What to Do on Your Day Off: Missouri

Congratulations, you made it to the end of the year. Enjoy your hard-earned vacation days and explore greater Missouri with these one-day and overnight itineraries.

MISSOURI – From the expansive art world of Kansas City to the microw brew scene in Saint Louis, there's plenty of cozy nooks and unexpected corners begging to be explored in these two Missouri cities.

Bask in the work of local artists. Photo courtesy of Bill Brady Gallery.

KANSAS CITY

Explore artfully: Kick off your day at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (reflect in the Noguchi Sculpture Court) and the neighboring Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (you can't miss the Louise Bourgeois spider sculpture). Cruise downtown to the historic West Bottoms for lunch at comfort food shrine Genessee Royale Bistro (order: fried shrimp and andouille sausage po'boy). Digest with local and regional artists at Haw Contemporary and Bill Brady Gallery. Sip a glass of local Missouri wine at Amigoni and head back to the stately confines of your art-themed room at Oak Street Mansion.

Or embrace your inner night owl: For a touch of the traditional, feel the nip in the air and lace up some skates ($6) to glide along the ice terrace at the festive Crown Center. Work up an appetite for Mediterranean tapas plates and Spanish reds at Extra Virgin. Cozy up to Rieger Hotel's moody, candle-lit 48-seat speakeasy Manifesto for a sip of something toasty before you fall into a deep sleep at the recently renovated Raphael Hotel.

Japanese Garden at Missouri Botanical Garden. Photo by Kent Burgess.

SAINT LOUIS

Take your bros for brews: Amp up your microbrew game with a pint of Kolsch at The Shlafly Tap Room. Snack on bratwurst and sip a Winged Nut at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. Go for fresh cheese curds and "17," an imperial stout with cacao nibs at Perennial Artisan Ales. Wind down with a German Pilsner and pretzel bites at The Civil Life Brewing Company (cash only). And then order a cheese plate and pint of Reprise Centennial Red Ale at 4 Hands Brewing Company.

Or mix some highbrow into your lowbrow: Stroll the lovely 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden with its serene Japanese garden and thousands of seasonally strung lights. Afterward, head to the hipster haunt The Royale for the grass-fed "Missouri" burger with local Billy Goat chips (sorry, no fries). Cruise Cherokee Street for one-of-a-kind antiques before you head back to your elegant room at The Chase for a proper night's rest.