Hike: Whispering Pines Trail, Hawn State Park
Dine: Chaumette Vineyards & Winery
For folks who enjoy roughing up hiking boots just as much as donning high heels, this adventure swings from earthy to elegant—without holding back on the scenery. Take I-55 south to Hawn State Park (12096 Park, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-3603), and enjoy an afternoon of exploring the beauty of Whispering Pines Trail: abundant wildlife, pine forests, interesting rock formations, and the beautiful banks of Pickle Creek. Afterwards, the extra 30-minute drive to Chaumette (24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, 573-747-1000) is well worth it. Enjoy sweeping countryside views, and relax with a Missouri wine and dinner at the Grapevine Grill. You earned it.
Hike: Katy Trail
Dine: The Silly Goose
Six minutes. That’s all it will take you to hop off the Katy Trail at the Augusta Trailhead (573-449-7402) to sit at a table in The Silly Goose (5501 Locust, Augusta, 636-482-4667), Augusta’s southern dining joint. It’s not a minute too soon when you’ve been walking or biking the Katy Trail, which offers miles and miles of biking and walking trails throughout the state. Build up an appetite for fried chicken and waffles, gator gumbo, and orange chipotle ribs, and walk it off on a stroll through charming Augusta.
Hike: Castlewood State Park
Dine: Young’s Restaurant & Ice Creamery
Certainly one of St. Louis’ top spots for hiking and biking, a trip to Castlewood (1401 Kiefer Creek, Ballwin, 636-227-4433) is just a little bit better with one added ingredient: ice cream. Once you’ve wrapped up your trek, make the ten-minute drive to Young’s (206 Meramec Station, Valley Park, 636-225-6677), a family owned spot near the corner of Highway 44 and 141 in Valley Park. Don’t expect a vegan menu. Fried food is the name of the game at Young’s—from fries to chicken and just about anything that can be dipped in batter. Customize your cone with old-school toppings like fudge, pineapple, and syrup. In business since 1954, Young’s may not be on its nutritional game, but a burger sure tastes good after a long hard run.
Hike: Creve Coeur Park
Dine: Creve Coeur Lakehouse
Not only does Creve Coeur Park (13219 Streetcar, Maryland Heights, 314-615-4386) offer beautiful walking and biking trails, it’s also a great spot to rent boats, kayaks, and standup paddleboards at reasonable prices. A day of adventure pairs well with an outdoor meal on the spacious patio at Creve Coeur Lakehouse (2160 Creve Coeur Mill Road South St. Louis, 314-576-7200), a family owned bar and grill. Catch live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and enjoy classic American cuisine (spinach artichoke dip, toasted ravs, Caesar salad) while overlooking peaceful Mallard Lake.
