world-class exhibitions that explore the connection between chess, art, culture, and history, making it a truly unique and enriching experience.

4. Forest Park

Special shout out to Attorney Charlene Ketchum a St. Louis native, for the recommendation and the tour of Forest Park. Y'all, Forest Park Forever is huge—1,300 acres, which is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park! It has several museums, a golf course, lakes, a municipal theatre, a zoo, and beyond.

I really enjoyed the Boathouse at Forest Park, which features an eatery, cool ducks, and the opportunity to ride canoes or paddle boats, adding to the park's charm and offering a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the water.

5. St. Louis Zoo

The Saint Louis Zoo was awesome! Something I didn't mention is that, unlike in other cities, most of St. Louis' museums, art scenes, and even the zoo are free! The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best zoos I've been to. It features a wide variety of exhibits and attractions, including a 3D show and a railroad that takes you around the zoo. This makes it not only an educational experience but also a fun and engaging one for visitors of all ages.

6. Culinary Scenes

Now, onto the culinary scene. First top:

• Crown Candy Kitchen

I checked out several spots in St. Louis, and I highly recommend you visit Crown Candy Kitchen, which is a St. Louis staple. Open since 1913, it's rich in history, and the atmosphere is very nostalgic. I had the turkey sandwich with a cherry malt, and it was very, very delicious. The meal was simple but incredibly fresh and tasty. I had never had a malt before, but I’ve been missing out because it was top-notch!

• The Shaved Duck Smokehouse

Another great spot is The Shaved Duck. I had their St. Louis ribs, mashed potatoes with onions, and coleslaw. The ribs were perfectly cooked, the mashed potatoes were comforting and flavorful with a hint of onions, and the coleslaw was refreshing with just the right amount of crunch. It was an amazing meal that left me wanting more. This place is a must-visit for any food lover.

Overall, my trip to St. Louis was an unforgettable experience filled with diverse attractions, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the engaging exhibits at the St. Louis Zoo, each destination offered something unique and exciting, leaving a lasting impression.

Don't forget, many of St. Louis's incredible attractions, including the museums, art scenes, and the zoo, are free, making it an even more appealing destination for travelers. Whether you're interested in history, art, nature, or culinary delights, St. Louis truly offers something for everyone, making it a city worth exploring without breaking the bank.