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St. Louis, Missouri earned the nickname "Gateway to the West" back in the 1800's for the crucial role it played in the westward expansion of the United States. Today, the west is pretty well settled, but the city's most prominent landmark stands as an enduring reminder of the ways it shaped the country. At 630 feet, the Gateway Arch is the tallest national monument in the United States, towering over the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and giving St. Louis an unmistakable skyline. Opened to the public in 1965, the arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and is truly a wonder of modern engineering. The cross sections of its legs are formed by equilateral triangles made of concrete and steel, and are covered with shiny stainless steel that reflects the sun even on cloudy days. The interior of the arch is hollow, allowing a cutting-edge elevator system with gimbaled cars that resemble ferris wheel gondolas to ferry visitors to an observation deck at the top. Once at the arched observation area, the view is nothing short of breathtaking, with a scenic panorama of the Mississippi River, southern Illinois, and the city of St. Louis spread out before you. You'll understand why so many 19th century settlers decided to make a home right here. Starwood has six St. Louis hotels, including the luxurious Westin St. Louis.

[image via BVH]

The City Museum of St. Louis is definitely not your average museum. Instead of tiptoeing around and speaking in hushed voices, visitors to this unique destination can get loud and rambunctious as they explore amazing interactive exhibits made out of recycled materials. Zoom down a three-story slide, climb through a giant Slinky, or take your rightful place in the center ring as you become a circus performer. There's something for everybody at this top-rated attraction, including rotating exhibits of historical objects, art, and unusual things like the world's largest pencil. The 76-foot-long pencil, which was made to the same specifications as a regular pencil, recently arrived at this eclectic museum where it will reside for the foreseeable future. You've just got to see it to believe it. In addition to zany attractions like the Enchanted Caves and MonstroCity, there's also the somewhat more traditional World Aquarium, with more than 10,000 creatures like sharks, stingrays, and seahorses. You can pet a stingray if you're so inclined. Starwood has five properties in St. Louis, including the Westin St. Louis.

One of the most popular attractions in Missouri is actually under Missouri. Meramec Caverns, a 26-mile labyrinth of subterranean rooms and passages, was formed and shaped over the course of 400 million years (give or take a million years) and the caverns and a surrounding park have been a public tourist attraction since 1935. Today, Meramec State Park boasts all sorts of modern amenities to make the caving experience a pleasant one, including well-lighted walkways that wind past limestone formations such as an extremely rare three-legged natural "wine table," a sheet of limestone formations known as the "stage curtain," and a huge vaulted ballroom in which concerts and events are held several times a year.

Throughout history, Meramec Caverns has served several different purposes. Local Native American tribes used the cave as a shelter and revered it as the home of their god, while outlaw Jesse James and his gang used it as a hideout from the law. Today, however, visitors from nearby St. Louis and across the Midwest come to admire the spectacular limestone formations and seemingly endless passages. But it's not all stalagmites and stalactites: up at ground level, Meramec State Park offers canoe and raft rentals, riverboat rides on the Meramec River, and even the chance to pan for gold. Maybe you'll strike it rich like a 19th century prospector. Meramec is a one-hour drive from the Westin St. Louis.

The city of St. Louis, Missouri was founded by in 1764 as a frontier trading post by Pierre Laclede, a Parisian businessman who exported pelts to Europe. As the Louisville Courier-Journal points out, St. Louis has come a long way since those humble beginnings, but the French influence can still be found in food and culture, if you know where to look. The St. Louis Art Museum will host an exhibition on Napolean Bonaparte this summer, including his armor and weaponry as well as his stylish wife Josephine's dresses and accessories. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park is a great place to learn all about the St. Louis French Connection, with exhibits highlighting French fur trading in the New World, as well as French fashions and customs. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis has an amazing portrayal of Saint Louis IX, the city's patron saint, on the walls of the vestibule. For some delicious French cuisine, have dinner at Chez Leon in the Central West End neighborhood. With appetizers like seared diver scallops in shallot beubrre blanc and entrees such as beef tenderloin medallions in roquefort and cognac sauce, you'll be glad that this is a walkable city. Guests at the Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites can enjoy the best of France in this classic American city.

[image via Louisville Courier-Journal]