hitching a ride

Every native of STL knows when it’s time to get out. The ideal time to do so is from the very end of summer to the very beginning of fall, AKA apple picking season. And where’s the best place to go for deliciously oversized apples? Eckerts.

Located in Belleville, IL, Eckerts is home not only to apples, but peaches and pumpkins as well. And strawberries (ready now!) and blackberries. But Ben and I generally just go for the apples-- and it’s worth it. Eckerts lets you fill your own bag of apples, offering everything from Granny Smith to Red Delicious. Plus, if you have little ones with you, they have hayrides. Ben and I tend to act like little kids when we go on the hayrides by ourselves.

Another favorite destination outside of the 314 is Historic Old Town in St. Charles. Don’t be fooled by the name; Historic Old Town does not look or feel like suburbia. It is home to cute shops (including a magnificent candy shop by the name of Riverside Sweets), antique stores, and original cobblestone streets. One of our favorite experiences was going to Tintypery to get an old-fashioned photo taken. They provide the costumes and the set, you provide the pose. It’s about $30 for one big picture or two smaller ones, which isn’t that bad when you take it home, frame it, and smile everytime you see it. The additional pictures available for purchase are probably not worth the cost. Use that money instead for an old-fashioned picture frame.

Illinois is home to another historic city. Another short drive away from STL, Alton is reached by crossing a bride that looks a lot like the Golden Gate Bridge. The city appears to be untouched by time; there are old homes, cobblestone streets, and a cemetery with significantly old tombstones. Apparently, one of the main attractions is Fast Eddies, a burger joint that claims to be world renowned. However, Ben and I wouldn’t know; the place is strictly 21 and up. And they don’t let you do carry out. So its claim to world fame is thus contradicted by its pleasant secrecy. When we’re older, we’ll find out.

As an important note, we don’t aim to make you up and leave this fair city. Where else can you find the classic high school question? Or a mere 3 degrees of separation instead of the normal 6? Nowhere, that’s where. But sometimes a change of scenery makes you appreciate the same ol’ same ol’ a little more.

Stay cool, St. Louis.