A Quick Stop in St. Louis: The Arch, the Zoo & a Little Oktoberfest Fun 🎡🍂

On our first year heading south, we skipped St. Louis, but we made sure to fit it in this time around! With only a week to explore, we had to pack it all in—fast.

The St. Louis Zoo: One of the Best 🦁🐧

A friend told us that the St. Louis Zoo was one of the best in the country, so naturally, we had to see for ourselves. And wow—it did not disappoint! The habitats were amazing, and we saw so many more species than we’ve come across at other zoos. Definitely earns a spot at the top of our list, right up there with the Nashville Zoo.

The Gateway Arch: More Than Meets the Eye 🏛️

From a distance, the Gateway Arch doesn’t seem overly grand, but once you’re up close and personal, it’s truly a work of art. The engineering behind it is incredible, and learning the history made us appreciate it even more.

Now, about the ride to the top… We were nervous about the small, enclosed tram (hello, claustrophobia) and a little apprehensive given our fear of heights. But we pushed through! The ride up and down wasn’t too bad, but we were not prepared for the swaying sensation once we reached the top. 😳 Still, the views were totally worth it!

Exploring St. Charles & Oktoberfest Vibes 🍺🎶

Since we were staying in St. Charles, we made sure to explore the area—including their Oktoberfest celebration. Great food, drinks, and a fun, festive atmosphere—definitely glad we made time for this stop!

St. Louis was a short but memorable visit, and we’re so happy we made it happen this year. 🚐✨