A half a mile away from The McPherson Wedding Venue is Forest Park! Forest Park is one of the most beautiful and largest urban parks in the United States. At around 1,300 acres, it’s bigger than Central Park in New York! It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes, and streams, as well as five of the region’s major cultural institutions --- Missouri History Museum, The Muny, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and the Saint Louis Zoo --- and endless opportunities for recreation. Another awe-spiring must-see during your visit to the Park is the Jewel Box, a stunning conservatory built from sparkling, 50-foot-high glass walls. Finally, to round out your trip to Forest Park, visit The Boathouse, a relaxed spot for a drink and casual dining with a waterside view, plus paddleboat rentals.

Less than two miles from Forest Park is Missouri Botanical Garden. Founded in 1859, it is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark! It’s a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, historic architecture, and one of the world’s largest collections of rand and endangered flora.

Of course, who could make a trip to St. Louis without visiting our Gateway Arch! The 630-foot-tall Arch sits along the west bank of the Mississippi River and takes its name from the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West”. It commemorates the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the subsequent opening of the West to settlers following the Lewis and Clark Expedition which began nearby. There are two things you can do while visiting the Arch: visit the free Museum that features galleries spanning from 1764 to 1965 and take a tram ride to the top of the Arch. The entire tour takes on average 45 minutes to an hour. First, your tour guide will lead you through an interactive multimedia experience prior to boarding the tram. Once on the tram, it is a four-minute ride to the top and a three-minute ride back down. Once up at the top, enjoy the viewing platform where windows look out onto downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and Illinois. On clear days, the stunning views can extend up to 30 miles to the east and west.

Visit the Budweiser Brewery and choose one (or all!) of the Budweiser Brewery Experiences from the Day Fresh Tour, Clydesdale VIP Experience, Beermaster Tour, and Finisher Tour where you get right to the good stuff…the freshest beer in all of St. Louis…where you will learn why AB’s beers are second to none and you also learn about the life of an AB beer from seed to sip.

The District of St. Louis in Chesterfield. One of a kind entertainment destination; your go-to for a variety of fun. At the centerpiece is The Hub STL offering a gorgeous outdoor space that includes an eye-catching pavilion with a substantial LED screen, sound system, and a stage for performances. While there drive some golf balls at Topgolf, a sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range and swanky lounge with drinks and games. Then head over to Main Event. More than just 22 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, gravity ropes, and over 100 games, it's also one of the best venues for parties of all kinds. Or perhaps catch an entertainment act at The Factory, a brand-new music club built on a foundation of solid rock and roll. It's the first built from-the-ground-up performance venue in the Midwest in over twenty-five years. 52,000 square feet constructed specifically for live music... with every detail designed for the performer and the audience.

Ballpark Village is an entertainment mecca and buzzing sports-themed district just steps away from Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, with a Hall of Fame and Museum, restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues.

In its glory days, St. Louis Union Station was one of the largest and busiest passenger rail terminals in the world. Today it’s a source of endless entertainment for residents and visitors alike. The stunning complex houses more than 13,000 animals at the St. Louis Aquarium, the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, a carousel, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a ropes course, and more. The 3D light show in the Grand Hall plays on the hour, and restaurants such as The Soda Fountain and The Train Shed will keep you fueled for infinite fun.

And there is so much more! With so many things to do and see, St. Louis will have you coming back again and again.

Holiday Inn Express St Louis - Central West End, an IHG Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park