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When visiting St. Louis, our readers’ favorite big city, take time to see the impressive Gateway Arch on the riverfront. St. Louis CVC photo
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Our readers appreciate Midwest variety as they chose the best it has to offer travelers and locals. It’s our belief that every finalist in our second Best of the Midwest readers’ poll is worthy of note and a tip of our hat.
Read how editors’ favorites stack up against yours. That was a new component to the poll.
But no matter where your summer travels take you, remember to bring this issue of AAA Midwest Traveler along so you can enjoy the best the Midwest has to offer.
St. Louis
BEST LARGE CITY FOR WEEKEND
For the second year in a row, readers chose St. Louis as the best city for a weekend getaway. The city and surrounding suburbs of St. Louis offer something for everybody to enjoy.
Families love the multitude of free or affordable attractions to enjoy, from the zoo and other cultural gems in Forest Park, to three state parks (Katy Trail, Babler and Castlewood) that are about a half-hour away from the city’s center.
Adults have amazing restaurants, Grand Center arts district and interesting neighborhoods to enjoy. Sports fans have professional baseball and tennis in the summer, football and hockey in the fall and winter.
Girlfriends seeking some time away can shop at malls, neighborhood boutiques, open markets and more, then relax with a spa treatment or take a cooking class.
Attractions, like the Gateway Arch at the riverfront and the Missouri Botanical Garden in the Tower Grove neighborhood on the city’s south side, can be appreciated by any visitor.
Decide to stay longer than a weekend and charming Missouri towns–such as St. Charles, Hermann, Cape Girardeau and Ste. Genevieve–make interesting day tours from St. Louis.
So hop in the car and see what’s rollin’ on the river.
Information: (800) 325-7962, www.explorestlouis.com
Second place: Chicago, Ill., (877) 244-2246, www.choosechicago.com
Third place: Kansas City, Mo., (800) 767-7700, www.visitkc.com
Branson
BEST SMALL CITY FOR A WEEKEND
With everything there is to do in Branson, it doesn’t feel like a small town. Although this southwest Missouri city experienced a 74 percent growth rate from 2000 to 2010 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, its population of 10,520 is about one third of what the St. Louis Cardinals will average at a home game. Yet, Branson attracts more than 7 million visitors a year.
Certainly the mix of entertainment (more than 50 live shows), lakes, shopping and a bevy of family attractions, including an award-winning theme park, appealed to the majority of our readers who selected Branson as the Midwest’s best small city for the second year in a row.
In a town that attracts more than 7 million visitors each year, you’ll likely find accommodations to suit you and your family with more than 18,000 lodging units that range from a AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel to pristine campsites at a state park.
Want to golf? No problem. You can select from one of eight courses. Is fishing your sport? Branson has you covered, offering anglers three lakes–Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals–as well as a host of guide services if you want to know the secret to these Ozark waters.
Hunting for bargains? You’ll find what you’re looking for along state Highway 76, the urbane lakefront shopping plaza called Branson Landing, and the quaint shops in historic downtown Branson. Don’t miss Dicks 5&10, a 50-year downtown landmark.
Mix in Silver Dollar City, Ozark Scenic Railway, the Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and Old Mill Theater, the Titanic museum, a water park, go-karts, mini golf–yeah, you’re going to need more than a weekend.
Information: (800) 296-0463, www.explorebranson.com
Second place: St. Charles, Mo., (800) 366-2427, www.historicstcharles.com
Third place: Lake Ozark, Mo., (800) 386-5253, www.funlake.com
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For real luxury in the Ozarks, readers look to the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, the only AAA Four Diamond resort in the city. Chateau on the Lake photo |
Chateau on the Lake
BEST LARGE HOTEL
Branson’s only AAA Four Diamond hotel, Chateau on the Lake delivers amazing luxury, and as every good hotel demonstrates, it’s in the details.
Descend a staircase into the reception area of Spa Chateau and you see a 30-foot- crystal chandelier setting the tone for a morning or afternoon of indulgence. Try the hot stone massage. Walk the grounds and take in colorful flowers, a waterfall and stunning lake views.
Outdoor pools, a nature trail and tennis courts, plus indoor fitness center, help guests work off calories from fine dining at the Chateau Grille. Beautiful lake views and a superb menu are here. Three casual dining options also are on site.
The hotel’s marina can put you on the water for a day of fun with plenty of watercraft rentals and even scuba or snorkeling equipment. Two golf courses are a short drive away.
You’ll have to sleep sometime, and when you do, sink into the comfortable bed in one of 301 guestrooms, pull the down comforter around your chin and drift off to sleep, thinking, “Will anyone really miss me if I don’t go into the office Monday?”
Information: (888) 333-5253
Second place: Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Mo., (800) 826-8272
Third place: The Westin at Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo., (816) 474-4400
Moonrise Hotel
BEST SMALL HOTEL
When the Moonrise opened in July 2009, St. Louis was buzzing about this hip, stylish hotel in the equally happening ’burb of University City. It was a match made in heaven, and this 125-room property is a favorite among our readers as the best boutique hotel in the Midwest.
One of the best gathering places in summer, the Rooftop Terrace Bar serves appetizers and signature cocktails.
Downstairs at the main bar and Eclipse restaurant, a space-age theme runs throughout, and the food is out of this world. The menu changes every few months, but you can’t miss with the grilled steak or butter-roasted chicken.
Drift off to sleep in one of the guestrooms or Walk of Fame suites that are named after a well-known St. Louisan.
Whether you travel with an entourage or solo, you’ll feel like a VIP at the Moonrise. Hey, is that Chuck Berry in the lobby?
Information: (314) 721-1111
Second place: The Raphael, Kansas City, Mo., (800) 821-5343
Third place: The Elms Resort and Spa, Excelsior Springs, Mo., (800) THE-ELMS (843-3567)
Lake of the Ozarks
BEST LAKE GETAWAY
Located in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks has been a summer vacation favorite for generations. When summer heats up, a weekend getaway to the lake–about three hours from either St. Louis or Kansas City–looks really good.
With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 surface acres, it’s easy to get hooked on this lake that boasts a variety of fish species, perfect for a day fishing with the kids or in a tournament. Two state parks have boat ramps or visit one of several marinas to rent a boat.
Landlubbers have 16 area golf courses to play, while shopping opportunities start with Osage Beach Premium Outlets and move on to the many boutiques and shops along state Highway 54 or the nostalgic Bagnell Dam Strip.
Family entertainment runs the gamut, from a water park and movie theater to go-karts and mini golf. A variety of restaurants will keep you filled up without emptying your wallet. Lodging options are plentiful and varied. No wonder the lake is a readers’ choice.
Information: (800) 386-5253, www.funlake.com
Second place: Table Rock Lake near Branson, (800) 595-0393, http://visittablerocklake.org
Third place: Patoka Lake in Dubois County, Ind., (800) 968-4578, www.visitduboiscounty.com
Chicago
BEST GIRLS' GETAWAY
All right, girls, do we want to shop, tour museums, sample new restaurants or see Broadway shows? To plan a girlfriends’ weekend, you really need–well–a plan because there’s so much to do in the Midwest’s most cosmopolitan and largest city.
With just a few days in the Windy City, shoppers have to visit The Magnificent Mile, State and Oak streets. Explore some of the many neighborhoods that support local designers, like Bucktown/Wicker Park. Today, the city is home to more than 250 Chicago-based fashion designers and 400 independently owned boutiques.
If your mission is museums, you will want to see the three biggies–the Art Institute, the Field, and Science and Industry–then discover a lesser-known gem, like the Illinois Artisans Shop, 100 W. Randolph St., in the downtown Loop.
Chicago has 700 hotels with more than 100,000 rooms, so choosing a home away from home will depend a lot on what you want to do and your budget. One of the newer hotels downtown is theWit, a Doubletree boutique property on State Street.
Grab the girls, make a plan over a tasty Cosmo and soon you’ll be singing, “baby don’t ya wanna go…sweet home, Chicago.”
Information: (877) 244-2246, www.choosechicago.com
Second place: St. Louis, Mo., (800) 325-7962, www.explorestlouis.com
Third place, Kansas City, Mo., (800) 767-7700, www.visitkc.com
Lake of the Ozarks
BEST GUYS' WEEKEND
Let’s see, travel check list:
• A comfortable resort near water, check
• A boat for skiing or fishing, check
• Good restaurants and lively bars, check
• Excellent golf, check
Looks like it’s time for a guys’ weekend at Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri, our readers’ favorite pick for the gents. This is the ideal place to kick back, relax and forget about work for a few days.
With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 surface acres, it’s easy to get hooked on this lake that boasts a variety of fish species, including bass, crappie and catfish. Two state parks have boat ramps or visit one of several marinas to rent a boat.
Landlubbers have 16 area golf courses to play designed by pros like Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Jack Nicklaus.
When you’re hungry, check out a couple of the 100 restaurants at the lake, and when it’s time to call it a day, you have resorts, hotels and motels, cabins–even houseboats–to make your own haven.
Information: (800) 386-5253, www.funlake.com
Second place: St. Louis, Mo., (800) 325-7962, www.explorestlouis.com
Third place: Branson, Mo., (800) 296-0463, www.explorebranson.com
Current River
BEST WEEKEND FLOAT
Part of the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways near Van Buren, Mo., the Current River is fed by springs, which is why it’s popular with floaters. Cool water temperature and gently moving water–plus beautiful scenic spots like Alley Mill–combine for a great day on the river.
Float with canoes, kayaks or inner tubes. National park concessions are plentiful, and there’s even a dining lodge and a handful of rustic cabins within the park. Cabins and camping outside the park are available as well.
The recent past saw some rowdy folks coming to float, but the park service has tried to crack down on offenders. Still, weekends can get a little busier, and with more people, there’s a chance of observing offensive behavior. A weekday is a good alternative.
Information: (573) 323-4236, www.nps.gov/ozar
Second place: Black River, Lesterville, Mo., www.lestervillemissouri.com
Third place: Cache River, southern Illinois, (800) 248-4373, www.southernmostillinois.com
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Travel Michigan photo |
Michigan
BEST VACATION STATE
Stand anywhere in Michigan and you are within 85 miles of a Great Lake, but in Michigan, you won’t do very much standing. Blessed with a multitude of natural riches, the state offers plenty of outdoor adventures, especially when it comes to all forms of water recreation. In fact, the state has more than 3,200 miles of freshwater coastline, more than 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world and more than 100 beaches.
Out of the water, vacationers also will find world-class campgrounds, hiking trails, campgrounds, museums and nearly 900 courses to swing a golf club, ranking it the top five in the nation for quantity of public golf courses. Explore fascinating beach towns, like Mackinac Island or Traverse City. And don’t miss The Henry Ford, a complex in Dearborn with five distinct attractions, including the Henry Ford Museum, a factory tour and the 90-acre Greenfield Village that offers a window to America’s past.
With so many man-made and natural attractions, it’s no wonder that out-of-state visitor spending climbed 21 percent last year, the first time that non-resident visitors outspent in-state travelers. This two-peninsula playground beckons, and more vacationers than ever are answering the call.
Information: (888) 784-7328 or www.puremichigan.org
Second place: Iowa, (888) 472-6035, www.traveliowa.com
Third place, Nebraska, (888) 444-1867, www.visitnebraska.gov
Katy Trail State Park
BEST BIKE TRAIL
If there were a report card for bicycle trails, the Katy Trail State Park would certainly be earning straight A’s. In nearly every trail characteristic–including length, scenery, access and history–the park impresses its users, which number approximately 300,000 each year.
The nation’s longest rails-to-trails project, the route stretches about 240 miles in Missouri, from Machens to Clinton. The majority of the trail closely follows the route of the Missouri River so hikers and bicyclists often find themselves with the river on one side and towering bluffs on the other. Built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad (better known as the Katy), the trail travels through a variety of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, valleys, prairies, pastures and gently rolling fields.
Trailheads, which provide parking areas and other amenities, are located periodically along the trail, and many communities also offer services to trail users, whether they’re looking for a half-hour stroll or a five-day bicycle adventure.
Information: (800) 334-6946, www.mostateparks.com
Second place: St. Louis Riverfront Trail, www.trailnet.org/our-work/historic-trail-projects
Third place, Trolley Track Trail, www.kcata.org/rider_guide/trolley_track_trail
Silver Dollar City
BEST THEME PARK
The great thing about this theme park, Branson’s biggest attraction, is there’s so much more than rides to enjoy. Guests who are not thrill seekers can be equally entertained all day.
Forty shows are offered daily, often around a themed festival, such as National KidFest, June 11–July 24. Sixty craft shops give park guests a chance to watch an artisan at work and purchase a keepsake for home. Relax at a dozen family friendly restaurants. The Culinary and Craft School remains popular. And don’t forget about Marvel Cave.
Thirty attractions and rides also are here. Half Dollar Holler is the area new this year for smaller kids. RiverBlast, last year’s big ride, continues to provide laughs and a chance to get soaked. Coasters include PowderKeg, rocketing riders from 0 to 55 mph in under three seconds.
Last year, Silver Dollar City celebrated 50 years of fun, and with such a varied list of rides, attractions, shows and more, no wonder the majority of readers picked this Ozark fun center as the best theme park in the Midwest. Remember to get your discounted tickets in advance through AAA
Information: (800) 475-9370, www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com
Second place: Six Flags (various locations), Six Flags St. Louis Tickets at AAA.
Third place: Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Mo., Tickets at AAA.
Saint Louis Art Museum
BEST ART MUSEUM
Built for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis and intended to be a lasting memory of the famed exposition, the Saint Louis Art Museum has not only preserved its rich past over the last century, but it is embracing the future with a new expansion.
Perched atop a hill in Forest Park overlooking the magnificent Grand Basin, the museum is in the midst of a $130.5 million project that will increase its gallery space by one-third. New galleries and public spaces will feature skylights and a number of floor-to-ceiling windows to invite and provide views from both inside and outside.
With significant acquisitions over the last 125 years, the museum has become one of the leading comprehensive art museums in the nation, with works of art of exceptional quality from virtually every culture and time period. Indeed, the expansion became necessary because the collection has grown to more than 30,000 works of art, ranging from an ancient Egyptian mummy case to modern art by Pablo Picasso.
A public opening of the expansion isn’t expected until 2013, but the museum will remain open during construction. Admission is free.
Information: (314) 721-0072 or www.slam.org
Second place: Art Institute of Chicago, (312) 443-3600, www.artic.edu
Third place: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, (816)751-1278, www.nelson-atkins.org
The Magic House
BEST CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Upon entering The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum, one of the first things children are drawn to is the Jack and the Beanstalk climber, a three-story circular staircase of sorts with giant green leaves for treads that they must scramble up. Within moments, they’re hooked by the fun exhibit and sometimes have to be reminded that there’s a whole house full of more magic to explore.
Originally opened in a Victorian mansion in 1979 in Kirkwood, a suburb just southwest of St. Louis, the “house” has been expanded to more than 50,000 square feet of interactive space.
In one area, visitors can become a detective to discover secret passageways and analyze fingerprints. In the Star-Spangled Center, they can try out the president’s desk or preside over a courtroom. There’s also a water play area, construction zone, a children’s village with a pretend grocery store and pizza parlor, a special area just for babies and more. One of the most memorable spots is an electrically charged ball that visitors can touch to make their hair stand on end.
Information: (314) 822-8900 or www.magichouse.org
Second place: Chicago Children’s Museum, (312) 527-1000, www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Third place: WonderScope Children’s Museum of Kansas City, Shawnee, Kan., (913) 287-8888, www.wonderscope.org
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Come to St. Charles, Mo., in August for the Festival of the Little Hills, which features 300 artisans from around the U.S. St. Charles CVB photo
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Festival of the Little Hills
BEST ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL
If you can’t find a certain craft you want at the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles, Mo., then you’re probably not looking hard enough. In its 40th year, the festival brings in about 300 artisans and crafters from all over the country on the third full weekend of August (this year Aug. 19–21) to Frontier Park overlooking the Missouri River and along the cobbled streets of its 13-block historical downtown.
The festival is named after the town’s first name, which was Les Petites Cotes (“The Little Hills”), but there is nothing small about this celebration. The popularity of the festival is evidenced by the annual attendance, which typically exceeds 250,000. In addition to the wide array of crafters, there is always nonstop live music, street performers, children’s activities and more than 40 food booths. Plus, living history re-enactors bring to life the community’s early days when French Canadian fur traders and settlers roamed the streets.
St. Charles is located just west of St. Louis across the Missouri River off Interstate 70. Festival hours are 4–10 p.m. on Friday, 9:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.
Information: (636) 940-0095 or www.festivalofthelittlehills.com
Second place: National Harvest Festival, Silver Dollar City in Branson (Sept. 10–Oct 29), (800) 475-9370
Third place: SantaCaliGon Days, Independence, Mo., (Labor Day weekend 2011) (800) 748-7323, www.santacaligon.com
Tony’s
BEST FINE DINING
There’s always going to be a hot new restaurant on the St. Louis dining scene or a chef whose garnered some accolades, but there’s one dining establishment that rises to the top of every culinary discussion in St. Louis no matter what buzz is going on anywhere else: Tony’s. A veritable culinary landmark, the formal Italian restaurant has been polishing its reputation for decadent dining for 65 years in downtown St. Louis.
A “go-to” destination for special occasion dinners, Tony’s is the city’s most decorated restaurant, including earning the revered AAA Four Diamond designation for the past 11 years. Helping achieve those awards is a highly attentive staff that provides impeccable service. Yet the star of the show is the food, with a menu that features rich pasta dishes, flavorful steaks and notable veal chops. The signature dish, Lobster Albanello, never fails to satisfy with chunks of shellfish in a creamy sauce with mushrooms.
The restaurant, located at 410 Market St., opens at 5 p.m. Customers may arrive up to 10:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday or 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.
Info: (314) 231-7007 or www.tonysstlouis.com
Second place: Baxter’s Lakeside Grille, Lake Ozark, Mo., (573) 365-2669, http://baxterslakesidegrille.com
Third place: Pear Tree Restaurant, Bevier, Mo., (660) 773-6666, www.thepeartreerestaurant.com
Editors & readers
pick their favorites
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Above: White River State Park successfully mixes green space with attractions and events, such as the Lawn Concert Series that continues through August. White River State Park photo
Below: Soak in the hot tub during a romantic stay at Hermann Hill Hermann Hill Riverbluff Cottages photo |
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MOST DEVELOPED WATERFRONT Readers love the Chicago lakefront, and with good reason. Navy Pier and all of its entertainment and dining choices is the anchor of this stretch. Add in museums, such as The Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, stretches of beach for relaxing and people watching, and festivals and you’ve got a great day in The Windy Cidy. Info: www.navypier.com
The editors’ choice was Indianapolis’ White River State Park. A 250-acre green space just west of downtown’s center, White River is scenic and restorative, while providing a gathering spot for events like the Lawn Concert Series in the summer. The Indiana Central Canal meanders through the park for an added visual element. Wonderful museums and attractions are located within the park, allowing visitors to sample the cultural offerings here and then head outside for a picnic, walk or bike ride along the canal. Info: http://m.inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov
BEST RESTORED HOTEL Readers selected The Elms Resort in Excelsior Springs, Mo., a historical hotel just 30 minutes from Kansas City (click here to read more about The Elms). Info: http://elmsresort.com
Editors looked to Indiana again and chose French Lick Springs Hotel (AAA Four Diamonds). The 443-room hotel, which dates to 1845, is surrounded by gorgeous landscape. The lovely details from the hotel’s glory days were lovingly restored, and you’ll admire the mosaic and marble floors, as well as gold gilded ceiling in the lobby. A spa and a casino were added, and the resort (its sister hotel, West Baden is nearby) offers golf, stables, shops and fun events for families throughout the year. Try and catch the Vintage Base Ball World Series, to be held at West Baden Springs Hotel July 9–11 and see six Midwestern teams demonstrate how baseball was played in the 19th century.
Info: www.frenchlick.com
BEST HISTORICAL SMALL TOWN Readers and editors agree on St. Charles, Mo. Strolling along the brick cobbled Main Street in St. Charles, Mo., it’s impossible not to experience the rich history of this quaint town that was founded in 1769. Dozens of preserved buildings from the 1800s are now shops and restaurants, and another restored gem in the 13-block historical downtown district is Missouri’s first state capitol building, which was used from 1821–1826. And it was from St. Charles that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed in 1804 on their famed expedition. A stroll through St. Charles is a walk in the footsteps of history. Info: www.historicstcharles.com
ROMANTIC B&B Readers suggest Boone’s Colonial Inn in St. Charles, Mo. (info: www.boonescolonialinn.com), and editors liked Hermann Hill Riverbluff Cottages, Hermann, Mo. After watching happy and relaxed couples at Hermann Hill Village, a minister who was a guest at the bed and breakfast remarked to the owner, “I think you do more good for couples than I do,” recalled Terry Hammer, who owns the property with his wife, Peggy.
Perched atop a dramatic bluff overlooking the Missouri River just outside Hermann, Mo., the property features 12 guestrooms in five cottages. Each room has a 6-foot Jacuzzi-style tub, its own outdoor hot tub, two fireplaces, a steam shower and more. Plus, there’s a wedding chapel on site along with a beautiful gazebo for nuptials. Info: www.hermannhill.com
BEST CASINO Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Mo. (info: http://www.ameristar.com), is the readers’ pick, while editors chose River City Casino in St. Louis. The area’s newest gaming venue, River City also offers five restaurants and two lounges for entertainment and dining options. Info: www.rivercity.com
