Applicant #11: Andrew Noles

Andrew Noles is a 24-year-old from Bridgeton.

Andrew's video application:

Andrew's current situation:

Hey everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit more about me. Currently, I work on the Road Crew for Radio Disney St. Louis and just finished out a semester as a substitute high school TV and Video Production teacher. I graduated cum laude with departmental honors from Webster University in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Video Production with double minors in Media Communications and Multicultural Studies and a Certificate of Leadership (almost a complete paragraph in itself, I know). I also do freelance video work from time to time and on a rare occasion get a full night’s sleep!

I’ve been very fortunate to have some of the experiences I’ve had in my life. I won awards in school for my writing and video work. My best friend and I co-directed a short film for a competition that competed nationally after being shown at The Tivoli. And the experiences were just getting started! Whether it’s touring the French Quarter in New Orleans, dining on Ocean Drive in Miami or attending a red carpet movie premiere in New York City (yes, it happened!), I am so grateful for each of the adventures I’ve had in my first 24 years.

I have to say, though, some of my favorite adventures have taken place right here at home. From exploring the Lemp Mansion to spending summer evenings at Busch Stadium (old and new), riding the Ferris wheel at the City Museum or sitting at Coffee Cartel until the sun comes up, I’ve experienced some of the best moments St. Louis has to offer and can’t wait to share them with you!

I do have one confession to make… believe it or not, I have yet to venture to the top of The Arch! There’s no particular reason why, really, I guess I’ve just never gotten around to it. Who knows? Maybe that’s an adventure we’ll take together…

Andrew's blog post:

By now, I'm sure you've realized that traveling is one of the things I am most passionate about. For me, the allure of travel lies in the prospect of having an adventure. Taking time away from day-to-day life, stepping outside of what you know and making memories with friends? Sign me up!

And the best part is you don't always have to leave town to have an adventure! I've had many memorable adventures right here in St. Louis, and not one of them emptied my wallet. So if you're looking for an adventure of your own this summer, here are a few ideas for you to consider...

1) The Muny - The Muny is a staple of summertime in St. Louis! For 93 seasons, we've been so fortunate to have the country's largest outdoor theatre right here in Forest Park. And seeing a show doesn't have to cost a thing! The last nine rows of seats are available for free on a first come, first served basis at every performance.

2) Whitaker Music Festival - Now in its 18th year, the Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden has become another tradition of summer in St. Louis. Every Wednesday night for ten weeks from June through August, the Botanical Garden hosts this free outdoor concert with a variety of musical acts for your enjoyment.

3) Festival of the Little Hills - Later this summer, head out to Main Street St. Charles to experience The Festival of the Little Hills! This free, weekend long event boasts everything from food and crafts to live entertainment, all nestled in the old world charm of the district that once housed Missouri's first capitol.

4) Festival of Nations - If you're like me and love experiencing new cultures, then the Festival of Nations is something you will not want to miss! Situated in Tower Grove Park in South City, this two day celebration of diversity is free to the public and full of music, dancing and food from almost every walk of life! Word of advice: come hungry.

5) Lemp Mansion - On select Thursday evenings this summer, you can venture to one of the city's most talked about homes, an urban legend from right here in St. Louis - The Lemp Mansion. For a small admission price, you can explore for yourself the house that has appeared on numerous ghost hunting television shows. And regardless of your take on the matter, an evening in the Lemp Mansion is not one that will soon be forgotten.

And there you are! Five ideas for five very different hometown adventures, though to be honest, they're only just scratching the surface of what St. Louis has to offer. So get out there! Explore your hometown, experience something new and make memories with your friends. And when you get a chance, I want to hear all about it.

Andrew