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“One of the most fun experiences I’ve had so far was the class float trip! Over half of the class went to Ozark Outdoors on a five-mile float trip on the Meramec River. It made for great class bonding and a chance to experience outdoor activities in Missouri.” 

Janessa S., M1

“Jazz at the Bistro (AKA Jazz St. Louis) is amazing! So classy and groovy! I’ve been twice so far and I’m dying to go back. The best part about it is the huge discount students get. I think normally a seat is $30 or $40 for an adult, but students get seats for around $15. Both times I’ve been, the music has been incredible (I’d highly recommend going when the Funky Butt Brass Band is playing). The food is slightly on the pricey side, so if you’re on a budget and want a fun night out, get a seat for $15 and enjoy some drinks/appetizers with some friends while listening to some sweet jazz music.” 

John D., M1

“I took a trip to Nashville with some classmates and it was a great time!” 

Jessica C., M1

“Eckert’s Farm is the place to go for your apple and pumpkin-picking needs. Go with a big group of friends, a significant other, or alone — you’ll have a great time and come away with delicious, affordable produce! It’s a bit of a drive away, so it’s a fun mini-day trip, too. Plus, it’s a great excuse to explore outside St. Louis! And for those who’d rather have a photoshoot than a bag full of fruit, there are few backdrops as beautiful and oh-so-typically fall as an orchard (but why not both?).”

Jen C., M1

“For the many small local bands and touring acts that come through St. Louis, there are some great small to midsize venues to check out! The Duck Room at Blueberry Hill is a great place to grab dinner and then head to the basement for some music. The Ready Room is the main concert venue in the Grove, making it an ideal spot to see a show and hit a bar or two after. The Sinkhole is the perfect place to grab a cheap Canadian beer and listen to some loud music. On cold nights, you can go and sit by a giant fire pit between acts at Off Broadway, then head inside to the spacious, high-ceilinged venue that provides tons of natural reverb.”

Evan M., M1

“St. Louis is known nationally as the “Gateway to the West,” and it certainly does not disappoint in this regard. Centrally located as the hub of several highways, it is within five-hour drives of Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, and Kansas City. One of my favorite parts of being a medical student here are the road trips I have made with other students to Chicago. It is a wonderful mini-vacation after a round of exams, and they are so much fun. Often, the drive itself is one of the best parts, full of interesting conversations and classmate bonding!” 

Jeffrey T., M1

Dylan S., Bruin P., and Angela C. seeing Wicked at the Fox.

“My favorite thing about St. Louis is access to the same traveling Broadway shows that in theory I could have seen when I lived in D.C. — but in the Midwest they’re affordable enough that I actually go. This year’s lineup at the Fox Theatre, two miles from the med school, includes Dear Evan Hansen (tickets starting at $49), Hamilton ($89), The Band’s Visit ($30), Wicked ($49), and Rent ($29). Treat yourself!”

Angela C., M1

“St. Louisans celebrate the arts in all its forms, and during nice weather, one of my favorite things to do is to attend any one of the myriad, typically free outdoor exhibits and events going on each week. Many of my best fair weather experiences in St. Louis involve packing some food, wine or beer, and a blanket or lawn chairs and sitting on the grass with friends, socializing and enjoying the music or waiting for the movie to start.”

Kristin P., M1

Maggy B. on a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

“The 45-minute General Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour will not only show you the beer making process, you’ll also get to see their world famous dalmatians and the Clydesdales. The tour is FREE and it even includes two sizable beer samples at the end (free tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, or you can reserve tickets ahead of time for a $5 fee). Other more extensive tours are available for $10-35, depending on the tour.” 

M1s Caroline, Emma, and Kristin apple picking at Eckert’s Farm.

The largest option for all your apple, berry, and pumpkin picking needs is the expansive Eckert’s Farm. Eckert’s has multiple locations, with the Belleville location being the largest. Does apple picking make you crave cider donuts? Braeutigam Orchards is right down the road from the Belleville Eckert’s, and they have hot coffee, frozen (or hot) apple cider, and their bakery sells incredible apple cider donuts, pumpkin donuts, and ‘apple stick’ pastries. They also have lots of cool farm animals (feed the baby goats!). You can definitely hit up both Eckert’s and Braeutigam in the same day (we recommend stopping at Braeutigam first for snacks before heading to Eckert’s to apple pick).

Pack your chairs or blankets and grab a seat on Forest Park’s Art Hill any Friday in July. Movie selection is loosely centered around a central theme each year, and a schedule is available on the St. Louis Art Museum website. Live music and food trucks start at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 9 p.m. Food truck lines can be long, so consider packing a picnic. Lifehack: Take the MetroLink to Mai Lee and order some inexpensive banh mi and a pork bun to-go, buy some wine and snacks nearby at Dierbergs before taking the MetroLink over to the park.

A super fun, massive resort owned by Bass Pro Shops. Various types of fairly upscale accommodations, from hotel rooms to romantic cabins. Here you’ll find golf courses, a driving range, a shooting range, hiking, museums, caverns, a spa, and a massive lake with boat rentals and other fun lake activities.

Downtown on the Landing in late August. Featuring many types of blues and blues-inspired music, including delta, country, R&B, soul, and rock. Three outdoor stages, no picnics allowed.

Enjoy live blues on the Arch grounds on Friday nights in August. Local food and drink vendors will be there, or pack a picnic. The Arch is accessible by MetroLink.

This bomb deli celebrates St. Louis’ Blues music heritage and often has live blues on weekends. While you’re there enjoying the tunes, order a muffaletta or po’boy; their sandwiches are out of this world (expect a line, as Blues City Deli is a popular St. Louis mainstay and, not to mention, a great place to bring your out of town guests).

Home to ample kitchy live performances and the incredible Silver Dollar City amusement park. Its 76 Country Boulevard is lined with theaters which are homes to various diverse resident acts, including country music performers. Visit the Marvel Cave and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner attraction.

Eclectic New Orleans-themed dive bar with great local blues, jazz, and jam bands. A lively, friendly scene on a summer Saturday night.

Pre-Columbian Native American mound city, located just outside St. Louis in Illinois. Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest, most complex archeological site north of Mexico.

Overlooking Lake Michigan

The Windy City! Chicago is a world-class city and home to exciting nightlife, top restaurants, amazing cultural attractions, and fun sports. Visit Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium, and shop along Michigan Avenue. If you want to make the most of the dazzling Lake Michigan, go during warmer weather and run or bike at the edge of the lake, rent a boat, or take a dip in the water.

In the market for a tree this holiday season? Ted Drewes (South City location) sells them from their parking lot each year, but the real fun is in bundling up and heading over to Eckert’s Farm in Belleville to cut down your own. Either way, there’s nothing like the smell of fresh pine to make your place feel cozy and festive as finals approach.

Lesser known acts than at the Pageant, but same ownership.

Located in the basement of the Blueberry Hill restaurant on the Loop, the Duck Room is an intimate space with acts ranging from blues to psych-rock.

Nationally touring musicals and some big name musicians. Even if you’re not a musical theatre fan, the building is ornate and stunning, so consider taking a backstage tour ($10 departing at 10:30 am T/Th/Sa; Saturday tours include a performance on one of two of the Fox’s famous Wurlitzer organs).

M1 float trip down the Maramec River.

River float trips are a tradition in Missouri. Take the lead on planning the unofficial M1 float trip, or get away with a small group of your friends, though this really is a more-the-merrier type of activity. You can rent inner tubes or bring your own. Ozark Outdoors Resort on the Meramec River and Sunburst Ranch on the North Fork River are both good options to look into.

Zip-lining tours near Creve Coeur Lake. Check goape.com for more information.

Intimate, Cabaret style space is a classic jazz club (one of the best in the country), and is dedicated to sharing the art of of American jazz with the community. Brings in nationally recognized (i.e., Jazz at Lincoln Center group) and outstanding local (i.e., Funky Butt Brass Band) jazz musicians.

Want a truly offbeat music experience? Check out Joe’s. It’s a super funky bar with an incredible junkyard sculpture garden out back. Live music on Thursdays and Saturdays, usually, but to be in the loop, email joescafe.bigbill@gmail.com to get on their mailing list. Joe’s strives to be under the radar, so they don’t often publicize their calendar except by email listserv. Doors at 7, show at 8. $15, cash only. Must be 25 and up. BYOB and BYO food!

Home to the famous Kansas City barbecue! Known for its vibrant nightlife in the Power & Light District, be sure to visit! In celebration of its jazz music roots, Kansas City is home to the National Jazz Museum. It also has the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a fantastic art museum, a brand new luxury Loews Hotel, and the Worlds of Fun amusement park. Reachable by Amtrak!

Water sport rentals at Creve Coeur Lake.

Rentals available during good weather. Check crevecoeurlakerentals.net for more info.

The main attraction here is the Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery, which features the Levee High Apple Pie (one of Oprah’s Favorite Things). Expect Midwestern homecookin’ and waitresses in old timey dresses. If you’re feeling twee, the town also holds an Apple Butter Festival the last full weekend of October.

If you want the best yellow rolls you’ve ever had thrown at your head, or if you’re craving fried okra, sweet tea, and other Southern delights, take a road trip for lunch out to Lambert’s in Sikeston. Expect long waits, full stomachs, and some laughs.

Catching a show at Chaifetz Arena.

Larger acts play at the Enterprise Center, Chaifetz Arena, the Fox Theatre, Stifel Theatre, Chesterfield Amphitheatre, and Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. These are all located downtown, with the exception of Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre (an outdoor amphitheatre located by the casino) and Chesterfield Amphitheatre, both in West County.

Boulder sculptures at Laumeier Sculpture Park.

Looking for some art in the park? Laumeier is worth a visit. The front portion features large fields with interesting sculptures, including a realistic giant eyeball that will give you Anatomy lab flashbacks. Follow the big line of boulders back into the woods for interactive, climbable art, including some unique dog runs.

Whiskey fans can explore America’s Bourbon Trail, and the gambling inclined can have a day at the races at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack. Maybe even go for the Kentucky Derby! Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Mohammed Ali Museum, before partying all night on Fourth Street. Don’t forget to try the hot banana pudding, derby pie, Kentucky hot browns, bacon-on-a-stick, and fried chicken (try it at Indi; Louisville is the birthplace of Colonel Sanders!).

The home of Rock & Roll and the Memphis Blues, go to Memphis for great nightlife and great music. Memphis is home to one of the four distinct barbecue styles in the U.S., so make sure to arrive hungry! Once there, tour Graceland Mansion (Elvis’ home) and visit the Memphis Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel (where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968) to reflect on the history of American civil rights.

The Blanke Boxwood Garden within the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

“The Missouri Botanical Garden is the second largest botanical garden in North America and is one of the country’s oldest. It has almost 80 acres of beautifully maintained gardens to explore and is open year-round, with a giant climate-controlled geodesic dome called the Climatron, where you can experience a tropical forest even in the middle of winter. The garden hosts great events, including seasonal light shows, gardening and cooking classes, cultural festivals and free concerts. St. Louis residents enjoy free access on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and it’s very affordable at other times.” 

Stay out all night hearing live bands on Music Row, eat hot chicken, and shop the boutiques the next morning (if you’re still feeling up to it after your night out). In addition to its music scene, Nashville has a bustling foodie scene to explore. Visit the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the replica Parthenon.

A music venue that used to be a garage, Off Broadway has a very homey feel to it.

Go for the holiday lights and get some holiday shopping done in the many gift shops along the cobblestone Main Street. Or if you prefer, go during the warmer months and have lunch before renting bikes at the local shop and exploring this small portion of the enormous Katy Trail (a 240-mile bike trail that extends from St. Louis, almost to Kansas City).

Purina Farms is located just outside St. Louis, and their nationally televised agility shows happen here during the good weather months. If watching Border Collies and Aussies zig zag between fence poles is your idea of a good time, check out their calendar online.

Pack some food, a cooler full of drinks, and a car or two full of your classmates, and head to the river for a day of pontoon boating. Choose a sunny day, but in case your future derm classmates forget to remind you: wear sunscreen. Various pontoon rental companies can be found with a quick google.

Dinner cruises, Blues music cruises, and short trips up the Mississippi. Visit the Gateway Arch website to buy tickets.

The Modern Art Wing at Saint Louis Art Museum.

Kehinde Wiley Exhibit at Saint Louis Art Museum.

Free (!!!) art museum in the heart of Forest Park (they also bring in a touring exhibit each season, for which you must purchase tickets). The building is gorgeous and the museum is world renowned, with a collection spanning 5,000 years of cultures and genres. Originally founded as an independent entity within WashU and housed downtown, it moved to Forest Park right after our famous 1904 World’s Fair (see the movie Meet Me in St. Louis!), into the Palace of Fine Arts fair building. The museum then separated from the university in 1908. An impressive collection of European masters, the world’s largest Max Beckman collection, and ample artifacts, tools, clothing, weapons, and furniture from various cultures throughout history comprise the permanent collection. A perfect rainy day activity.

Riley M. outside the Planetarium at the Science Center.

“When you need a break from school, but still want some educational stimulation, there’s no better place to go than the Saint Louis Science Center. The Science Center has a variety of exhibits and attractions ranging from a Mars Rover simulator to a fossil lab. It also has a hyperboloid Planetarium and a fancy Omnimax theater with a screen that wraps almost 360 degrees, making for an incredible movie going experience. The center also hosts monthly events such as Science on Tap (learn about science and explore the museum while sipping on some excellent local craft beer). The best part of the museum? Free admission!”

Madeline D. brushing a goat at the Saint Louis Zoo.

“Lions, and tigers, and med students? Oh my! The award-winning Saint Louis Zoo (one of the top zoos in the nation) is home to over 17,000 animals coming from about 600 species. Lucky for us, it is only about three miles away from school in Forest Park, and admission is FREE. The best study breaks are the ones that involve hanging with the penguins and mongooses.” 

The only free outdoor professional theatre in St. Louis, Shakespeare in the Park runs for three weeks in June. Held in Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park (just south of Art Hill).

St. Louis’ largest all-local music festival, held in the Grove each June.