St.Louis and Branson places to see
 

Hi folks...we are planning to a getaway to St.Louis (via Raleigh, NC) during the long weekend. Please suggest popular places to see...We are actively considering Branson. Please advice. Thanks.

I rather doubt you are going to be able to do both St. Louis and Branson in a long weekend. Pick ONE.

I agree. There is enough at either place to keep you busy for 4 or 5 days.

Branson is not a city like St. Louis is. It is country/hick, to some extent(we really like it and go just about every year). I think the best show there is The Haygoods. I've probably seen them 20 times and started watching them when a couple of the kids were in diapers. If you have been to Gatlinburg, it is somewhat like that. Even more Family Friendly than Gatlinburg. Streets can get crowded, but not as crowded as Gatlinburg. Better shows at Branson. Silver Dollar City is better than Dollywood. The waterpark is not as good, but still decent. There isn't really any great quality food, it is all Ribs, Fried Chicken, Pancakes, that type of thing. It's good, but it seems that's all they offer everywhere. There are a ton of shows to see, lake attractions, etc, etc.

St. Louis has the Arch and a lot better food selections than Branson. They have nice zoo, a couple of nice museums, etc.
I wouldn't give you two cents for the Six Flags at St. Louis. I like other Six Flags, but that one is really bad, IMOP. Purina Farms is worth a visit.

Either place makes for a nice weekend trip.

Thank you both.

Yes - agree with above. Branson is a good 4+ hours away from STL.

Stltoday.com - may offer ideas too. There are always Festivals, Fairs etc..
Of course, a Cardinal Game would be fun - not sure if they are here for Memorial weekend.

There are some wineries close to St Louis if that is of interest. Let me know and I will post back.

Bush Brewery Tour- YOu also visit the Famous Clydesdales.

Forest Park has world class Museums, Free Zoo, Paddle boats to ride through the old canals, rent bikes, golf....

What kind of food do you like - I could give some suggestions!

Hope you have Fun!

The arch is always interesting, but . .
One of the greatest Cathedrals in the US is the Cathedral Basilica of St Louis. It has been described as Breathtaking, the most beautiful interior anyplace in the world, stunning. astonishing, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, simply gorgeous, etc. 41,000,000, glass tesserae create mosaics that cover the interior. It glows like light over gold. People travel to France and Italy and Spain to see great works of art when this exists in the US and is not often mentioned. If you have any interest at all, go see it.

Thanks...Will do

the Cathedral Basilica IS magnificent! I have been in cathedrals in Europe and the St. Louis Cathedral is in a class of its own -- unlike anything I have ever seen. So many people who live in St. Louis never go in -- I never would have if not for out of town visitors!

the same with the Butterfly House in Chesterfield -- an out of town visitor made me go, but glad I did.

as far as food in Branson -- a few years ago I had some very good meals at the restaurant at the Chateau on the Lake - a little bit of a drive. Agree with above though -- you can't do Branson and St. Louis on the same long weekend.