When Taylor was a young nursing student living in Edwardsville, this was one of her favorite grab-n-go breakfast spots. A kolache is sort of like a stuffed bun or bagel, and there are both sweet AND savory options. Taylor would recommend the 'Merica, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and Raspberry Cream Cheese kolaches :)
Some of the best pizza and wings around! There are 3 locations around us, we LOVE IT! Highly recommend the Hot Honey & Pepperoni or the Bacon Pickle Pizza (I know, I know, TRUST ME!!)
Best calzones in the midwest!! This location is new to STL and I am SO HAPPY we finally get on on the Illinois side!
It's pronounced Wuh-Hah-Kuh, LOL!! AMAZING Mexican food and Margaritas! Can get pretty busy on the weekends, but absolutely delightful.
We eat here multiple times a month, and have been for years. Not kidding. The whole waitstaff knows our family, LOL. It would be a crime to not put this place on the list of recommendations. This is THE good old fashioned local Mexican restaurant. This is where you go for a classic margarita, chips and salsa, and a good hot plate. I would like to humbly recommend the Dos Changuitos and peach margarita if you want a variety, LOL!
If you're looking for a peaceful spot to check out the autumn leaves, or something to do that's totally free - look no further. The Gardens at SIUE are the PERFECT place for a beautiful serene walk with nature, or even some updated family photos :) Parking on site and multiple EASY walking trails to choose from. We're in Illinois, hills don't really exist here anywhere LOL
The biggest, best pumpkin patch in the area! Pumpkin picking, hayrides, fresh apple cider (plus a cider shed with AMAZING flights for those 21+), a country restaurant and grocery store, and so much more! This location is near Kevin and Taylor's home in Belleville, IL - about 30 minutes from Edwardsville, IL.
One of St. Louis' best FREE attractions! The zoo is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and a fantastic way to spend a cool fall day. They are open daily until 5PM, however in October they re-open in the evenings for their Boo At The Zoo festival! Boo At The Zoo is a ticketed event with various Halloween light displays centered around families and kids.
We LOVE Topgolf!! One of our favorite date nights! There's 2 locations nearby in St. Louis - Midtown is the closest to Edwardsville, IL, but be aware it is directly in the middle of the city. Drive a bit further to Chesterfield for the location just outside the city.
Looking for something fun to do for a day with the kids (or without)? Six Flags St. Louis hosts Fright Fest every year weekends September - October!
Dinner and burlesque venue in STL. Taylor might be a frequent flyer of this place. If you're looking for something fun and different to do in the city - I can't recommend this place enough. NO KIDS!!!!!! There's no nudity, but it can get pretty risque LOL! ALSO -- They host Halloween themed shows in October every year. Seriously, I've been to it multiple times, it's amazing LOL!