St. Louis, a city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and exciting entertainment options. While it's a great place to visit, some people might be looking for ways to skip the typical tourist traps and experience the city like a local. If you're one of them, you're in luck! Here are five ways to skip the games in St. Louis and explore the city's hidden gems.
Experience the City's Vibrant Neighborhoods
One of the best ways to experience the real St. Louis is to explore its vibrant neighborhoods. From the trendy boutiques and restaurants in the Central West End to the historic architecture and charming shops in Soulard, each neighborhood has its own unique character. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the city's hidden gems, meet locals, and enjoy the city's diverse cultural scene.
Some popular neighborhoods to explore:
- Central West End: Known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Soulard: The oldest neighborhood in St. Louis, featuring historic architecture, charming shops, and the famous Soulard Farmers Market.
- The Loop: A vibrant neighborhood with a mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Cherokee Street: A rapidly growing neighborhood with a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Discover the City's Outdoor Spaces
St. Louis has plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy, from parks and gardens to hiking trails and waterways. Take a stroll through Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, or explore the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the country. If you're looking for something more adventurous, try kayaking or paddleboarding on the Mississippi River or hiking at Castlewood State Park.
Some popular outdoor spaces to explore:
- Forest Park: A 1,371-acre park featuring walking and biking trails, lakes, and plenty of green space.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: A 79-acre garden featuring a variety of plant species, walking trails, and scenic views.
- Grant's Farm: A 281-acre animal reserve and historical farm once owned by Ulysses S. Grant.
- Castlewood State Park: A 1,818-acre park featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Meramec River.
Explore the City's Local Food Scene
St. Louis is known for its unique culinary scene, which reflects the city's cultural heritage. From toasted ravioli to provel cheese, there's no shortage of delicious local specialties to try. Take a food tour to sample the city's best eats, visit the historic Soulard Farmers Market, or try some of the city's famous BBQ.
Some popular local foods to try:
- Toasted ravioli: A St. Louis specialty featuring crispy fried ravioli filled with meat or cheese.
- Provel cheese: A blend of cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan cheese, often used on pizzas and pasta dishes.
- Gooey butter cake: A rich, sweet cake made with a thick, buttery crust and a gooey center.
- St. Louis-style BBQ: A unique style of BBQ featuring a sweet and tangy sauce.
Visit the City's Unique Museums and Galleries
St. Louis has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a variety of unique museums and galleries to explore. From the City Museum, a one-of-a-kind museum made from reclaimed materials, to the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, a museum featuring cutting-edge art exhibitions, there's something for every interest.
Some popular museums and galleries to visit:
- City Museum: A unique museum made from reclaimed materials, featuring interactive exhibits and play areas.
- Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis: A museum featuring cutting-edge art exhibitions and installations.
- Saint Louis Art Museum: A museum featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
- Magic House: A children's museum featuring interactive exhibits and play areas.
Attend a Local Event or Festival
St. Louis hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, from music festivals to cultural celebrations. Attend a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, visit the Missouri History Museum's annual Christmas exhibit, or enjoy the city's famous Fourth of July celebration.
Some popular events and festivals to attend:
- Cardinals games at Busch Stadium: Catch a baseball game at the home of the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Missouri History Museum's annual Christmas exhibit: A festive exhibit featuring historic holiday decorations and artifacts.
- Fourth of July celebration: A city-wide celebration featuring fireworks, live music, and patriotic events.
- Soulard Oktoberfest: A celebration of German culture featuring live music, food, and beer.
We hope you've enjoyed this article on ways to skip the games in St. Louis and experience the city like a local. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods, discovering its outdoor spaces, or sampling its local cuisine, there's something for everyone in St. Louis.
What are some popular neighborhoods to explore in St. Louis?
+Some popular neighborhoods to explore in St. Louis include the Central West End, Soulard, The Loop, and Cherokee Street. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and offers a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
What are some unique museums and galleries to visit in St. Louis?
+Some unique museums and galleries to visit in St. Louis include the City Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Magic House. Each museum offers a unique perspective on art, culture, and history.
What are some popular events and festivals to attend in St. Louis?
+Some popular events and festivals to attend in St. Louis include Cardinals games at Busch Stadium, the Missouri History Museum's annual Christmas exhibit, the Fourth of July celebration, and the Soulard Oktoberfest. Each event offers a unique perspective on the city's culture and community.