Try the local pizza. It comes with provel cheese instead of mozzarella. Takes some getting used to. Try the frozen custard, too – that’s a popular dessert there. And due to A-B’s local presence, Bud is the most popular beer in town and it’s super cheap (some people think that’s a good thing – I make no judgment).

If you like trees and have time to drive a couple hours south/southwest, the Ozarks are really beautiful.

If you feel like exploring the local enviro issues, St Louis is an excellent example of urban sprawl, with a destitute inner city and concentric rings of increasingly new/upscale suburbs. Classic white flight. And the terrible traffic, air pollution, and segregation that comes with that.

You can also go check out the headquarters of Monsanto, out in Creve Couer. One of the biggest agriculture/chemical/biotech companies in the world. There have been many anti-GMO protests out there.

There are also some radioactive Superfund sites in North St Louis, left behind from the Manhattan Project.

And, of course, check out the Arch. But be warned – you frequently have to wait in line for hours before you get to go up.

If you’re a meat eater, get a burger at Blueberry Hill on Delmar. Duff’s in the Central West End is the best place for brunch. For the best St. Louis-style pizza (extra thin crust), go to Cicero’s, also on the Delmar Loop.

Have fun!

I’d also recommend BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soup for dinner, particularly if there’s a band playing. The food is great (I had a great plate of red beans and rice) and the music is better. Have a Schlafly beer (brewed locally) on the side.

Enjoy!

Also the loop near Washington University has some col shops and so does the central west end. Around both the loop and the central West End there are beautiful homes. And check out Forest Park – its like St. Louis’ central park!