Photograph by Whitney Curtis
Whether you're a fitness buff or parent, nature-lover or romantic, the St. Louis region has a path, park or pool that will gladly take your morning, afternoon — heck, even your whole weekend. So shut down your laptop, shelve your BlackBerry and head outside for an outdoor adventure
THE TRAILBLAZER
At a fork in the road, you take one path, then come back and try the other one, too, just to make sure you're not missing anything. Godspeed, as you embark on these journeys through our bistate blessings. Just remember to come home at some point.
Castlewood State Park
This Ballwin gem's multiuse walking, cycling and horseback riding trails are nestled into perfect Missouri scenery — when you're only a quarter-mile up the trail, you're rewarded with a view of the Meramec, railroad tracks and acres of native forest. Day-trippers love it because the many trails all loop back to the center of the park; that means if you get back to the center before your time is up, you can go back for another loop. 1401 Kiefer Creek, 636-227-4433, mostateparks.com/castlewood.htm
Katy Trail
A must for Missouri cyclists, the 225-mile Katy Trail is perfectly laid out and, since it used to be a railroad line, helpfully flat. We suggest starting at the trailhead in St. Charles, where there's ample parking and easy access. You can go as far west as Clinton, Mo. Some people make a weekend of cycling the trail and stay in little towns along the way. bikekatytrail.com
Grant's Trail
A nice bike ride that won't have you out all day, this is a paved, flat, 6½-mile trail that goes right by Grant's Farm. It's well supported with restroom and water stops along the way, which makes it ideal for a leisurely, comfortable ride. bikegrantstrail.com
Madison County Transit Trails
Forward-thinking leaders in southwestern Illinois have spent the last 15 years converting nearly 100 miles of old railroad corridors into an impressive and interconnected system of trails suitable for biking, walking, rollerblading or jogging. (In the coming decades, portions of these trails could be further modified to house a new light-rail system.) Locals use some for commuting and errands, but visitors can enjoy an afternoon of winding through woods or cutting across creeks or prairies. 618-874-7433, mcttrails.org
Powder Valley Nature Center
In terms of skill level, hiking Powder Valley is not much harder than mall walking. Right in Kirkwood, the paved paths at Powder Valley wind through 112 hilly acres of oak-hickory forest, so it's actually easy to forget you're close to the highway. And there's major nature — tons of wildflowers and lots of deer; last fall, one of our staffers found herself about 8 feet from a pretty big buck which, because he was pursuing a doe, took no notice whatsoever. 11715 Cragwold, 314-301-1500, mdc.mo.gov/areas/cnc/powder/
Weldon Spring Lewis & Clark Trails
This trail, near St. Charles, has two loops, the 5-mile Clark Trail and the 8-mile Lewis Trail. Together they make one of the most scenic hikes in Missouri. It starts in a meadow and then goes through the forest to rocky outcrops above the Missouri River. From there you can essentially see what Lewis and Clark saw when they navigated the Missouri and, perhaps, stopped, climbed the bluffs and looked upstream to figure out what was ahead. See entry at localhikes.com
My outside: Jeffrey Bonner, President and CEO, Saint Louis Zoo
Hidden Valley Ski Resort: "I've heard it said that we in St. Louis have all of the disadvantages and none of the advantages of winter. Well, the Hidden Valley ski resort is only a few minutes out of town, and while they have to rely more on snow-making machines than they do on Mother Nature, this is still the finest place near the city to get the best out of those long winter months."
My outside: Dianna Adorjan, Trustee of The Nature Conservancy
Hawn State Park in Ste. Genevieve County: "The park is an undiscovered beauty, the hiking trail has a gorgeous stream over pink granite rocks and the limestone formations are incredible."
Bookmark now:
- stlbiking.com: Covers everything cycling in the St. Louis region
- trailnet.org: Sports a calendar of supported group rides and nature walks
- gorctrails.com: Essential for mountain bikers; provides maps to Trailheads and levels of difficulty
THE AQUAPHILE
For you, summer means pruney fingers and toes, a zinc-striped nose or an afternoon of lures, ropes or sails.
Creve Coeur Lake
Powerboats are not allowed on this, the largest natural lake in Missouri, so it's peaceful in a way few publicly accessible lakes are today. The Creve Coeur Sailing Association is the group to connect with if you sail. Its focus is on racing, and it encourages interested skippers to come on race day either with their own boat or ready to crew on someone else's. The lake is also home to the St. Louis Rowing Club, which has been using it since 1870. They took a break in 1904, when Olympic rowers took over the waters. These days, the club offers Learn-To-Row classes for everyone from weekend athletes to those with their sights set on competing. 143 Creve Coeur Mill, www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/creve.html; sailccsa.com; stlouisrowingclub.com
Cuivre River State Park
If you've had it with chlorine, head to Cuivre River State Park. It's only about 30 minutes outside of St. Louis, near Troy, and though north of us, it feels like the Ozarks (read: kinda wild). Known for its trails, it also features Lake Lincoln, which has a public swimming beach and change house, so you can take a nice dip in a natural setting but not have to wriggle back into your clothes in the car. 678 State Route 147, Troy, Mo., 636-528-7247, mostateparks.com/cuivre.htm
Crestwood Aqauatic Center And Heman Park Swimming Pool
To get into the coveted St. Louis County pools, you've got to "friend" a proper resident (more difficult than on Facebook). We especially recommend getting chummy with someone from Crestwood, as their supremely well-designed water park has everything from zero-entry kid fun and a mondo slide to a lazy river that actually lets you loll around on tubes, unlike some of those so-called lazy rivers where you actually have to propel yourself. Heman Park is one of your best bets for public swimming, no matter where you live. Non–University City residents pay $6 for a dip — whether it's a lap, a go down the slide or an hour watching the kids in the shallow waters of their pool. 845 Whitecliff Park, 314-729-4860, ci.crestwood.mo.us/departments/parks/parks.aspx; 7210 Olive, 314-505-8700, ucitymo.org/index.asp?NID=101
Meramec River
Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon, Mo., offers memorable float trips on the Meramec. You can do a 5-mile float by raft or canoe or a 10-mile canoe-only float. The ride is gentle, and the scenery is pretty. Midway through the trip, keep an eye out for a trail along the bluffs that leads to an amazing cave, which you can hike up into. (Make sure to pack a flashlight along with your towels.) 800-333-8007, bluespringsranchresort.com
Favorite Fishing Holes
When people think fly-fishing, they tend to think trout. But since trout don't do that well in warmer climates like ours, your opportunities to fish them around here are predominantly in stocked waters. What we do have in natural abundance are small-mouth bass. They, like trout, are good fighters and fun to catch on a fly rod. Go anywhere in the Huzzah Creek or Big River systems to find them. If trout is what you're after, naysayers be damned, you'll want the upper Current River near Montauk, Mo. For beginners, Montauk State Park offers a fishing pond, complete with lessons. Those with more expertise should check out the trophy trout section below the park. See entries at mdc.mo.gov/areas/stlouis/fish
My outside: Philip Slein, Director, Philip Slein Gallery
The old tunnel in the back of the Museum of Transportation Park: "Even on a hot summer day, the damp, cool air rumbles forth from the dark, mossy space like a phantom freight train that speeds me back to a wonderful childhood spent among the steel behemoths of another era!"
My outside: Kiku Obata, Designer and Founder, Kiku Obata & Company
The farmland and bluffs along the Missouri River between Augusta and Defiance: "It is peaceful and open — a calming beauty."
THE PARENT
Sure, there's the usual pool/zoo/playground loop, but sometimes you crave a little nature, a bit of adventure or just something that doesn't involve waist-high pleas for nachos and blue snow cones.
Grant's Farm
What's not to love about a place where they pick you up from the parking lot, take you on a mini-safari (Missouri-style) in groovy open-air trams and drop you off in a child's version of Fantasy Island, where your kids can give bottles of milk to goat kids (and get their shoelaces nibbled in polite return), pat 100-year-old tortoises, talk to the parrots and chase hedgehogs around in a little pen, and where you're then pointed toward the adult's version of Fantasy Island, where they give you (get this!) free beer? 10501 Gravois, 314-843-1700, grantsfarm.com
Calhoun County Day Trip
This is a great daylong adventure that will have the whole crew happily worn out by the end. Itinerary: Drive the Great River Road to the free Brussels Ferry; take it across the Illinois River to Calhoun County; enjoy a family-style lunch the kids will actually eat at the Whitmond Hotel in the quaint town of Brussels, Ill.; take in the beauty of the old farms and cemeteries of Calhoun County; pick your own peaches at one of the many you-pick markets in the area; get back in the car and drive to the Golden Eagle Ferry on the other side of Calhoun County to come back across the Mississippi. Then go home and sleep like babies. greatriverroad.com
Cahokia Mounds
Here's why Cahokia, Ill., was an ideal place for the mound-building Native Americans to create the largest prehistoric city north of Mexico: It sat in a fertile flood plain that allowed it unprecedented success growing corn, and it bordered the Ozark forest, which offered both toolmaking stuff and yummy deer to eat. Here's why it's an ideal place for your family to end up some sunny morning this summer: The hike around Monk's Mound (the biggie) and the twin mounds (one a flat temple mound, the other a round burial mound) can be undertaken in less than two hours, even by little legs, and the make-believe material the kids get from visiting a lost city will last for weeks. 30 Ramey, Collinsville, Ill., 618-346-5160, cahokiamounds.com
Confluence Of The Missouri And Mississippi Rivers
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is one of those great family outings that's educational without feeling like it was designed to be. Better known as the confluence, it is the place where the Missouri and Mississippi come together, as well as Lewis and Clark's historic departure point. For the best experience, stop at the visitor's center for a passbook, and then visit the nine outdoor exploration stations. Make a rubbing at each station, then take your passbook back to receive a patch. Each station features a mosaic marker that explains the surrounding ecosystem, from croplands and wetlands to hardwood forest. The final station is the majestic confluence overlook. 801 Strodtman, 314-877-6014, mdc.mo.gov/areas/areas/bottom
My outside: Mike Wolff, Former Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court
Vandalia Lake, about 65 miles east of downtown St. Louis on I-70: "My family and I have been going there for years. The lake is well maintained, well patrolled and safe for boating, water-skiing and swimming."
My outside: Dawn McAndrews, Artistic Director, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis
Pickle Springs Natural Area in Ste. Genevieve: "I like to say the name, and the hike is a great adventure for our two boys, ages 10 and 3. The hike isn't too strenuous — it takes anywhere from one to two hours depending on the time you spend climbing — and there are waterfalls, arches, canyons and boulders and great views."
THE AESTHETE
It's not that you don't like the outdoors, it's just that you want to exercise your mind and senses as much as your body. For you, we offer the idea that life and art, when not imitating each other, are harmoniously converging outside those four walls you so often find yourself in.
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Raw nature is great, but when it's combined with the thumbprint of our response to it by way of giant metal eggs, mosaic cats and improbably walking tree roots, it makes for a uniquely enjoyable experience. While spending an afternoon walking under and around the work of major artists (Mark di Suvero or our own Ernest Trova), Laumeier is also gorgeous at night; try to make one of this summer's events at LOMA, the park's open-air auditorium that hosts live entertainment. 12580 Rott, 314-821-1209, laumeier.com
Missouri Botanical Garden's Whitaker Music Festival
Any Wednesday evening from June to mid-August, head to MoBot; bring a blanket, pack a picnic, come early. Admission to the Garden is free after 5 p.m., and you'll want to claim your spot in the natural amphitheater (i.e., on the hill) early. Though this used to be a jazz festival, it's expanded to include pop, acoustic, folk and blues, and the artists are all linked to St. Louis in some way — some were born here, and some, like crooner Erin Bode (whose rendition of "Graceland" you've got to hear), got their start here, earned greater recognition and are swinging by to say, or rather sing, hello. Bode takes the stage June 4. 4434 Shaw, 314-577-9400, mobot.org
The Muny
Carefree, adventurous St. Louisans are not afraid of a quick change in the weather, even when we are at the theater. In fact, we think seeing a summer show without checking the sky for lightning or putting your program over your head to keep off the rain is a little boring. And when the weather does cooperate, there's not much that feels more pleasurably civilized than being enveloped in warm evening air while you watch high-quality performances. In keeping with the theme of Forest Park as a place for everyone, the Muny prides itself on offering 1,500 free seats each night. To sit in those last nine rows, bring your binoculars and come early — they're first come, first served starting at 7 p.m. 314-361-1900, muny.com
Outdoor Movies
Piling into the car to go see a flick at Frontenac or the Tivoli is fine for the other three seasons, but summer is the time to be outside with your neighbors, building a little community. That's where Front Yard Features comes in. The group's going to screen 200 outdoor movies around Missouri this summer, and your neighborhood could get one of them. To nominate a good spot in your 'hood and a favorite movie or to see what's playing where, head to the website. fyfstl.com
Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis
As you know, the Bard came up with 1,700 of our most commonly used and delicious words — words like besmirch and bedroom and moonbeam and undress. Go show the man some gratitude — Richard III is free and in Forest Park until June 15. sfstl.com
My outside: Robin Carnahan, Missouri Secretary of State
Jacks Fork River: "I love getting away for a few days of canoeing and camping on any one of our beautiful scenic rivers in the Ozarks. The Jacks Fork is a special place no matter what time of year, with crystal-clear water, dramatic rock bluffs and lots of peace and solitude — unless you visit on a busy summer holiday weekend!"
Damn, we've got good outdoor art in St. Louis. Find a map to all of it at art-stl.com/PublicArt.cfm, and become the docent of your own outside art tour.
THE THRILL SEEKER
Whether you're dropping from a plane or weaving between trees on your mountain bike, the adrenaline rush is your daily vitamin. Warning: These trips are not for the faint of heart.
Skydiving With Archway
Archway Skydiving Center has been in business over 40 years, so these people know how to do it. They average 12,000 jumps a year, and they're open every weekend and on weekdays by appointments. Scared of going it alone? Don't worry — tandem jumps are available. Prices range from $159 to $289. 618-283-4973, archwayskydiving.com
Six Flags in Eureka
Yawn your way past Bugs Bunny National Park, and head straight to the rides classified under "Max" in the theme park's thrill rating: Xcalibur (rotate 360 degrees while sitting in a small compartment 11 stories off the ground), The Boss (a faster, steeper roller coaster with a drop of 150 feet), Mr. Freeze (a vertigo-inducing ride — try 0 to 70 mph in 3.8 seconds — that goes straight up, then pulls you back down) and the old rickety Screamin' Eagle (beyond its speed, hearing the wooden planks creak beneath you is definitely the main thrill). One time through isn't enough? Well, the good news is that you can always do it again ... and again ... and again ... 4900 Six Flags, 636-938-4800, sixflags.com/stLouis
Berryman Trail
More intense than any mere trail, the epic Berryman mountain-biking ride can be found in the Ozark countryside between Potosi and Steelville. It's an all-day excursion with a 24-mile loop trail that has both technical and nontechnical sections, with some challenging switchbacks and uphill peddling (which makes for some extreme downhill, as well). Make sure to watch out for horses, as they share the trail. stlbiking.com/Trail-Berryman.htm
Elephants Rock!
A day-trip with the kids
As both a somewhat recent transplant to St. Louis and a devoted dad to three curious preteen creatures, I often try to fill a weekend day with an outing that might introduce a modicum of fun and education into our daily lives. Last weekend's foray was just such an excursion.
Approximately 90 miles south of the metro area is a state park accurately named "Elephant Rocks," free and open to the public since 1969. We left shortly after noon on Saturday and pulled into the parking lot in less than two hours. Many large parks seemingly require a master's degree in cartography to find the trail that is not too long, not too short, and that leads to a convenient potty for my 8-year-old. But Elephant Rocks offered no confusion — one main trail, about a mile in length, paved and circular. Being circular is key for directionally challenged Dad, because I could always say, "We're going the right way," and I was always correct.
The rocks alluded to in the park's name are of a beautiful, sought-after granite called Missouri Red. This is a stone of warm colors: earthen red tempered by specks of black and white. Masons often use Missouri Red granite for grave markers, countertops and buildings (Washington University's campus is packed with examples).
The trail starts at the base of a small hill and meanders on a slow ascent through piles of new and old boulders. The "new" boulders were quarried from this area in the last 100 years or so. The "old" boulders were formed slightly earlier — about 1.5 billion years earlier. It is amazing to see what wind, rain, freezing and thawing can do to rock over the course of a billion years or so. While the newer rocks are mainly angular in shape, the more ancient stones are smooth, rounded and covered with a comely, sage-colored lichen.
And the boulders are perfect for climbing! The kids went crazy scrambling up nearly every rock they could find. And because the climbing was not up sheer faces, the protective parent in me felt more than comfortable letting them explore on their own, while I ambled along with our family pooch.
The trail gradually ascends 75 to 100 feet to the crest of the park. There, the "Elephant Rocks" stand end to end (like circus elephants) on top of an expansive field of granite. The impressive view of surrounding St. Francois County is indeed lovely, but overshadowed by the 600-ton monoliths that are so uncommon for us city dwellers. The trip back down is equally gentle and winds past an exquisite pond formed by the quarry.
Getting the kids back in the car was the hard part — but we left in triumph, with no scratched knees, falls or trauma of any kind. We stopped by the Dairy Princess in Bismarck for some ice cream. A quick nap for the weary munchkins and we were back in Creve Coeur — re-energized. —Derek White
To plan your trip, visit mostateparks.com/elephantrock.htm, or call 573-546-3454. Elephant Rocks' trail is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, and the informational signage is repeated in Braille.
My outside: Jeff Ettling, Curator of Herpetology, Saint Louis Zoo
Big Piney River and the Marble Creek section of the Ozark Trail: "I can have my canoe in the water less than an hour and a half after departing St. Louis and be relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks. I also like to backpack. Getting off the beaten ‘asphalt' path and being able to take in the earthy odors and experience the sights and sounds of the natural world is invigorating for me."
My outside: Scott Schnuck, Chairman and CEO, Schnuck Markets
Boone Valley Golf Course in Augusta, Mo.: "It's right up there with some of my best golfing experiences. Starting with the drive up Highway 94 and through wine country, the trail ends at the beautiful and lush 18-hole course."
THE FITNESS BUFF
Sure, you eat Clif Bars, chug protein drinks, take your vitamins and use your fish oil, but do you walk the walk?
Penrose Park Velodrome
After years of disuse, this behemoth of a racing track, located near Kingshighway and I-70, came back to life in 2005, with a surface that may not be what it was in its prime in 1962 (when it held the National Championships), but it sure gets the job done if you're looking for some serious riding. It's open to everyone, and if you're up for some competition, there's usually some on hand. The track, set at a 23-degree angle and encompassing 322 meters, was built for fixed-gear bikes with no brakes. Translation: If you get up to your maximum speed, you're going to have to stop. Somehow. mobra.org/penrose_park.php
Running in Francis Park
Encompassing one huge block in the middle of the St. Louis Hills neighborhood, this park is South City's answer to Forest Park. It's a 1¼-mile trek around the place — which also includes softball fields and handball courts — so you can keep score as you make your laps. The 60 acres of land, once owned by David Francis, former mayor of the city and governor of Missouri, was considered as the site for the 1904 World's Fair. That should make it good enough for you. stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/Francis.html
St. Louis Boot Camp
We've seen these people at work, and that's what it truly is — work. Imagine beginning at 5:15 a.m. with nonstop cardio and endurance exercises mixed with some extreme stretching and meditative yoga. After you're done with that, it's a sprint up the hill ... and then back down. Boot Camp sergeants promise an outdoor fitness regimen that will give you improved endurance, self-confidence, waistline, motivation, strength and relaxation. It's $299 for four weeks, five days a week, one hour a day. 314-435-9229, stlouisbootcamp.com
Top 5 Playgrounds
One mom's favorites for all our city's kids
Dennis and Judith Jones Variety Wonderland
This half-acre playground opened in fall 2005 in Forest Park just west of the Visitor Center. A plaque on the sidewalk next to the nearby Jefferson Memorial tells about a time when Forest Park set up "Vacation Village," a camp-out getaway for St. Louisans who couldn't afford to leave town. It's in this same spirit that this playground has been built — it's accessible for kids with disabilities, which means the swings, teeter-totters and even the highest spots on the playground can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone. 314-367-7275
St. Charles County Youth Activity Park
Essentially a playground for the tween and teen set, the youth activity park is home to the largest outdoor skate park in the Midwest, open to rollerbladers and skateboarders of all levels. It also boasts a 30-foot indoor-outdoor rock-climbing wall, batting cages, sand volleyball and basketball courts. The park is open only to 12- to 18-year-olds Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 3:30 to 10 p.m; people of all ages can come earlier in the day. With modest access fees (check the website for pricing structure), it's a good place for kids to spend their allowance. And because a park ranger and three CPR-trained staff members are always at the park, you can feel good about letting the kids tear it up by themselves for a while. 7801 Highway N, 636-561-4964, parks.sccmo.org/parks
St. Louis Children's Hospital's Inclusive Playground
Like the Forest Park playground, this one in Tilles Park features a ramping system and accessible equipment. It deserves its own mention, however, for three reasons: (1) its water play area, with a series of geysers whose streams can be controlled by the kids with sa push of a button, (2) its music area, which features an outsize xylophone, various drum boxes and a shaker wheel and (3) the walking path that circles the park, which offers a great way for parents to get in a workout after the kids have had their fun. McKnight & Litzinger, stlouisco.com/parks/tilles.html
Edgar M. Queeny Park
What's so great about the playground at Queeny Park is the way it feels somehow like a natural outcropping. It's one of the few local playgrounds to feature actual topography; the bluffs and gullies, hills and sand and the water that often trickles through are a welcome departure from the ubiquitous flatland, spongy-tire safety-bottom of most playgrounds. Kids can get down and dirty there while their guardians sit a short distance away in civilized peace with a book. And there's none of that "disappearing behind a big wall" — you can see them easily. 550 Weidman, 636-391-0912
The City Museum's MonstroCity
The rest of these playgrounds can be commended for their relative safety and easy access. MonstroCity has impressed us with a different approach. Back in the day, we took our playgrounds like Metallica fans take their music — industrial strength and dangerous. Sure, you lost an occasional tooth diving off the monkey bars and suffered second-degree burns if you went down the slide on a 90-degree day, but knowing you were no sissy was its own kind of fun. City Museum got that concept down pat and then went nuts (aircraft fuselages in midair, wrought-iron Slinkies, ball pits where kids bean other kids toward tears). The result? The coolest playground in St. Louis. Maybe even on the planet. 701 N. 15th, 314-231-2489, citymuseum.org
THE SPORTSMAN
For you, pure exercise isn't enough. You need a team to join or at least an opponent with whom to battle. Here's where we're sending you.
Tennis
First, get inspired by the pros, in person, in the stands. During July the St. Louis Aces will showcase their newest drafts, Anna Kournikova and Andy Roddick, in the boisterous and well-attended matches set at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. Now to you: Get out your white shorts and sweatband, because it's time to work on your slice backhand. We've picked your courts by surface: For clay, we recommend Triple A Golf and Tennis Club in Forest Park. They've been around more than 100 years, but the courts don't show their age. Carefully manicured and treated each morning, the 14 courts are open to members and non, high-level hitters and recreationals who still use that T2000. (Speaking of: Jimmy Connors got his start here.) For turf, head to Blackburn Park. Tucked away just behind Webster U.'s campus are two courts set up high above the baseball fields and walking paths. It's a strange surface if you've never hit on artificial material, but — attention, veterans — it's easier on the knees. For plain old hard-court hitting, one of our favorites is Carondelet Park in Holly Hills. Its courts are well lit and rarely occupied. Triple A: 5163 Clayton, 314-652-2433, tripleaclub.org; Blackburn: 509 Edgar; Carondelet: South Grand and Loughborough, stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/carondeletpark.html
Golf
Let's face it: You could use a few practice swings before your pencil meets the score card. And the classic St. Louis institution Tower Tee, which opened in 1963, has a tee box waiting for you. For $15 you'll get a jumbo bucket (150–160 balls), enough to get you ready for a round or two on the Norman K. Probstein Community Golf Course in Forest Park. After its $12.5 million renovation, it's a fine place for the veterans and the newbies. The 27 holes are divided into three 9-hole courses. As you'd expect, the weekends are more expensive, which is why you see so many people playing hooky there on a Tuesday morning. Tower Tee: 6727 Heege, 314-481-5818, towertee.com; Probstein: 6141 Lagoon, 314-367-1337, stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/golf.html
Sand Volleyball
Love the feeling of sand between your toes but can't make it to the beach this summer? The Stratford Inn in Fenton has three volleyball courts, which they claim have "Florida White Sand" and can be wet down on hot days. Though the courts are occupied by leagues at night, they're up for grabs during the day. Wear your sun visor and tank top (like the pros do), and don't forget your sunscreen. It's conveniently located outside the Stratford Bar & Grill, so stop in for a bite once you're all spiked out. 800 S. Highway, 636-343-5757, stratfordbar.com
Softball
Did you even know there's a St. Louis Softball League? Well there is, and it's currently in its sixth season. Teams at different levels ("Coed Competitive," for one) play in Forest Park and at various South City fields, abiding (with a few exceptions) by the stricter-than-you-thought Amateur Softball Association rules. Those looking for a less formal game should find their way to the league at Tower Grove Park. You can then follow the teams to their favorite South City watering holes — which in many cases serve as team sponsors. stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/softball.html; towergrovepark.org
Soccer
Soccer and St. Louis have a long history together (The Steamers, the quarter-century-old Soccer Park, The Game of Their Lives), but what's happening these days? Plenty, especially at South City's Willmore Park (where many Bosnians play); Holly Hills' Christy Park (where squads of kids cleat up), at Gravois and Rose; and the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex, which has seven fine fields. For the past 15 years or so, there's also been an insiders' pickup game of strong players on the field that sits behind Ladue Middle School. Drop on by — they play Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Just don't embarrass us. Willmore Park: Hampton and Jamieson; Christy Park: Gravois and Rose; Chesterfield: N. Outer 40 Drive at Spirit of St. Louis Boulevard; Ladue: 9703 Conway
THE NATURALIST
Thank goodness St. Louis is so centrally located among parks, reserves and natural formations, so that you're able to get out, walk around and make any day an Earth day. Since you're probably a Zoo veteran already (you'd know names in a penguin lineup), here are a few other places well worth a full day.
Lone Elk Park
The fact that you're able to drive into this park — just a short drive on I-44 to the North Outer Road west of State Route 141 — and within minutes be able to see bison is what makes it one of the best outdoors activities in the area. Leave your doggies at home (even if you swear to keep them in the vehicle; they might scare the waterfowl, elk and deer you came to see). But don't forget the challenging hiking trails (Chubb or White Bison) where other wildlife roam and the available picnic areas, some even complete with electricity. stlouisco.com/parks/loneelk.html
Bird-Watching
With so many first-rate options for birding in the area, this pastime doesn't have to be limited to retirees. Try Horseshoe Lake in Granite City, where waterfowl and gulls run amok, thanks to the state park's effort to maintain its food sources for the birds. One of the area's best is the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, just before Alton near the Mississippi River in the wetlands, where seasonal terns and shorebirds stop on their way out of town. This is also the best viewing site for bald eagles during the colder months. Horseshoe: 618-931-0270, dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r4/Horsesp.htm; Riverlands: 888-899-2602, www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rivers/
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
With nearly 7,000 acres — 3,000 of them forest — the Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles is a boon for naturalists. Run by the Missouri Department of Conservation, it offers chances to spy deer, turkey and other wildlife; hunt rabbit, dove and waterfowl (regulations apply for all); and catch all kinds of fish in one of its 32 lakes. Even the young ones can get in on the action — kids under 16 don't need a fishing license. 636-441-4554, mdc.mo.gov/areas/cnc/busch/
Devil's Icebox Wild Cave Tours
Naturalists who crave a bit more adventure should put this on their list of late-summer, early-fall musts. Tours of Devil's Icebox, located in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, 10 miles outside Columbia, Mo., are only offered a few months (April–May, August–October) and require varying levels of bravery. If you're in, you'll need a thick pair of socks (it's 56 degrees down there), a trusty headlamp, some old clothes (Gore-Tex is not encouraged, as its "pores" can get clogged) and a reliable life jacket (must be worn at all times). Water in the cave can reach as low as your ankles or as high as above your head. If you're not up to darting around stalagmites, there's always the dryer option of descending the steep (and lengthy) staircase to view the base of the cave, where it's about 15 degrees cooler than it is at the top of the stairs; the narration could turn out to be much better than your self-guided tour. 573-449-7422, mostateparks.com/rockbridge/cave.htm
My outside: Les Sterman, Executive Director, East-West Gateway Coordinating Council
The Arch Grounds: "Having grown up in New York City and now living downtown, my favorite outdoor places are the streets of downtown, watching them come alive after so many years of dormancy."
Birders' bookmark: Take flight in the local birding scene with the St. Louis Audubon Society. Visit stlouisaudubon.org for info.
THE ROMANTIC
While some are content going out to dinner and a movie with their loved one, you think there are more spontaneous, creative ways to rekindle that romance — namely, by bringing the great outdoors into your realm of options.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Who says romance has to be grounded? You're at the mercy of wind speed, but most flights take an hour to an hour and a half and travel whichever way the breeze takes you. It's on the pricey side — $500 for two passengers — but seeing your house from a wicker basket 1,500 feet in the air is about as fairy tale as you can get. 12245 Rain Hollow, 314-434-4241, balloonsoverstl.com
Augusta Winery
Open year-round, this award-winning winery is one of Missouri's finest. It's on the bluffs above the Missouri River Valley, only a 35-mile drive from St. Louis. Sit at the bar and sip samples of pinots, ports or petite syrahs, or buy a bottle and picnic outside with your own basket of goodies. The prices are reasonable, and the scenery, provided that the weather's pleasant, is enjoyable. 5601 High, Augusta, Mo., 636-228-4130, augustawinery.com
Boat Rides in Forest Park
Beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at sundown, with your choice of a rowboat or paddle boat, you can ride under bridges or around fountains in the Grand Basin facing the Saint Louis Art Museum. Bring a beverage or snack you've purchased at the Boathouse — just no sharing with the ducks. For $15 per boat per hour, you can create memories that will last a lifetime. Or at least until your significant other requests a carriage ride downtown. 314-367-2224, boathouseforestpark.com
Carriage Rides Downtown
OK, so it's not New York's Central Park, but on a nice summer evening, it definitely comes close. If you're feeling spontaneous, feel free to hop on at any of their three stops: Morgan Street, the riverfront or the Adam's Mark Hotel. Pickup spots are flexible with a reservation, and prices for two range from $25 for the 15-minute ride to $85 for the full hour. Note to the über-amorous: Bottles of bubbly are welcome onboard. 314-621-3334, stlouiscarriagecompany.com
Pere Marquette State Park and Lodge
Undeniably one of the most scenic in the Metro East, the drive to Grafton is a short hour's drive up Illinois' Great River Road that runs along the Mississippi. The lodge was built in the 1930s and still maintains that rustic feel that lodges should have. There are 50 guest rooms and 22 cabins available, with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, cocktail lounge and a newly installed wine-tasting room. We recommend taking advantage of the 8,000-acre state park that acts as your back yard — activities include horseback riding, canoeing and hiking — and then staying over on Saturday night to enjoy the extensive brunch the next morning. 618-786-2331, pmlodge.net
Basket Case
Packing for the perfect picnic? Start planning now
Picnicking in the park: The notion resonates romance. A couple lounging on a blanket under a weeping willow, dining on a carefully prepared meal, sipping wine, savoring the moment. The reality isn't always quite so sweet.
Ants crawling, mosquitoes biting, dogs threatening, babies screaming and neighboring boomboxes blaring can dampen one's affection for dining en plein air.
But assuming you have found the perfect spot — as in high, dry and isolated — and the perfect companion (witty, intelligent and possibly hot), how you pack the tote will contribute greatly to the outing's success.
To start: The basket can range from the traditional hook-on-your-arm hickory to the snazzy luggage-like Avalanche Picnic Cooler on Wheels ($115.95). Whether it comes packed with all the necessities of plates, glasses, flatware, corkscrew and cutting board (the latter) or bare (the former), certain items must be included. The suggested wine is a chilled white, say a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. Must-bring cheeses include a sharp cheddar, a soft brie and possibly a bleu. Be sure the bread is French — and fresh.
The main dish? To sidestep the scenario of suicide by picnicking, avoid mayonnaise and excessive amounts of cream. The easiest — but not necessarily most exciting — entrées are cold salads, sandwiches or, the perennial favorite, chicken. But if you long to impress, pick up James Beard's Treasury of Outdoor Cooking, turn to "Luxury picnic for two" and serve the prescribed champagne, pâté, lobster Newburg and Camembert. For dessert — and you do want dessert — one great combo is drop cookies and fruit.
When packing, first put a towel down in the bottom of the basket — a precautionary measure that will be appreciated later if (read: when) spills occur. If the basket isn't insulated, freeze bottles of water and use them to keep containers chilled (you can consume their contents later). For the pests that crawl or fly, slip in a package of bug-repellent wipes, like the 100 percent DEET-free BuzzAway ($7.99). For sticky fingers, include regular wipes.
While a candelabra has been spotted in a park or two, you should consider less Liberace-like votives for late-night candlelight. Music and a book to read aloud from complete the scene — as long as both enrich and neither perplexes.
And finally, don't forget the blanket — which should be a quilt or cotton matelassé (twin-size). No wool, no itch, easy to shake out, not too hot and large enough to cover a nation of mood-killing ants. —Christy Marshall
By Maud Kelly and Sarah Truckey
