Brock Wilbur

Baseball, beer, blues and BBQ: That’s what most people think of when they talk about this city. But it’s time to look beyond that and discover the other amazing things to do in St Louis—the kind of activities that make the Gateway to the West oh-so-special. From delicious restaurants to picture-perfect views, fantastic festivals and stunning hotels, St Louis deserves to be explored and lived-in like a local, whether you’re visiting for just a couple of days or have a whole week. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in St LouisRECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in St Louis

The perfect midwestern weekend away can be found in St Louis, and finding an equally-perfect lodging for your adventure is just as important as what you'll do once you're there. Luckily, there are both affordable and high-end options at your disposal in Gateway City. And it’s worth taking into account that while most of the city’s hotels are downtown, some of the best attractions, restaurants, things to do, and neighborhoods are spread out – so staying downtown isn’t necessarily the best way to experience all that the city has to offer. If you're wondering what there is to do though, there are a ton. If you're a loyalty member, then you'll find that the hotel scene in St Louis is full of all the usual suspects – but if you’re looking for something more authentic and local, this list also includes boutique stays that boast movie theaters, casinos and cozy pubs in them, as well as historic locations and even one lunar-themed hotel. Far out.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in St Louis RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in St Louis This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Ann Arbor is a thriller of a city, a gorgeous spot packed with fun things to do and all the shopping anyone could want. Food? There is plenty of that too. The best restaurants in Ann Arbor serve everything from quick sandwiches to blow-out fine dining, with everything in between. If you’ve worked up an appetite walking the tree-lined streets of a Michigan marvel, you are in luck.A beautiful place with plenty of stories to tell, the tales of Ann Arbor are best enjoyed over a delicious meal and a drink or three. Check out our guide to the best restaurants here, and happy eating.

Say it loud, say it proud; St Louis is one of the most exciting foodie destinations in the United States of America. There is a little bit of everything here, from unforgettable BBQ to innovative Asian food and American classics like never before. It all means that eating is one of the best things to do in the Gateway to the West.It is often said that the best way to experience a city is through its food, and St Louis is no different. Restaurants are a way of life here, and eating well means something more. Whether you are a native or popping in to see the sights, the best restaurants in St Louis are ready and waiting.

When you think of Kansas City, the first thing that often comes to mind is excellent BBQ. And, while this is true, you’ll also be delighted to know that KC offers (so) much more than burnt ends and chops. In fact, this Midwest city has a burgeoning culinary scene, offerings visitors the chance to savor flavors from almost anywhere, be it Italy, Ethiopia, Mexico, and more. So, if you're planning on swingin' through any time soon, consider popping into one of the best restaurants in Kansas City listed below. Apologies in advance if you have to take a lot of naps between meals: You’re going to need it. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Kansas City

Kansas City often gets overlooked in favor of larger Midwest cities like Chicago and St. Louis, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. What Kansas City lacks in size it makes up with character, culture, dozens of world-class attractions, and mouthwatering eats.  With this in mind, the best things to do in Kansas City include an up-and-coming arts scene, a variety of restaurants serving classic KC cuisine (BBQ, anyone?), and, surprisingly, a ton of fountains. (Yes, you read that right. There are a lot of cool fountains in this city.) Additionally, aside from being a great sports town, Kansas City also boasts a long jazz heritage and a slew of year-round events. Plus, KC even offers free public transportation since 2020, making it incredibly easy to get around to see all of the city’s highlights – that is, without blowing your budgets on Ubers, Lyfts, or taxis. So, go on and enjoy the best metro in the Midwest before everyone beats you to it.

Celebrations marked Detroit's recent entrance into the world of legalized marijuana, and the state of Michigan has wasted no time in flinging open the door to dozens upon dozens of dispensaries. If you're in the Motor City and looking for an ‘elevated’ experience – or just hoping to unwind after a long day – these are our recommendations for the best dispensaries in Detroit.  There’s a little bit of everything sprinkled in here – from high-end, curated lounges to off-the-grid spots with surprisingly expansive selections of flower, edibles and more. Many of them even offer curbside pick-up or delivery straight to your... couch. (Assuming you've already stocked up on food from one of the best restaurants in Detroit, that is.)   RECOMMENDED: The 20 best things to do in Detroit

Located just a few train stops from O’Hare International Airport, Rosemont serves as a waypoint for travelers and a destination for residents of the suburbs north of Chicago. Fittingly, the restaurants that populate the area offer an array of cuisines, including outposts of popular Chicago restaurants as well as local eateries serving Italian and Indian fare. The nearby convention centers and hotels host people from all around the world, and Rosemont’s restaurant scene reflects that diversity, offering everything from Southern-inspired barbecue to authentic Bavarian cuisine. While the Village of Rosemont isn’t all that large, it is filled with interesting dining options, no matter what you’re in the mood for. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Illinois

If you’ve mentally reduced this western Chicago suburb to chain restaurants and pickup bars stuffed with North Central College students, you’re missing out on the array of flavors that Naperville has to offer. Downtown Naperville’s new Water Street District, along the south bank of the DuPage River, has brought with it the city’s first hotel and a crop of fresh restaurants serving ambitious fare. Craving Peruvian or Pakistani? You'll find even more tasty options (plus easier parking) in strip malls along 75th Street or tucked among big-name chains on Freedom Drive off I-88. There are splurges and bargains alike on our list of the best restaurants in Naperville, but wherever you land, you won’t leave hungry. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Illinois

The vast array of natural resources at hand in Northern Michigan has fostered a deep appreciation for locally-sourced fare. 'Foraged' isn’t just an industry buzzword at the best restaurants in Traverse City: the local food scene is season-driven and revolves around getting creative with basics. Nearly every menu boasts something root-based and basically all desserts make outstanding use of cherries. The area is renowned for its cherries, after all – Traverse City is home to the National Cherry Festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Planning a visit? Check out our list of the best things to do in town and browse through the following collection of best restaurants in Traverse City. Make sure to dine at them all. Yes, all.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Michigan  

Although the town’s dining scene still skews towards comfort food, one scroll through our list of the best restaurants in Des Moines will convince you that Iowa's culinary landscape is about much more than just corn, pork and fried food on a stick. (Surprising in the Midwest, we know.) In step with the rapidly growing and diversifying population, a handful of new hotspots are highlighting flavors from all over the world, elevating the city’s food scene to uncharted new heights. Throw in the variety of fun things to do in town and beautiful hotel options and Des Moines might actually start to look like a very exciting destination for a domestic vacation.  But let’s get down to it: From elbows-on-the-table to worth-the-splurge meals, you won’t regret spending a penny at these Des Moines gems. Many are offering meals sourced by local purveyors (we are blessed with some of the richest soil in the country, after all), these eateries will delight you in new and exciting ways. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Iowa

Whether it's local history or global visions for tomorrow, KC has incredible art for all tastes. All you have to do is head to some of the best museums in Kansas City to see an incredible array of history, art, and more. Take the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum or the American Jazz Museum for example, where you can get a deep dive into the unique history that makes Kansas City great (besides the BBQ, of course). More into contemporary art? The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art both have worthy exhibits and Instagram-worthy installations. After you see the show, head to some of the best restaurants or breweries to refuel.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Kansas City