Enjoy the season in this city on the river, where glorious parks welcome you. Breathe the spring air, and have some fun.

Just about any spot you choose in the lush Missouri Botanical Garden promises a lovely view, especially in the Blanke Boxwood Garden.

Ride the tram to the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch for a panoramic view of St. Louis. Be sure to go early; as the day lengthens, so do the lines. 3. Relax with a picnic in a gorgeous city park.

Free performances of Shakespeare's plays turn Forest Park into a stage each summer.

T ower Grove Park offers rides in a carriage drawn by a Clydesdale.

The Saint Louis Art Museum reigns in Forest Park. The building first served as the Palace of Fine Arts during the 1904 World's Fair.

Where to Stay: Adam's Mark Hotel
A great downtown option, Adam's Mark Hotel sits just across from the Gateway Arch. Rates from $119.
4th Chestnut; (314) 241-7400 or CLICK HERE.

Where to Eat: Imo's
St. Louisians prefer their pizzas topped with Provel cheese, a blend of provolone, Cheddar, and Swiss. The consistency is more like Alfredo sauce than stringy mozzarella, but the rich flavor puts a tasty new spin on pizza. Try it at Imo's, a chain famous for slicing its pies into squares.
4479 Forest Park; (314) 535-4667 or CLICK HERE.

Where to Shop: Skif International
Try on a few asymmetrical, free-form sweaters made by local designers and fashioned to flatter any shape. This factory is more of a working warehouse than a showroom floor.
2008 Marconi Avenue; (314) 773-4401 or CLICK HERE.

Where You're There: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
An original Mississippi River crossing, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is now the world's longest pedestrian bridge. It's worth the visit to see the 22-degree turn in the middle.
(800) 916-8938 or CLICK HERE.

Check out our St. Louis Editor's City Guide for tips on hotels, restaurants, and places to shop.