Edition: Architectural Delights

Quintessential St. Louis

Author: Beth M. Custer

Missouri Wine Renaissance

The St. Louis area is enjoying a resurgence in vineyard development that began in the 1960s and is bearing fruit now as regional wines gain in popularity and prominence.  Crown Valley Winery (866-207-9463,  Route WW in Western Ste. Genevieve County, M1:D3) is set amid acres of lush vineyards, and offers tastings and tours to rival any in the Napa Valley.  Follow the Weinstrasse, or "Wine Road" along the Missouri River and Highway 94 to reach wine country and many of Missouri's wineries.  At Mount Pleasant Winery (800-467-WINE,  5643 High St., M1;C1) in Augusta, tour the limestone cellars and enjoy majestic views from the patio.  Blumenhof Winery (636-433-2245, Hwy 94, M1;C1) is part of the historic village of Dutzow, Missouri's oldest German settlement.  Live entertainment in the winegarden and treats from the Brathaus Grill will make your visit memorable.

Outdoor Entertainment

Goldilock's porridge has nothing on springtime in St. Louis - the weather is not too hot, it's not too cold, it's just right.  Enjoy it by taking advantage of the city's outdoor entertainment scene.  Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis (314-361-0101,  Forest Park, M4;B3) presents The Tempest May 27-June 19 on the green in Forest Park.  Bring a picnic or choose something delicious from one of the vendors.  The pre-theatre"Green Show" starts at 6:30 p.m. nightly and includes a "mini-play"  - a quick overview of the main play's storyline.  Nearby is America's largest outdoor theatre, The Muny (314-361-1900,  Forest Park, M4;B3).  This summer's offerings begin with Beauty and the Beast, which runs from June 20-29.

The St. Louis Jazz Festival (314-863-0278,  Shaw Park, M4;B1) attracts the musical stylings of topshelf national and local jazz acts on June 24 and 25.  UMB Bank Pavilion (314-298-9944,  14141 Riverport Dr., M5;A1) is a great spot to kick back on the lawn and listen to your favorite musicians.  Concerts include Sammy Hagar on May 14 and Reba McEntire on May 27.

Concierge HOTspots

Janice Fodor, Guest Services Agent, Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center:   "I like to send people to places they might not know about.  The Cathedral Basilica (314-373-8241,  M4;B5) is kind of hidden and unknown, but is world-class.  Old St. Charles (M6;A3) is another good one - it's comparable to historic areas in the east, like Colonial Williamsburg.  For dinner, Chaucer's (636-532-5000, M1;B3) here in the hotel is great.  A different international buffet is served every night, with a seafood buffet on Fridays."

Rhonda Darris, Concierge, Sheraton Clayton:   "I always recommend the Gateway Arch (314-982-1410,  M2;C5) of course, and the Art Museum (314-721-0072, M4;B3) is a favorite of mine.  For meat eaters, Morton's (314-725-4008,  M8;E2) is the place!  Their steaks are delicious.  I also recommend J. Buck's (314-725-4700,  M8;E2) for people who want some local flavor.  The bread pudding at Remy's (314-726-5757,  M8;E2) is to die for - they serve it with different sauces, and their wine list is impressive."

Sharon McKissack, Guest Services Agent, Embassy Suites Airport:  One of my favorite restaurants is Dierdorf and Hart's (314-421-1772,  M2;C4).  I always get the same thing - their delicious filet mignon.  Guests with children love the City Museum (314-231-CITY,  M2;B2), where there are lots of new things like the aquarium.  St. Louis Mills (314-227-5555,  M5;A2) is a great place for shopping.  There's a nice play area for babies, and things for older kids to do, like the NASCAR Speedpark and the ice skating rink.