Edition: Concierges' Favorite Attractions, 2005

Favorite 25 Destinations

Author: Beth M. Custer

St. Louis is brimming with so many attractions and entertainment spots, we couldn't possibly list them all.  Instead, we've put valuable information at your fingertips by polling hundreds of concierges across the metro area.  We asked for their expert opinion on not-to-be-missed destinations , and (drum roll please,) here are the 25 the recommend most often:

Cultural Hot Spots

The Saint Louis Art Museum (Forest Park, 314-721-0072) is highly regarded for its permanent collection (a painting from Monet's Water Lilies series is a favorite) and special exhibitions from around the world.  On Sundays, free hands-on activities and performances are offered.  The Museum of Westward Expansion (St. Louis Riverfront, 314-982-1410), at the base of the Gateway Arch, is packed with exhibits depicting the westward migration of pioneers across the U.S.  A real teepee, a covered wagon, and other implements of the time bring the past alive.  In its contemporary, light-filled space, the Missouri History Museum (Forest Park, 314-746-4599) offers exciting exhibits and special events to remind us of our past and how it affects our future.  Don't miss "The 1904 World's Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward."  Loved for its Byzantine interior and colorful artwork, the Cathedral Basilica (Lindell & Newstead, 314-533-0544) is home to the world's largest collection of mosaics.  Over 41 million pieces of glass tesserae make up scenes from the Hebrew and Christian traditions.

Child's Play

Top honors go to the St. Louis Zoo (Forest Park, 314-781-0900), recently named the number one zoo in the nation by Zagat Survey.  The newest exhibit, Fragile Forest, is a lush habitat of streams and trees built especially for the zoo's chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas.  The City Museum (701 N. 15th, 314-231-CITY) is hugely popular with kids and parents, and not at all what most people envision when they think of a museum.  Instead, it's a wild, crazy, colorul space filled with creative things to do.  There's a 3-story slide, giant crawl-through coils along the ceiling, a fascinating indoor cave system, and an aquarium where you can pet a shark.  Animal lovers will love Purina Farms (Gray Summit, 314-982-3232) with its dozens of dogs and cats in the Pet Center and domestic farm animals in the Barn.  Herding contests, whippet races, and over 60 dog events are held annually at its Canine Competition Center.  In its U.S. Family Travel Guide, Zagat Survey rated The Magic House (516 S. Kirkwood, 314-822-8900) as the attraction with the most child appeal in the entire nation.  Exhibits are geared to specific age groups, with activities just for babies, water play and sand areas for toddlers, and hands-on science experiments that are fun for kids of all ages.  Everyone loves the electrostatic ball - touch it to make your hair stand on end.  The Saint Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland, 314-289-4444) offers over 700 hands-on exhibits, plus a planetarium and an Omnimax theatre.  Visit a life-sized, animated Tyrannosaurus rex, or check out the enclosed bridge where you can measure the speed of cars passing on the interstate beneath you.

Musical Mélange

When asked for their favorite places to hear music, our concierges chose a well-rounded assortment.  The fabulous Fox Theatre (527 N. Grand, 314-532-1111) has been a favorite with St. Louisans since its inception over 75 years ago.  It hosts a dazzling variety of shows, from Broadway musicals to rock concerts to ballets; its Siamese Byzantine décor is a show in itself.  Check out both well-known rockers and up-and-coming bands at the Pageant (6161 Delmar, 314-726-6161), a concert nightclub in the Loop.  At UMB Bank Pavilion (I-270 & I-70, 314-421-1888) you can kick back on the sloping hillside or reserve a seat - either way, you're in for a night to remember.  Its outdoor amphitheatre is perfect for enjoying top-shelf musicians on a warm summer evening.

Nightlife

Laclede's Landing rates as one of the top spots to find hip and happening nightlife.  Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, its brick streets and historic feel are the backdrop for a thoroughly modern enclave of nightspots, restaurants, and clubs.  The Big Bang (807 N. 2nd, 314-421-2264) is one of the most popular - it's a dueling piano bar where two piano players take requests, bands play, and the wait staff performs the occasional dance number.  Audience participation is practically required.  The Washington Avenue Entertainment District is a newly thriving area with loads of urban appeal.  Fashionable dance club Velvet (1301 Washington, 314-241-8178) features three distinct rooms, with a theatrical sound, light, and laser show in the main room.  The Pepper Lounge (2005 Locust, 314-241-2005) is a great place to dance too, and offers a huge selection of martinis.  Its Martiki Cove is fun for outdoor drinks in a Polynesian atmosphere.

Delightful Daytrips

A quick side trip can bring a unique perspective to your visit.  Alton is an old Illinois town with a good many historic buildings and landmarks, and a reputation for haunted houses.  The site of a famous Lincoln-Douglas debate is commemorated with life-size statues of each politician (one quite short, the other tall); another life-size statue celebrates Robert Wadlow, the world's tallest man.  South of St. Louis, quaint Kimmswick awaits.  The second oldest town in Missouri, where visitors will find over 30 antiques and artisan shops, exudes 19th century atmosphere.  Stop in at The Blue Owl (636-464-3128) - a restaurant, bakery, and home of sky-high pies that are, quite simply, works of art.  St. Charles, nestled on the Missouri River, is loved by both oenophiles and bikers.  Take a trip down the Weinstrasse, (German for "wine road"), sample Missouri's award-winning wines, or bike the Katy Trail for its beauriful scenery (reminiscent of the German countryside), restaurants, and shops.

Fun and Games

Riverboat gambling is a clear winner among concierges when it comes to recreation venues.  With four casinos in the area, games of chance abound; live music and delicious cuisine are part of the action too.  With so many well-designed courses in the St. Louis area, it's no wonder that golf is a popular way to spend down time.  There are courses worth the drive for visitors with time to spare, and close-by options for those who only have time for a quick 9 or 18.  The newest attraction at Six Flags & Hurrican Harbor (I-44 and Allerton Rd., 636-938-5300) is the Tornado, a water thrill ride that drops a 4-person raft down a 132-foot-long tunnel, through a waterfall, and into a pool.  More water fun can be found at Raging Rivers (Grafton, IL, 618-786-2345).  It's a great place to beat the heat, from the giant Wave Pool to the Cascade Body Flumes, to the lazy Endless River.