After Bardstown we pushed on to St Louis. Planned on staying a month in the area but a sucky internet connection and lack of RV options for big rigs in the area forced us to move along. We stayed at Red Barn Rendezvous again – the first time was in April 2010 with our 40′ fifth wheel — the trees were smaller and the park was empty then. This time the branches were hanging over the lanes and it was crowded with straggling toweds parked this way and that – making maneuvering the park a bit tense. Internet service was almost non-existent for both AT&T and Verizon. Road noise from 55 wasn’t bad and there was plenty to do in St Louis.

We don’t get to see them often enough but our interweb BFFs live in St Louis and they showed us an amazing time. Cramming a months worth of fine dining into a week. I am still full.

Our first night there they threw us a party at their home — Kerri is a fabulous chef and she cooked us nommy food. They invited their friends — who became our friends instantly. Molly the dog presided over the whole affair while Duncan the cat watched cautiously from his window perch.

Kerri and I shopped and she took me site seeing. Then came the dining out. St Louis – you are an amazing city and I can’t wait to return.

The eats:

Balabans – well worth the drive to the far west side of town. The food was amazing from start to finish. The presentation, the serving sizes — it was all amazing. Even without being a wine drinker I was impressed. Tho’ the wine selection is nothing short of fabulous. If you can only have one thing from the menu – make it dessert.

Bailey’s Range – groovy burger and shakes place downtown. Lunch time crowd made for slow service but that is to be expected when you are packed to capacity. Fresh mayo with delicious fries was the highlight. Burger was astounding. Quinoa salad was SWEET not savory and not my style at all. Kitschy joint.

Small Batch – this place was my kind of joint. Lots of bourbon and delicious food. Lionel was great and took care of us. It was too hot to sit outside but the large windows gave us a nice view.

Ices Plain & Fancy – this was my favorite. Twice in one day. Is it ice cream? Is it a science fair project? It’s both!! Delicious creamy ice cream made to order in front of your eyes in a few minutes with the help of LIQUID NITROGEN. Not only all Bill Nye the Science guy but TASTY AF!! They had a savory flavor of the day — Salted Caramelized Peach with goat cheese. So full of win.

If you are camping and need groceries — check out Dierberg’s and Fields Foods. Also — coming soon .. IKEA.

I already miss Kerri and Brad but we’ll be back.


Lehnanne

Lehnanne has shared with the internet her love of research, animals, and writing since 1996. She created and ran several independent online directories and communities. The desire to travel nurtured by every new duty station of her military family moves has stuck with her. When she is not busy being a cat servant and dog-mom, she enjoys exploring new places and dark chocolate.

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