St. Louis | Main Character moment: Dog Friendly Edition
September Always Brings the Love
September is always full of love — and this one was no different. We were invited to a beautiful wedding in St. Louis, Missouri and knew we wanted to turn it into a soft weekend escape.
It was also the perfect excuse to take our new pup, Ziki, on his first road trip. I started digging into the best places to stay and discovered a hidden gem right downtown: Angad Arts Hotel. Colorful, stylish, and most importantly — pet-friendly.
Where We Stayed: Angad Arts Hotel
Tucked in the heart of St. Louis, Angad Arts Hotel is just a few blocks from St. Louis University and only an 8-minute drive from the wedding venue, The Jewel Box. The building itself feels like an exhibit — full of color-coded rooms, moody corners, and curated art pieces that shift the energy of each floor.
We were thrilled to learn they welcome dogs, and that Ziki was more than just allowed — he was treated like a guest. The location made it easy to explore on foot, and the staff made check-in a breeze, even during a sudden downpour (which felt like a full-blown monsoon).
Ziki's First Stop: Zoomies Pet Cafe
Traveling with a dog is a mixed bag — so many places say they’re dog friendly, but won’t let your pet indoors. We were nervous about where we could actually take him, especially with the rain. Luckily, we found Zoomies Pet Cafe on the way into the city.
Zoomies is a full-on vibe. It’s cozy, fun, and actually pet-welcoming. We split a delicious BLT, tried two different lattes (both surprisingly good), and Ziki got a bone broth flight, which he devoured. He also made fast friends with a few other dogs lounging around.
Pro tip: This is a must-stop for dog parents — especially if you’re coming in from out of town. They even have treats and enrichment toys available for purchase.
The Wedding at The Jewel Box
The main event took place at The Jewel Box in Forest Park — and honestly, it felt like walking into a glass greenhouse dream. The space is filled with lush plants and doesn’t require much extra décor because it’s already so stunning.
Before the ceremony, I took Ziki for a walk around the block to burn off some puppy energy and settle him into the hotel. I was a little nervous about how he’d do alone in a new space, but he handled it like a champ while we were away celebrating.
If you live in St. Louis or anywhere nearby, this venue is absolutely worth checking out for weddings, events, or even just a day date in Forest Park.
A Soft Sunday: Campus Walks + Coffee
The next morning, we let Ziki lead us on a slow stroll around the STL University campus. The landscaping is gorgeous, and there’s plenty of space to roam. It’s a great stop if you want somewhere peaceful and open to walk your dog or sip your coffee.
We wrapped up the trip with a few last bites — including some really solid BBQ — before heading back on the road.
Final Thoughts + Local Highlights
This trip was short but full of texture: a little love, a little rain, and a lot of heart. St. Louis showed up with thoughtful pet-friendly spots, beautiful design, and a real sense of welcome.
Featured Spots:
☕ STL University campus for scenic walks and coffee breaks
💌 Travel With Us
We love curating soft adventures that center local businesses, hidden gems, and our four-legged co-host, Ziki. If you’re a hotel, venue, or local biz that wants to be part of our next weekend guide — let’s connect.
Cheers to your next main character moment.
