Connect with Nature in Ellisville

St. Louis offers so much to see and do that you can expect virtually endless entertainment in the city, especially if you're interested in local history and architectural masterpieces. If you're looking to see the most iconic sites and landmarks, however, there are a select few you should absolutely include on your itinerary. The Old Court House Dating back to the late 1800s, the Old Court House and Kiener Plaza are essential stops for those interested in seeing the grand architecture of St. Louis buildings defined in one spectacular monument. The surrounding plaza features expansive open space as well, offering a nice break from the more densely packed areas of town and its towering buildings. The Old Court House can be found at 11 N. Fourth St., by the Gateway Arch. Forest Park If you're looking for one location where you can spend the entire day, there's nothing quite like Forest Park. It's home to quite a few different attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo and the local art museum, and that's just the beginning. When the 1904 World's Fair was held here, several remnants were leftover that still can be enjoyed to this day, including the Emerson Grand Basin and the iconic Art Hill. You'll find Forest Park at 5595 Grand Dr. more Missouri Botanical Garden If you're looking to peruse vibrant flora, there's no better site than the Missouri Botanical Garden. Not only can you see colorful plants showing off the best in horticultural beauty, but the garden itself is its own piece of history dating back to 1859. Artistic sculptures are also prevalent throughout, especially in the central water feature where you can see three angelic figures perched atop towering pillars. The garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd. Cathedral Basilica For those looking to see brilliantly designed churches without traveling to Europe, the Cathedral Basilica is one of your best options. This breathtaking, massive church is elegantly designed with multiple arches throughout, invoking a larger-than-life experience. You'll find intricately designed mosaics along the arches and ceilings as well. In fact, this mosaic display is one of the largest in the entire world. You can find it all at 4431 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis Union Station While technically a former train depot, the St. Louis Union Station looks more like a castle than anything else. This seemingly old-world building houses restaurants and a luxury hotel these days, but even from the outside, you can appreciate its outstretched spires and cylindrical towers that show off architectural designs of times past. The station is located at 1820 Market St. This is just a taste of all that St. Louis has to offer, but these must-see sites should be prioritized on any itinerary designed to get the most out of the Gateway City. Plan your adventure today and embark on a journey of discovery to find the best landmarks and sites throughout St. Louis. Image via Pixabay.

Afternoon tea is a popular British tradition and it often involves sandwiches, scones, and delicious desserts. It's an excellent way to socialize with friends and relax at any time of day. Here are some of the best places for tea near Ellisville, Missouri. Mary Ann's Tea Room At Mary Ann's Tea Room in St. Louis, you can enjoy a British tea experience with a modern touch. Teas include Earl Grey, Bombay Chai, Black Currant, Orchid Vanilla, Green Mango Peach, Jasmine Green, Cherry Marzipan, Lemon Sorbetti, Cucumber Mint, and White Ginger Pear. You can also try caffeine-free Blueberry Merlot, Chamomile Citron, Raspberry Nectar, or Swiss Apple herbal teas. Sunday brunch has quiche, Belgian waffles, smoked salmon, eggs benedict, and more. For dessert, you can indulge in chocolate mousse, carrot cake, cheesecake, or the chef's dessert of the day. This place is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. more Teatopia At Teatopia, you can try White Pomegranate, Cherry Hibiscus, or High Mountain Oolong tea. Several Fruitea Smoothies are also available. The Green Dream has mango, pineapple, black tea, and spinach and the Blueberry Coconut Crème blends blueberries with coconut crème black tea. You can have a salad, a veggie burger with homemade vegan buffalo sauce, or nachos with cashew cheese as well. You can visit Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The London Tea Room Like Mary Ann's Tea Room, the London Tea Room has a distinct British feel. More than 80 varieties of tea are available, and it's served on beautiful Laura Ashley china. The types of teas this tea room serves change often, so you can easily find something new. Afternoon tea includes a selection of cakes, pastries, petit fours, and scones. There's also a variety of tea sandwiches. The London Tea Room is an ideal place for parties, and you can take classes to learn how to make delicious scones and a perfect cup of tea. Classes on the history of tea, blending additional flavors with tea, the chemistry of tea, and how tea can improve your health are available as well. You can visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. La Patisseria Chouquette La Patisseria Chouquette is a French bakery that's known for its wedding cakes, amazing desserts, and awesome afternoon teas. You can sample spiced Chai tea, Earl Grey, or mulled Christmas tea. There are also raspberry white chocolate scones, glittered sugar plums, Christmas rum cakes, and gingerbread Madeline. More savory options include Yorkshire pudding puffs with horseradish cream, rosemary turkey with cranberry relish on wheat bread, cucumber sandwiches, and Ricotta tartlets. You can also take home a dozen rum balls, a Yule log, or a cranberry orange Christmas loaf. La Patisseria Chouquette is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At these excellent places, you can taste a variety of teas, snacks, sandwiches, and desserts. Having tea is also a great way for you to work on your etiquette and have fun with older kids. Image via Pixabay.com.

If your child has a birthday coming up, you can make it an occasion to remember at some of the awesome party venues in St. Louis, Missouri. Here are four of the locations where you can arrange a very unique party. The National Museum of Transportation Located on Barrett Station Road, The National Museum of Transportation features the Creation Station which is a play area suitable for kids aged one to five. For your party the kids will have exclusive use of the play area for 90 minutes. Included are invitation cards, museum admission, party bags, snack sacks, helium balloons for all the children, and a gift for the birthday child. Your host will organize everything to ensure the party goes smoothly. All you need to bring is the birthday cake, cupcakes, or cookies. Depending on the season and the weather, you can include a train ride for an additional fee. Parties are available on Saturdays and Sundays except throughout the month of December. more ABC Chefs Cooking Academy If your children love to help in the kitchen, why not arrange a kid's cooking party at the ABC Chefs Academy in Chesterfield Towne Center? They'll have a hands-on cooking experience and try out two or three recipes. You can choose from themes such as a pizza party, the candy shop, a PJ breakfast party, or a baking is best party. Your party will include exclusive use of the facility, customized invitations, a special apron for the birthday child, and all utensils and ingredients. Each guest will also get to decorate their own cupcake. Chesterfield Sports Fusion Chesterfield Sports Fusion on Long Road is a 30,000 square foot facility with a whole range of activities. Three birthday party packages are available for kids aged six to 11 years. Parties include invitations, exclusive use of a private room, arcade play money, plates, cups, plastic ware, napkins, and pitchers of soda or water. For the activities, you can choose from dodgeball, laser tag, mini golf, the inflatable obstacle course, rock climbing, and the three-story play structure for younger kids. You can take your own food or you can order from a local pizza parlor at discounted rates. Rock Show Academy Have you got a budding pop or rock star in the making? If so, a CD recording party at the Rock Show Academy on Gravois Road could be perfect. For your 2-hour dance party you'll have a pumping sound system, disco lights, and a party starter and DJ who'll lead all the fun. The birthday child gets to be a pop star for the day and will record a CD of the song of their choice. Each guest will get a copy of the CD to take home. You are welcome to bring your own food or order delivery from a local pizza place. Utensils and napkins will be provided and a refrigerator is available for your use. These locations will give your birthday child an unforgettable experience and memories they can treasure. Image via Pixabay.