Our last day in MĂźrren was all about thrills worthy of a James Bond film. We began by ascending to the legendary Schilthorn, where the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant served a panoramic breakfast buffet with views of more than 200 alpine peaks. This mountaintop, made famous in On Her Majestyâs Secret Service, paired cinematic history with jaw-dropping scenery. On the way down, we tested our nerves on the Birg Thrill Walk, inching across glass panels, steel nets, and a tightrope suspended high above the valley floor. But nothing compared to the afternoonâs highlight â paragliding from Birg to Stechelberg over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Taking off at nearly 8,200 feet and descending over the course of a 20-minute flight, we soared past waterfalls, cliffs, and alpine villages.
đ§ From Cliffs to Chalets: MĂźrren to Gimmelwald on Switzerlandâs Most Thrilling Via Ferrata
Dangling off sheer cliffs high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the MĂźrren Via Ferrata (Italian for âiron wayâ) is one of the most thrilling adventures weâve ever done. This 1.4-mile route links MĂźrren with storybook Gimmelwald, following a path of iron rungs, ladders, and exposed cliff walks nearly 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Along the way youâll cross a tightrope, zip line, and suspension bridge, all while clipped into steel cables that keep you safe should you slip. The journey finished in the tiny, flower-decked village of Gimmelwald, where we enjoyed lunch at Pension Gimmelwald, before browsing honesty shops for souvenirs and cheese. Whether youâre chasing an adrenaline rush or the charm of an alpine hamlet, the MĂźrren Via Ferrata to Gimmelwald delivers both in unforgettable fashion.
đ´ââď¸ Switzerland – Bikes, Hikes & Waterfalls from MĂźrren â Lauterbrunnen
TrĂźmmelbach & Staubbach Falls and Northface Trail
Day three intertwined motion, mist and mountains as we biked the valley, chased waterfalls, and hiked the Northface Trail. We rolled downhill from MĂźrren to quaint Gimmelwald to snag a souvenir cowbell at the Honesty Shop. With bikes in tow, we rode the cable car to Stechelberg and cruised the Lauterbrunnen Valley, pausing for the thunder of TrĂźmmelbach Falls and the iconic sweep of Staubbach Falls in the famed Valley of 72 Waterfalls. Back in MĂźrren, the Allmendhubel funicular set us up for the Northface Trail, an easy stroll through cow pastures and wildflowers with the Eiger and Jungfrau playing peekaboo in the clouds.
đ° Castles, Chemistry & Capital Charm along the Lakes of Switzerland
CERN, Nyon, Chillon, Aigle, Gruyères, Thun, Oberhofen, Bern & St. Beatus
Switzerland was spectacular. Our first two days unfolded in French-speaking Switzerland, kicking off at CERN where we geeked out over the Large Hadron Collider exhibit and the original Tim Berners-Lee web server. From there we hugged the north shore of Lake Geneva past terraced vineyards to storybook castles like Château de Nyon and the fairy-tale Château de Chillon, before overnighting in Villeneuve. Day two began amid vines at the 12th-century Château dâAigle, continued to hilltop Gruyères for its castle and cheese factory. We then ventured to the capital of Bern to see its famous bears, Thun and Oberhofen lakeside castles, and the waterfall-laced St. Beatus Caves with serious Rivendell vibes.
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the premier attractions in Forest Park, offering world-class exhibits and unforgettable animal encounters â all for the unbeatable price of FREE! Consistently ranked among the top zoos in the US, itâs home to incredible experiences like Riverâs 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 youâre 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 youâre 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 â and even a mini train ride thatâll have your little conductors shouting âall aboard!â Weâve 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.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand – Passing into Minas Tirith
Calling all Tolkien trekkersâŻâ our side quest led us along LakeâŻPukakiâs stunning turquoise shores to the White City of MinasâŻTirith at the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Pass into the realm of Gondor and ride Shadowfax with the meaning of haste to marvel at the stunning Southern Alps.
Tucked into the heart of St. Louisâs 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, thereâs magic to be found in every season. One of the Gardenâs crown jewels is the Climatron, a soaring glass dome that houses a misty, exotic rainforest complete with waterfalls, palms, and orchids â offering a taste of the tropics in every weather. Whether youâre 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 âfoxâtrotâ through history: since its glittering debut in 1929 and exotic SiameseâByzantine sparkle, this gilded palace has hosted whirlwind adventures from swirling under Cinderellaâs glass slipper to magic carpet rides across Agrabah with Aladdinâs genie. We’ve bellowed âWho Am I?â in LesâŻMisĂŠrables, defied gravity alongside Wickedâs green sorceress, rapped through the revolutionary beats of Hamilton, laughed (and gasped) at the irreverent tunes of Book of Mormon, munched on the madâscience at Alton Brown Live, drummed up neon chaos with Blue Man Group, and even belted every beloved anthem at the Disney Princess Concert â 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, Grantâs 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, Grantâs Farm is now a beloved local treasure. It offers a little bit of everything â 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 youâre traveling with kids, catching up with friends, or just looking for a unique day out, thereâs something for everyone at this iconic destination. Itâs also a perfect off-day stop for Cardinals fans looking to connect with the Anheuser-Busch legacy beyond Busch Stadium. Hereâs are some tips and highlights from our many visits to Grantâs Farm.










