We’re lifelong Cardinals fans–met at Busch Stadium II, got engaged by Scott’s family brick at Busch III, and even had a Cardinals-themed wedding–so yes, we’re a little biased. But we’ve done our best to give an honest, well-rounded review of one of baseball’s most beloved ballparks. Busch Stadium III is often referred to as “Baseball Heaven,” and it’s easy to see why: a breathtaking view of the Gateway Arch, classic red brick architecture that complements the city skyline, and the unmatched energy of being part of Cardinals Nation. Just outside the stadium, Ballpark Village adds to the excitement with rooftop views, massive video screens, and a variety of bars, restaurants, and live entertainment, making game day feel like a city-wide celebration. Inside the park, the food scene has stepped up its game in recent years, with fun new options like Session Taco and Freddy’s joining fan favorites like loaded nachos & tater tots and bacon-wrapped hotdogs. And of course, with Budweiser’s roots in St. Louis, you’ll find plenty of Bud products flowing–plus a growing selection of local craft brews. The Cardinals Way isn’t just a slogan–it’s a culture, a community, and for fans like us, a thrilling way of life.
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the premier attractions in Forest Park, offering world-class exhibits and unforgettable animal encounters – all for the unbeatable price of FREE! Consistently ranked among the top zoos in the US, it’s home to incredible experiences like River’s Edge, where elephants and rhinos roam, and Penguin & Puffin Coast, where you can cool off alongside playful birds. Watch the amazing water aerobics at Polar Bear Point and Sea Lion Sound. Explore Red Rocks to admire the big cats and giraffes and swing by the Primate House to catch silly antics. Whether you’re an animal lover or just looking for a great family outing, the St. Louis Zoo is a must-see when visiting the Gateway City.
If you’re looking to hit the brakes on boredom and shift into a day of discovery, the National Museum of Transportation is your next stop! Tucked away in Kirkwood, Missouri, this wheel-y wonderful museum is packed with everything from towering steam engines to jet-age aircraft, tugboats to trolley cars – and even a mini train ride that’ll have your little conductors shouting “all aboard!” We’ve tracked down some of the best sights and seasonal surprises (spoiler: Santa flies in by helicopter) to help you plan your visit. So buckle up, because this blog is about to take you on a ride through time, rails, and road-ready fun.
Tucked into the heart of St. Louis’s historic Shaw neighborhood, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a lush, living museum where Victorian charm meets tropical wonder. From strolling beneath twinkling lights at Garden Glow to marveling at cacti in the Arid House or wandering the serene paths of the Japanese Garden, there’s magic to be found in every season. One of the Garden’s crown jewels is the Climatron, a soaring glass dome that houses a misty, exotic rainforest complete with waterfalls, palms, and orchids – offering a taste of the tropics in every weather. Whether you’re chasing blooms, discovering rare plants, or just soaking up the serenity, this 79-acre oasis offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and artistry, with thoughtful touches and surprises waiting around every bend.
Step into the Fabulous Fox Theatre, where every visit feels like a “fox‑trot” through history: since its glittering debut in 1929 and exotic Siamese‑Byzantine sparkle, this gilded palace has hosted whirlwind adventures from swirling under Cinderella’s glass slipper to magic carpet rides across Agrabah with Aladdin’s genie. We’ve bellowed “Who Am I?” in Les Misérables, defied gravity alongside Wicked’s green sorceress, rapped through the revolutionary beats of Hamilton, laughed (and gasped) at the irreverent tunes of Book of Mormon, munched on the mad‑science at Alton Brown Live, drummed up neon chaos with Blue Man Group, and even belted every beloved anthem at the Disney Princess Concert – all beneath its starlit ceiling and in the glow of gilded arches that prove live entertainment here always takes center stage!
Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Grant’s Farm is a rare gem that blends history, nature, and family fun into one unforgettable (and free!) experience. Located just outside the city on a historic 281-acre estate once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and later the Busch family of Anheuser-Busch fame, Grant’s Farm is now a beloved local treasure. It offers a little bit of everything – from a tram ride through a wildlife park and goat feeding to camel rides, majestic Budweiser Clydesdales, and even two complimentary beers for adults. Whether you’re traveling with kids, catching up with friends, or just looking for a unique day out, there’s something for everyone at this iconic destination. It’s also a perfect off-day stop for Cardinals fans looking to connect with the Anheuser-Busch legacy beyond Busch Stadium. Here’s are some tips and highlights from our many visits to Grant’s Farm.
We chased the sunrise up the Mist Trail, climbed to the top of Nevada Falls, and looped back down the John Muir Trail – racking up 35,000 steps of pure Yosemite magic. Having the trail almost entirely to ourselves in the early morning made it feel like we had stumbled into a secret world. By afternoon, the crowds rolled in and it turned into a totally different place – wild, but not the good kind. If you want to feel the real Yosemite, get up with the sun and go find it. 🌄
Our afternoon in Livermore Valley offered a perfect blend of rich history, laid-back luxury, and world-class wines just beyond the bustle of the Bay Area. We began with a relaxing lunch at the beautiful Concannon Vineyard, one of California’s oldest wineries, before moving on to a tasting at the iconic Wente Vineyards, where old-world tradition meets modern innovation. As the golden afternoon unfolded, we sipped elegant blends at the intimate Murrieta’s Well and soaked in vibrant, sun-drenched views at the lively Ruby Hill Winery. From bold reds to bright whites, each stop showcased the heart and soul of this hidden gem wine region
We took a scenic detour through one of California’s most underrated wine regions – Lodi and the Central Valley. Known for its sun-drenched vineyards, centuries-old vines, and welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere, this area offers a completely different flavor of wine country magic. We spent the day sipping bold Zinfandels at legendary estates like Michael David Winery, discovering historic gems like Oak Ridge Winery, and relaxing with boutique tastings at Delicato. With laid-back vibes, rustic charm, and surprisingly elegant wines, Lodi captured the spirit of California winemaking at its most authentic – unpretentious, vibrant, and filled with hidden treasures waiting to be uncorked. Our final destination, Papillon Cellars B&B, provided the perfect peaceful retreat to unwind, reflect, and toast to a day full of unexpected discoveries and unforgettable pours.
Our Napa 2019 trip began with the ultimate dream come true – stepping into the Blending Room at Raymond Vineyard to become a Winemaker for a Day. Among glittering chandeliers and candelabras, we learned the art of crafting a Bordeaux-style red blend, hand-bottling our creations to take home a luxury souvenir. After savoring the fruits of our labor, we enjoyed an afternoon of wine tasting, from the historic charm of Beringer Vineyards to the boutique elegance of Crocker & Starr, ending at Cosentino Winery as the sun dipped over Napa’s rolling hills – a day straight out of a wine lover’s fantasy. 🍷