With a busy fall, we got a a bit behind. Our new goal is to see as many cakes as possible, and hopefully 250+ by December 31. Many of the cakes will be sold, auctioned, or otherwise moved after the end of the year, so it's now or never. As of the writing of this post, we have visited 179 cakes. We'll be clearing out the back-blog quickly.
143. Shaw Nature Reserve
Shaw Nature Reserve is another extension of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Formerly Shaw Arboretum, it covers 2400 acres in Franklin County to the west of St. Louis. With low admission (free for MBG members!) and a variety of family-friendly programs, this will definitely be a place we go when Cakelet is a bit bigger and ready for all-day outdoor adventures. (soon!)
144. Franklin County Courthouse
Aptly named, as you can see. Each county within the STL metro area was given at least one cake to display. Franklin County, to the southwest, is home to all three cakes we visited this day. This cake is at the courthouse in Union, the county seat.
145. Meramec Caverns
Our true destination for the day. Meramec Caverns is a massive network of underground caves, going at least seven stories deep. It is most famous for being a hideout for the Jesse James gang. It was also used as a gunpowder manufacturing facility during the Civil War and may have played a role in the Underground Railroad. Cakelet had a blast exploring the caverns and the museum. We didn't try some of the other attractions, like the wax museum, zipline, or boat rides. Maybe another time.
105 to go.