3 Favorite Local Attractions in Driving Distance of St. Louis, MO

Fall in St. Louis is nothing short of magical. With vibrant foliage, cooler weather, and a rich tapestry of events, the season transforms our city into a wonderland before the winter wonderland. From family-friendly festivals to unique cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace this exciting change of season. Join us as we explore some of the most exciting 2024 fall events happening in St. Louis--whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it promises an autumnal experience like no other! more Dive Into St. Louis Fall Festivities This Season Apple Butter Festival – Kimmswick, October 26-27, 2024 Nothing says autumn quite like the warm, spiced aroma of freshly made apple butter. Held in the charming town of Kimmswick, the Apple Butter Festival draws in over 100,000 visitors each year with its small-town charm and unique offerings. Visitors can savor an array of food and drinks from more than 500 vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and peruse the crafts made by local artisans. The centerpiece of the festival is the traditional apple butter-making process, where apples are peeled, cooked over a wood-burning fire, and sealed in jars – ready for you to bring a taste of fall home. It’s a time-honored event that adds a delightful sweetness to the season. 12 th Annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl – November 2, 2024 Jazz enthusiasts will find a haven at the Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl, where the lively sounds of brass bands and blues musicians fill every corner of this vibrant neighborhood. This free event brings together swing dancers, vintage clothing vendors, and marching bands for an immersive celebration of jazz culture in St. Louis. Although most of the day’s activities are free, the grand finale at The Golden Record does require a ticket. Laumeier After Dark – Laumeier Sculpture Park, November 2, 2024 For one special evening, Laumeier Sculpture Park opens its gates for an enchanting nighttime experience. Laumeier After Dark features illuminated sculptures, temporary art installations, and a night market with local vendors offering everything from handcrafted art to delicious treats. Strolling through the park’s glowing sculptures under the stars makes for a memorable evening, complete with live music that fills the autumn air. This unique event offers an opportunity to see the beloved park in a whole new light. St. Louis International Film Festival – November 7-17, 2024 Cinema lovers rejoice! The Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival returns with an impressive lineup of independent and international films. Now in its 33rd year, this festival showcases a diverse array of features, shorts, and documentaries from around the globe, many of which will be exclusive to St. Louis. With screenings at multiple venues throughout the city, the festival brings together filmmakers, audiences, and the St. Louis community in a celebration of cinematic artistry and storytelling. Flyover Comedy Festival – November 14-16, 2024 The Flyover Comedy Festival promises three days of laughs as over 100 comedians descend on St. Louis for a packed schedule of stand-up shows, improvisation performances, and workshops. The 2024 lineup includes headliners like Patton Oswalt and Tig Notaro, who will take the stage at the historic Stifel Theatre. Whether you're a fan of edgy humor or classic stand-up, this festival has something for everyone. Spread across multiple venues, the Flyover Comedy Festival delivers a refreshing take on the comedy scene that’s bound to leave you smiling. Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights – November 23, 2024 The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights is a must-see event kicking off the holiday season on November 23 in downtown St. Louis. This family-friendly festival includes live holiday performances, interactive photo ops with favorite local mascots, and an array of vendor booths. One of the highlights is the lighting of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights, which is followed by an impressive fireworks finale that brightens the night sky. Grab your loved ones, bundle up, and head to the heart of the city for a memorable evening filled with the sights, sounds, and warmth of the holidays! Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade – November 28, 2024 Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade brings tradition and joy to St. Louis on November 28. With lively musical floats, dance troupes, and marching bands from across the region, the parade promises a vibrant display of talent and holiday cheer. Watch for festive parade units and special performances by drumlines and dance groups, all leading up to the arrival of Santa Claus, who brings a wave of holiday spirit as he wishes everyone a joyful season. This event is a true spectacle and a St. Louis staple that draws families from across the area to enjoy a heartwarming community celebration. Fall in St. Louis brings a special kind of magic that harvests a deep appreciation for the changing of seasons. Each attraction provides a unique way to celebrate the season and connect with the community we exist within. So grab the family or grab a friend, bundle up, and immerse yourself in the St. Louis experiences that make autumn unforgettable!

Over the summer, there are so many things to do in St. Louis, MO, and many offer a delightful atmosphere unique to Midwest events. We love seeing all the St. Louis events outside, especially in the spacious Infiniti QX50 with room for the whole family. Below are our top must-attend family events in St. Louis this summer. more 5 Things To Do in St. Louis, MO This Summer A Morning at Gateway Arch National Park The Gateway Arch is one of the most recognizable buildings in the United States, being the tallest monument to exist in the United States and also the tallest arch in the world. That's twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty! Spending a few hours exploring will be equally as rewarding for the family, with the surrounding park beautifully curated for both rest and play. We recommend a few hours to tour the Arch, museum, and surrounding park. Officially, the address is 11 N 4th Street. However, we find it easiest to take the Last Missouri exit from I-64 and follow signs for Gateway Arch National Park. Multiple Family Events: Forest Park Forest Park is a city treasure for getting back to the root of relaxation. Not only do we love exploring the wandering paths that offer gorgeous scenery, but many of the best family-friendly festivals in the city are held here. Examples include the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race, and the new Evolution Festival. Forest Park is located at 5595 Grand Drive. Spend a Day at the St. Louis Zoo The St. Louis Zoo is home to over 18,000 animals of over 700 species--definitely a whole day's worth of excitement! We sometimes pack our lunch and take our families first thing in the morning to really explore the beautiful grounds, and our children love getting to know all the creatures from around the world. Additionally, the St. Louis Zoo has attractions like the Zooline Railroad for little visitors to delight in during their stay! The St. Louis Zoo is at 1 Government Dr., North of the I-64 at Hampton Ave interchange. Festival of Nations in St. Louis The Festival of Nations is a proud testament to the beautiful diversity of St. Louis. This is the largest multiculturalism event in the region, showcasing a myriad of different cuisine, art, music, and more from over 75 countries. We love showing our family all of the different traditions in the city in the way they were meant to be experienced at this festival. The Festival of Nations will be held on August 24th-25th in Tow Grove Park at 4257 Northeast Dr. Top St. Louis Events: Islands of St. Louis Overnight Expedition Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Islands of St. Louis Overnight Expedition, a unique journey designed for those who cherish nature and seek a bit of adventure right in our backyard. This expedition promises participants an exclusive opportunity to explore the lesser-known islands dotting the Mississippi River. Ideal for families and adventure enthusiasts alike, this guided tour includes camping under the stars, educational river lore, and engaging activities that highlight the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of these hidden gems. Whether you’re navigating the serene waterways by kayak or relaxing by a campfire, this expedition is a perfect way to connect with nature and create lasting memories with the family. Don’t miss this chance to discover a new side of St. Louis, brought to you by the dedicated team at Big Muddy Adventures. The expedition is scheduled for August 17th-18th. Tickets are $150 for the entire overnight experience. Ready to hit the road? Come by Bommarito Infiniti in St. Louis, MO, and we'll help you find the right car for all of your summer adventures!

January marks a significant month for our team as we remember Frank Bommarito, the esteemed founder of the Bommarito Automotive Group, on the first anniversary of his passing. Frank's life was a tapestry of hard work, innovative thinking, and an unwavering dedication to his community. This commemoration is a tribute to a man whose contributions have profoundly shaped the automotive industry in Missouri and set a standard for excellence and integrity. more The Early Years: Building a Foundation Frank Bommarito's automotive career began with humble roots at McMahon Pontiac, where he started by undercoating cars and working as a car porter and jockey. His dedication and hard work, coupled with his time in the US Navy where he received a Golden Glove award for boxing, laid the groundwork for his future success. Upon returning from the Navy, Frank continued his career at McMahon Pontiac in 1954, eventually climbing the ladder to sales and then on to management at Vincel Pontiac. His dream of being a new car dealer materialized in 1971 when General Motors handed him an Oldsmobile dealer in Ellisville, MO, marking the start of what would become the Bommarito Automotive Group. Under Frank's stewardship, Bommarito Oldsmobile not only became Missouri's largest Oldsmobile dealership but also maintained its status among the nation's top ten. But his initial success was not confined to a single brand; it was merely a springboard for expansion--each new venture was marked by Frank's signature blend of tenacity and foresight, as seen in the enduring success of Bommarito Mazda in Ellisville as the largest Missouri Mazda dealer for over 17 of their 43 years of operation. His vision encompassed the St. Louis Metro area, elevating the North County Nissan in Hazelwood to the status of Missouri's largest volume Nissan dealership. Extending further into West County, the establishment of Bommarito Buick GMC and Bommarito INFINITI in Ellisville continue to reinforce the Bommarito name as a significant cornerstone in Missouri's automotive history. Sustaining Impact and Growth The transition of leadership to his son, John Bommarito, in 1998, was a seamless passing of the torch. This period saw significant expansions and acquisitions, including the introduction of new brands like Pontiac, Suzuki, Buick, Honda, and Volkswagen, each reflecting the group's commitment to diversity and customer choice. Even after handing over the reins of the Bommarito Automotive Group to John, Frank's influence remained a guiding force. The group's expansion under John's leadership, bringing the group total to 20 franchises and locations in every St. Louis neighborhood, continued to reflect Frank's vision and principles. Frank's ethos, centered around hard work and community service, was instilled in the group's over 1000 team members, ensuring that his legacy of being Missouri's #1 Auto Dealer and a top national dealership endured. The Bommarito Auto Group's growth was not about adding brands for the sake of notoriety; it was about creating a legacy that car buyers could rely on for life—Frank’s vision of having "a vehicle in our portfolio for every type of buyer" bloomed into a lifetime family mission that has become revered by the community today, with John's continued dedication in the business reflecting Frank's tenacity in which so many have been inspired by. A Fulfilling Life Beyond the Family Business Frank's life was rich and multifaceted, extending well beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his heartfelt generosity and his belief that giving someone a job was the best form of help a person could offer. He’s remembered as an accomplished Gin Rummy and Poker player, and he deeply cherished his weekly gatherings with friends, whom he affectionately nicknamed his "Cronies." He also had a well-known passion for writing which led him to author a weekly column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for over a decade, sharing his business insights and personal experiences as a well-versed entrepreneur during the recession of 2008. In 2015, he was honored as the Time Dealer of the Year for his community contributions, and his alma mater, St. Mary’s High School, was named in his honor. Frank's legacy lives on through his family, including his beloved wife Lisa, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his beloved (and cleverly named) dogs, Sinatra, Deano, Bishop, and Pavé. As we commemorate the first anniversary of Frank Bommarito's passing, we reflect on a legacy that has truly transcended the automotive industry. His journey from a car washer to a revered industry leader is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the community he so deeply cared for. Frank Bommarito's story is not just about cars--it's about the indelible mark he left on the St. Louis Metro area and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy, carried forward by both his family and the Bommarito Auto Group, continues to drive forward, fueled by the same principles that Frank held dear. In remembering Frank, we celebrate a life that was truly driven by passion, vision, and an enduring commitment to excellence.