15 Fall Things You Haven't Done in St. Louis — But Should

By Riverfront Times Staff on Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:35 pm

Although the weather may hint otherwise some days, fall is here in St. Louis -- and with that comes all kinds of fun. Sure, you could hit your default mode and head to the apple orchard or seek out a haunted house, but St. Louis has so much for to offer. As such, we've rounded up a list of fall things you haven't done in St. Louis, but should. Put your rake down and stop scrolling through your weather app to see if summer is coming back tomorrow -- there are good times to be had. By Melissa Buelt

By Melissa Buelt

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Enjoy a glass of wine by the bonfire at Cedar Lake Cellars.

Cedar Lake Cellars (11008 Schreckengast Road, Wright City) has scenic views, bonfire nights and weekend music entertainment located in the heart of Warren County, Missouri. Bring your friends and rent your own fire pit for $75 for three hours. The rental includes seating for six, a s’mores kit and a bottle of Cedar Lake Cellars wine to share. Fire pit reservations are Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m., and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. All reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.

Photo courtesy of Cedar Lake Cellars.

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Find an alternative to Sunday football and watch your favorite blockbusters in theaters for cheap.

When the weather turns cold and you’re tired of the NFL, from now until December 16 you can enjoy four movies for the low price of $20 every Sunday at Marcus Theatres. Choose from any films showing. Every Sunday Passport comes with 20 percent off concessions. Purchase your Sunday Passport online at marcustheatres.com/store/sunday-passport, or at a participating Marcus Theatres box office.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | Ian Bridgeman

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Light up the night at the Lantern Fest.

The Lantern Fest is back at Brookdale Farms (8004 Twin River Rd., Eureka) this year. It's a festive, family-friendly party, with s'mores, live music and kids activities -- but the main attraction is when the thousands of attendees send floating lanterns up into the night sky. The 2018 Lantern Fest is in St. Louis November 3. Visit thelanternfest.com for more information and tickets.

Photo courtesy of The Lantern Fest.

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Drink cider at St. Louis' first cidery and be merry...

Previously a firehouse, Brick River Cider (2000 Washington Blvd.) features a bar that seats 30 to 40 guests, as well as a restaurant and kitchen on the second floor. With many ciders on tap, it's the perfect spot to warm yourself from the inside.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | Dane

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...or learn how to brew your own cider.

Based in O’Fallon, Missouri, Design2Brew (9995 Winghaven Blvd., O'Fallon) host a variety of classes and events for not only beginners, but also those who wish to broaden their interests and develop their skills in home brewing.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | Susy Morris

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Celebrate at the Grafton Towboat Festival.

That's right, Grafton has a towboat festival. This tradition is named for the boats that have played a part on the Mississippi River since the 1850s. Complete with live entertainment, food, drinks, kids games, towboat tours and a fireworks show, it's fun for the whole family. Mark your calendar for November 3 and 4, and call 618-786-7678 for details. Photo courtesy of Flickr | Brian Bennett.

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Explore the haunted history in the oldest part of St. Louis.

The Haunted History tour departs from Morgan Street Brewery (721 N. 2nd Street) and weaves through the streets of Laclede's Landing. Grab a drink before the tour takes off on 90 minutes of haunted history fun (tour participants get a discount on food and drinks at Morgan Street). Prepare yourself to hear bizarre stories from the past, including the Great St. Louis fire, the famous exorcism, the cholera epidemic, bloody island and more. The tour is led by storyteller David Riordan, whose family has lived here for more than 180 years.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | Brock Roseberry

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Participate in a comedy-mystery dinner theater at the Lemp Mansion.

Everyone’s a suspect. Who-Done-It is a lively period-piece performed by Jest Murder Mystery Company at Lemp Mansion (3322 Demenil Place). The show features dinner, audience participation and lots of laughs. Call for reservations at 314-664-8024 or contact the producers online. The performers are also available for private events.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | janet lackey

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Spend the weekend in Kimmswick for the Apple Butter Festival.

Drawing close to 100,000 visitors during the two-day event, the Apple Butter Festival on October 27 and 28 is the largest event in Jefferson County. Hundreds of vendors line the streets of Kimmswick selling crafts and food items. Don’t forget your walking shoes! Also enjoy live entertainment provided by the city. The festival starts at 10 a.m. daily and runs until about 5 p.m. Pumpkin carving is one of the many attractions on offer.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | henskechristine

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Take Oktoberfest to a new level in wine country.

The Hermann Oktoberfest has become a tradition for revelers throughout the Midwest. Held every weekend in October, the event offers tours, live music, free exhibits and interpretive displays, and more. Hermann’s wineries, restaurants, shops and museums are also open during the week without all the crowds. You can either drive or take the short Amtrak ride into Hermann. The festival kicks off Friday, October 6.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | Roland Klose

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Head to the train...oh yeah, and the pumpkin patch, too.

Make a new tradition of going to the pumpkin patch and then hop on the open-air passenger train in Wildwood. The train departs from the station every 20 minutes beginning at 11 a.m. and the last train departs at 4:15 p.m. The two-mile round trip ride lasts about 30 minutes and travels along the Meramec River. It’s fun for the whole family. For additional information about the open-air passenger train, visit wfprr.com.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | Pimthida.

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Get lost in the corn maze at Dickherber Farms.

It’s corn maze season! The festivities at Dickherber Farms (7063 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie , MO) are plentiful. Admission is $8 per person, and children under 3 are free. While there you can enjoy a petting farm with many types of farm animals.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | katya rojas.

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Go on a biking adventure along the Katy Trail.

Sure, you’ve heard time and again about the Katy Trail, the 240-mile bike path weaving throughout Missouri. But have you actually ever explored it? Don’t think that a trip here means you have to be in tip-top shape: In fact, we recommend spending your day at the wineries and breweries just off the trail. Make a weekend out of it and stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts along the way.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | N.

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Enjoy some of the best views of fall foliage

The leaves are changing and so are the views. Hike the paths of Castlewood and Cliff Cave to see the fall foliage, or put on your riding boots and go on a horseback ride through Greensfelder while the weather's still nice.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | Heath Cajandig

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Get out to your local county park for fall fun

We’re not just talking and picnics and hauling the kids to the playground. Several St. Louis-area parks are hosting hayrides this fall, along with live music, bonfires and more. Click here for more info.

Photo courtesy of Flickr | scott spaeth

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