OUTDOOR PATIOS
For the Cocktail Drinker: In the shade of a tall sugar maple at Planter’s House are a dozen wrought-iron tables flanked by herb-filled planter boxes. What this casual image doesn’t show is the city’s most creative cocktails. plantershousestl.com
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For the Wine-Drinking Couple: Though the out-front seating at Robust’s flagship in Webster Groves remains wildly popular, tables of two dominate the shotgun-style side patio at the wine bar’s Edwardsville location. We understand why—wine and romance are the perfect pairing. robustwinebar.com
For Pretending You’re in Italy: When a restaurant’s patio, like the one at Sapore Italian Cafe, is located far enough from the street that you can hear only the water gurgling in its fountain, diners take notice. When Paul Buzzetta’s Linguette Sapore del Mare is part of the deal, diners return. saporeitaliancafe.com
For Pretending You’re in France: The finest courtyards in Europe are often obscured, and so it is in St. Louis: Scape’s ivy-flanked patio is one we recommend for everything from a romantic brunch or dinner to watching a Cardinals game while burrowed into a comfy couch. scapestl.com
OUTDOOR DATES
For Popping the Question: Just east of the Muny in Forest Park is a hushed green clearing with a stream that courses through it. Dip a toe in the water, enjoy a beverage atop one of many flat rocks, and ask the important question—then return every year to reminisce.
For Your Anniversary: The second-floor terrace at Element has many great tables, but none is better than No. 30, a corner perch with an unobstructed view of the Arch and downtown. The perspective is unlike any other, and the food is equally memorable. elementstl.com
For an Extra-Special Anniversary: There can be a long wait for a weekend reservation at Stone Soup Cottage, Carl and Nancy O’Connell’s farm-to-fork Cottleville hideaway. But if your special day falls during the week, ask the couple nicely and, romantics that they are, they’ll cook you a specially tailored meal. stonesoupcottage.com
For Baseball Fans: The fare at Death in the Afternoon is excellent, but when the Cardinals have a day game at home, it gets even better. Grab a patio seat and you’ll hear birds in the trees and Birds fans in the nearby stands. And if one of the Cards jacks a home run, well, you know what sound you’ll hear next. deathintheafternoonstl.com
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS
For the Toy Fanatic: Everything is awesome! The LEGO Movie—that Oscar-snubbed animated film about a lyrically inclined construction worker—plays at Chesterfield Amphitheater, 8–9:30 p.m. on June 5. chesterfieldamphitheater.com
For the Birder: Not to be mistaken for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s power ballad, Free Birds is the 2013 flick about time-traveling turkeys determined to alter a certain Thanksgiving tradition. The movie plays at Lake St. Louis’ Boulevard Park Amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. on June 12. lakesaintlouis.com
For the Baseball Fan: Few baseball movie scenes are as iconic as the final home run in this 1984 classic. Experience the wonder of baseball with The Natural at St. Charles County Heritage Museum at sunset on June 20. sccmo.org
For the YOUNG Baseball Fan: At Ballpark Village, watch as Scotty Smalls learns the American pastime, tames the Beast, and secures his place in ’90s pop-culture lore, while your own little one dreams of playing next door. The Sandlot starts at 7 p.m. on September 14. stlballparkvillage.com
For the Land-Lover: Few movies have struck more fear into the hearts of Americans than Jaws. Let the iconic theme music get your heart pumping in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum at 9 p.m. on July 17. slam.org/filmseries
OUTDOOR CLASSES
For the Animal Lover: How can you pass up the chance to sleep inside Sea Lion Sound’s tunnel? Learn how the Saint Louis Zoo cares for its critters, and compete in a scavenger hunt. $75 members, $80 nonmembers. Adults only. June 20, Aug. 8, Sept. 26. stlzoo.org
For the Athlete: Sure, you know how to juggle a paddle and Koozie while floating down the Meramec. But if you want to get serious about rowing, consider a Learn to Row class with the St. Louis Rowing Club. $275. stlouisrowingclub.com
For the Tree Hugger: Is that a maple or an oak? Where better to learn the difference than the Missouri Botanical Garden, which hosts Easy Tree I.D. for Beginners? $84 members, $100 nonmembers. June 2, 9, 16. mobot.org
For the Birder: On the first Saturday of every month, Forest Park Forever and the St. Louis Audubon Society host beginner bird walks. Trek through our grandest green space, led by birding experts. Free. forestparkforever.org
For the Yogi: As if a backbend isn’t challenging enough, try holding the pose on a paddleboard. SUP St. Louis hosts yoga classes at Simpson Lake on Wednesdays and Sundays. $30. supstlouis.com
OUTDOOR FESTIVALS
For the Art Appreciator: Rows of white booths fill the giant field near Eden Theological Seminary for Art&Air. Peruse fine art, sample from food trucks, and enjoy live music all weekend long. June 5–7, webster-arts.org/artair.
For the Sweet Tooth: In early June, take a trip down I-55 for the Kimmswick Strawberry Festival: strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry wine… You get the idea. June 6 & 7, visitkimmswick.com.
For the Patriot: First, there are the acts: Kool & the Gang, Melissa Etheridge, Blondie… Then there are the fireworks. But one more reason to visit Fair St. Louis is that it’s back in Forest Park. July 2–4. fairsaintlouis.org.
For the Quaint of Heart: At Festival of the Little Hills, wander the brick-paved Main Street of historic St. Charles, where you’ll find crafts, food, and music. August 21–23, festivalofthelittlehills.com.
For the World Traveler: Where better to bring the world together for the Festival of Nations—with music, food, and crafts from around the globe—than in Tower Grove Park, near the melting pot that is South Grand? August 29 & 30, festivalofnationsstl.org.
