Look, we have all heard the legends of the mystical highway oasis. You pull off the interstate just…read moreneeding a tank of gas and a bathroom break, and suddenly you are sucked into a neon-lit vortex of capitalism, 60-flavor soda fountains, and questionable life choices. Enter Wally's in Fenton, Missouri--the land where even the grumpiest of pre-teens are forced to lay down their arms and admit, "Okay, this place is actually kind of cool." That, my friends, is nothing short of a roadside miracle. What to Expect When You Enter the Wally's Universe The Enormity... This is not your average sleepy corner gas station. It is an enormous palace of convenience. You might want to pack a compass just in case you lose your travel companions in the retail aisles. The Food Situation (Proceed with Caution/Appetite): The Soda... Over 60 flavors. Go wild, mix Dr. Pepper with blue raspberry, or just stick to a classic signature frozen Sloosh. The Pizza... As our intrepid reviewers noted, the pizzas are HUGE. If you order a 3-meat whole pie, be prepared to perform CPR just to get the box into your home refrigerator. Slice options are also available for the less ambitious. The Rest: BBQ sandwiches, freshly popped popcorn, ice cream treats, and warm drinks from the Cafe. The Amenities: Sparkling clean restrooms (with plenty of them, praise be!) and extra-friendly staff members who are ready to help you navigate your sudden urge to buy unexpected necessities. Pro-Tip for Travelers: If you find yourself cruising down I-44 near Fenton, save some extra time. You aren't just making a pit stop; you're embarking on an experience.

Wally's is basically like a miniature Beaver gas station, and it has become part of our Six Flags…read moretradition! There are so many gas pumps that you should never have to wait for one, and once you walk inside, there's a whole experience waiting for you. They have a similar setup to the Beaver location, with gourmet popcorn, beef jerky, pulled pork, brisket, smash burgers, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and so much more. And, most of the food is pretty reasonably priced. Whenever we go to Six Flags in this area, we have a tradition of stopping at Wally's on the way there to grab dinner. Then, when we leave Six Flags, we'll stop again to get a drink for the drive home. It's usually much more affordable than eating inside the amusement park, and there are so many options that everyone can find something they like. This weekend, our group had a little bit of everything. We had someone get a hot dog, someone got chicken fingers, others had smash burgers, chopped brisket, and pulled pork. Everyone agreed it was "bussin," which, according to the high schoolers, means it was really good! They also have these kettle chips that come in a bag that doesn't look particularly huge, but somehow there are SO many chips inside. We passed the bag around the car and still had leftovers for the ride home. The girls also had to get a slushie, which was especially refreshing because it was so hot outside. And since they have their own bakery, I grabbed a cookie, and it did not disappoint. There's also plenty of shopping, including blankets, T-shirts, postcards, stickers, and all kinds of other souvenirs. They even have their own hot sauce! This definitely isn't a place where you're going to run in, grab something, and immediately leave. There's so much to look at that you're going to spend some time wandering around. For us, Wally's has become just as much a part of the Six Flags experience as the amusement park itself. It's something we look forward to both on the way there and on the way home, and this weekend was no exception!

If you haven't done a Wine Dinner at the Des Peres Schnucks, you are missing out! They do it right…read morefrom start to finish. The tables are all set; wine is waiting to be served. You hear from the Wine representative and learn about the company and the wines, lots of great information. This time it was Gerard Bertrand Wine with Joe Fabiano Next up is the Schnucks cooking school manager; Amy Feese. She is so upbeat in talking about the menu and food. At each course you hear about the wind and the food. How they pair and tasting notes The staff for the dinner is always great; they do an excellent job throughout the meal. Cotes des Roses Sauvignon Blanc with Salad Nicoise and Ahi Tuna. Very tasty! La Grand Bleue with Vichyssoise (chilled potato soup). I liked this way more than I anticipated! Tautavel with Ratatouille Galette. I enjoyed the filling a lot. Not a fan of cheese and the pastry was made with parmesan. L'Hospitalet served with Coq au Vin, potato puree, and broccolini. Yum, rich and meaty with awesome potato puree. Esprit Cotes des Roses Sparkling Rose with Mille Feuille. Lovely pastry! Enjoy meeting new people, trying and learning about new wines, eating great food. Recipes are available and you can buy the wines you have sampled!

I call this the "foodie" Schnucks. When you first walk-in there is a lot to look at. Of course you…read morehave grocery items but there is basically an entire restaurant here with made to order items to carry out or to enjoy in their two-story cafe. They have a private parking lot with plenty of spaces. Service was friendly and helpful. This is quite the shopping experience!

This little market has all your basic needs…read more Unassuming little deli with EXCELLENT gyros- nice folks too!

The sign outside Kirkwood Deli and Convenience Store says it's the best gyro in town however I…read morecan't verify this and although it's pretty good; I think I've had better in STL. I haven't had any of their other sandwiches but I've had their gyro a few times over the years and I like it a lot. I remember the Riverfront Times article years ago saying how it's the best gyro in town as well so I had to try it back then and I think it was a little better years ago than it is today however it's still a good deal price wise with the gyro being pretty filling with a drink and bag of chips. Just know it is a takeout place only since there's nowhere to sit and eat inside and so its good for a picnic in the car or nearby park if you're hungry and can't wait until your all the way home and want to eat it right away. The service is okay, never had any problems. The deli shop itself is clean but basic.

Brand new gas station right off of 270 and St.Charles Rock Rd. Plenty of gas pumps and spacious…read moreinside. They sell hot continence food, fresh baked pastries and plenty of soda/slushie options. They offer self checkout and have a traditional clerk to ring you out. There are multiple entry points to get into the had station lot,but only one way to get out of the lot.

Grand opening! Staff friendly and welcoming. Building well lit , clean and clear of clutter…read more Restroom clean! Beer cave is at this location with plenty of variety, wine etc. Chips, candy, cookies are plentiful. Lottery and scratch off tickets available. Prices are reasonable. Plenty of meal deals , snack deals and drink deals. Rewards program is available as well as an app for better deals.

Stopped in at this location in the Central West End after attending the Red Lantern Night Market…read more It has a completely different layout than my usual location, I was so turned around! I wandered around for a bit and found my Toketti Sardinian Flatbread crackers but couldn't find the frozen meals so I could get more Blue Zone meals. A staff member went out of her way to show me where they were and to get the ones I needed since I am short and they were on the top shelf. Not my normal shop but still helpful and they had the cutest mini Hydro Flask bottles!

We were staying at a hotel nearby, and needed some snacks. Because it is in the city, I assumed it…read morewould be one of the bigger WF, but I think it's the smallest one I've ever been to! The staff here was super nice though! We bought a cake slice (vanilla bean cake cheesecake), a Manoa chocolate bar (from O'ahu, a long time fav of mine), a gallon of water, 360 branded strawberry sparking water, and a vitamin water. We did self-check out and that was that!

i love hucks. very convenient and they always have what i want. the workera are so nice and they…read moregreet me with kindness everytime i walk in. also love the ham and cheese puffs!! so so good and perfect temp. everytime

This is one of my favorite Hucks locations! I'm obsessed with the orange cream slushy and get one…read morewhenever I get the chance. I also love their potato wedges! The employees are always super cool and willing to help too. I have never had a bad experience here!

Such an amazing place. Everyone in the neighborhood raves about their sandwiches. They are…read moredelicious and the service is exceptional -- really nice people. We love the turkey club, cut everything we have tried has been wonderful. Can't say enough good things . . . Tom Oltmanns

Hadn't been to Shapiro's in a while. Stopped by for a sandwich last week. I decided on the…read moreFirebird. It was fantastic! I like that the meats, and cheeses are quality. The toppings are always fresh.

The ultimate neighborhood gem! Straub's is famous for being a top-tier butcher and gourmet grocery,…read moreand it is such a fun spot to browse. While I wouldn't do my full weekly grocery haul here, it's the absolute best place to pick up a few luxury items and special treats. In fact, we have official family favorites we have to grab every time: my personal holy grail is their buffalo chicken dip, and my son is completely obsessed with their mostaccioli. Between the amazing prepared foods and the fact that you can always ask a friendly worker to help you track down whatever you need, it's a St. Louis classic.

Two words: chicken salad. Do not miss out. Get it by the pound or get it premade on a Hawaiian…read moreroll. Just get it into your face. You will not regret it. Ok, with that out of the way, whether you live or work close by, or are just passing through, Straub's is always a fun place to browse and pick up local eats and treats. A fine local grocery store, jam packed with fresh produce, meats, pre-made sandwiches, dinners to go, snacks, candy, imported treats, dry goods, baked goods... Employees are consistently helpful and friendly. Located in an affluent area, expect prices to be a bit higher than a large grocery store chain.