Visiting St Louis and Eastern Missouri

Eastern Missouri is dominated by St. Louis, the largest metro area in the state, with the familiar skyline featuring the iconic Gateway Arch. The arch is called as the Gateway to the West, and features a tram to carry visitors to a lookout on the top. North of St. Louis, the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers converge to form the fourth longest river in the world. Once one of the largest cities in the US, St. Louis hosted both the 1904 World's Fair and Olympic Games. St Louis was a significant influence in the US beer making industry as home to breweries like Falstaff Brewing Corporation and Anheuser-Busch. St Louis remains the North American headquarters for Anheuser-Busch today.

St. Louis is famous as a sports city with the well known St. Louis Cardinals making their home at Busch Stadium. Regular season games are scheduled into October as the Cardinals defend their 2009 title as National League Central Champions. The Cardinals are hosting the inaugural Cardinals Care Run Home for Kids in 2010. The 6K run ends inside Busch Stadium at home plate where participants can slide in, reminiscent of Stan “The Man” Musial. This great event is held the end of August, promotes health and fitness and supports the Cardinals Care community fund.

Best Western Hotels has three convenient locations for visitors to Busch Stadium and travelers heading to downtown St Louis. The Best Western Kirkwood Inn is located on I-44 west of downtown. The Best Western Airport Plaza Inn & Conference Center is ideal for air travelers and even offers a park & fly package where guests can leave their car at the hotel for up to 14 days. The Best Western St. Louis Inn, Southwest of downtown is just off of I-55.

Hannibal, north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, host the 34th Annual Autumn Historic Folklife Festival fall 2010. This popular fall festival, held mid-October celebrates traditional arts and fine craftsmanship, featuring over 80 of the best local and regional exhibitors. A fun family weekend, you will see artisan's working their crafts, enjoy fresh pressed cider, performers strolling among the festival, street artists, and plenty of delicious local food. The Best Western on the River in Hannibal is the ideal location for visitors. With affordable rates and a location on the Mississippi, book an extra night and enjoy a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi.

For a terrific fall adventure, join the 3rd Annual Pedal the Parkland at St. Joe State Park. The 2010 event features five different rides, offering fun for all ages and abilities. Scheduled September 18th, bring friends and family to enjoy a ride through Missouri's beautiful fall colors. If you are looking for a challenge, the Top of Missouri ride is a 100 mile loop to Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri. Other rides vary from 15 to 66 miles and you can choose on or off trail routes. Enjoy Eastern Missouri this fall.