FALL-ing for FALL!
And with the flip of the calendar page, our favorite season is finally here! October brings so many things – pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters, bonfires and trick-or-treating, and a plethora of outdoor activities with the perfect backdrop found only in beautiful Missouri. Here are a few St. Louis-area day trips where you and your family or friends can breathe in the crisp fall air and watch the leaves change colors before your eyes.
We know it’s hard to find a mountain to climb around here but Castlewood State Park in Ballwin has become a popular retreat for those hikers looking to get a dose of the great outdoors. Our personal favorite is the River Scene Trail – a 3-mile loop along the edge of the bluffs for a scenic overlook of the Meramec River. However, there are a variety of trails varying from one mile to six miles, offering something for both beginners and advanced hikers.
For the 21+ crowd, drive the winding roads to wine country and enjoy a day of relaxation with a wine tasting at Yellow Farmhouse Vineyard & Winery in Defiance. Stroll through the vineyard, learn about winemaking and enjoy live music every weekend in October.
Do you enjoy biking, blading, walking or running? Check out the Katy Trail – a 240-mile trail between Kansas City and St. Louis with over 30 trailheads. With sweeping views of the Missouri River and abundant wildlife, the Katy Trail weaves through dozens of small towns offering antique stores, restaurants, wineries, and plenty of campgrounds and other accommodations.
If you prefer to sightsee – you’re not the only one! Check out the Gateway Arch Riverboats for a variety of sightseeing and specialty cruises this fall including the Oktoberfest Cruise and Halloween Costume Party Cruise. Tickets sell out fast, so buy them online today!
Gone fishing? August A. Busch Memorial and Weldon Spring Conservation Areas offer a plethora of lakes for public fishing. From largemouth bass and channel catfish to rainbow trout and muskies – this favorite of the Missouri Department of Conservation has it all. Are you a fishing amateur? The MDC hosts events such as Fish-or-Treat and other skills classes such as fly fishing for beginners.