Rock Hill - Saint Louis, MO

Deriving its name from an old church atop two steep, rocky hills of the area, Rock Hill remarkably retained much of its humble beginnings through the years. The city began to attract businesses in the 1920s and has continued that steady growth into the present day.

Those up for venturing just beyond Rock Hill's borders will be pleasantly surprised at the amount of local art and festival attractions. Southwest of Rock Hill, just down Route 67 in Kirkwood, is The Magic House. A highly interactive museum geared toward engaging children, it's the perfect place for a family weekend trip. In Webster Groves, just southeast of Rock Hill, Webster University's Grant Gym hosts St. Louis' largest indie crafts show in March of each year. "Green With Indie" is an all-ages, eco-friendly and community-focused celebration of handmade art.

Rock Hill sports an eclectic range of dining options and stellar international cuisine. El Indio Restaurant, located on the corner of Barry and Manchester, provides locals with a quick, affordable, low-key dining experience that does not shirk on the quality of its Sonoran-style Mexican food. Those looking to cut costs but not flavor will be pleased with stuffed-to-the-brim tacos, complimentary chips and salsa and the strong, yet flavorful, margaritas.

A'mis Italian Restaurant also puts an American spin on an international flavor, excelling in New York-style pizza: thin, crispy and piled high with cheese and toppings. While they offer a range of other classic Italian and New York dishes, from the veal parmigiano sandwich and ham-stuffed tortellini to a number of New York strip steak cuts, A'mis is highly recommended for a group looking to chow down on delicious pies straight from the East Coast.

Rock Hill treasure and greater St. Louis favorite Carl's Drive-In is frequently mentioned for the nostalgia it inspires in its customers. This unassuming, pared-down Route 66-style establishment transports customers back fifty years and welcomes them in after a long day out on the open road. With only about a dozen seats available, you may have to wait your turn, but patience is rewarded with tasty root beer floats, deep-fried onion rings and a wide selection of greasy burgers. Things get crowded when the dinner crowd shows up, so try to get a seat before 5:30 p.m. or call ahead to get your food to go.

Nightlife in Rock Hill spans a wide variety of prices and themes. Larger groups and those seeking food with their drink will enjoy the Trainwreck Saloon on the corner of Creve Coeur Drive and Manchester Road. Seats on the patios with a view of the train tracks make this a great place to visit on a warm summer night. If it's a Cardinals game you're after, you'll find yourself right at home.

Those seeking a quieter alternative might check out the Sideline Bar, a small, hidden dive between Ruth and Helen Avenue on Manchester Road. Play a few rounds at the arcade machines or pool table if you're so inclined before sitting down at the bar and sampling their vast drink selection.

There is not much in the way of live music within Rock Hill city proper, but with St. Louis close by, entertainment is always just a bus ride away. If you're looking for a more local joint, try Robbie's House of Jazz, situated just on the other side of Shady Grove Creek in Glendale. Robbie's features great jazz from both the house band and touring acts, as well as a large selection of beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options.

Metro Transit of St. Louis services stops east and west along Manchester Road via bus route 57, allowing easy travel to and from St. Louis and the surrounding neighborhoods. Those driving will make heavy use of Manchester Road, either traveling east to filter directly into St. Louis or west out of Rock Hill to reach Route 67, the north-south Interstate 270 and the east-west Interstate 64. St. Louis taxi cab services are available to and from Rock Hill; Uber is also a good option for getting into and out of the city. Public parking is scarce on side streets, though parking lots are easily accessible at most local businesses. Manchester Road lacks a bike lane, which relegates bikers to side streets and residential areas, though Rock Hill's compact nature makes it quite walkable. Manchester Road is no more than a few blocks away in most of the city, allowing easy access to activity and entertainment at any time of day.

If you're looking for a breath of fresh air, Rock Hill has you covered. There are seven city parks in total, each open to the public free of charge. In addition to their walking trails, wooded areas and open fields, these pet-friendly locations are the site of multiple community-driven activities throughout the year, including an "Easter Eggstravaganza," "Saturday Morning with Santa" and the Rock Hill Fall Festival and Parade.

The average cost of living in Rock Hill is 2 percent higher than both the average in St. Louis and the national average, though transportation and goods and services both rank as cheaper than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment will cost about $800 per month on average, and a typical pint of beer will run you $6 at the average area bar.

Going downtown St. Louis via the Metro Transit bus will set you back $3 for a two-transfer pass; a one-day pass costs $7.50. If you're driving, you'll find the Rock Hill gas price average hovers around 13 percent cheaper than the national average.

Manchester Road is central to Rock Hill in all aspects, including its importance as a center of commerce. Options are comprised almost entirely of small-scale stores and specialty shops, so those looking for a shopping mall will need to travel beyond Rock Hill, but people who enjoy boutique shopping and supporting local business will find plenty to keep themselves busy.

Located between Kortwright Avenue and Martha Lane off of Manchester Road are a pair of boutiques many from St. Louis consider well worth the trip. Rung and its sister store Rung Kids stock a wide range of used, vintage and consignment women's clothing. Those looking to support local charity will appreciate Rung Kids' low prices for maternity and children's attire. In addition, all purchases include a donation to Nurses for Newborns. Rung has a wider selection, though you'll want to scan both shops before making purchases. Rung also rotates its sales often, so be sure to check in from time to time to stay up on the latest deals.

Warson Woods Antique Gallery on the corner of Bennett and Manchester is a veritable treasure trove for vintage merchandise, including furniture, accessories and various odds and ends. With over one hundred and fifty dealers spanning English, French and American pieces, those who enjoy digging for unique trinkets will find much of interest.

Dierbergs Markets is the local grocery store chain in Rock Hill, with its central location on the corner of Salem Hills and Manchester. Shop n' Save supermarket and local favorite Schnucks are also on Manchester and service the west end of Rock Hill.

There are no farmers markets in Rock Hill proper, though those willing to make the short drive southeast to support local businesses and sustainability will find the Webster Grove Farmers Market on Big Bend Boulevard easily within reach.