For most students, Spring Break occurs between February 15 and April 9. If you are in St. Louis, Mo., during that time, plan for mild to cold weather --- temperatures range from 25 degrees to 54 degrees, with the possibility of rain or snow. Make sure to make time for the Missouri Botanical Gardens, a trip up the Gateway Arch and dinner at Harvest Seasonal Market Cuisine.
Park Strolls
St. Louis has 105 parks and gardens ready for a leisurely and scenic stroll. Forest Park, located near the center of the city, has nearly 1300 acres of monuments, wildlife and natural and man-made landscapes and water features. Trails offer 8 miles of walking, jogging or biking. There are facilities for golf, baseball, tennis and ice skating. The Missouri Botanical Gardens is available to tour from 9a.m. to 5p.m., daily and hosts the Orchid Show in February. Tour the Gardens´ Butterfly House, or if there is rain, the Missouri Botanical Gardens suggest visiting the Japanese or Chinese gardens.
Eat Out
St. Louis is no stranger to healthful restaurant choices. Head to the organic Local Harvest Cafe, serving soups, salads and sandwiches made with local ingredients. Go by bike on Tuesday night and receive special discounts. For a more gourmet option try Harvest Seasonal Market Cuisine, for other local tastes. For low-fat and low-cholesterol options check the Wellness Spa Menu. The Shangri-La Diner offers funky decor and vegetarian twists on American classics.
Bicycling
Bike St. Louis launched in May of 2008, creating over 77 miles of bike lanes for bicyclists to travel and enjoy the scenery. You can also avoid the traffic by enjoying the 5-mile Tower Grove Park trail, take a 7-mile unpaved trail at Chubb Trail in West Tyson County Park, or head down the 8-mile track of Grant's Trail.
Museums
The Eugene Field House is a historic museum that showcases special exhibitions with regular book, toy and houseware displays. The museum is open for regular hours in March and April, but will require a special appointment in February. The City Museum has a variety of enchanting exhibits fun for children and adults. The Saint Louis Art Museum, has over 10 permanent collections, and is known for its 20th Century German art.
Monuments
On the first Saturday of April, visitors can head to the Compton Hill Water Tower and enjoy the view of the city. Walk around Reservoir Park, and later head to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch, or enjoy a cruise on the Mississippi River in a riverboat. Both destinations offer an educational experience into the history of St. Louis.
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