• Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Best Tips for Finding Frost Flowers While Hiking

    Cooler weather is here and while you may feel the need to stay indoors, falling temperatures can bring about some beautiful natural surprises. One of the most unique natural wonders you can find hiking in the fall is the discovery of frost flowers. These delicate flowers aren’t actually plants at all. In face, they are delicate ribbons of ice that emerge from the stems of certain plants when the temperatures dip below freezing. I recently wrote an article all about…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Rockwoods Reservation: Rock Quarry and Trail Among the Trees Hikes

    Rockwoods Reservation is one of the nicest places to hike near St. Louis. Located in west St. Louis County, visitors can find a taste of the Ozarks tucked away from the busy suburbs. The area features 13 miles of trails past creeks, caves, and a spring. The Lime Kiln trail is one of the most popular hikes at Rockwoods Reservation, especially for those those trail running or training. However, the Rock Quarry and Trail Among the Trees trails are the…

  • Day Trip,  Illinois,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    5 Great St. Louis Fall Color Drives

    Fall has been off to a slow start in the St. Louis area this year. However, the cooler temperatures are finally starting to arrive and trigger the changing of the leaves. If you are planning to load up the car and head out leaf peeping, here are 5 St. Louis fall color drives for the ultimate scenic road trip. 1. Great River Road This epic scenic drive is amazing no matter the season, but the road really puts on a…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Take a Cave Adventure at Meramec State Park

    An easy hour drive down I-44 from St. Louis lies Meramec State Park. This lovely Missouri State Park is located along the scenic Meramec River. The park’s claim to fame is that it is the location of over 40 known caves, more than any other park in the state. Our family has enjoyed visiting over the years to hike Meramec State Park’s kid-friendly trails full of interesting natural features. Below is a round up of our favorite trails to explore…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  National Parks

    6 Must See Spots in Missouri’s Ozark Scenic Riverways

    Deep in southern Missouri, visitors can drive winding backroads to discover stunningly beautiful natural landscapes. The spring-fed and free-flowing Current and Jack’s Fork Rivers flow through this region and are protected as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This national park unit is less well known than some of the big name parks out west, but it still visited by over 1.2 million people annually. While paddling on the river is the most popular activity in this region, there…