Contributed by Missy Nolan, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Okay, you’ve made it to St. Louis – or maybe you’ve lived here all along and never really ventured past your own neighborhood.

What now?

St. Louis might not seem like a fun place, especially since it’s smack dab in the middle of the country. There are no soft, sandy beaches surrounded by oceans. Celebrities usually don’t hang out in – or around – The STL. Oh, and it’s not exactly the ideal place to pick up hot men and women, seeing as how St. Louis is ranked #1 in the country for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Hey, us competitive Midwesterners hate coming in 2nd place for anything.

Don’t give up hope on this big city just yet, though. The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission reports that St. Louis has more than 21 million visitors each year – and there’s a good reason for that. Try a few of the top 10 things to do in St. Louis below, and don’t forget to send Mom a postcard!

10. The Arch

Completed in 1965, parts and labor for this well-known landmark totaled around $13 million. Hop in a tiny, squeaky elevator and slowly ride to the top of this 630 foot structure. Once you reach the top, you can see the whole city – and even part of Illinois.

Not a fan of heights? Skip the arch or wait outside, near the base.

9. Zoo

More than 300,000 people visit the St. Louis Zoo each year, and it’s easy to see why. After all, what other city has a free zoo this large?

Cool off in the ice-cold building where the penguins live after a busy day of visiting the birds, elephants, bears and reptiles. Just so you know, there’s usually a pretty long line. Don’t forget to plug your nose when you visit the building that houses the monkeys – it’s pretty stinky in there.

8. Soulard

Ready to party? Hit the town in your best pair of sexy high heels and drink the night away. Big Daddy’s and Johnny’s Restaurant and Bar are two places to visit during your wild night.

7. The Brewery

Didn’t get enough to drink on Soulard? St. Louis is the proud home of Anheuser Busch. And yes, the tour includes free beer.

6. Science Center

Get your geek on at the awesome St. Louis Science Center. Admission is free, but there is a small charge for special events and movies at the Omnimax. FYI: The movies are worth every penny.

5. Sporting Events

St. Louis folks love their sports teams – even the ones that aren’t the best. Sorry, Rams – you’ll get it right one day.
If you like baseball, you’ve probably heard of the St. Louis Cardinals. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes – unless you want to pay big bucks to park across from Busch Stadium – and head to a Cardinals game. Worried about overpriced ballpark food? Busch Stadium now allows people to bring an insulated cooler with food and drinks – but not alcohol – inside.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the St. Louis Blues. Throw on your favorite Blues jersey and cheer the guys on. Who doesn’t love a good game of hockey?

4. Museums

St. Louis is big on free stuff, if you haven’t already noticed. All of the big museums, such as the History Museum and the Art Museum, are free.. Come early and spend the day learning about new things – and finding beauty in old things. Avoid the crowds by coming on a weekday.

3. Magic House

No trip to St. Louis is complete without a photo of your hair standing straight up as you touch the electricity ball at the Magic House. The Magic House is a fun and educational experience for kids – and adults – of all ages.

2. Union Station

Most of the good shops are long gone, but you’ll still find some gems down at Union Station. Whatever you do, don’t leave without buying a pound of gourmet fudge from The Fudgery. Make sure you hide it, unless you like licking empty strips of wax paper.

1. The Loop

Does your family hate your nose ring and hot pink hair? Spend your vacation down on Delmar, enjoying everything The Loop has to offer. Watch an indie flick at the old-fashioned Tivoli, or have a delicious meal at Blueberry Hill. There are also music stores, a Fitz’s soda shop, and several clothing places with stuff you won’t find anywhere else in St. Louis.