This is one of the coolest things to do in St. Louis and is a favorite attraction of the bride and groom (and our friend, Chris!). Ryan likes to say that this is "the poorest excuse for a museum and the greatest excuse for a jungle gym". This is truly a unique experience and we highly recommend going if you get the chance (particularly if you like climbing around caves and exploring tree houses)!

The St. Louis zoo is one of the best in the country and free! Megan loves the brand new sea lion and penguin/puffin exhibits.

The St. Louis Art Museum is located in Forest Park and has free admission. It is situated on top of a big hill (great for sledding in the winter) and has a great view of the Grand Basin and more of Forest Park.

See the largest monument west of the Mississippi. There is a free museum underneath the Arch or you can ride to the top for a spectacular view of St. Louis and the surrounding area for just a few bucks.

If the Cardinals are in town, catch a game to see our 11-time World Champions in action. The new Ballpark Village right outside Busch Stadium has many lively bars and restaurants, too.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a center for botanical research as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis, with 79 acres of horticultural display. It includes a Japanese strolling garden, the Climatron geodesic dome conservatory, a children's garden, a fountain area, and Henry Shaw's original 1850 estate home. It's a beautiful site!

Located just down the street from the DoubleTree Hotel, Central Park is a 38-acre park that features the Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center and Chesterfield Amphitheater. The playground contains two play components for ages 2-12, swing sets, benches, picnic tables, and funbrellas. There is also a nice walking trail.

Located in Faust Park between the church and the hotel, the Butterfly House features several outdoor butterfly gardens, many live invertebrates on display and the butterflies we import to live in our Tropical Conservatory.

Faust Park also features plenty of open space, playgrounds, and a carousel.

Across the street from the DoubleTree hotel, the Chesterfield Mall offers many shopping and dining options. Megan's favorite places to eat at/around the Mall are the Cheesecake Factory and EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery (http://www.edgewildwinery.com/). Other dining options include: St. Louis Bread Company (aka Panera for the out-of-towners), California Pizza Kitchen, and Cheeburger Cheeburger.

A short drive from the DoubleTree hotel, Chesterfield Commons (also known as The Valley) is a shopping center with everything you could possibly need in terms of shopping and restaurants. It is the largest open-air retailer in the country. Some of Megan's favorite restaurants here are: Babbo's (casual Italian), Oishi (Hibachi and sushi), Bar Louie, and the Original House of Pancakes. There is also a huge movie theater.

This is one of two new outlet malls in the Chesterfield Valley. Megan and her parents prefer the larger store selection at this one. Conveniently located just a few miles from the DoubleTree hotel.