Saint Louis At Its BEST!

If you are traveling through, around, in the air, next to or away from Saint Louis you will see the famous Gateway Arch and be amazed at its size and beauty. The majestic midwestern icon is a symbol of midwest and attracts tourists, locals and pass thru travelers every day. Go beneath the Arch and learn about midwestern expansion at the underground museum. The Mississippi River is adjacent to the arch and offers helicopter and steamboat rides along the shore. Grab lunch at a restaurant along Laclede's Landing and enjoy cobblestone streets and horse drawn carriages.

Gateway Arch with a view of downtown Saint Louis in the background.

Another great place to visit is the historic Budweiser brewery. Take a free tour, sample free beers and learn about a landmark in American history. The famous Clydesdale horses are viewable during the tour as well. Upgrade your tour to "Beermaster" status for a small fee and a more intimate tour. One of the most amazing sites at the brewery are the historical building on and surrounding the campus.

Historic Anheuser-Busch brewery

Saint Louis is baseball heaven! I learned this during the 2011 World Series Championship. Grab a few tickets to the game, wear red and head out to the ballgame! Experiencing a game in the summer time can be quite taxing, so try to find seats in the shade! Try the Food Network's Hot Dog Experience while you are visiting Busch Stadium along with a fresh, cold Budweiser!

Busch Stadium

Shhhh!!! One of the best kept recreational secrets in the midwest is Forest Park. Its is  larger than Central Park in NYC. The park offers free admission to the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum and History Museum. You can catch a fabulous lineup of plays at the infamous Muny outdoor open air theatre. Stroll through the park and grab lunch at the Boathouse. Rent a paddle boat and float to the middle of the lake and catch a few rays of sunshine. Walk around Art Hill and enjoy the fountains. You can golf, play tennis, rent a segway and train for a marathon in Forest Park! Enjoy a cup of Joe in the coffee shop, which is located in the visitors center.

Spring tulips near the Jewel Box in Forest Park.

Lena's Tips for Traveling to Saint Louis!
1. Parking is free on many of the streets around Saint Louis. If there isn't a sign or meter, do worry about paying!

2. Many restaurants in Soulard offer a free shuttle to Cardinals, Blues and RAMS games.

3. If you hear a siren and see golf ball sized hail, seek shelter!

4. When dining out,  keep in mind the standard cheese for pizza is Provel in Saint Louis. If you want mozzarella, you have to ask.

5.  If you haven't sampled a Budweiser or any other local brew consider your trip a bust!!!!!

St. Maarten - The Friendly Island!

Sunset Grille and Bar

Experience the Caribbean with a European Twist in St. Maarten! 

Go to Beach to Lounge: Karaktar
Go to Place to See Amazing Yachts: Soggy Dollar
Go to Place to Sit Poolside: Loterie Farm
Go to Place to Dance: Bliss Nightclub
Go to Place to Shop: Color Freak in Phillipsburg
Go to Cold Beverage: Heineken

The best island vacation I have been on so far has been to St. Maarten, the "Friendly Island"! Beyond the beautiful beaches, amazing food, excellent shopping and nightlife you will also find a relaxing oasis everywhere you turn!

One of the most popular tourist spots is at the end of the airport. Stop by Sunset for a cocktail at Caravanserai Beach and get up close and personal with the airplanes landing on the strip. Once you get blown over by a jumbo jet and take a few pictures, stroll on over to Marty's Dream Bar.

Marty is one of the most knowledgeable and fun bartenders on the island. He was nice enough to help us out with some much needed relief from bug bites, stirred up frozen mango drinks and told our group about an amazing hiking trail at the Loterie Farm.

The Loterie Farm Treehouse is on the French side of the island, and is an expensive taxi ride. However, the trip is completely worth it! If you are into ziplines, bring closed toed shoes and sign up to glide through the forest. If you want to experience the best views on the island, hike up the trails and you will see the surrounding islands from an angle only nature lovers can appreciate. Along the way, you will see iguanas in the hanging from the trees and gravestones dating back to 1700. There is also an amazing European pool with an African boutique and a restaurant at the Loterie Farm Treehouse. Plan to spend the day here if you can, its the experience of a lifetime - pricey but worth every penny.

A day trip to Phillipsburg is a must! I had a blast at this beach shopping, negotiating a jetski rental with the locals, drinking out of a coconut and enjoying the music of the Caribbean. The Holland Hotel is a posh boutique hotel with a swanky lobby that overlooks the beach. Enjoy Heinekens with the French and Dutch locals, eat ice cream, ride a segway and take lots of pictures! All of the action is on this beach!

A fresh coconut a day keeps the doctor away!

Some of the best restaurants are in St. Maarten! I liked this little place called Le C Lounge! Its a great place to pre-game the evening before hitting Bliss nightclub. Le C Lounge has a great menu, excellent French wine and a hip atomosphere. Once dinner is over, hit up Bliss for some excellent house music.

Bamboo Bernie's was another great place to sample the island sushi. The atmosphere was also very upbeat and loaded with character. A night of sushi should end at the marina! Check out the Soggy Dollar. You will be amazed by the gorgeous yachts anchored in bay, and you can mingle with some of the most eclectic islanders that call St. Maarten their home!

St. Maarten is my go to island! I cannot wait to go back. It is really a safe, great place with so many adventures waiting for you. And the best thing is, the public bus is safe and will only cost you $1 to hitch a ride one way around the island. If you are on a budget, don't hesitate to hop on the bus. Also, stop at the local grocery store for fresh bagette and island pastries!!! St. Maartne I love you, xoxoxo!!!!

Lena's Tips for Success in Saint Maarten

1. Bug spray is not optional. Don't ruin your vacation, protect yourself.

2. The public bus is a great way to travel the island on a budget and it is safe!

3.  Don't stand near the fence at the end of Princess Airport Runway. You will get blown over by incoming airplanes.

4. Enjoy the water as much as possible, it is warm, clear and beautiful!

5. If your cab driver passes around a bottle of rum, take a swig and just remember you are on vacation!!!!!