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photography by katie weber; courtesy of cardinals nation, the audubon center at riverlands, kmov-T
Ballpark Village rooftop seating
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Danny Reise/WUSTL Photos
Heron Pond Viewing Blind
8.22.2013 -- during the Sam Fox School of Architecture work outing at the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri. Photo by Danny Reise/WUSTL Photos
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Luci Branyan
Chaumette Vineyards and Winery
Chaumette Vineyards and Winery
Reason to Skip Wrigley
Ballpark Village
Sure, Chicagoans have watched games on rooftops for years—but the quality of the seats outside Wrigley Field varies dramatically, the team and rooftop owners don’t always see eye to eye, and…well, it’s the Cubs. Fortunately, when Ballpark Village opened, it took advantage of the stadium-side real estate. Cardinals Nation’s AT&T Rooftop includes 336 bleacher seats overlooking Busch Stadium’s outfield, while Budweiser Brew House’s party deck offers food, drinks, and the same great view. The best part? It’s not Wrigleyville. 601 Clark, 314-345-9481, stlballparkvillage.com.
Perfect Picnic
Concordia Seminary’s Carillon Recital Series
Each Tuesday in June, from 7 to 8 p.m., Concordia Seminary provides the soundtrack for one of the most serene experiences in St. Louis. Families and couples gather in the campus’ main quadrangle, where they spread out blankets, unpack picnic baskets, and breathe a collective sigh of relief. As renowned carillonneur Karel Keldermans plays from the bell tower, it’s the closest you’ll get to heaven—without leaving Clayton. 801 Seminary, 314-505-7000, csl.edu.
Family-Friendly Addition
Grant’s Farm’s Paddle Boats
Swans aren’t typically associated with Clydesdales, but that’s what you’ll find—at least in plastic form—at Grant’s Farm. Earlier this year, the attraction added a fleet of swan-shaped paddle boats to its offerings. Now, visitors can pay $7 per boat to take a spin on Mirror Lake for a half hour. And afterward, of course, they can see real animals, including elephants, parrots, and the Clydesdales themselves. 10501 Gravois, 314-843-1700, anheuser-busch.com.
Scenic View
The Nature Institute
The stretch between Alton and Grafton, Ill., running along the Great River Road, is among the most beautiful in the region. So imagine it from atop the bluffs hugging the eastern shores of the Mississippi River. At The Nature Institute’s Mississippi Sanctuary and Olin Nature Preserve, visitors can hike through unspoiled wilderness before reaching a series of scenic overlooks. Afterward, they can picnic at Talahi Lodge—before making that scenic drive back home. 2213 S. Levis, Godfrey, Ill., 618-466-9930, thenatureinstitute.org.
Weekend Escape
Chaumette Vineyards & Winery
Nestled in the hills outside of Ste. Genevieve, Chaumette is a winery destination that offers you all the makings of a perfect weekend getaway: villas with a breathtaking view, dining from an award-winning chef, and a spa that features myriad treatment options. Oh, and did we mention there’s a winery, too? No trip is complete without spending at least one sunset sipping a glass of Bouvet Blanc and gazing out across Saline Creek Valley. 24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, 573-747-1000, chaumette.com.
Conservation—With a Twist
Heron Pond Viewing Blind
Say “bird blind,” and Duck Dynasty might come to mind. But the variety at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is far from what you’d expect. Last year, a team of Washington University architecture students designed an avian observatory resembling a giant brown cocoon—that is, if Frank Gehry had inspired it. Today, visitors to Heron Pond can watch bald eagles, great blue herons, and other winged travelers along the Mississippi Flyway. 301 Riverlands, West Alton, Mo., 636-899-0090, riverlands.audubon.org.
3 Ways to a Great Day
The cast of KMOV-TV’s Great Day St. Louis on their favorite local amusements.
Kent Ehrhardt
"Castlewood State Park in Ballwin: swimming in the Meramec River with my dog or hiking the trails. It’s a getaway close to home. "
Virginia Kerr
"I love The Nest! My son and I like to hang out there because he can play on the playground, take fun classes, and make new friends while I can spend time with my girlfriends. The food is amazing, and it’s a great place to meet women in St. Louis. And the place is gorgeous. It’s like no other in St. Louis. It’s a playground, community center, restaurant, and hangout all rolled into one."
Matt Chambers
"My wife and I do our best to keep our kids physically active. Sure, it keeps them healthy, but honestly, we’re in it for the more frequent naps! That’s why you’ll sometimes find us at World Class Gymnastics Center in Belleville, Ill. Our kids aren’t gymnasts, but World Class occasionally hosts open-play groups. The kids can jump into a giant pit of foam blocks, swing on rings, jump on trampolines, walk the balance beam, and play with a classic giant parachute. Naptime, here we come!"
