Edition: St. Louis Attractions

Culture & Attractions: All-Time Favorite Places!

Author: Bryan S. Audrey

FAVORITE MUSEUMS
Works by Van Gogh, Cezanne, Degas, Picasso, Monet, Manet, and Chagall are all on display and part of the permanent collection at the Saint Louis Art Museum. This sumer three exhibits will be featured: "African American Abstractions: St. Louis Connections"; "George Caleb Bingham: The making of the County Election"; and "Quilts in a Material World: Selections from the Winterthur Collection". The Missouri History Museum houses an exact replica of "The Spirit of St. Louis" made famous by Col. Lindbergh. The floor of the Grand gallery contains The River Mosaic, a rare and stunning masterpiece. One of the most interesting temporary exhibits is "From Kettle to Keg 1809-1909". This jewel documents St. Louis's rich brewing tradition. Another outstanding exhibit is "Many Voices: Reflecting on American Indian Objects." A visit to the City Museum will be one of your most memorable museum experiences. The museum was designed and executed to be a one of a kind experience. MonstroCity, Enchanted Caves, Toddler Town, Art City, Museum of Mirth, Mystery and Mayhem, Tiny Train Town Model Railroad and the World Aquarium are just a few of the fascinating exhibits showing. It's a destination guaranteed to inspire, captivate and entertain.

FAVORITE FAMILY-ORIENTED ATTRACTIONS
Generations of St. Louis children have been entertained and educated at The Magic House. Think of it as an indoor playground. It has four floors and more than a hundred hands-on exhibits: lift yourself with a pulley, or make a three dimensional image of yourselff. It's a great place for kids. Zagat's travel guide ranked Grant's Farm as the seventh best family attraction nationwide. Grant's Farm is a 281-acre wildelife preserve that contains over 1000 animals from over 100 different species and 6 continents. The whole family can ride a tram throughout the preserve and get a up-close look at this menagerie of wild and exotic animals. Grant's Farm also houses a stable for Anheuser-Busch's world famous Clydesdales. The Saint Louis Science Center makes learning about science a real joy. A life size Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops greet young people as they make their way to the Discovery Zone; there, they can experiment with the properties of magnets, explore how the water table works, or dress up in medical or Native American costumes. They also have an Omniax theater and hundreds of other hands-on exhibits.

FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The 96-acre Laumeier Sculpture Park is dedicated to collecting, commissioning, and exhibitig contemporary sculpture. This open air sculpture park provides the idividual with a unique bent metal space that encourages self realization and gently prods the viewer into thinking about what art is and what it can be. The Saint Louis Zoo has over 800 species on 90 beautiful open air acres. Discovery Corner is the most hands-on; you can pet bunnies and goats, and explore other interactive offerings. Red Rocks habitat contains lions, tigers, and other big cats. The Wild has penguins, bears, and great apes. River's Edge has elephants, cheetahs, ad hyenas. Commonly known as Shaw's Garden, after its founder Henry Shaw, the Missouri Botanical Garden is nothing short of spectacular. The Climatron Conservatory, the world's first geodesic dome, houses a rainforest environment cmplete with rare tropical plants and fish. The Japanese Gardens provide a serene and contemplative place to walk and regain your inner peace. The Victorian Rose Garden is a place of pure joy that cannot be missed.

FAVORITE NIGHTLIFE VENUES
The gaming/entertainment complex at Harrah's Casino came in first in this go-go category, ironic because its Voodoo Cafe and Lounge has real go-go dancers on the weekends. Harrah's also has iBar, a full service bar featuring stand up blackjack tables. After an evening of cocktails, why not throw some bones, cut a deck, or punch the one armed beauties. Enjoy! You'll find blues seven nights a week, great health-conscience food, bar-b-que, and character that the House of Blues can never replicate at BB'S Jazz, Blues & Soups. BB's consistently ranks at the top in local and national restaurant and entertainment surveys. The Louisiana File Gumbo is absolutely top-notch. Check the web site for who's playing and head on down for some down-home music and a stellar menu. For over 78 years, generations of St. Louis lovers have found love, lost love, and carried on affairs on the legendary dance floor of Casa Loma Ballroom. Local and national bands are booked every Friday and Saturday night, and the place is jumping. Any kind of dancing will do -- Imperial, Ballrom, or Free Form Retro Robot -- as long as you're on the floor and shaking it.

FAVORITE DAY TRIPS    
The Hermann, Missouri Wine Country took first place in this highly competitive category. The area is located only 90 minutes from St. Louis along picturesque State Highway 94. Head west and follow the signs to whatever wineries strike you. Here are three wineries that struck our voters and received individual votes: Stone Hill Winery, one of the oldest and most popular wineries in Herman; Adam Puchta Winery, a favorite that has been winning local, regional, and national awards since 1990; and Blumenhof Winery, located in Missouri's oldest German settlement. Alton, Illinois  is a wonderful little town with antique shops, a casino, restaurants, and B&B's. The Great River Road is clearly marked with green and white signs, runs north and south out of town, and is a great biking destination. Go north 15 miles, and you will see signs for the Melvin Price Lock and Dam #26. This has become a great place to watch the many pairs of nesting American Bald Eagles. A short drive on Interstate 70 brings you to the charming historic town of St. Charles. St. Charles has preserved the romantic allure of the past by maintaining a strong historical district that runs the length of Main Street. Take a stroll to browse the many antique shops, art galleries, and specialty shops. A full day of interesting sights and friendly people are in store for you.

St. Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110