Must-See Sites in St. Louis

Life in the city has its perks. But the noise, busyness, and crowdedness of city life can accumulate in city-dwellers' minds, creating stress and fatigue. Sometimes, you need to reconnect with nature to restart and refresh your body and mind. If you're in the Ellisville, Missouri, area, you're in luck. Here are a few of our favorite places to connect with nature in the area: Roger Klamberg Woods Next to Bluebird Park in Ellisville, you'll find the Roger Klamberg Woods Conservation Area. This 67.4-acre expanse of protected Missouri woodland is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without having to make a day trip out of it. Take on the two main trails for a good hike. One of those trails also serves as a biking trail if you want to get a relaxing ride in. Once you've taken your hike, stop in Bluebird Park to take advantage of the facilities and picnic areas you can find there. Castlewood State Park Castlewood State Park is a nearby natural destination that lets people get away from the noise of the city. The Meramec River runs through it, as do many trails of varying difficulties. No matter your skill and fitness level, there's a trail in this park that will keep you engaged. Castlewood is also a great destination for bicyclists, horseback riders, anglers, and bird-watchers. Try something new outside or just breathe in the fresh air the park has to offer. more Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Less than 10 miles east of Ellisville, you'll find the Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. If you're looking for a more developed natural area where you can spend the day with family, you'll love what this park has to offer. Pitch a tent at the campground to make it a full weekend of exploring the hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with plentiful trails in the park to enjoy all three activities. The picnic areas are a comfortable way to enjoy a few hours with family away from the distractions of the city. This park is 2,441 acres and has 17.4 acres of trails to explore. Don Robinson State Park On the opposite end of the spectrum, Don Robinson State Park is a great destination for those who want as little sign of human life as possible. The picturesque scene the park holds is a great opportunity for those who want to get back to nature. The state park protects LaBarque Creek's upper watershed, as well as sandstone box canyons, forests, shelter caves, and more. It's the perfect destination for amateur biologists and geologists to find interesting natural sights. You'll find 6.8 miles of trails in the Don Robinson State Park's 818.18 acres and only two man-made structures. Finding the perfect place to reconnect with nature is easy, thanks to these and the many other destinations near Ellisville, Missouri. Whether you're looking for a strenuous trek to get the blood pumping or a peaceful day outdoors, you're sure to find what you're looking for at these spots. 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.