Vacationing in St. Louis

Vacationing in St. Louis takes travelers to a city rich in history, but one that is also expanding enthusiastically into the future. Those who go vacationing in St. Louis will find enjoyment both in discovering its past and enjoying its current attractions. Whether you are wandering along the riverside of the Mississippi, visiting the ethnically diverse South St. Louis or checking out the trendy and upscale Central West End, vacationing in St. Louis is likely to do for visitors what it did for pioneers, open a whole new world of adventure.

The Levee and the Landing. St. Louis draws much of its character and its culture from its location on the banks of the Mississippi River. When you are vacationing in St. Louis you cannot help but be drawn to the bustle of activity going on along the river day and night. Visitors are easily drawn aboard the many riverboats which offer a meal, music or a tour and trip into the past.

The Laclede Landing is adjacent to the river. It is notable for its cobblestone pavement giving those vacationing in St. Louis a real feel for the past. Getting around at the landing can be done conveniently on foot but if you are vacationing in St. Louis and want to do it up right, hire a carriage and enjoy the luxury of a buggy ride about the landing. You will also find bike rentals if you prefer to do your touring of the river bank and get some exercise at the same time . Make sure to come back in the evening when entertainment and restaurants take center stage at the landing. You won't be disappointed by the diverse dinner offerings and the shows that go with them.

Central West End Want to take your shopping or dining up a notch or two? If you are vacationing in St. Louis, MO you will want to give Central West End a try.

You can center your visit by seeking out Maryland Plaza and environs. There you can browse through galleries and eclectic shops or pursue bargains at high style venues. Not a shopper? Well how about checking out the fabulous Fox Theater. Developers have taken a 1929 movie house and restored it to its former exciting past. Take a theater tour if you like or better yet pick up tickets for the big name entertainment St. Louis offers those vacationing here.

This season includes performances of Broadway Shows like Cats and Mama Mia and the 2007 season begins with Jerry Seinfeld. If you like live entertainment its here.

Perhaps you have an interest in art or have a spiritual side. In either case while you are vacationing in St. Louis you can peacefully pass an hour or more visiting the spectacular St. Louis Cathedral. An extraordinarily large religious center, the cathedral's interior is adorned by mosaic works that you will be talking about for days.

Whatever fills your day, make sure to refuel at lunch time from the super collection of sandwich shops or try out a larger appetite at one of the many full menu establishments. Central West End is a part of St. Louis where you can really feel the pulse of the city, and get a clue about what it means to be a resident here in the heartland.

Six Flags Over Mid America If you have children along while you are vacationing in St. Louis you'll want to offer them a day away from the city, just for the fun of it. Six Flags Over Mid America is only about 20 minutes outside of St. Louis and provides daylong fun and excitement for all.

Six Flags is always offering the latest in thrill rides, has great eats and lots of space to walk around and enjoy the attractions. If the weather is warm enough you can also enjoy the water park right on the same grounds. Six Flags gives you a change of atmosphere, a thrill or two, or more and fun that a family can enjoy together.

South St. Louis A great place to include in your plans when you are vacationing in St. Louis is the area of the city known as South St. Louis. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the Missouri Botanical Garden which includes 79 acres of seasonally varied natural outdoor beauty.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens are well known in the area for the excellent exhibits that extend information and beauty at the same time. The Gardens are a great place to go for a complete change from the pace of the city around you. There are changing displays and a butterfly garden that children can enjoy. Parents might note, in addition to being a very nice take for you and your children the price is more than reasonable. Adults enter for $8 and children under 12 are admitted free.

Forest Park Residents of St. Louis think of Forest Park as a "jewel" and as "the heart of the city". It is both. There is little int the way of recreation or entertainment that you can't find at Forest Park. Sounds hard to believe there could be so much going on in one park until you find out that Forest Park is the third largest city park in the nation, larger even than New York's Central Park.

Perhaps the most outstanding feature of Forest Park is it's Zoo. It may be enough to say that the Zoo is home to 5000 animals. But there is also a Children's Zoo, special shows and exhibits and a mini train. Best of all here's a place you can take your children that is fun, is outdoors, is educational, and that doesn't break the budget you set when you decided to go vacationing in St. Louis. Admission to the Zoo is unbelievably FREE. Yes there is a $9 parking fee and some fees for special attractions, but basically this is a gift to you from the City of St. Louis, so go and enjoy.

You may like Forest Park so much that you visit more than once. It makes sense, because there is just so much to do there. Recreation of every kind, paths to walk, water sports, places to picnic, yes even museums. Maybe the St Louisians are right, maybe this spot really is the heart of their city. It could also be the key feature of your vacation to St. Louis.

In the 19th Century St. Louis was a busy center for trade and travel. When pioneering days came to a close and people moved around by train, then car, then plane, St. Louis lost some of its popularity. But here is a city on the way back, a city with lots to share, a city where you can take a vacation and not break the bank. You'll like vacationing in St. Louis, it's a heartland kind of lthing to do.