Triple B Does St. Louis!

Admit it. You just reread the title of this post at least twice. St. Louis? She can’t be serious. Well I am and here’s why!

I enjoy getting stamps in my passport as much as the next gal. But as newlyweds or young parents, it isn’t always practical. Whether the challenge is financially-driven, limited time off of work, conflicting schedules or a combination of all three, extended vacations aren’t always possible yet every couple still needs occasional time away to hit the “reset” button. So when Triple B was invited to visit St. Louis, we jumped at the opportunity to discover all the Show Me State (also known as Missouri) has to offer.

Here’s seven reasons you too will enjoy a sexy St. Louis jaunt with your boo (or even for a girlfriends getaway or family trip):

1 – LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Known as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis (STL) is equally accessible from the east or west coast, as well as many points in the south. It’s a four and a half hour drive from neighboring midwest city, Chicago. Thus, the geographical location of St. Louis make it ideal for a no-fuss weekend getaway!

Hanging out with talented STL wedding + event planner Aaren of Divine Events.

2 – HIDDEN CULTURE
Whether learning the origins of authentic blues at the National Blues Museum (creatively interactive and covers artists from Howlin’ Wolf to Nas!), soaking up rarely discussed Black American history at the old courthouse downtown–this is where the Dred Scott trials took place or visiting one of the oldest HBCUs, Harris-Stowe University, there are plenty of cultural activities to enjoy in STL.

We were greeted with authentic Gooey Butter Cake (a STL fave) in our room at the Hyatt.

3 – DIVERSE ACCOMMODATIONS
We called both the Hyatt Regency and The Chase Park Plaza our home away from home in STL. They are quite different hotels — the downtown Hyatt is an affordable, familiar chain and we were quite excited to be so close to the world famous Arch during our stay, while The Chase is a historic, high-end option just steps away from the picturesque Forest Park. I even got to experience my first chakra balancing massage at their on-site Aveda spa! Bonus: Both hotels frequently host weddings.

Checking out the rooftop at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. That’s Forest Park behind me!

4 – GREAT RESTAURANTS
We enjoyed scrumptious seafood at Peacemaker Lobster and Crab Co.  Although hesitant to try seafood in the midwest, Peacemaker receives fresh deliveries daily and the service is A+. In addition to excellent lobster, crab and shrimp, their fried green tomatoes were super yummy (and I don’t typically like tomatoes). A visit to St. Louis isn’t complete without dining at Sweetie Pies! My mom is a big fan of the OWN show so I had to see if it lived up to the hype. It does. All the expected soul food faves are on point from fried chicken to mac and cheese. But the true winner in is the pear cobbler–personally recommended to Black Bridal Bliss by Ms. Robbie herself! If you’re searching for a chill spot to grab a cup of Joe, hit up Chronicle Coffee. Owner Jason Wilson is as charming as he is knowledgeable about all things coffee.

Me about to devour a lobster dinner at Peacemaker.

5 – COOL LANDMARKS These sites are standouts from our stay:

St. Louis Zoo
This destination receives more than three million visitors annually and it’s f-r-e-e. (It is located in Forest Park mentioned above. Also in Forest Park are the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, Missouri History Museum and The Muny.)

Botanical Gardens
There’s beauty at every turn here; nice location for an outdoor wedding, memorable date or family outing.

Cardinal baseball game at Busch Stadium
After the game, hang out at nearby Ballpark Village filled with trendy bars, restaurants and lounges.

Arch Tram
How could you visit St. Louis and not go to The Arch? This fun tram elevates the experience and delivers lots of hometown factoids.

Yep, I rocked hubby’s Mets cap at a Cardinals game. (The Mets won!)

6 – WINERIES/VINEYARDS
The Show Me State is home to more than 125 wineries! We jumped at the chance to complete a tour and tasting at Bear Creek Winery (where Cousin Mars took this hilarious pic). Bear Creek is also an ideal location for a rustic, intimate wedding.

Cousin Mars meets a bull at Bear Creek.

7 – BIG CEDAR LODGE –  Technically this award-wining resort is a four hour drive from STL. But it was such a memorable part of our stay. We had our own romantic cabin with a huge deck (!) –in the woods– and there was tons to do from stellar golf, to fine and casual dining to water sports. Big Cedar is the definition of luxury meets natural hideaway.

Big Cedar is filled with gorge spaces like this.
Date night at Big Cedar: A Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Nature Trail in our own golf cart before a fancy dinner at Osage restaurant.
Cousin Mars gets his Tiger Woods on at Big Cedar.

In addition to the venues mentioned above, another fab St. Louis event space ripe for jumping the broom is The Caramel Room. It is sleek, modern and offers uniquely versatile areas under one roof. If you’re considering a sophisticated STL wedding, definitely check them out!

View more great pics from this trip on Instagram under hashtag #triplebdoesstlouis!

Have you ever traveled to St. Louis? Where are you going for your next vacay?

Disclosure: A press trip was coordinated to facilitate this post.