Things To Do
in Town and Country

Town and Country, Missouri is a quiet, affluent suburb just west of St. Louis known for its tree-lined streets and easy access to the city's culture. It offers a calm, family-friendly base with upscale shopping and dining at nearby Town and Country Crossing and Clayton. The area serves as a convenient gateway to Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and nearby neighborhoods, making it easy to combine suburban charm with urban exploration. Visitors will find a refined yet approachable atmosphere, with quick drives to iconic St.

Louis attractions and scenic natural areas.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Town and Country and check into your hotel. Start your journey with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and local coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through residential areas to admire the stunning architecture and landscaping.

afternoon
:

Visit the Town and Country Crossing for some shopping at unique boutiques and high-end stores. Enjoy lunch at one of the bistro-style restaurants, savoring delicious regional specialties. Take a peaceful walk in the nearby Longview Park, enjoying the lovely scenery and gardens.

evening
:

Dine at a renowned steakhouse in Town and Country, where you can relish a perfectly cooked meal amidst a cozy atmosphere. Post-dinner, enjoy a nightcap at a luxurious bar or lounge nearby, immersing yourself in the vibrant local nightlife. Return to your hotel, soaking in your first impressions of this beautiful town.

day 2
Cultural Day
morning
:

Spend your morning visiting the Saint Louis Art Museum, where you can explore a diverse range of exhibitions and admire both classic and contemporary artworks. Engage with the museum's various interactive displays, making it a thoughtful start to your day. Take a leisurely stroll around Forest Park after your visit, enjoying the park's beautiful trails and serene ponds.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a café within Forest Park, where you can refuel with a light meal while enjoying views of the park's lush landscape. After lunch, take a trip to the Missouri History Museum to learn about the local history and culture through interactive exhibits. You can even catch a local performance or film screening that might be happening at the museum.

evening
:

For dinner, head to a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and seasonal dishes. After a satisfying meal, explore the nightlife in the area by visiting local theaters or jazz clubs for some evening entertainment. Wrap up your day with a walk back through the park, enjoying the fresh air and tranquility.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12
🏠1-bedroom apartment in city center$1,700
🏬3-bedroom apartment in suburb$2,900
🧺Grocery bill for a week for two$90
🚗Gas per gallon$3.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Affluent, safe suburban base with easy access to St. Louis attractions
  • High-quality dining and shopping nearby
  • Excellent parks and family-friendly amenities
  • Strong transportation links to downtown St. Louis
  • Limited nightlife within Town and Country itself
  • Can require car travel for many activities
  • Higher costs common in the suburb compared to the city center
  • Seasonal weather can impact outdoor plans

Places to Visit in Town and Country

Visit one of these nice places.

Gateway Arch

Iconic stainless-steel monument with riverfront views and skyline perspectives from the Columbus and riverfront areas.

CityGarden

Downtown sculpture garden with modern art, fountains, and urban backdrops—great for cityscape and macro shots.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Lush plant displays and the Seiwa-en Japanese Garden provide vibrant, tranquil photo opportunities.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Expansive outdoor sculpture collection set on rolling lawns and wooded areas for dramatic compositions.

Castlewood State Park Lookouts

Rugged bluffs and scenic river views along the Meramec River—great for wide landscapes and golden-hour images.

Culinary Guide

Food in Town and Country

The St. Louis area blends iconic local flavors with cosmopolitan dining, offering classic Missouri fare, Italian-influenced dishes, and modern American cuisine across Clayton, Town and Country, and the greater St. Louis region.

Town and Country Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Toasted Ravioli

A St. Louis specialty—cheese-filled ravioli battered and fried, typically served with marinara sauce. Widely available at Italian eateries around the area.

Must-Try!

Gooey Butter Cake

A rich, soft cake dusted with powdered sugar, a quintessential St. Louis dessert found in local bakeries and cafés.

St. Louis-Style Pizza (Provel cheese)

Thin-crust pizza topped with Provel cheese, a regional favorite you’ll encounter at many local pizzerias.

Barbecue (Ribs or Pork Steaks)

Missouri-style barbecue with smoky flavors; try a local joint for tender ribs or pork steaks.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Soulard Market

Historic market near downtown offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and prepared foods—great for sampling local ingredients.

Clayton Farmers Market

Seasonal market in Clayton with local produce, flowers, and baked goods, ideal for a midday snack or picnic ingredients.

St. Louis Union Market

Modern food hall featuring a range of local vendors offering ready-to-eat bites and beverages.

Climate Guide

Weather

The St. Louis region experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Spring and fall bring mild to pleasant weather with changing foliage. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed, with the potential for severe storms in spring and summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

General Courtesy

Greet people warmly, hold doors for others, and use polite phrases like please and thank you in daily interactions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Town and Country is a safe, suburban area. Standard urban safety precautions apply: lock vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, be aware of weather alerts (especially tornado season), and use well-lit areas at night.

Tipping in Town and Country

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants typically expect 15-20% of the pre-tax bill; for bar service and counter-service, tipping is appreciated. Rounding up at casual spots is common.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash, credit/debit cards, and contactless payments; mobile wallets are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid, and often stormy afternoons. Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings; carry water and sunscreen.

Fall

Crisp air and brilliant foliage in parks and neighborhoods; ideal for hikes and scenic photography.

Winter

Cold temperatures with occasional snow. Indoor attractions are comfortable options; layer up for outdoor strolls.

Spring

Moderate temperatures with frequent rain. Gardens and parks come into bloom, great for outdoor explorations.

Nightlife Guide

Town and Country at Night

The Town and Country area itself has limited nightlife, but nearby Clayton, the Central West End, and Downtown St. Louis offer bars, breweries, live music venues, and wine spots within a short drive.

Hiking in Town and Country

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Castlewood State Park

Rugged bluffs and river views with a range of hiking options from easy to challenging.

Creve Coeur Lake Park Trails

Well-maintained loop trails around the lake, suitable for all ability levels and birdwatching.

Katy Trail (segments near St. Louis area)

A long, flat rail-trail perfect for extended day hikes or multi-day trips with scenic countryside landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Town and Country by plane.

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)

Major international gateway serving the St. Louis area; about 20-25 miles from Town and Country; connected by car, taxi, rideshare, and regional transit.

St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS)

General aviation airport near Cahokia, IL; useful for private flights, roughly 25-30 miles from Town and Country.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLH)

Regional airport in Mascoutah, IL; serves some cheaper carriers and charter flights; approximately 40 miles from Town and Country.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is strong in Clayton and around Town and Country Crossing, with pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining. However, the suburb overall is largely car-dependent for longer trips, so a car or rideshare is usually necessary for accessing central St. Louis attractions.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families drawn to safe neighborhoods and strong schools.

Professionals

A steady population of professionals who commute to business districts and universities.

Retirees

A portion of longtime residents enjoying suburban amenities and tranquil neighborhoods.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Cardinals games at Busch Stadium are a major regional draw and a must for sports fans visiting the area.

Ice Hockey

St. Louis Blues games at the Enterprise Center provide winter entertainment and a lively atmosphere.

Soccer

St. Louis City SC matches offer modern, city-level soccer experiences in the region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Town and Country but can funnel onto I-270 and I-64/40 during weekday rush hours. Public transit exists in nearby Clayton and University City, but most travelers rely on a car or rideshare for flexibility.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Town and Country.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available. Look for salads, veggie bowls, pizzas with fresh toppings, and sides; don’t hesitate to ask for meat-free substitutions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

The St. Louis area has several major hospitals and clinics within a short drive, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis University Hospital, and other health systems in Clayton and nearby suburbs.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide