Edition: Sports in St. Louis
Julie and Joe Buck's St. Louis
Author: Beth M. Custer
Editor's Note: Joe Buck, the popular Fox Network sports announcer, and his sister Julie, are native St. Louisans and children of the much-loved Hall of Fame broadcasting legend, the late Jack Buck. As long-time local residents, they know the best places to go and things to do; as owners of J. Buck's restaurant, they certainly know their favorite place to eat! Recently they shared their thoughts with Concierge Preferred on how they would spend a fun day in St. Louis, going to their favorite places.
Julie: First thing, I would go to Mimi's Cafe (636-530-4510, 17240 Chesterfield Airport Rd.) for breakfast. They serve a variety of really yummy things like waffles and pancakes and omelets. They can be fattening, but you've got the rest of the day to work it off.
Joe: I'd stop in at Starbucks (ask your concierge for locations) for something to help me start the day. It's very convenient and fast, and helps me get to my workout quickly. (I work out first thing, but Julie waits till later in the day). I'd head to Magna Fitness Center (314-963-7800, 1401 S. Brentwood Blvd.) where I've been working out for a long time. They have top of the line equipment and a nice workout space with huge windows.
Julie: After breakfast, I'd probably take my kids to the Magic House - St. Louis Children't Museum (314-822-8900, 516 S. Kirkwood Rd.) The Zagat Guide named it the nation's best attraction for child appeal. I have twins who are four years old, and a 2-year-old. They love the exhibit called "A Little Bit of Magic," which has all kinds of activities for pre-schoolers, like slides and tunnels, and a sand area. They really like playing in the water area too, where they can burn off some of that little kid energy.
Joe: I like to take my girls to the Saint Louis Science Center (314-289-4444, 5050 Oakland Ave.) where many of the exhibits are hands-on and a lot of fun, or maybe to the latest kids' movie. Afterwards, we would go to lunch at J. Buck's (314-725-4700, 101 S. Hanley Road; ask your concierge for other locations), of course, and get a cheeseburger pizza. Maybe I'd squeeze in a round of golf, or a trip to my favorite place to shop, the Pro-Am Golf Center (314-781-7775, 3001 S. Hanley Road). I'm always looking for something new to improve my game!
Julie: For lunch, we would go to the Woman's Exchange (314-997-4411, 9214 Clayton Rd.), a not-for-profit tea room and gift shop that helps support families in need. I might promise my kids a little something from the boutique if they behave well. I love the famous salad at the Woman's Exchange, and the boys usually get the special grilled cheese sandwich.
Joe: The next stop for me after lunch would be the ballpark (Busch Stadium, 314-421-2400). Normally I would go to work to prepare for that day's game. For visitors and fans, I'd recommend the Official Cardinals Team Store (800-241-3263). It's open all year round, even when the Cardinals aren't playing. You can get all kinds of cool souvenirs there that you won't find anywhere else.
Julie: Next for us would be a nap for the kids, and a workout for me at The Fitness Edge (314-993-3343, 10943 Olive Blvd.). I like working out there because it is all one-on-one personal training that really helps you get the most out of your hour. If I have time, I might stop in at one of my favorite places to shop, Joy Tribout Interiors (314-721-0670, 8139 Maryland Ave.). They have great furniture, home accessories, jewelry, and all kinds of fun stuff. Later I'd take the kids to Longview Farm Park in Town and Country (Clayton Rd., 1/2 mile west of Mason). It's a beautiful park with neat playground equipment, and it has extensive woods, open fields, a barn, and a pasture where the kids can look at the horses.
Joe: After the game, I'd head to J. Buck's (it's so good, why not go twice in one day?) But when I'm in the mood for something different, I go to Paul Manno's Cafe (314-878-1274, 75 Forum Shopping Center) for really good Italian food. Then I might check out what's happening at The Pageant (314-726-6161, 6161 Delmar), a concert venue where I like to go to hear up-and-coming bands.
Julie: In the evening, my husband and I might get a group of friends together and go to J. Buck's too. We enjoy sitting in the loung first, then getting a table and making an evening of it.
Magic House Saint Louis Childrens Museum
516 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
Magic House is the St. Louis area Children's Museum dedicated to hands-on exhibitions and interactive learning for both kids and parents.
Saint Louis Science Center & Planetarium
5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Saint Louis Science Center is a hands-on educational paradise that is both fun and free!
J. Buck's
101 S. Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63105
Named after a legendary broadcasting family, you can expect great food and a busy stop for a bit of nightlife.
The Woman's Exchange
9214 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124
The Pageant
6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
A concert nightclub with an excellent sound system and great sightlines.
