OT-Fun place to spend a weekend near STL?

[cuppycake]

Such a vast amount of knowledge within this group. I'm hoping to get a few suggesetions.

Our family recently moved from the east coast to Saint Louis. We've done a lot of local things, and are just wanting to "get away" for the weekend. Somewhere not too far (probably 2-4 hour drive). Ideally, something fun to do (there isn't much we don't enjoy). Though, we don't mind just being 'tourists' and seeing a new place without some specific "big event".

Hotel recommendations accepted as well as destination thoughts?!?!

Discuss

Oh, and yes, we are considering Chicago....maybe even by train.

 

[malibuconlee]

Well, there is Hannibal with all the Mark twain stuff including the caves. I consider doing their touristy stuff more of a summer activity. There is also the Landing near Hannibal, again for warmer weather. We rented a cabin at the campground there when I was a kid.

I assume you've been to Lake of the Ozarks already? Or Branson might still have some shows that are open.

Let me think some more on it.

 

[malibuconlee]

Check out the town of Hermann, MO. NOt sure if there's much for the kids, but there are a few wineries around and it's just the cutest little town.

 

[Tomservo]

I've lived in suburban STL my entire 35 years of life (U City, Florissant, Maryland Heights, and now Ballwin), so things have gotten a little boring around here. The zoo is still good every once in a while, and we try to hit the Science Center occasionally, but we enjoy getting away from STL every once in a while.

We go down to Branson about once a year in the summer (mostly for the lake, we aren't much into the country music thing and the shows). Silver Dollar City (amusement park) can be fun, and they're open at Christmas with decorations and stuff (if you're planning to go soon). The kids really like the go karts (they have some unusual tracks) and laser tag.

My wife and I also like to take a long weekend in Chicago (without the kids). A bit longer than 4 hours, but lots to do up there, the Field Museum, Art Institute, lots of plays and other non-showtune types of performances (Blue Man Group was great last year), loads of great restaurants. We took the Amtrak up there once and vowed to never do it again. Takes longer than driving, and flying to Chicago can be pretty cheap on Southwest.

Not much else around STL. Kansas City doesn't have much to do (from our experience), and there isn't much else within 4 hours. Hannibal was mentioned in a previous post, but I don't know how much time you can really spend there. Depending on time of year, Meramec Caverns (south of STL on Hwy 44) is supposed to be cool (never been there myself).

Hope this helps.

 

[mom2grace]

I live in Indianapolis, a quick 3 hours up 70.

We have a great children's museum and zoo, indian art museum, safe busy downtown, great restaurants, Conner Prarie living history "museum" (it's mostly outside). There is an indoor water park called Caribbean cove. Plus, the world's BEST Pro Football Team!

One of our slogans is.........it's the race (the Indy 500), it's the Pacers, a Colts victory........I think that's from one of our radio stations. If you like pro basketball, the stadium the Pacers play in is really neat.

 

[NotUrsula]

If you want fishing and pretty countryside, you could try spending a weekend down near Steelville, It's a couple of hours down I44, there is a big trout hatchery there, and nice leaf-peeping. If you go soon you can still canoe. I personally tend to like doing outdoor things in fall, the trees are pretty and the crisp weather is nicer than steam heat.

Indianapolis *is* fun -- we've done that in winter. Chicago is the granddaddy of weekend trips, serious museum crawling for all ages.

 

[cuppycake]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! I knew you guys would have some info for me

My hubby and I are both orginally from PA and we've lived in Maryland, and Northern Virginia (near DC). We're so used to having fun things to do within driving distance for a weekend. We could go to do so much in DC, or Gettysburg, Williamsburg, Philly, Pittsburgh, you get the idea. So many places within such a small radius, really. Here, we just aren't familiar with what is available to us yet!

What I really need to do is sit down with a map, and draw a great big 4-5 hour circle. Only problem is that I wouldn't know a good place just to see it on the map

Thanks again all!!!

 

[madmom1030]

We like to go to Branson to get away for a couple of days in the summer, you want to stay somewhere off the main strip. Kansas City has Crown Center where Hallmark is located, there are things for the kids to do there. I have done the train to Chicago it is a long ride. If you take the train you want to get on in Alton if possible. If you get on in Kirkwood you have to wait downtown for about 20 minutes. Welcome to St. Louis

 

[Suzanna1973]

You need to try the Trout Lodge in Potosi, MO. It's an hour away from STL (take 21 Hwy South to Highway 8 West). Beautiful hotel, lots of stuff to do.

 

[momto2inKC]

There's lots of fun things to do in KC. The website www.visitkc.com has alot of good info. You can request a discover kc pass that has lots of discounts for touristy things.
Oh, and theres an exhibit coming very soon about Disney at the Union Station. It was supposed to start this weekend, but some artifacts got damaged in transit. It's supposed to be a really neat thing to see.

 

[bpicard9]

Have you tried this link http://www.visitmo.com/index.cfm?

There is a section for trip ideas that is broken down into categories like Family, Culture and Entertainment, Shopping, History, and Nature and Outdoors for each region of the state. It can also give you links to coupons for entertainment, lodging, food, etc. (VisitMO coupon link in the menu bar)

have fun planning