Edition: Concierges' Favorite Attractions, 2006
Gem's of St. Louis
Author: Cheryl Hughley
Excitement is only a moment away at these concierge-approved attractions.
Art and Nature
Take a tram ride more than 630 feet in the air for an awesome view of St. Louis that you'll see only from the top of the historical masterpiece that is the Gateway Arch (314-982-1410, St. Louis Riverfront, M2;C5). While you're there, check out the Lewis and Clark exhibit at the Museum of Western Expansion. Built in Forest Park for the World's Fair in 1904, the nationally renowned St. Louis Art Museum (314-721-0072, Forest Park, M4;B4) provides art for all with free admission to its exquisite galleries and continued dedication to education. In "one of the America's oldest botanical gardens," visitors stroll through carefully tended lawns, beautiful flowers, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings that only the Missouri Botanical Garden (314-577-9400, 4344 Shaw Blvd., M4;C5) can provide. Breathtaking mosaics from 20 different artists encompass 83,000 square feet of wondrous color and beauty at Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (314-373-8242, 4431 Lindell Blvd., M4;B5), a more than one hundred-year-old cathedral in the Central West End. At the Missouri History Museum (314-454-3150, Forest Park, M4;B4), exhibits, lectures, storytelling, and more are just some of the rich offerings provided by this culturally diverse educational institution.
Play and Learn
Educational activities and fun come together in a cornucopia of learning experiences at the Magic House - St. Louis Children's Museum, (314-822-8900, 516 S. Kirkwood, M5;D2), a rambling Victorian home. Lions, tigers, and bears .... oh, my! Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful walkways and habitats of the Saint Louis Zoo (314-781-0900, Forest Park, M4;B4), a Forest Park treasure. "Imagination runs wild" in the City Museum (314-231-CITY, 701 N. 15th St., M2;B2), a colorful museum of recycled materials and playful art. Plentiful crawl spaces, caves, and hands-on activities will keep children busy for hours.
Taste of Nightlife
Dueling pianos and sing-a-longs crazily intertwine for a night of merriment and libation at The Big Bang (314-241-BANG, 807 N. 2nd St., M2;B5), a Laclede's Landing bar. Maggie O'Brien's (314-421-1388, 2000 Market St., M4,C7) restaurant and pub has strong Irish roots, but caters to dieters, pasta lovers, and chili fans alike. Grab a Guinness, watch the game and enjoy! With over 140 types of vodka and an attractive crowd, the Sub Zero Vodka Bar (314-367-1200, 308 N. Euclid, M4;B5) is "the place" to be seen. Kick up your evening at Harrah's Voodoo Cafe and Lounge (314-770-8100, 777 Casino Center Dr., M5;B1), where you'll often catch live bands, cage dancers, and "flair bartenders" on the weekends.
Theatre Sights and Sounds
Top-notch Broadway shows, musical acts, and more are hosted by the exquisite Fox Theatre (314-534-1111, 527 N. Grand Blvd., M4;B6) in the Grand Center District. Located on the Loop in University City, The Pageant (314-726-6161, 6161 Delmar Blvd., M4;A3) features some of the greatest national music acts today. Have dinner on the lawn and enjoy an evening of old-fashioned family fun at The Muny (314-361-1900, Forest Park, M4;B4). Whimsical musicals have sprung to life at this glorious summer theatre in Forest Park since 1917. The outdoor UMB Bank Pavilion (314-298-9944, 14141 Riverport Dr., M5;B1) hosts some of the hottest concerts of the summer season. Music revelers can choose from theatre-style or lawn seating.
Casino Excitement
Dining, gambling, concerts, and more can be found at the Ameristar Casino (636-949-7777, 1260 S. Main, M5;A1) on the St. Charles riverfront. You'll find casino gambling, dining, music, and a luxury hotel at Harrah's Casino (314-770-8100, 777 Casino Center Dr., M5;B1), a Maryland Heights entertainment facility. A quick trip on the MetroLink from downtown St. Louis, the Casino Queen (800-777-0777, 200 S. Front St., M4;C8) provides a hotel, RV park, dining, entertainment, and more. Located on the downtown riverfront, President Casino (314-622-1111, 1000 N. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., M4;C8) is on a large riverboat built in 1907.
30-Minute Getaways
Approximately 30 minutes west of downtown St. Louis, Historic Saint Charles (M6;A3) has much to offer. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, sample the fare of delicious restaurants, and enjoy leisurely glances in quaint shops. Just 30 minutes south of St. Louis on I-55, Kimmswick (M1;D4) is a hub of old-fashioned festivals, restaurants and gift shops. Six Flags (636-938-4800, Eureka, M1;D2), 30 minutes west of St. Louis on Highway 44, provides jam-packed entertainment and loads of family fun.
Sportsman's Paradise
Grab a hot dog, a bag of peanuts, and a cold glass of your favorite beverage at the newly built Busch Stadium (314-421-3060, 250 Stadium Plaza, M2;D4) in downtown St. Louis. Cheer on our "red birds" and catch the Cardinal spirit! Home to several sports teams, the Savvis Center (314-622-5400, 1401 Clark Ave., M2;C2) hosts an assortment of events that range from concerts to Cirque du Soleil. The home of the beloved St. Louis Rams, the Edward Jones Dome (314-342-5201, 701 Convention Plaza, M2;A4) seats over 70,000 people. It additionally lends itself to being a prime location for conventions, concerts, and other major events.
Hitting the Green
The 4 1/2 star Annbriar Golf Course (888-939-5191, 1524 Birdie Ln., M1;D5) was rated as one of the top 500 "Places to Play" by Golf Digest. Constructed in 1913 on the grounds of the 1904 World's Fair, the Norman J. Probstein Golf Course (314-367-1337, Forest Park, M4;B3) boasts a clubhouse, restaurant, and three nine-hole courses, with an eighteen-hole option. The location of Crystal Springs Quarry Golf Course (314-344-4448, 12163 Prichard Farm Rd. M5;B1) is convenient to many St. Louis hotels, and is perfect for travelers who have limited time to get in 9 or 18 holes.
Wineries
Acres of open rolling hills and a fine selection of wines can be found at Louis P. Balducci Vineyards (636-482-VINO, Augusta, M1;C1). The winner of numerous competitions, Crown Valley Winery (866-207-9463, Ste. Genevieve, M1;D3) is surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Ste. Genevieve, M1;D3) is surrounded by the picturesque lanscape of Ste. Genevieve County. A prestigious list of honors has been awarded to the 85-acre Mount Pleasant Winery (636-482-WINE, Augusta, M1;C1), built in 1859. Located on a ridge along the Missouri river, Montelle Winery (636-228-4464, Augusta, M1;C1) proudly proclaims to be "Missouri's most scenic winery." Just a short 60 miles out of St. Louis, you'll find the lovely Stone Hill Winery (573-486-2221, Hermann, M1;C1) in the German town of Hermann. Built in 1847, Stone Hill is a treasured tourist attraction. Cozy Sugar Creek Winery and Vineyards (636-987-2400, Defiance, M1;C2) is just a short distance from St. Louis and provides a nice respite from a busy week. Blumenhof Winery (800-419-2245, Dutzow, M1;C1) has won gold medals at both national and international competitions. Enjoy live music in its winegarden on summer weekends, with food available from the Brathaus Grill.
