Took a fun day trip south of St. Louis to pre-celebrate my youngest’s birthday.

First, we went to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park – up to the state’s highest point of elevation (1,772 feet).

On our way to our next stop, we saw this salon. I want so badly for someone to build a cafe next door and call it “Whatcha Got Cookin’?”

Our second stop took us way down underground — on a tour of Bonne Terre Mines. I’d never even heard of it prior to today. What a fascinating place. Created in 1860, the manmade caverns are home to the largest fresh water scuba diving venue in the world.