24 Hours in Saint Louis

For my birthday Brad offered to take me to Missouri wine country (which may sound like an oxymoron but we're told it's not - it's actually supposed to be quite nice) or to downtown Saint Louis. I picked downtown - and we had a great time! Some good food, antiquing, and a ball game made for a wonderful getaway. We stayed downtown right next to the ballpark. (And the travel was a cinch!)

I love my birthday present - it's my very first Cardinals' jersey - and it's old school! My heart is still with the Brewers, but there's not much to dislike about the Cardinals. (Otherwise known as this year's National League Central champs.) Peter wholly disapproves, and I'm sure he'd like me to make that a matter public record ..... so now you all know!

On Saturday afternoon this was the view of the Arch from our hotel window.

That same afternoon this was our view at the ballpark.

And by Sunday morning, our view of the Arch was again beautiful, just with different light - which is a good metaphor for our 24 hours. Staying downtown, walking everywhere, trying different restaurants, not using our car - it made us see the city in a different light. And so while we didn't travel a long distance to get there, we felt like we were far from home. As you might imagine, such a good getaway made for a great birthday!