With vacation season ramping up, Chesterfield Lifestyle magazine suggests saving yourself some travel time and making a plan to visit some of the spectacular vacation destinations located right here in St. Louis—all within a 30-minute drive from Chesterfield!
There is no better place to start your Staycation this summer than at the following stops:
1. The Gateway Arch
Location: 11 North 4th St.
Why you should go:
Now, if this suggestion has you saying to yourself, “been there, seen that,” think again as the newly renovated and expanded Gateway Arch isn’t like anything you’ve ever experienced before. From the start of your tour at the Circa 1839 Old Court House, you will be blown away by the history and ambiance of this 19th Century architectural masterpiece. Once you’ve experienced your initial “walk down memory lane,” your next steps east will take you straight into the new park entrance and into the totally new museum under the Gateway Arch. Expertly themed and filled with interactive exhibits, the Museum encourages your own exploration into our nation's expansion west—every step of the way, thus bringing out the inner explorer and/or pioneer in all of us!
And now that you’ve experienced the new state-of-the-art museum, it’s time to journey to the top of St. Louis’s own national monument as you enjoy a tram ride 630 feet into the sky, allowing for you to experience all the majestic beauty of the St. Louis metropolitan region on both sides of the mighty Mississippi.
We also suggest that you visit GatewayArch.com for additional information about all the other exciting things happening on the riverfront, including riverboat excursions that are accessible for both day and evening cruises all summer long.
877.982.1410
2. The Missouri Botanical Garden
Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd.
Why you should go:
Another fabulous getaway for the day location in the heart of the city is the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all the “joys of nature” every step of the way. Whether you plan to enjoy one of their tranquil exhibitions, art exhibits or live music events, the Missouri Botanical Garden has something for everyone to enjoy, all year long.
July at the Garden is filled with the continuation of the Whitaker Music Festival, featuring live bands every Wednesday, making for a perfect mid-week evening under the stars. And starting July 6, the Missouri Botanical Garden gives you and your significant other the opportunity to party too as you experience “garden party lights." These events are complete with music, drinks, food and a multimedia light show Thursday-Sunday evenings at the garden through October 19.
The Missouri Botanical Garden also has another location for you and your family to enjoy a little closer to home too. The Sofia M. Sachs Butterfly House is located in Faust Park at 15193 Olive Blvd. in the heart of Chesterfield. Please visit MissouriBotanicalGarden.org to plan your perfect excursion to either of these nature centric locations.
314.577.5100
3. The Muny
Location: 1 Theatre Drive
What’s the perfect staycation if it doesn’t include an entertainment venue? We’ve selected one for you that is embarking upon its 101st season, bringing outdoor theater alive in the midst of beautiful Forest Park.
Just like the huge renovation that took place at the Arch the last few years, the Muny is in the midst of its own major renovation, embarking on another 100 years of bringing outdoor theatre to life. According to Tracy Utzmyers, the production manager at the Muny, the renovations planned throughout the Muny have only just begun.
"Even though we are just in the first phase of all the changes planned for the Muny, complete with a new audio/visual system, a revised orchestra pit and many façade changes that theatergoers will notice," says Tracy, "it is our hope when we are finished, we will have set the stage for the Muny to create another 100 years of outdoor theater magic.”
And as expected, the Muny has put together another fabulous season, whether you enjoy classics like Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella or the upbeat tempo of Footloose, you will want to make sure that seeing one of the Muny’s fabulous shows is a part of your staycation plans this summer, before the season ends August 11. Please visit Muny.org for additional ticket and showtime information.
314.361.1900