Dreamstime
Many Memphians choose the Gulf Coast or the Smoky Mountains for their autumn getaways, but after spending the summer in St. Louis, I have to say that the Gateway City is a great family-friendly vacation option.
How do I know this? My wife, Annie, is currently in a masters program there and she has spent the past two summers living in the city. This isn’t easy, as we have two girls, 5-year-old Ella and 2-year-old Beatrice. Thankfully, we found a well-established camp for them to attend in a famed St. Louis neighborhood called The Hill. Incidentally, Annie has fallen in love with The Hill. It’s a long-established Italian-American neighborhood, and she finds it cute as can be. She revels in how many people roll around in golf carts rocking the Italian flag and socializing. It really is quite the sight.
While the girls were away, I was here in Memphis missing them like crazy. But once Friday hit, I hit the road. From door-to-door I can make it to St. Louis in just under four hours. Maybe I do a have lead foot, but in all honesty, you blink and you are there.
These weekend trips have really made me appreciate St. Louis. The museums are unique, affordable, and very kid-friendly. The people are fantastic — a nice blend of Memphis and Chicago hospitality, if you will — and the food is tremendous! Not to mention there’s always something fun to do.
Last summer we stayed in Tower Grove Park, and this year we stayed in Lafayette Square. In June, we all went up in the Arch and then splashed around in all of the unique downtown St. Louis fountains and pools while checking out all of the art installations in City Garden. We also had dinner and beer at the Urban Chestnut Brewery and took in a free concert at Lafayette Park. You wouldn’t believe the number of lightning bugs we saw! The following week I took the kids to Stage Left Diner near the Fox Theatre so Annie could study. Then we all went to Ballwin, Missouri, just outside of the city, to the North Pointe Aquatic Center for swimming, relaxation (is that even possible with littles?), and sweet treats.
In July, we happened upon an Independence Day festival in Webster Groves and later found ourselves taking in fireworks at Sublette Park. Of course we hit the mainstays like the City Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, and Grant’s Farm, but we also went off the beaten path, hitting up the Missouri Botanical Garden, The Magic House, The Eatrite Diner, and more. My favorite place to eat was either Mission Taco or Fountain on Locust. St. Louis’ BBQ was on point, too, with Pappy’s Memphis-style approach.
Having a solid home base is important, though. Our Airbnb was very comfortable and reasonably priced. There are also tons of great hotel options.
Suffice it to say, we had a blast together, and while our time was short, we truly made the most of it. I’m so glad to have all of my girls back in the Bluff City, but we may take a trip back to St. Louis for fall break. Blink and you will be there.
Jeff Hulett blew into Memphis from Chicago a few years ago and has developed a passion for the city and especially Memphis music. Jeff lives in the Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood with his wife, two daughters and dog.