Show Me Beautiful Missouri
Things To Do In St. Louis: Summer Vacation For The Family

Show Me Beautiful Missouri   by Joshua

Sitting at the foot of the Ozark Mountains, Missouri has a rich history and an assortment of attractions to offer the entire family. Lodging in Missouri is both easy and affordable, providing ease and comfort to vacationers and business travelers alike.

Stunning History of Saint Louis Lodging

Missouri's most famous landmark is perhaps the Gateway Arch. At 630 feet high, it is the tallest national monument in the United States. Approximately one million visitors each year ride its trams to the top to take in the stunning St. Louis skyline.

Right across the street from the Arch is the Adam's Mark St. Louis. This riverside hotel has an impressive three-story atrium in the lobby, complete with a pair of nine-foot bronze horses imported from Italy. Guestrooms offer a view of the Arch, downtown, and the Mississippi River. Cardinals fans are only two blocks from Busch Stadium, and for a fee, you can reach downtown destinations by a romantic, horse-drawn carriage.

While in St. Louis, be sure to visit the zoo, or take a stroll through historic Laclede's Landing. In 1763, a French fur-trapper named Pierre Laclede began exploring the Illinois Country in search of a place to set up a trading post. In 1764, he chose the west bank of the Mississippi River, in the place now occupied by St. Louis. In 1784, the area he chose was cleared, cabins were built, and Laclede christened the place Saint Louis to honor the Patron Saint of the King of France.

If you have never visited this intriguing city before, you will find a variety of lodging in St. Louis within easy reach of this city's historic landmarks and attractions.

Exciting Entertainment Near Kansas City Lodging

If you are taking a business of pleasure jaunt through Kansas City, you will be in for a surprise for the interesting lodging options available in this fine city. You will find lodging in Kansas City - Missouri's other well-known city - that offers many affordable and comfortable options.

In the exciting casino district, try the Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa. For exciting entertainment, this Kansas City hotel includes a 62,000 square-foot casino, a luxury spa and health club, and 42" plasma screen televisions.

For a stylish experience, the gorgeous Hotel Phillips is located in downtown Kansas City, less than two miles from Union Station. This trendy art deco hotel was built in 1931 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, and guests include many former Presidents of the United States. Live jazz and swing music is offered every Friday and Saturday night to liven up your Kansas City experience.

While in Kansas City, do not miss its many attractions, such as the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks, the Liberty Memorial, and the World War I Museum. These are great for an interactive, educational experience for both little and big kids alike.

Internationally Renowned Activities by Branson Lodging

Surrounded by three lakes at the foot of the Ozarks, Branson has a large variety of activities, sight-seeing opportunities, and theme park adventures. Try taking a guided tour by motorcycle, or soar above it all on a helicopter adventure. Ride the Branson Scenic Railway, or test your mettle at the Haunted House & Monster Asylum. For a more tasteful experience, visit the Stone Hill Winery.

Just three miles from Table Rock Lake - popular for bass fishing and water sports - is Stonebridge Nightly Rentals. This 3,200 acre gated resort includes an 18-hole championship golf course, putting green, driving range, pro shop, three tennis courts, and two outdoor pools. Scuba diving in Table Rock Lake is said to rival that in the Caribbean! This is a great way to get away from it all, without having to even leave the country.

Take the kids down to visit the exciting Strip, a seven-mile stretch of amusement parks, restaurants, and shops. Branson's newest theme park, Silver Dollar City, has a nightly laser and fireworks show that should not be missed, as it was voted the number one amusement park in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions. Or treat your family to the amazing Celebration City, with over 100 working craftsmen demonstrating their skills.

Missouri has many varied and interesting things to show her visitors, and lodging in Missouri makes it easy to take in her stunning sights.

About the Author
Lodging in Missouri

The many things to do in St. Louis offer a world of fun and excitement for the family.   The city's fascinating attractions and amusing activities make it a prime vacation spot for this summer!

The best way to start your St. Louis summer vacation is to visit the city's famous landmark: the Gateway Arch. The 630-foot tall and 630-foot wide arch offers a unique tram ride that lets you have amazing views of the city and the vast expanse of the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch is located inside the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial where you will find the Museum of Westward Expansion.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest garden in the United States. It is among the top-rated botanical gardens all over the world with its showcase of twenty gardens set with different themes such as the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden. There is also a Children's Garden that features different exhibits, including the Butterfly House. The Children's Garden offers a fishing trip, a wilderness wagon trip and other adventurous family-oriented summer activities. The garden also teaches children how to care for the environment by planting trees and more.

Note: The Missouri Botanical Garden will be having its annual Japanese Festival on August 30th to September 1st. The festival celebrates the Japanese culture with a tour around the Japanese Garden, art exhibits, traditional Japanese parades, musical and theatrical performances, and kimono and cooking demonstrations. Entrance fee is only $10, with discounts for senior citizens and children under 12 get in for free!

There are other things to do in St. Louis that offer free admissions, making your summer vacation with the family even better. St. Louis Zoo allows visitor to enter the premises free of charge, but various special zoo attractions have entrance fees. To make the most out of your day in St. Louis Zoo, purchase the Safari Pass which takes you to all the special attractions for only $10.  St. Louis Science Center is another freebie attraction where your kids can see full-size animated dinosaurs and hundreds of other interactive exhibits.

The City Museum is a great place for both kids and parents. It has three floors of interesting and educational rooms. The attraction features an indoor play area with imaginative caves, crawling tubes, slides, circus, art workshops and a gallery of oddities. Feel free to go around and marvel over the displays of the enchanted forest, architectural museum and the gigantic aquarium.

St. Louis' Forest Park is more than just a park - it is a community! There are more than just a dozen things to see and do in the park such as the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, the Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and other cultural institutions. The world's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny, is also located in Forest Park. The Muny currently stages two of the most successful musicals in recent history: The Producers and Disney's High School Musical.

Accommodations and dining options are easy to locate in St. Louis. The Westin St. Louis is conveniently within walking distance to the Forest Park and is overlooking the Busch Stadiums, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Restaurants, on the other hand, are spread all throughout the city. Try the city's best burgers at Blueberry Hill located in The Loop, Charlie Gitto's On The HIll's toasted ravioli, or Ted Drewes Frozen Custard's treats that will definitely complete your list of summer things to do in St. Louis.

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