Europe, Hikes, Switzerland, Travel

🧗 From Cliffs to Chalets: Mürren to Gimmelwald on Switzerland’s Most Thrilling Via Ferrata

Dangling off sheer cliffs high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Mürren Via Ferrata (Italian for “iron way”) is one of the most thrilling adventures we’ve ever done. This 1.4-mile route links Mürren 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 you’ll 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 you’re chasing an adrenaline rush or the charm of an alpine hamlet, the Mürren Via Ferrata to Gimmelwald delivers both in unforgettable fashion.

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September 17, 2025 by
Europe, Hikes, Switzerland, Travel

🚴‍♂️ Switzerland – Bikes, Hikes & Waterfalls from MĂźrren → 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.

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September 13, 2025 by
Europe, Gluten-Free, Switzerland, Travel, Wine Regions

🏰 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 d’Aigle, 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.

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September 9, 2025 by
St. Louis, Travel

🐘 St. Louis Zoo: Tips for Exploring America’s Best Free Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is one of the crown jewels of Forest Park, pairing world-class exhibits with unforgettable animal encounters – all for the unbeatable price of FREE. Wander through River’s Edge among elephants, hippos and rhinos, cool off with the tuxedoed residents of Penguin & Puffin Coast, and catch impressive water acrobatics at Polar Bear Point and Sea Lion Sound. Over at Red Rocks, giraffes stretch above the crowd while big cats lounge or prowl, and the Primate House delivers plenty of entertaining monkey business. Whether you’re an animal lover or simply looking for one of the best things to do in St. Louis, the Zoo is a must-see.

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May 17, 2025 by
St. Louis, Travel

🚂 National Museum of Transportation: All Aboard the Fun Express

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.

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May 6, 2025 by
St. Louis, Travel

🌸 Missouri Botanical Garden: Strolling Through St. Louis’ Living Landmark

Tucked into St. Louis’s historic Shaw neighborhood, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a 79-acre living museum where tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, international gardens and Victorian architecture all grow together. We’ve visited in every season, from wandering beneath millions of twinkling lights at Garden Glow to exploring the peaceful Japanese and Chinese Gardens, marveling at cacti in the Arid House and discovering smaller surprises like butterfly-filled gardens, whimsical sculptures and hidden historic buildings. The iconic Climatron may be the Garden’s crown jewel, but some of our favorite moments have come simply from wandering. One path might lead through a rose garden or beneath an arch dripping with fruit, while the next reveals a storybook cottage, reflecting pool or unexpected work of art. Whether we’re chasing blooms, taking photos or just seeing what’s around the next bend, there always seems to be something new to discover.

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May 4, 2025 by
St. Louis, Travel

The Fabulous Fox: The Broadway of the Midwest

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 MisĂŠrables, 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!

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May 2, 2025 by
St. Louis, Travel

🐴 Grant’s Farm Fun: Feed Goats, Pet Clydesdales & Sip Free Beer

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 are some tips and highlights from our many visits to Grant’s Farm.

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April 29, 2025 by
Hikes, Travel, US National Parks

Mist, Falls, and Footsteps: Our Yosemite Adventure

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. 🌄

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April 27, 2025 by