Touching down at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport Airport in Belleville makes it easy to explore, with nearby places close enough for simple day trips. The city has a relaxed, small‑town feel with a creative streak, especially around its walkable downtown where old brick storefronts, local bakeries, and long‑loved diners give it a warm, everyday charm. St. Louis sits just across the river, adding major‑city energy to a weekend, while closer spots like O’Fallon and historic Edwardsville bring parks, neighborhood breweries, and an easygoing pace. Even the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest is within reach if you want a quick taste of quiet trails and rolling scenery. Belleville also works well for travelers who like simple pleasures: friendly markets, good food, and places where locals actually hang out. The city’s National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is one of the country’s largest outdoor shrines and offers peaceful grounds that feel tucked away from everything. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning wandering, then be in downtown St. Louis by afternoon for a museum or the Gateway Arch before returning to small‑town calm for dinner. Standout experiences: - Exploring downtown’s local shops and family‑run cafés - Trying classic Midwestern comfort food at neighborhood institutions - Visiting the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows - Catching live music at small venues with a casual, community vibe - Strolling the trails at nearby parks like Rock Springs and Pleasant Ridge - Spending an afternoon at the St. Louis Art Museum or City Museum - Walking the riverfront beneath the Gateway Arch - Wandering historic districts in Edwardsville - Sampling craft beer in O’Fallon’s local taprooms - Taking a scenic drive toward the edge of the Shawnee National Forest