"The Gateway to the West; St. Louis, MO"

A July 2003 trip to St. Louis by shane2

Morgan StreetMore Photos

St. Louis, MO, is more than just a baseball city. With so much to do from fine dining to the Budweiser Brewery tour it has something for everyone. I come back to enjoy all the festivities the city has to offer.

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St. Louis
Each year for the 4th of July is Fair St. Louis. Bring an empty stomach and the kids for this all day event. The weather can be a bit warm as St. Louis is known for its humid summers. I heard that for this very reason the Fair is going to be moved to Memorial Day next year.

Quick Tips:

To stay in the heart of the action, the Adam's Mark hotel is an excellant choice. It is located right along the Mississippi River within walking distance to the Arch. You will have to pay for parking, which can be pretty expensive if you stay for a long period of time. However, you don't have to worry about driving much because you're so close to everything.

Best Way To Get Around:

While downtown the best way to get around is by walking. From the Adam's Mark your close to most things like the baseball stadium and the Landing (bar area). However, to get to Union Station or even the airport, St. Louis has an excellent rail system called MetroLink. Taxis are readily available if you want to go that route.

St. Louis DiningBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Where to eat in St. Louis"

The Hill--these two words go hand in hand with the St. Louis dining experience. Located just southwest of the city, this residential area is famous for its Italian restaurants mixed about it. Years of family tradition make this stop an unique experience. Zias Restaurant is famous for its wonderful salad dressing. I always have to bring some fat-free Italian back for my family. Nowadays, the dressing can be purchased from the local supermarkets.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by shane2 on August 9, 2003

St. Louis Dining
Throughout St. Louis St. Louis, Missouri

Morgan Street
Morgan Street Brewery is one of the many bars in an area of downtown St. Louis called The Landing. The Landing is located just north of the Arch along the river. Morgan Street brews their own beers, which are quite tasty. I prefer the pale ale. The bar is quite large to accommodate those who want to hang out or party it up on the dance floor. The dance floor isn't that large and can get pretty crowded. I like this because then I (with my lack of dancing skills) just blend in with everyone else.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by shane2 on August 9, 2003

Morgan Street Brewery
721 N 2nd St St. Louis, Missouri 63102
(314) 231-9970

Ameristar CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "AmeriStar"

The AmeriStar is located FIVE miles west of the airport along Highway 70 over the Missouri River bridge. It is in an area called Riverport that comprises UMB Bank Music Theater and many commercial buildings. On the right of 70 is AmeriStar and on the left is Harrah's. I prefer AmeriStar because I have had more luck there. Parking is free and valet is available for a small price.

You will be amazed as you walk in by a beautiful waterfall that shoots water into the air. I like to enjoy the buffet for $15. Seems like a lot of money at first, but it includes filet mignon and all the shrimp you can eat. After filling yourself up at the restaurant, you go to the two-story casino. The floors are laid out nicely with different islands representing certain games.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by shane2 on August 9, 2003

Ameristar Casino
1260 South Main St St. Charles 63301
(636) 949-7777

Montelle WineryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Augusta, Missouri and Montelle Winery are two of those off the beaten path attractions that you just have to smile about when you find them. Located west of St. Louis along the Missouri River, Augusta is in the heart of Missouri wine country. Missouri was once the largest producer of wine until California took over the title. However, the state still has some beautiful wineries that produce some great tasting wine. There are many bed and breakfasts to stay at if you want to spend the weekend. You can also ride your bike to Augusta along the Katie Trail. Montelle Winery is the nicest of the wineries in Augusta. It is situated on top of a rolling hill along the river. While enjoying some delightful wine you can look down upon the valley where the grape vines grow. Bring a picnic basket with cheese and crackers to snack on.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by shane2 on August 9, 2003

Montelle Winery
Highway 94 St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 228-4464

Science Center
The Science Center is comprised of essentially two buildings on the opposite sides of Highway 40. An enclosed bridge takes you across the highway. While over the road, you can record the speeds of the on coming traffic. Adults love the shows at the OmniMax theater. Kids have plenty to do from exploring in Discovery room to checking out the giant T-rex named Sue in the lobby. This is a great getaway for the whole family.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by shane2 on August 9, 2003

St. Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Ave St. Louis, Missouri 63110
(314) 289-4491

St. Louis Cardinals at Busch StadiumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Afternoon at a Cardinals game"

Cardinals
St. Louis has a rich history of baseball. The Cardinals have the second most World Series victories after the New York Yankees. The team seems to be always competitive each year. Fans from all over the Midwest (Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri) come to cheer on the Cards. Busch Stadium is still one of the nicest stadiums to watch a game. However, next year the team breaks ground on a new stadium next door that should be complete in 2006. The summer heat can be bad, but has improved since they replaced the AstroTurf with natural grass.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by shane2 on August 9, 2003

St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium
250 Stadium Plaza St. Louis, Missouri 63102
+1 314 421 3060; +1

Bud
You don't have to be 21 or even a beer drinker to enjoy the Budweiser Beer Tour. They take you through the whole process of making the beer. I have been on the Coors and Miller tours and feel like this one was the best. Budweiser has 12 breweries across the country, but St. Louis is the first and largest. They even talk about the other businesses the company got into during Prohibition. At the end the over-21-year-olds can partake in two drinks. Those under 21 are furnished with fountain drinks. Be sure to bring enough money to buy something at the gift shop.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by shane2 on August 9, 2003

Anheuser-Busch Brewery
13th St and Lynch St St. Louis, Missouri 63118
+1 314 577 2333; +1

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