#008: STL
Exploring St. Louis: History, Horses, and Honky Tonk
Our full day in St. Louis delivered a lovely mix of history, music, and unexpected surprises—plus a Clydesdale or two. Here’s how we spent a day discovering the best of this iconic city.Morning Light in Downtown St. Louis
We woke up to gorgeous morning light revealing the beauty of our hotel and the surrounding downtown St. Louis. Nestled in the heart of the financial district, our hotel was built into an 1880s bank, complete with double vaults still intact. The view from our room wasn’t too shabby either. 😉
Gateway Arch National Park and a Walk Through History
After breakfast, we made our way to Gateway Arch National Park.
The Old Courthouse and the Dred Scott Case
Our first stop was the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott trials took place.
Westward Expansion Museum: A Hidden Gem
From there, we walked down the hill to the Museum of Westward Expansion, located underneath the Arch. Honestly? It exceeded our expectations. Tons of interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and free air conditioning, this museum is a must-stop if you’re passing through St. Louis.
Behind the Scenes at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Even if you’re not a beer drinker, the brewery tour is worth it for the history, architecture, and cultural significance alone. It’s easily one of the most beautiful industrial factories we’ve visited.
A Close-Up With a Clydesdale
We lucked out when a nearby (and pricier) tour happened to pass through, and one of the Clydesdale trainers brought a horse right into our group. Seeing these massive, majestic animals up close—and hearing how they became cultural icons—was such a cool experience!
Balkan Treat Box: A Must-Eat St. Louis Spot
For lunch, we headed to Balkan Treat Box on the outskirts of the city.
The food lived up to the hype: we feasted on ćevapi and pide, two Balkan staples packed with flavor. This spot has been featured in major food magazines and is helmed by a James Beard Award finalist. Absolutely worth the stop!
A Quick Menards Detour (Because Why Not?)
On the way to the concert venue, we made a quick stop at Menards.
Picture a Midwestern version of IKEA, complete with lumber, lawn chairs, and a snack aisle that could stock a small country. Unexpected? Yes. Delightful? Also yes. 😂
Outlaw Music Festival: Live from St. Louis
We arrived at the Outlaw Music Festival just in time for a weather delay—and then for the music to start.
Trampled by Turtles: Fast, Fiddly, and Fantastic
We made it to our seats just as Trampled by Turtles took the stage, despite a threatening weather delay. It was Caitlin’s first time seeing them, and their playing speed string-shredding mandolin were electric. One of Marc’s favorites, and now one of Caitlin's too!
Bob Dylan: A Living Legend with His Own Language
Then came Bob Dylan.
We both agreed he was absolutely worth seeing—after all, he’s a living legend. That said... no one could fully decipher what he was singing. 😅 Thankfully, Marc’s spot-on Dylan impression kept us entertained.
For reference, the video below is him performing “All Along the Watchtower” (in case you, too, need help figuring it out 👀).
Willie Nelson: Soulful, Timeless, and Unforgettable
Finally, Willie Nelson took the stage—and at 92 years old, he blew us away.
Hearing him sing “Always on My Mind” with that weathered voice, while he strummed his beat-up guitar with all the soul in the world, was something we’ll never forget. It was one of those rare concert moments that truly lives up to the legend.
Final Thoughts: The St. Louis Experience
From Mark Twain’s stomping grounds, amazing food, historic landmarks, and a night of unforgettable music, St. Louis gave us a full day of stories.
This city has so much character and little something for everyone—especially if you don’t mind a little mandolin fury or a rambeling from Bob Dylan along the way. 😉
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