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St. Louis, MO, is known for its all-American traits. Home to the Gateway Arch, this city is a fan of baseball, hockey, and surprisingly enough, ice cream! Being the second largest city in the state means there are a lot of creameries to check out, but this list is going to break down the best ones. 1. Ted Drewe's If you're looking for an old-fashioned joint to kick back and relax, Ted Drewe's is the place for you. The building's 1920s exterior reflects the commitment to delivering cream that's been popular for decades, and the long line up front lets you know the treats are well worth the wait. We recommend the lemon cream with a scoop of blueberry for the perfect refresher. This graham-cracker sprinkled sundae has vanilla custard swirled with lemon cream, and the additional blueberry scoop adds a sweet tone to the tangy flavor. This stand offers fresh fruit toppings, so you can pile on strawberries and pineapples to make it just a touch healthier if you're wanting some added benefits. 2. Ice's Plain and Fancy The name perfectly describes the service, which strikes a balance between serving classic cream and innovating the dessert. Ice's Plain and Fancy serves nitro-cream, which is both colder and denser than the version you may be accustomed to. The cherry cordial really shines on their menu for how the nitro process keeps the cherry pieces so fresh and icy, which perfectly compliments the cherry cream and crunchy chocolate chips. In a hurry? Ice's also offers to-go servings of all their most popular flavors pre-made for guests, so you can get back to enjoying your new 2022 Ford Ecosport SE's excellent stereo system and ambient lighting feature. 3. Bella's Frozen Yogurt Bella's Frozen Yogurt prides itself in offering an incredibly welcoming environment for any guest of any background. This shop specializes in cream that is not only delicious but is also made to impress customers visually. Each serving is created with an artistic theme in mind, and they nail it every time. Easily the cutest item on the menu is the cotton candy soft serve. The base of this treat is cotton candy flavored, and the top comes with dollops of whip cream and unicorn bark sprinkled all over. The whole dish is in pastel shades, and the final swoop of cream looks just like a unicorn horn! Sundaes are popular no matter where you go, but this city has options you won't find anywhere else. You're going to want to visit all of these shops to discover which one is the greatest, but navigating such a place can be challenging. Make sure you have reliable transportation and visit Schicker Ford of St. Louis to get a vehicle with the latest tech at the best price. Image via Pixabay

There is nothing as exciting as tackling the road in a comfortable Ford EcoSport with all the legroom you'll need for friends and family on exciting day trips to fantastic destinations around St. Louis, MO. Take the road out of the city to discover breathtaking natural scenery, prehistoric secrets, and magical wonders along the way. Spend the Day in Nature at Castlewood State Park It's just a short 25-mile drive to Castlewood State Park at 1401 Kiefer Creek Road in Ballwin to get out of the city and spend the day in the lush valley on the banks of the winding Meramec River. The park stretches out on both sides of the river and has three trails that meander through the breathtaking scenery. Take your fishing gear, hook largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, and glide down the river in a canoe or kayak. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset throughout the year. Discover the Secrets of the Mastodon State Historic Site Head out 22.2 miles down the road to Imperial to visit the Mastodon State Historic Site at 1050 Charles J Becker Drive. Start your visit at the site's museum, which displays a selection of ancient artifacts and fossils and an impressive replica of a mastodon skeleton. Watch the interpretive video on the secrets of the Kimmswick Bone Bed to understand the significance of where scientists first discovered evidence that humans and the American mastodon coexisted. The Mastodon State Historic Site is open daily from 8 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset year-round. Hike or Bike Down the Katy Trail Drive 27 miles to Machens and hike or bike down a section of the scenic 240-mile Katy Trail, the longest recreational trail in the country. Katy is short for Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, the former railroad corridor along the banks of the Missouri River that starts in Katy State Park and runs along the river's edge to Clinton. The trail is part of the American Discovery Trail, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and in 2008 added to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. The Katy Trail opens every day throughout the year, from sunrise to sunset. Explore the Meramec Caverns Take an hour-long road trip down route 66 to Sullivan to explore the impressive 4.6-mile Meramec Caverns, possibly the oldest roadside attraction along the route. Walk down well-lighted walkways through the seven-level natural wonder covered in stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the floors and ceilings. European pioneers discovered the famous 400 million-year-old limestone caverns during the 18th century, and it was believed to be a hideout for the notorious Wild West outlaw Jesse James and his gang. Before you head out of the city on an exciting trip, stop at Schicker Ford of St. Louis today and test drive the 2022 EcoSport. It's the best subcompact crossover SUV on the road and ideal for city driving and exploring the highways and byways of Missouri. Image via Pixabay

Are you in the St. Louis, MO area and looking for a way to discover local nature? There are beautiful, lush spots all around you. Here are a few state parks to set you off on your adventure. 1. Castlewood State Park Running along both sides of the Meramec River in a vibrant valley, Castlewood State Park has been a popular St. Louis area retreat since the early 1900s. With towering white limestone, boundless white and red oaks, and an area of rapidly vanishing bottomland forest, this park is great for hiking and watching wildlife, and it also boasts some of the best mountain bike trails for beginners and pros alike. 2. Route 66 State Park Get your kicks at Route 66 State Park! Designated as a federal highway in 1926, Route 66 is America's famous "Mother Road," connecting rural and urban areas for over 2,000 miles. This park holds a small piece of a legacy right in your backyard. Come to learn about the history of the highway and hike, bike, and observe local wildlife along 417 acres on Route 66. 3. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Memorializing a well-known St. Louis family, this park is a popular natural getaway amid the suburbs of St. Louis. Here you can hike or ride horseback through shady old-growth forests and hidden valleys. The area offers a bountiful habitat for many species of wildlife, so be sure to book a campsite to really immerse yourself. 4. St. Francois State Park St. Francois Park is the perfect place for hiking, canoeing, and camping. The park is home to the state-designated natural area of Coonville Creek, a unique ecosystem specific to the fens at the edge of the water. The fens hold plant species that are considered "glacial relicts," species that were common in Missouri 10,000 years ago. Every nature lover should put this stop on their list. 5. Washington State Park Washington State Park is a wonderland of natural beauty. It is best known for its petroglyphs, and rock carvings that remain as evidence of ceremonies by prehistoric humans. The park also features stunning flowers, large dolomite bluffs, and a unique mixture of native forests and other landscapes. Swimmers can choose between taking a dip in the Big River or using the ADA-accessible swimming pool. This park is for everyone. The vast St. Louis countryside will take you up rocky cliffs, down into green valleys, and floating along lazy rivers in the sun. If you're looking for a safe but versatile car to go exploring, the 2022 Ford Explorer is just for you. Visit Schicker Ford of St. Louis for a vehicle best equipped to quench your thirst for adventure. Image via Pixabay

Almost every restaurant offers a burger on their menu, but many aren't worth the bun they're placed on much less wasting gas driving your Ford F-150 to the spot. Luckily, the burger joints on this list are worth the drive; they offer the best burgers in the city! Burger connoisseurs will appreciate every juicy bite at these top spots in St Louis, MO. Bailey's Range Grass-fed, melt-in-your-mouth, thick burgers made to order with fries and your choice of dipping sauces make Bailey's Range one of STL's most unique burger joints. The menu offers dozens of different burger options and a huge draft beer list. Asian Duck Burger with Rooster sauce sounds a bit cocky but it certainly has every right to be, according to customers who admit they would drive hours to grab this special. The Sweet Bacon Shake stirs up conversation amongst patrons who can't wait to give it a try. Stacked STL Stacked STL is a burger bar located in historic Carondolet giving diners an upbeat, funky atmosphere for good times and even better food. Customers create their own burgers using the dozens of toppings on the bar or choose from one of 13 awesome menu burgers.  The bean burger is a favorite of customers. This spot opened in 2013 and quickly became known as one of the best places in STL to grab a burger and hang out with friends. Catch the game on the big screen if you're a sports fan. 5 Star Burgers An appropriately named burger spot operated by Steve Gontram, a five-star chef, 5 Star Burgers serves gourmet burgers and fries on Maryland Avenue. The menu includes craft beer and wine and each day, a happy hour delivers a fantastic special meal discounted for your dining pleasure. The burger patty is seared on a flattop grill, creating a beautiful crust, then finished on an open flame. The Breakfast of Champions burger and the Bison burger are two menu options you should try at least once. Apart from burgers, 5 Star Burgers serves soups, chili, salad, sandwiches, and ice cream shooters! Mac's Local Eats STL locals don't mind waiting in line for a burger from Mac's Local Eats. Most claim it's the best they've ever tasted and would drive hours for one of the ground cut, dry-aged patties smashed into thin, crisp, golden-edged burgers with intense flavor. It is the kind of burger that definitely make your tastebuds quiver. Mac's is located inside Bluewood Brewing Company on Oakland Street. The brewery has tasty beers, artisan ale, and other tasty adult drinks. Don't get behind the wheel of a Ford Fusion- or any other vehicle-if you choose to grab a cold one from the brewery. Drinking responsibly means everyone stays safe so future visits to Mac's are possible. Visit Schicker Ford of St. Louis if you are in the market for a certified pre-owned or new vehicle. Our massive vehicle selection ensures you find the perfect vehicle to accommodate your needs sitting on our dealership lot. Image via Pixabay

There's nothing like a freshly baked slice of pizza from a wood-fired oven or a deep-dish pie to enjoy with family and friends. On your next drive through St. Louis, MO, in your Ford Explorer, you'll find some of the best pizza places for takeout or dine-in for lunch, dinner, or a quick meal for the road. 1. Melo's Pizzeria Melo's Pizzeria is a cozy place that offers classic, wood-fired pies in a casual dining space with brick walls and a friendly atmosphere. This small eatery is ideal for the whole family, whether you're looking for a tasty meal after a long road trip or a great place to pick up an order to take home for dinner. Melo's Pizzeria is a local favorite with a friendly, efficient staff, and all pies are prepared with fresh ingredients and toppings. 2. Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza If you're looking for delicious Italian cuisine, including Naples-style pizza, you'll want to plan a visit to Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza. You'll find this great restaurant in downtown St. Louis, which offers high-quality wood-fired pies with fresh, quality toppings and locally-sourced ingredients. There are fantastic menu options, including chicken wings, traditional and signature pizzas, decadent desserts, and a terrific variety of wines and beers. Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza offers vegan options, and you can enjoy your delicious entree in the restaurant's dining room or order for takeout or delivery. Please drink responsibly. 3. Vito's Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante Vito's Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante is a superb eatery that features delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and comfort food served in a casual atmosphere. This family-owned restaurant offers excellent menu options, including happy hour specials, vegetarian plates, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. You'll enjoy the friendly staff and an outdoor patio, and you can order for takeout or delivery. 4. Guido's Pizzeria & Tapas This fantastic place serves delicious Mediterranean, Spanish, and Italian cuisine in a classy, relaxing dining space with excellent service. Guido's Pizzeria & Tapas offers great authentic dishes, including homemade lasagna, tasty tapas, and hearty pizzas. It's the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of wine with your favorite baked pie or a fantastic entree with family or friends. You can visit this spectacular place for a wonderful dining experience or bring home your favorite meal to enjoy with the whole family. 5. Monte Bello Pizzeria Monte Bello Pizzeria is a terrific spot to order your favorite comfort food, whether you're craving a tasty pizza, ravioli, chicken wings, salad, and light fare. You can visit this fantastic pizzeria Wednesday through Sunday, with the option of ordering online for takeout or delivery. It's the perfect place to enjoy a delicious, affordable meal with the family. On your next drive through town, you'll find many great pizza places in and around the St. Louis area. Come see us at Schicker Ford of St. Louis and see what we have to offer you from our fantastic showroom inventory today. Image via Pixabay

Located on the beautiful Mississippi River, St. Louis is a city known for its Gateway Arch, music, and food. There is a wide variety of cuisines to try and you can't miss out on the sushi. It is absolutely outstanding. Today, we're taking a look at the top three sushi places to hit in the St. Louis, MO area. 1. Kampai Sushi Bar If you like specialty sushi rolls, like Alaska rolls and Spider rolls, you'll love Kampai Sushi Bar. There are over three dozen specialty rolls to choose from, and they're all carefully crafted. If you feel a little overwhelmed by how many rolls look outstanding, you may want to come for lunch and get a Roll Lover's Special that comes with two rolls, soup, and salad. If you don't think two rolls will fill you up, you can't go wrong with one of the three sushi lunch bowl specials on offer. Alternatively, you may consider a Bento box lunch special. Each box comes with half of a California roll, so you get the sushi you crave while also getting a filling hibachi meal. 2. Mizu Sushi Bar Mizu Sushi Bar is also well worth a visit. Both the rice and noodle bowls are extremely filling and made with very high quality ingredients. The unagi bowl is a must-try if you love sushi rice and unagi but worry that nigiri or a couple of rolls will satisfy you. If other members of your party want hibachi, they're in luck. There are plenty of options to choose from, including a succulent salmon filet, three kinds of steak, pork, and seafood with fresh sauteed vegetables. 3. SUSHI KOI You and your family have just finished a long day of walking at the Saint Louis Zoo, and before you even make it back to your luxuriously spacious 2022 Ford Explorer Limited, your kids start complaining of hunger. You tell them there is food at home, but that isn't good enough for them. They want Japanese. You need to take the family to SUSHI KOI if it's after 4 PM. Your kids will love the chicken yakitori and shrimp or veggie udon noodle soup. You'll love all of the amazing sushi options they have, including a wide variety of nigiri and sashimi. If you want something warm, go with the unagi nigiri. If you want something cooked and chilled, go with the tako nigiri. If you're feeling maki, you're in luck. There are over two dozen options to choose from. There is also great chicken, salmon, and steak teriyaki. There is no shortage of sushi options in the St. Louis area. The top three places you have to try are Kampai Sushi Bar, Mizu Sushi Bar, and SUSHI KOI. To get there, you'll need a reliable ride. If you're frustrated by the amount of repairs your vehicle has needed lately, contact us today at Schicker Ford of St. Louis on S. Kingshighway to schedule a test drive. Image via Pixabay

Known as the "Gateway to the West," the vibrant, characterful city of St. Louis, MO is filled with fantastic eateries, world-class blues music, and comfy, cozy coffee shops. The coffee lovers of St. Louis are truly spoilt for choice. If you're looking for a cafe with terrific ambiance, service, and beans, here are four of the best places in town. Rise Coffee This delightful, bohemian cafe in the trendy Groove Neighborhood has one of the best vibes in town. The baristas and chefs are cheerful and welcoming. The stylish decor, attractive artwork, chilled-out music, and comfortable seating all create an atmosphere you won't want to leave. There's even a nice little patio area for sunny days and balmy evenings where local musicians perform at the weekends. When it comes to the quality of their food and coffee, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better place. All their coffee choices, hot and iced, are carefully prepared with high-quality roasted beans and an eye to aesthetic appeal. They also have a range of excellent teas. And whatever your drink, you can give it an extra little zing with a range of different flavored syrups. Sump Coffee This locally-famous coffee joint acts as something of a hub for local coffee connoisseurs. The baristas are all experts ready to give you tips and advice on their favorite caffeinated drinks. Their freshly roasted whole-bean coffees are all of superb quality, within an unbeatable range of choice that includes ten different drip coffees. A few recommended coffees here are the hot vanilla rum latte, the bourbon maple latte with oat milk, and the Costa Rican pour-over coffee. They also have plenty of tasty, chewy baked goodies to dunk in your hot drink, such as their ever-popular ABC cookies. The ambiance of the cafe is trendy and relaxing, with high-speed wifi for anyone seeking to do a little laptop work. Northwest Coffee Roasting This stylish artisan coffee roaster has beans carefully sourced from all over the world. This includes their floral Guatemalan bean, their fruity Ethiopian bean, and the earthy Sumatran bean. The baristas will lovingly create various combinations and blends, finding just the right coffee to suit your tastes and mood. On hot days you can have your brew iced or go for a delicious smoothie, and relax in their courtyard, perhaps eating a meal from their generous food menu. Park Avenue Coffee If you're in the mood for cake with your coffee, look no further than this elegant cafe in the downtown area. Their gooey butter cakes are to die for. All ingredients are freshly made on-site, down to the homemade caramel. When it comes to drinks, their range of yummy coffees includes their popular brown sugar lavender lattes and espressos. If you're passing through downtown, be sure to visit for the friendly service, cozy atmosphere, great prices, and free wifi. Wherever your search for excellent coffee leads you, pay a visit Schicker Ford of St. Louis. We're a trusted, family-owned dealership dedicated to providing the town's very best customer service. Image via Pixabay

We sure love our city of St. Louis, MO for so many different reasons. Narrowing everything we adore about our hometown to just five things was a challenge, but here are five of the reasons that locals love the city known as The Gateway to the West so much. Photo by: pixabay.com