If you’re arriving early or staying through Labor Day weekend, St. Louis often has festivals happening around the city including the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Gateway Cup cycling races, and several food and music festivals.
If you’re making a trip into the city during your stay, St. Louis has plenty to explore! Here are a few popular spots worth checking out while you’re in town. Take a ride to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch for incredible views of the Mississippi River and downtown skyline. Spend an afternoon exploring Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country and home to several major attractions. Visit the amazing (and free!) Saint Louis Zoo, consistently ranked one of the best zoos in the U.S. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens at Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country. Explore the historic Italian neighborhood known as The Hill, full of amazing restaurants and bakeries. Visit the historic Soulard Farmers Market and explore the surrounding Soulard neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, and live music.
John D. McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden in the Soulard neighborhood - it’s one of our favorite places for live music, great food, and an incredible outdoor garden. Pizzeria da Gloria on The Hill - their Neapolitan-style pizza is amazing and The Hill is a classic Italian neighborhood in the city. Even though the Cardinals aren’t playing that weekend, Ballpark Village is still a great place to watch sports, grab drinks, and experience the downtown ballpark atmosphere. Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream - our FAV ice cream in the city! Brennan's in the Central West End - perfect for cocktails or wine. The Gramophone in The Grove - it’s a local favorite for casual sandwiches! We hope you enjoy exploring some of our favorite St. Louis spots while you’re in town celebrating with us!
If you’re spending Labor Day weekend in Highland for our wedding, there are some great nearby spots to explore if you have extra time before or after the celebration! Take a walk around Silver Lake Park — a beautiful local park with wooded trails, a lake for kayaking or fishing, and plenty of peaceful spots to relax. Visit Rinderer Park for paved walking paths, gardens, and a great place to get outside for a bit. Spend some time in downtown Highland exploring local shops, coffee spots, and restaurants. Fun Nearby Day Trips... Pick apples, peaches, or enjoy fresh cider donuts at Eckert's Belleville Farm — a local favorite and perfect for a fall-feeling Labor Day weekend activity. Drive up the Mississippi River to Grafton for scenic river views, wineries, and restaurants. Go hiking or enjoy incredible overlooks at Pere Marquette State Park, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the region.