It’s a city with a rich history, a vibrant present, and a bright future. It’s a city full of issues: poverty, gun violence, and a socioeconomic divide wider than the majority of United States cities. It’s also a city full of growth and solutions such as the beautification efforts in impoverished areas and the development of new businesses, such as the new Union Station Aquarium and it’s surrounding attractions. There’s good and there’s bad, beautiful and ugly, rich and poor. Life is really all about finding the good, the beauty, and the riches in a world also filed with the bad, the ugly, and the poor.

If you live and work in the city like me, it would be easy to go about your daily activities in St. Louis and not once encounter actual nature. Connecting with nature is so important, and in St. Louis, even in the city, there are so many places to do so. Some of my favorites include Emmenneger Park in Kirkwood, Larson Park in Webster Groves, Forest Park, Lafayette Square Park, Tilles Park, Benton Park, and Clifton Park. These are the parks that I frequent, but there are so many more amazing parks to chose from.

Another way to make the most out of living in St. Louis is to try all of the amazing food we have to offer. We are a foodie town, and there are so many interesting new restaurants opening monthly, sometimes even weekly. Stay tuned into my posts, I have a “Best of STL” list in the works but it’s extremely detailed and I’ve been taking my time on it to ensure it’s the best it can be. My favorite local eatery would have to hands down be Kitchen House Coffee though. It’s local, ethical, and they have live chickens in their courtyard! The coffee is to die for, they have vegan and gluten free bakery options, and the staff is always so welcoming, even in the early hours of the morning when I stop by for an Easter Egger sandwich and an iced latte.

Being able to use food and nature as an escape from the daily struggles of life, especially when they are as grim as our struggles in St. Louis are, are an essential tools to our sanity. Next time you’re out and about and feel as if you’re trapped in a less-than-ideal town, remember that happiness is just around the corner.