EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA
Gateway to Family Fun! Day One
Most of today’s agenda will be spent in downtown St. Louis, highlighting its architectural wonder, the Gateway Arch. But first thing's first — breakfast! At Pharaohs Donuts , you’ll find some of the best donuts, from old school favorites to a rotating menu of sweet, delicious creations involving custard fillings and bacon toppings. Take a short walk one block over to Citygarden Sculpture Park , a beautiful public space dotted with unique sculptures and water features, including a splash pad. Our kids really enjoyed running along the rock pathways in search of the next whimsical piece of outdoor art. When you’re done wandering the lawn and gardens of the park, walk a couple blocks east toward Gateway Arch National Park . Since its completion in the 1960s to commemorate the western expansion of the United States, the Arch has been attracting thousands of visitors each year. Standing at 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made national monument in the Western hemisphere. Ride the tram to the top for spectacular views of the city and the mighty Mississippi River. Tram rides run about every 10 minutes, taking 4 minutes to reach the top and just 3 minutes to return to ground level. Each tram pod holds five people snuggly so if you suffer from claustrophobia, you may want to skip this adventure. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Adjacent to the Visitor Center is the Old Courthouse , where some of the most pivotal civil rights court cases were heard, including the Dred Scott case. Exhibits within the Old Courthouse teach visitors about the life of African American enslaved people in St. Louis, as well as the legacy and relevance of the Dred and Harriet Scott decision. (Note: The Old Courthouse is temporarily closed for renovations, which are expected to be completed in 2024.) Lunch is just an 8-minute walk away at Sauce on the Side , a delightful restaurant featuring fresh salads and handmade calzones all served with flavorful dips on the side. Build your own calzone or choose from one of their specialty combos. Your afternoon would be well spent at Union Station , a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk away. Once the busiest passenger rail terminal in the world back in 1894, it’s now become a nostalgic landmark for entertainment. At Union Station, visit the St. Louis Aquarium , home to more than 13,000 sea creatures and endless opportunities for animal encounters and awe-inspiring views of sharks and other marine life in a 250,000-gallon habitat. Union Station offers several
TAKE A TOUR OF THE OLD COURTHOUSE TO LEARN ABOUT PIVOTAL CIVIL RIGHTS CASES HEARD HERE.
A short drive south to Sugarwitch will satisfy any sweet tooth cravings after a busy day. They serve small- batch, gourmet ice cream sandwiches, cannoli cones and floats all beautifully crafted and made with high-quality ingredients. The hardest part will be deciding which delicious ice cream novelty to order!
other fun attractions: a 200-foot Ferris wheel, a carousel, an 18-hole mini golf course, mirror mazes and an indoor high-ropes course. Save money by purchasing combo tickets online in advance. There are also several eateries available on-site if you decide to stay for dinner.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JULY-AUGUST 2023 59
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