What's your favorite thing about autumn? There's a lot to love, from apple cider to pumpkin spice muffins. But most people agree fall wouldn't be the same without the changing leaves. In the St. Louis area, the color change starts slowly before ramping up quickly once temperatures drop. This is the perfect time of year to go leaf-peeping, and here are a few top spots to visit for the best views.

• Forest Park: 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112
  Forest Park is the largest park in St. Louis and a lovely place to admire the changing leaves. There are several paths you can walk. They pass bubbling brooks and a stunning lake. Much of the park is forested, so you'll see many different types of trees at varying stages of color change.
  
  Forest Park also houses the St. Louis Zoo, so you could make a day of leaf-peeping and visiting the animals. There are also plenty of pavilions and picnic areas if you want to bring a lunch to enjoy in the crisp fall air.
  
  
• Longview Farm Park: 13525 Clayton Road, Town and Country, MO 63141
  Longview Farm Park is a gorgeous park and gathering place that's a popular destination for weddings and other events. Numerous trails wind through the woods, and horses still live in the on-site stable and pastures. They're now a part of a therapeutic riding program.
  
  Take a walk along the trail and take photos of the most colorful trees. Or, jog every Saturday at this destination near these Town and Country homes for sale and notice how much the trees change between visits. The trail is smooth and well-maintained.
  
  
• Missouri Botanical Garden: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
  If you'd rather enjoy a more curated look at the fall leaves, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. This absolutely stunning garden features both native and exotic trees. Tickets are just $14 per person, and you can purchase them online in advance of your visit. St. Louis residents enjoy discounted admission on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  
  The Missouri Botanical Gardens is a National Historic Landmark. Public and private walking tours are available for an extra charge.
  
  
• Tower Grove Park: 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
  With more than 7,000 trees within park limits, Tower Grove Park is a lovely place for leaf-peeping in the fall. There are lots of red maples, which stand out from the crowd, along with plenty of oak trees.
  
  Tower Grove Park is a convenient place to stop after looking at St. Louis homes for sale. In addition to admiring the leaves, you can play tennis on the well-maintained tennis courts, watch your kids play on the playground, or enjoy a picnic under a covered pavilion. 
  
  
• Francis Park: Eichelberger Street & Donovan Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109
  Francis Park is a lovely 60-acre urban park in the heart of St. Louis. It is surrounded by trees, which start changing color around the beginning of October. Inside the park, you can enjoy the unique lily pond, home to quite a few frogs. 
  
  Francis Park is also a great place to get some exercise. It features pickleball courts, handball courts, and soccer fields. A lot of local leagues hold their games and practices here.

Be sure to visit one or more of these destinations around the city over the next few weeks to catch the changing colors of fall.  Get in touch today if you're still looking for homes for sale nearby. This is the perfect time of year to move to St. Louis.