Rated in the top 10 donut places in America by Bon Appetit (2010), and for a good reason. The donuts are, seriously, THAT GOOD!

We make the drive across town a couple of times a month just for donuts. I usually get 6 donuts, sometimes a fritter or fried pie, and the price is around $3.25 for the half dozen. It costs twice that at the QT.

The boys love the chocolate long johns, the wife and I love the glazed (bonus if you catch them still warm).

Worth the drive, wherever you are!

Looking for some out-of-this-world pizza? You will be hard pressed to do better than La Pizza, whether you’re here in St. Louis or in NYC. Friendly owners and staff, good sized pies…but above all else, fantastic New York style pizza, right here in St. Louis.

I haven’t tried their strombolis, but they look good too.

Seriously, this is as far as you need to look!

Open year round, Wednesday-Saturday. This is a great, historic farmer’s market right here in the St. Louis. Huge varieties, fresh from the farm. Established in 1779, it’s the oldest farmer’s market west of the Mississippi. Worth an outing just to see what it’s all about.

Tucked away in Soulard, Gus’ Pretzels is a St. Louis quintessential. Like so many great places, family owned, family operated. Great pretzels at a great price (nowhere near mall prices). Watch the magic happen as you zip through the longish line. Try the pretzel dogs/sausages.

The Venice Cafe is completely quirky. It does for restaurants/bars what The City Museum does for museums. Located in Soulard, the Venice Cafe epitomizes the atmosphere of the area.

The Gateway Arch reigns the skyline as you approach St. Louis. It stands on the west bank of the Mississippi river, as a gateway to the West, a monument to the American Spirit.

The Arch stands 630 feet. Was completed in 1965 for $13,000,000 (or about $90M today).

Things to do: enjoy the beautiful Jefferson National Expansion Memorial park; ride to the top to get a true sense of its height; explore downtown St. Louis.