Visiting St. Louis

[dawgfan]

Looks like I'm taking a road trip to St. Louis next month (I'm travelling with a friend who's moving there for work). We leave Seattle on Sunday, July 13th and should arrive around Thursday or Friday that week, the 17th or 18th. I'll probably catch a flight back to Seattle on Sunday the 27th, so I'll have a little over a week to explore the town. I see the Cardinals are at home starting Friday the 25th - I'll want to catch a game either Friday night or Saturday afternoon. I also see there's a Six Flags on the outskirts of town; being a huge roller coaster fan living in a state without any good ones, I'll have to go there also.

Beyond that, I'm looking for some suggestions of places to go, things to do, sights to see. We'll want to see the Arch of course; are the zoos worthwhile? What about the Art Museum?

Any good restaurants I should check out? Interesting neighborhoods?

My friend will be apartment hunting when we get there. She'll be working at the St. Louis school of Pharmacy, which is near the airport I'm told. Any recommendations for neighborhoods she should check out for living arrangements?

If anyone in the area is interested, maybe we can hook-up at a Cardinals game. WSUCougar? Primelord?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions...

[GoldenEagle]

I havent been to St. Louis in awhile, but if your a fan of Busch beer and its history you will want to check out their headquaters. I think there is also a zoo there that was nice. I believe the regular St. Louis zoo is world famous.

[GoldenEagle]

Dola-

There is an great Italian resturant downtown you will want to check out. The name escapes me. I remeber going and seeing Dieon Sanders and host of other Braves there.

[Marmel]

I was a tourist there for 3.5 years. :)

Must see:

1) The Arch - Outside, and under it are really cool. See below for the ride to the top.
2) Anheiser Busch Brewery Tour
3) The Zoo (and it is free!)
4) One of the casinos (if you are into that at all)
5) A Cardinals Game
6) The Landing
7) Probably impossible to find but across the Missouri river (not the Miss,), in the St. Charles area is the best Italian restuarant west of the Mississippi. Erio's.
8) Eat at KC Masterpiece. Don't ask questions, just eat there.
9) Science Center is pretty cool.
10) Galleria Mall (if you are into that shopping thing)

Things to avoid:
1) Blues Games (Luckily, out of season)
2) Rams Games (luckily, out of season)
3) The "elevator" ride to the top of the Arch. Don't bother, it sucks. And so does the view, and the so does the tiny, tiny windows to look out.
4) East St. Louis. Bad, bad place.
5) 'The Hill' - World Renowned Italian neighborhood with a bunch of restaurants. Overrated, IMHO.
6) Six Flags - Honestly, the worst I have ever been to. Maybe it i sbetter now, I am talking circa 2000.


Have not been, but heard great things:
1) Botanical Gardens (I never went, but heard it is incredible, plus the timing might be perfect for things being in bloom)



I am sure there are a bunch of other things I will come up with at a later date. Have fun out there. I miss certain things and am looking to go back for a visit in the next few years myself.

[Marmel]

dola.

You are going to miss their annual Forth of July thing by just a bit. Let me tell you it is INCREDIBLE. I hear they draw well over a million people. The whole river area is closed off to cars and it is just one gigantic (and I mean gigantic) fair. Free bands (some actually pretty good) play under the arch all day and evening and then the fireqorks display, is the best in the world. I am NOT exagerrating on this one. Simply one of my fondest St. Louis memories, and we made sure to go every year.

[Craptacular]

Clark, I don't think this is the right exit.

What difference does it make, as long as we get across the river?

...

Excuse me, uhh, Holmes! Yeah, what it is bro.

[Iceberg]

What is that famous ice cream place? I think the name is something like Ted Drewes? I can't remember exactly but it is excellent.

[Marmel]

Ted Drewes frozen custards. Mmm....delicious.

dawg, make sure you get back to us with a trip report. I would love to hear what you saw and did and what you liked out there!

[dawgfan]

Will do. Unfortunately we cant take a leisurely trip there; she starts work the beginning of August and wants as much time as possible to find an apartment and get settled in. Plus, we're travelling with her 2 cats, which will complicate things.

If we had more time on the road I'd try to hit a few more places along the way; as it is, we'll probably drive east on I-90 through the Rockies in Montana, then drop down through Wyoming and into Colorado to visit a friend in Boulder, then cruise east through Kansas and on into Missouri without much in the way of sightseeing detours.

Aside from travelling with the cats, my biggest concern is internet withdrawal; with my teams at SimDynasy.com and SimulatedSports.com I'll be trying to hit internet cafes along the way where possible...

[Cards4ever]

Grants Farm is another nice place to visit!

Going to Mike Shannon's after a game is also a necessary trip.

[Cards4ever]

dola-The Cardinals Hall of Fame is right by the stadium, and is another great place to go to. If you go on a non-game day, it's alot less crowded too.

[Hawglaw]

Here is my quick suggestions:

1. Arch. Unlike what Marmell said, go to the top. Is it the best ride of your life? Of course not... but you still should go just to say you have been. Then you can criticize it :)

2. Zoo. Fantastic and FREE zoo. One of the country's best. They have just opened up a new Penguin/Puffin exhibit that I have heard is fantastic. Constantly under construction....

3. Delmar Loop - Cool neighborhood in University City. Great counter-culture atmosphere and some really good restaurants. It is fun just for the people watching. If you want to walk around.... do it during the day as it can get dicey if you stray at night.

4. Budweiser Brewery Tour - Free beer at the end. Do I have to say more?

5. St. Charles Main Street - Your friend would probably like this more as it has some decent shopping. If you are into history, this is a great stop. Looks the same as it did in the early 1800s. Lewis and Clark stopped there... Zebulon Pike began his journey there.... The guy who founded Chicago died there... LOTS of history

6. Any sporting event - St. Louis is famous for its support of its teams. Any game is great.

7. The Hill - Unlike Marmel, I don't believe that the Hill is one bit overrated. Take some time to go to the Italian delis and pick up some great sausages and meat. You also have to eat at one of the restaurants there.... They're on every corner and most of them are fantastic. Also, if you are baseball fan, check out the newly named Hall of Fame Place. Your map will list it as "Elizabeth Ave." You can see the block where Yogi Berra and Joe Gargiaola grew up right across the street from one another. Granite markers in the sidewalk mark where they lived. Jack Buck also lived on the same block a few years later.

8. Central West End -- Another "Loop" type neighborhood with some real good restaurants. Go to Bar Italia and demand to eat outside.

9. Botanical Gardens - A MUST see. Absolutely fantastic. Take a blanket and have a picnic on the grounds.

10. Soulard Farmer's Market - It is definitely an experience. St. Louis is very diverse in regards to different cultures. You will them all merge right here. Claimed to have been in existance since the late 1700's. Only place in downtown STL where you can buy live chickens. Also, check out the surrounding Soulard neighorhood. Great bars and restuarants. Go to McGuirk's one night that they have live Irish music.


I could give you twenty more... but I've got to work! If you ahve any questions, let me know.

EDIT: Forgot one more that has to be in here: Go to any of STL's great museums. Most, if not all, are free and they are some of the country's best. They are in Forest Park, which is a great park but is currently under a lot of construction.

[MizzouRah]

Some great suggestions!

St. Charles Main Street - Your friend would probably like this more as it has some decent shopping. If you are into history, this is a great stop. Looks the same as it did in the early 1800s. Lewis and Clark stopped there... Zebulon Pike began his journey there.... The guy who founded Chicago died there... LOTS of history

Great place to go! Eat at Lewis & Clarks for lunch and my best friend runs a restaurant on 2nd street called "Vivians Vineyards", which has the best steak in town. Lots of fun places to shop, eat, and enjoy!

Arch. Unlike what Marmell said, go to the top. Is it the best ride of your life? Of course not... but you still should go just to say you have been. Then you can criticize it

Agreed, you have to go, just for the fun of it.

Budweiser Brewery Tour - Free beer at the end. Do I have to say more?

Nope, a no-brainer if you like AB products.

Soulard Farmer's Market - It is definitely an experience. St. Louis is very diverse in regards to different cultures. You will them all merge right here. Claimed to have been in existance since the late 1700's. Only place in downtown STL where you can buy live chickens. Also, check out the surrounding Soulard neighorhood. Great bars and restuarants. Go to McGuirk's one night that they have live Irish music.

Man, this guy knows his St. Louis! Great suggestion!


Not much else to add, take in a Cardinal game, the Zoo, the science center, six flags has another new ride this year (don't forget Mr. Freeze, which is my favorite.)

One extra thing I would suggest is the Winery of the little hills Here (http://www.little-hills.com/). If you have some more time, there are a ton of neat wineries heading towards Jeff City.


One more thing, my dad has season tickets, so let me know what Cardinals game you are going to and I'll try to be there.


Todd

[Poli]

Mmmm...home...

[MizzouRah]

Hey there! I have some football tickets for you. :)



Todd

[Poli]

October 31st...that's the expected day of me being in San Diego...note, that's not the ship's expected return, I wouldn't post that. I'd say I'll be home two or three days later.

[dawgfan]

Great suggestions so far guys - thanks, and keep them coming.

Todd, I'll probably get Cardinals tix for either Friday the 25th or Saturday the 26th. When I confirm dates and everything I'll post it here.

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by dawgfan
Great suggestions so far guys - thanks, and keep them coming.

Todd, I'll probably get Cardinals tix for either Friday the 25th or Saturday the 26th. When I confirm dates and everything I'll post it here.

Saturday I could probably do, but Friday I'll be in Colorado, returning that night. Let me know!


Todd

[WSUCougar]

Whoops! Seems I’m late to the STL party. Good tips all around. I’m not covering much new ground, but here’s my list:

•The Arch is an obvious choice, and well worth the time – don’t overlook the Museum of Westward Expansion at the base of the Arch, and the movies in that same complex; the one on the construction of the Arch is pretty fascinating if you’re at all impressed with architectural marvels. Part of the same park is the Old Courthouse, which is where the Dred Scott case was initially heard (if you’re into history).

• The Soulard neighborhood really is cool, and McGuirks is one of the best of many pubs and spots there. You can combine that with the A-B brewery tour, which is nearby. By the way, it’s an incredible operation and a very well done tour, even if you are not a “Bud man.”

• Cultural: The zoo is indeed a great one (better than Woodland Park, dawgfan). The Missouri Botanical Garden is well worth seeing, too. The art museum is good not great (IMO). The Missouri History Museum has some neat stuff. The St. Louis Symphony is world class, although I think their season is over. If you feel adventurous, cross the river into Illinois and see Cahokia Mounds, and/or take the River Road along the Mississippi – it’s a great drive on a nice day.

• I am personally partial to brewpubs, and St. Louis has some good ones. The best local product is Schlafly’s, and their place is called The Tap Room. It is in the western part of “downtown” St. Louis. Great food and the best hefeweizen I’ve ever had (several other good beers as well). The Trailhead Brewery in St. Charles is a favorite, too – very good fish and chips (not Ivars quality, of course, but hey). Depending upon where you are staying, there are good restaurants all over the place! There is a renowned family of restaurants in the Webster Groves – Kirkwood area that includes two of our favorites: Blue Water Grill (Mexican-style seafood) and then Big Sky Café. The same family opened an Italian place opposite Big Sky, but you can get better Italian on The Hill. Clayton is highly regarded for its restaurants. Check out Blueberry Hill if you go to The Loop. St. Louis style pizza (like Imo’s) does not appeal to me (sorry guys), but there is a great local chain called Fortel’s which is simply outstanding.

• If you have the chance, the wine country is worth a trip. It is along the Missouri River west of St. Louis, mainly settled by Germans. Their sweet whites are the best (IMO), but the wineries as a group are surprisingly good quality.

• I’d definitely be interested in hooking up for a Cards game, but it will depend on the day.

• I’d be happy to offer my opinion on neighborhoods and places to live, commutes, etc. Drop me an IM with some more detail on what her parameters are and I’ll give you some thoughts.

Oh, and by the way, brace yourself for the humidity...:D

[INDalltheway]

I would say avoid the McDonalds on the boat. That place stinks, it is dirty, and you have to wait forever. :)

[panerd]

I know this is bound to raise its head in every FOF gathering thread, but if we could get enough interested Saint Louisions we should hit a happy hour, gambling boat, or east side trip. (I am partial to the last obviously) I remember there being about 10 members on here at one point.

[MizzouRah]

Lets do it.



Todd

[Hawglaw]

I'm up for it...

We could do it at J. Buck's in Clayton. I am sort of partial to it (I work in the building) :)

[Anrhydeddu]

don’t overlook the Museum of Westward Expansion at the base of the Arch

One of my most favorite museums in the country.

[cartman]

Hmm, I visited St. Louis last year for a HP Convention. It didn't get off to a good start, since I arrived from Italy late in the evening on the night the Cards won their playoff series. I was in the Westin RIGHT across the street from the stadium. I was jet-lagged and tired, and didn't get much sleep that night, as there was a party outside until about 4am.

But I second many of the sights to see. The whole Arch complex is pretty cool. (Some French Guy's Name) Landing was ok, with all of the bars and restaurants. I didn't make it out to the beer factory, but to me, the best one to visit is the Coors, so I didn't feel I missed out.

The food was great, and so were the people. I had a good time for the week I was there. The week ended much better than it started. I went to the Riverboat Casino near the Landing, and on the last night night I won $2000 on the $5 slots. That was cool.

[VIKING FAN]

If you're claustrophobic, you might want to think twice about going up in those little cars to the top of the Arch.

[MizzouRah]

I didn't make it out to the beer factory, but to me, the best one to visit is the Coors, so I didn't feel I missed out.



Ahhhh... but you did! Coors is ok, but we're talking the King of beers here! ;)


Todd

[dawgfan]

A question for those who live in the area or used to - my friend will be getting a cell-phone for the first time when she moves out there. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations on service providers for the area? Any particular companies that tend to have better signals and call clarity than others?

[MizzouRah]

Cingular is terrible where I live in Troy, Mo - I use Sprint and get a great signal in St. Louis and surrounding areas. Most people here use Nextel or Sprint, although Sprint is a tad cheaper.

Todd

[tucker342]

I heard they are having an East St. Louis Swap Meet this weekend. You can't miss that! Just watch out for stray bullets:eek:

[panerd]

Originally posted by tucker342
I heard they are having an East St. Louis Swap Meet this weekend. You can't miss that! Just watch out for stray bullets:eek:

The East Side isn't really that bad anymore. Ever since the casino took over the town it is pretty safe if you stay on the main roads. You have got to believe the police receive some serious cash from the casino and they aren't going to let anything happen to it's customers. Now if you leave the main areas (strip club area or casino area) then all bets are off. But isn't that true in about any major city? Would I being my kids there for a picnic? No. But is it like the movie "Trepass"? No. (You gotta believe the city of East Saint Louis was very supportive of that movie being made :) )

Disclaimer: I am usually pretty drunk when I am over in Illinois. But believe me, even drunk, I would remember getting shot at!