This past weekend Instagram user @kdbyteharch (Katie Barnes) took over our Instagram account showcasing some of her favorite things about St. Louis! Scroll down to check out all the photos from her weekend takeover.  Want to follow along on the next Explore St. Louis weekend takeover? Follow #TakingOverExploreStLouis on Instagram every Friday – Sunday.

Happy Friday everyone! My name is Katie, @kdbythearch. I am so excited to take you through my idea of a fun weekend in this great city! I am a life long St. Louisian, and I am in love with experiencing all the unique things the city offers. I hope you enjoy my pics. Have a great weekend! #stl #takingoverexplorestlouis #explorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 29, 2016 at 12:06pm PDT

If you are looking for a way to blow off some steam after a long workweek head to the new @startbarstl. This barcade spot will make you feel like a kid again. Between all of their arcade games, snow cone drinks, and snacks you’re bound to forget the work week. (Also go on a hunt for the secret room to feel like a real VIP!) @kdbythearch ||#stl #takingoverexplorestlouis #explorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 29, 2016 at 6:14pm PDT

One of my favorite places in the city is Soulard Farmer’s Market, located between Broadway and 9th. The market is open year round, and offers some amazing deals on fabulous products. I love looking at all the fun vendor booths! #localgoods #farmersmarket #succulents ~ @kdbythearch || #stl #explorestlouis #takingoverexplorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 30, 2016 at 9:47am PDT

St. Louis offers several great #record stores. My husband and I have gotten really into hunting for all the classics. This week we stopped at the newest of the #stl record stores, Planet Score Records, located in Maplewood. You never know gems you will find. The other great shops that are scattered across the city include @vintagevinyl, @deadwaxrecords, and @euclidrecords. ~ @kdbythearch || #stl #explorestlouis #takingoverexplorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 30, 2016 at 2:13pm PDT

Moonrise Hotel is my favorite place to grab a cocktail in St. Louis. @chomn13 and the rest of the team are always mixing up amazing concoctions. They have a recently updated indoor bar for the hottest days in summer, but for the best experience head to the top floor for a drink on the rooftop bar. #moonrisehotel #cocktails #eclipse #rooftop ~ @kdbythearch || #stl #explorestlouis #takingoverexplorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 30, 2016 at 5:25pm PDT

@mcArthursstl offers some of the best bakery goods in Stl. Head in for a beautiful cake, a pastry or a sandwich. I can personally vouch for the amazing Tango sandwich. I am also a sucker for their macaroons. They have several locations, but you can usually find me at the Kirkwood store. #bakery #pastries #coffeestop ~ @kdbythearch || #stl #explorestlouis #takingoverexplorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 31, 2016 at 10:11am PDT

When you need a little breather from the city, there are several great hiking locations near STL. You may have driven through Lone Elk park, but not everyone realizes they have hiking trails as well. You can get really up close and personal with the Elk! #hiking #adventure #nature ~ @kdbythearch || #stl #explorestlouis #takingoverexplorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 31, 2016 at 12:14pm PDT

The #STLCards fans out there might recognize this site. I could not sign off without mention of my favorite birds! When you head to the Cards game make sure to take in all the fun sites nearby. I hope you enjoyed my view of St. Louis, and you will go out and explore the many unique things this city offers! ~ @kdbythearch || #stl #explorestlouis #takingoverexplorestlouis

A photo posted by St. Louis (@explorestlouis) on Jul 31, 2016 at 4:43pm PDT

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