St. Louis has a lot of neat places to offer if you know where to look. One of the best ways I’ve found to explore the city is to ask for recommendations from others. My hope for the “Four to Explore” series is that it will give you some ideas of places to check out in your favorite category.

Coffee Shops

Blueprint

6225 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis

A favorite local study spot. I highly recommend its butter cookies with jam.

Mud House

2101 Cherokee St., St. Louis

RISE Coffee House

4180 Manchester Ave., St. Louis

The decor here is amazing. I recommend staking out a table or couch upstairs when you need to crank out a paper.

Park Avenue Coffee

1919 Park Ave., St. Louis

Famous for its Gooey Butter Bars! It has hundreds of flavors.

Donuts

Strange Donuts

2709 Sutton Blvd., St. Louis

Go for the exotic flavors. Maple and Bacon, anyone?

John Donut

1618 S Broadway, St. Louis

A classic. You have to go late at night, but the cheap coffee and apple fritters are worth it.

Donut Drive-In

6525 Chippewa St., St. Louis

Off the beaten path for Wash. U. students, but a quirky and worthwhile stop.

Vincent Van Doughnut

40 N Central Ave., Clayton

Coming soon to downtown Clayton. It used to only be a food truck, but now there will be a storefront location where Pomme Restaurant used to be.

Winter Attractions

Shaw Park Ice Rink

217 S Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis

Opens Friday, Nov. 28

Kakao Chocolate

2301 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis

Warm up with some hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden

4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis

Nov. 22 – Jan. 3 Wednesday to Sunday evenings

Grace Fung | Student Life

Saint Louis Carriage Company Carriage Ride

You don’t have to go all the way to Central Park to take a classic holiday carriage ride—they are available right here in St. Louis. Look for the carriages downtown.

Brunch

Half & Half

8133 Maryland Ave., St. Louis

A Wash. U. classic. If you like coffee, the cold brew here is incredible.

Rooster

3150 S Grand Blvd., St. Louis

Adventure downtown for a fun Sunday brunch. This is a St. Louis classic.

Pastaria

7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton

Though best known for its dinner, Pastaria also does great brunch.

Oceano Bistro

44 N Brentwood Blvd., Clayton

Make a reservation for Sunday brunch on the terrace when the weather warms back up.