ST. LOUIS – St. Louis is in the spotlight after visitors were encouraged to explore the city’s food, history, and culture. A new article from Forbes recently praised St. Louis as a ‘nice little secret,’ diving into the history and various features throughout the city that allow it to stand out.

Publish on Friday and written by Will McGough, the article praises St. Louis’ culture and spirit, while claiming the city is underappreciated. From the explorations of Lewis & Clark to the addition of railroads and riverboats, Forbes praises the various eras that have helped shape the city to what it is today.

The Forbes piece credited the country’s continued growth as a reason why St. Louis has been forgotten in a sense in its prominent role in propelling westward expansion in the 19th century.

Two St. Louis landmarks covered in the piece featured the iconic Gateway Arch and the historic riverboat cruises. Forbes raves about both attractions, explaining the extensive history the two attractions have along with the symbols both share in telling the story of how the city was built into what it is today.

St. Louis’ food, art, and music also received praise in the piece, comparing the culture to elements of New Orleans and the south. The magazine praised restaurants like Broadway Oyster Bar, Grace Meat + Three, and Evangeline’s when looking to get a taste of southern-inspired cuisine, spots like the Walls Off Washington to take a look at unique street art, and venues like the Old Rock House, Blueberry Hill, and the Stifel for visitors looking to hear a jingle in the area.

St. Louis’ Forest Park received the approval of the magazine, sharing admiration of the space being one of the largest city parks in the United States. In comparison to New York’s Central Park spreading across 843 acres, Forest Park spreads across 1,300 acres of land while also offering destinations like the St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum.

Several historic St. Louis neighborhoods were also encouraged for others to explore, pinpointing Soulard and the Grove as destinations to visit for entertainment, offering food, drinks, gatherings and live music for everyone.

While they city may have a negative stigma and reactions from some surrounding visitors, Forbes encourages a visit to St. Louis to make the unappreciated city appreciated once again.