#247: Grant's Farm

Now here's a place I haven't been to since my childhood days in the 80s. It was great to be back. Sure, there are a lot of things I didn't remember and obviously some things had to have changed since 1988.

Grant's Farm, is without doubt, one of the most notable places for families to get together and have fun. I wish I can say this is very travel and tourist-friendly, only because there are no signs off the interstate that point how to get here. Not everyone owns a GPS, you know! Another positive and negative: + it is free, - everything else costs an arm and a leg. You can pay for parking just right in front of the place or you can walk the trail and park somewhere close for free. Either way, its 'grant'ed a great time for anyone, regardless of age.

The entrance from the parking lot

Entrance to the Tier Garden at Grant's Farm

But just think, you can see several, I mean several, different animals you probably won't see anywhere else in America. You'll be able to see them out in the 'wilderness' all over the farm via tram. At the end of the tram ride, just walk around and enjoy nature and the animals. Or just head straight toward the Tier Garden. If you are 21 and over and drink alcohol, you can get 2 free samples of selected Anheuser-Busch brand of beer. It's a great social setting, with old German music playing in the background. Or if you're up for some history, check out some Anheuser-Busch memorablia in the rooms. And, of course, the cake is located here too!

You'll also get a lot of history. Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States, once farmed here in the 1850s before his Civil War days. His hand-built home is featured here, along with the Busch family mansion. (The land was purchased by the Busch family in later years). It was finally opened to the public in 1954, making this year (2014) its 61st year in operations.

Most of you know I am not an animal person, but I thought I'd share some pics I took during the tram tour

The bald eagle was not part of the tram tour, but right when you get off, you'll see them

The cake, which sits high in the tier garden. I was unable to get the top part, in which hopefully I wasn't missing out on anything!:  (Please note: in order to get this cake, you have to take the tram all the way around to the Tier Garden. In other words, allow yourself plenty of time. Likely 35-45 minutes average, from the time you get out of your car to here.)

Right side of the cake

Right and back side of the cake

Left side of the cake

Grant's Farm on FB
Wikipedia link
Official website

10501 Gravois Rd., ST. LOUIS, MO, 63123   (it is actually located in Grantwood Village)
Cake artists: Ian Greenlee and Julie Krovicka

#226: Purina Farms

For animal/pet lovers only, this is obviously part of the Ralston Purina Company, which is headquartered near downtown St. Louis. Ralston Purina, owned by Nestle, owns several brands of pet food and animal-related products.

The pool for dogs at Purina Farms

Shameless plug for Purina products

• Dog shows are held here every day, including dog diving competitions.
• Pet grooming and obedience training is available here.
• There are also some pets that are in cages that are available for petting.
• Wagon and hayloft rides are enjoyed during the Spring and Fall.
• You can also learn how to milk a cow through a demonstration!

The cake, which has definitely a lot of color and dog art to it!:

Top of the cake

Right side of the cake

Back side of the cake

Left side of the cake

Purina Farms on FB
Wikipedia link for Purina Petcare
Official website

200 Checkerboard Drive, GRAY SUMMIT, MO, 63039
Cake artist: Purina Farms

#84: Eckert's

One of the most popular family attractions is one of the city of Belleville's most iconic places. Eckert's dates back to more than a century ago. Today it is run by 6th and 7th generation Eckert family members. As one would assume, Eckert's started out as a simple roadside fruit stand. Since its inception in 1910 it has evolved into a very successful retail, restaurant and of course, produce stand.

• Eckert's is the largest family-run pick-your-own orchard in the United States.
• It has branched out 3 more locations (Millstadt, St. Louis and Grafton)
• Live local bands play here on weekends during the summer.
• Recipes are featured on their website (the ingredients you will likely find at their place!)
• The orchard is operated on what was called 'Turkey Hill', where fruit trees were first planted in 1890. 
• Open all-year round, even during the winter-time. Many festivals take place, such as the Strawberry Festival.

The Eckerts' sign, taken on Thanksgiving Day 2014

Frontal view of their store, with the cake in front

The parking lot and behind it, the orchards

The cake, which mostly focuses on pumpkins:

NOW: The cake is still sitting there as of 7/16/2015.

Eckert's on FB
Official website

951 South Greenmount, BELLEVILLE, IL, 62220
Cake artist: Mary Hessler  (also did the Ted Drewes cake)