It's finally here! Summer of 2016! I'm done with classes and ready for a good time. I'm finally back in St. Louis, Missouri and here are some of my plans for this summer.

1. St. Louis Cardinals Game:

There is nothing better than a Cardinals game in the summer. The weather is perfect. Even if you can't afford to attend a game at Busch Stadium, you can always do the cheap alternative which is head to the outdoors section of Ballpark village outside of the stadium and watch it on a giant screen.

2. The Lodge:

The Lodge is a great place to relax and chill by a pool or a good place to play a pickup game of basketball. Whether you want to relax or get some exercise, The Lodge is a good place to go.

3. Tro-Mo:

There is no better way to beat the summer heat than by a nice snow-cone (or as my New Orleans friends call them SnowBalls). Tropical Moose also known as Tro-Mo has a great selection of flavored snow-cones that will leave you refreshed and satisfied on a hot summer day.

4. Custard Station, Andy's, and Ted Drewes:

St. Louis knows how to do Ice Cream, and there are an abundance of places to get your Ice Cream fix. The most historic and famous of them would be Ted Drewes. Ted Drewes is located on historic Route 66 and serves great Ice Cream Concretes. The Custard Station in Kirkwood serves great Root Beer Floats, if you are into that. Andy's serves a brownie concrete that will cause you to reflect.

5. Imo's:

Are you really back in St. Louis if you don't get some Imo's? Imo's is my favorite St. Louis pizza chain and believe me, we have plenty of pizza chains. Nothing better than a bacon, sausage, and onion pizza from Imo's, It really hit's the spot. In the choice of Imo's vs. Fortels, go for Imo's.

6. Lions Choice:

Alright, this is my last food one but I'm telling you, St. Louis has great food joints. Lions Choice is a really good roast beef sandwich chain. I don't think it is a national chain but I could swear that I saw one while I was driving through West Virginia last summer. Anyway, Lions Choice is a definite place to hit if you are in the St. Louis area.

7. Visit Chicago and Indianapolis:

St. Louis is great and all, but I will definitely need to get out of town for a couple of weekends and visit friends. I plan on going to Chicago and visiting some Spring Hill friends up there as well as Indianapolis to visit a friend and my dad.

I am set up for a good summer. I have solid plans for after work and summer class. I look forward to rediscovering my favorite St. Louis hot spots. I look forward to visiting friends and family in St. Louis or out of St. Louis. Most importantly, I look forward to enjoying summer.