Edition: St. Louis Hosts U.S. Figure Skating Championships
Lea Ann Miller's St. Louis
Author: Beth M. Custer
Editor's Note: The delightful Lea Ann Miller, former U.S. Figure Skating medalist, Olympic team member, and native St. Louisan, will return to town in January with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
St. Louis was always my base,
even though I left at age 13 to train as a figure skater. I'm excited to work with the Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis as a way to help build up the area's skating programs. That way kids can do more of their training locally and won't have to leave home at a young age like I did.
I visit St. Louis as often as I can -- for the holidays, during the summer, and anytime my travels allow. Since its location is smack in the middle of the country, it's a convenient place for a stopover. While I'm here, I go to a lot of favorite places with my mom and dad, who live in Lake St. Louis.
8:00 am
First thing in the morning, I love to wake up and be near the lake. I like to have coffee with my Dad, overlooking Lake St. Louis. After the coffee kicks in and I'm awake, I might ask Mom to take me to Plaza Frontenac (314-432-0604, M5;C2), my favorite place to go shopping. It's such a peaceful, civilized place to shop. And I would hope there are some good sales at Saks 5th Avenue (314-567-9200, Plaza Frontenac, M5;C2) -- it's one of the best Saks stores in the country. The sales staff is so helpful there. When I was in high school, but still had to buy pre-teen clothing, the sales ladies went out of their way to make sure I wasn't embarrassed.
10:30 am
For a mid-morning snack we would stop at Bissinger's (314-367-9750, M5;C2), where I would get a molasses lollipop for sure. They are so good, I even served them at my wedding recently -- so that tells you how much I love them.
11:00 am
Next, my Mom and I would head to Kirkwood to take a stroll down memory lane. I started skating at the Kirkwood Ice Rink (314-822-5825, 111 S. Geyer Rd., M5;D2), which was just an outdoor facility at the time. It's a warm fuzzy for me to go there and watch the up and coming skaters. Then we would visit McArthur's Bakery (314-894-0900, 113 N. Kirkwood Rd., M5;D2) for the gooey butter cake, which makes a delicious breakfast. I still remember that yummy cake from my childhood. You can't get it anywhere except St. Louis.
12:00 pm
One of my favorite stops is Forest Park (M4;B4). There are so many things to do within the park; you could really spend a lot of time there. The Saint Louis Art Museum (314-721-0072, M4;B3) is wonderful. As a choreographer, I'm so inspired by all forms of art, and it seems like there is always a high-quality exhibit at the museum -- I would definitely recommend checking it out. The Saint Louis Zoo (314-781-0900, M4;B3) is another favorite. I've always been a "zoo parent." I sponsored Carmen the orangutan, and we used to visit her a lot. Later I heard that she became grumpy because she needed a husband! I think she had to leave in order to get married.
1:00 pm
For lunch Mom and I like to meet Dad on The Hill (M4;D4). We enjoy going to Zia's (314-776-0020, 5256 Wilson, M4;D4) for their salad -- I love their house salad dressing.
2:00 pm
The Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum (314-421-4689, 634 S. Broadway, M2;D4) is another place I remember from my childhood. Eugene Field was known as the "Children's Poet," and the house showcases his large collection of children's toys and dolls. It looks exactly the same as it did when I was a child and went to a birthday party there.
3:00 pm
Next we would stop in St. Charles (M6). It's such a cute little area. Since I love art so much I would want to see the latest exhibits at the new Foundry Art Centre (636-255-0270, 520 Main St., M6;A3). I like the Bella Garden Cafe (636-724-6006, 524 S. Main St., M6;A3), and next door, Figuero's Coffee and Gourmet Specialties (636-947-9847, 524 S. Main St., M6;A3) is a great coffee shop for an afternoon pick-me-up. They also have over 2000 kinds of hot sauce! My family likes to search out the hottest sauces we can find, so we enjoy exploring their inventory.
5:00 pm
Missouri has a great wine country (See Wineries, p.30). When I want to get away from the hustle and bustle or just take a peaceful ride, I go there. People forget there are great wines from Missouri.
7:00 pm
Because I travel so much, I'm always on the lookout for good take-out. There's so much great pizza in St. Louis ... I might stop at Stefanina's (636-272-3499, 8645 Veteran's Memorial Pkwy., O'Fallon, MO, M1;B2) to finish off the evening.
Plaza Frontenac
Lindbergh Blvd. and Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131
St. Louis's most luxurious mall is home to Neiman Marcus, Saks, Tiffany, Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft and Boccelli. Featuring several full service restaurants, concierge services, a spa and a movie theatre.
St. Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
Originally constructed as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1904 World's Fair, the Saint Louis Art Museum's elegant stone exterior has and always will bear the motto “Dedicated to Art and Free to All.”
Saint Louis Zoo
1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
The St. Louis Zoo is located within Forest Park, and free to the public.
Zia's
5256 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
Established in 1985- Zias has been offering wonderful Italian cusine at reasonable prices for over twenty years.
Historic St. Charles
230 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301
The oldest city on the Missouri River and the first state capitol of Missouri, historic St. Charles is an area wrought with cobblestone streets and a view of the past. Step into quaint shops and breathe in the fresh scents of cinnamon and chocolate. Delight your ears as street musicians serenade you with the folk songs of yesteryear. Enjoy crafts demonstrations and learn what it was like to be a pioneer during one of the most exciting periods in American history.
Foundry Art Centre
520 N. Main Ctr., St. Charles, MO 63301
Feeling creative? Visit the Foundry Art Centre, where the arts, artists, and the public come together to create a unique art experience for all.
Stefanina's Pizzeria Restaurant
8645 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., O'Fallon, MO 63366
A well-respected Italian restaurant that the whole family can enjoy
