Edition: St. Louis Breweries & Wineries
Where the Pros Go
Author: R.K. Evans
Professional concierges recommend their favorite places.
We asked hundreds of St. Louis concierges to give us the straight skinny on the hottest hot spots in the metro area. Here are some of the venues that keep St. Louis visitors and newcomers singing “Meet Me in St. Louis!”
The Museums
St. Louis hospitality professionals appreciate the city’s cultural attractions. The Missouri History Museum (Forest Park, 314-746-4599) features treasures from our state’s past, as well as stories from the inspiring lives of Missourians and local cultural communities who have worked to overcome the shackles of bias and intolerance. The Saint Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland, 314-289-4444) boasts fantastic displays such as Body Worlds 3, opening Oct. 19th, and the Space Show in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. The Saint Louis Art Museum (Forest Park, 314-721-0072) is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive art museums, containing more than 30,000 works of art.
Family Fun Time
Local hotel hot shots say they love the colorful City Museum (701 N. 15th St., 314-231-CITY) where visiting children are swept up in a world of wonder, and imaginations run wild. The world famous Saint Louis Zoo (Forest Park, 314- 781-0900) spans 77 lush acres and features thousands of animals from around the globe. The Magic House, (516 S. Kirkwood Rd., 314-822-8900) located in the charming Kirkwood area, features traveling exhibits and special events just for the kids.
Theater Buzz
The Black Repertory Theater (Grandel Theater, 3610 Grandel Square, 314-534-3810) is home to our nation’s largest African-American theater company, where talented displays of drama, dance, and music heighten social and cultural awareness. The Fox Theater (527 N. Grand, 314-534-1111) offers a dazzling array of concerts, Broadway talent, and entertainment twelve months a year. St. Louis’s beloved Tivoli Theater (6350 Delmar, 314- 995-6270), features the finest in independent film and foreign language cinema. The beautiful Chase Park Plaza Cinemas (212 N. Kingshighway, 314-367-2385) consist of five intimate auditoriums with luxury seating, all-digital sound systems, and state-of-the-art projection. 14 15
Recreational Space
Local hotel professionals know where to get their game time on in the metro area. The Ameristar Casino (S. Fifth St., 636-949-7777), located in St. Charles County, is right across the Blanchette Bridge and entertains millions of visitors each year. Harrah’s Casino (Casino Center Dr., 314-770-8100) is a quick, convenient jump back across the bridge, and boasts a fabulous seafood buffet. For high energy family fun, gamers are in paradise at Dave & Buster’s (3857 Riverport Dr., 314- 209-8015), where tasty snacks, savory entrees, and the latest in video games entertain even the most skilled gamers.
The Great Outdoors
The Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Blvd., 314-577-5100) features a fabulous family of attractions such as the Japanese Garden and the Climatron. The sprawling 1,293- acre Forest Park offers a variety of activities, including boating and bike rentals for millions of visitors annually. The Butterfly House (Faust Park, 636-530- 0076) is a beautiful natural habitat dedicated to public education on butterflies and is suitable for black tie events, corporate functions, or daytime meetings.
It’s Music to My Ears
The Pageant (6161 Delmar, 314-726-6161) located right on the Delmar loop, is a favorite that brings live bands in all genres to St. Louis music fans. B.B’s Jazz, Blues & Soups (700 S. Broadway, 314-436- 5222) is located downtown and rocks authentic jazz and blues late into the night. The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (14141 Riverport Dr., 314-298-9944) concert facility brings everything from the hottest new talents to internationally known stars to the St. Louis area.
Road Trip!
It’s the weekend, baby. Where do the pros go to relax? Favorites include the Mount Pleasant Winery (5634 High St., Augusta, 636-482-WINE) and the Augusta Wine District, the first wine district in the U.S., established in 1980. Historic St. Charles lures locals and visitors to a wide array of shops, restaurants, bars, and a quaint old town setting snuggled right next to the riverfront. Six Flags over St. Louis (I- 44 and Allerton Rd., Eureka, 636-938-4800) is a thrill a minute for kids of all ages with rides, shows, attractions and Hurricane Harbor, a 12-acre water park paradise complete with a 560,000 gallon wave pool, perfect for cooling off on a hot Midwestern day.
Bright Lights & Big City Nightlife The Gateway City’s guest service professionals work hard and love to play at chic spots around the city. Laclede’s Landing, one of the area’s oldest night spots, is located on the historic riverfront, right beyond the shores of the Mississippi River. This lively area boasts casinos, bars, restaurants, dancing, live bands, and great music. The lights of West Port Plaza shine bright. Located near the Maryland Heights area, Westport patrons gather to enjoy great food, disc jockeys, piano bars, and a busy nightclub scene. The Loop, located on Delmar Avenue in University City, is a major favorite. The culturally rich and diverse attractions draw visitors and locals alike with its artistic, bohemian feel. The area has a bevy of great shopping, theater, and all types of music. Washington Avenue’s long strip of nightclubs, shops, and world class restaurants hold the promise of entertainment, in addition to tempting wine and martini bars. The Washington Avenue strip is conveniently located in downtown St. Louis between 9th and 14th street.
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
The Missouri History Museum is a thorough look at St. Louis history and culture, from the time it was just a village up until its present day glory.
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!
St. Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
Originally constructed as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1904 World's Fair, the Saint Louis Art Museum's elegant stone exterior has and always will bear the motto “Dedicated to Art and Free to All.”
City Museum
701 N 15th St., St Louis, MO 63103
The City Museum is a zany, fun-filled place where imagination and surprises know no bounds, and inspiration blossoms where inner child and inner artist meet. Baffling architectural attractions are made of salvaged materials—including old chimneys, pieces of bridges, and construction cranes—that were gathered from all over St. Louis. This fun and funky museum invites visitors to explore caves, walk through a life-size whale, be in a circus, zoom down a 3-story slide, or climb through giant slinkies.
Saint Louis Zoo
1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
The St. Louis Zoo is located within Forest Park, and free to the public.
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.
The Black Rep
3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63108
Our nation's largest African-American theatre company, where talented displays of theater, dance, and other creative expression heighten social and cultural awareness.
The Fox Theatre
527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63103
An exotic, restored venue from the days of the grand movie houses.
Ameristar Casino
1260 South Main, St. Charles, MO 63301
The latest and most popular slots, a variety of table games, and a live poker room, all in a Victorian-era atmosphere. Live entertainment every night in the Casino Cabaret and Bottleneck Blues Bar. Eight dining and entertainment venues including the Landmark Buffet, 47 Port Street Grill, Falcon Diner, Pearl's Oyster Bar, and Amerisports Bar & Grill. Free admission, continuous boarding Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-5 a.m., 24 hours Fri.-Sun. and holidays.
Harrah's St. Louis Casino & Hotel
777 Casino Center Dr., Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Harrah's St. Louis is one of the premier gambling destinations in the entire city, offering nightlife, music, food and fun.
Dave & Buster's - St. Louis
13857 Riverport Dr., St. Louis, MO 63043
It's all fun, food, and games at Dave & Buster's, where they take the conventional arcade and combine it with your favorite restaurant and bar.
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
Since first opening in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden has acquired contributions from artists, architects, and scientists. Now, secluded oases and photo-ops abound within its 79 acres of natural and architectural splendor. Whether visitors come to brush up on their gardening techniques or simply indulge in personal reflection, the Botanical Garden – also known as Shaw's Garden, after its founder – offers a refreshing natural refuge in the midst of the city.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
15189 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63017
Wander the conservatory's indoor path to meet thousands of these delicate, winged creatures.
The Pageant
6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
A concert nightclub with an excellent sound system and great sightlines.
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
14141 Riverport Dr., St. Louis, MO 63043
A premier outdoor concert venue brings everything from the hottest new talent to internationally known stars to St. Louis.
Historic St. Charles
230 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301
The oldest city on the Missouri River and the first state capitol of Missouri, historic St. Charles is an area wrought with cobblestone streets and a view of the past. Step into quaint shops and breathe in the fresh scents of cinnamon and chocolate. Delight your ears as street musicians serenade you with the folk songs of yesteryear. Enjoy crafts demonstrations and learn what it was like to be a pioneer during one of the most exciting periods in American history.
Six Flags St. Louis
P.O. Box 60, Eureka, MO 63025
Amusement park with rides and a large water park for thrill seekers of all ages.
West Port Plaza
111 Westport Plaza, Ste. 550, St. Louis, MO 63146
Westport is a unique collection of restaurants and bars, virtually all of which offer courtyards.
The Loop/University City
6504 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130
Located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area, this restaurant, shopping, arts & entertainment district is 20 minutes from Lambert International Airport, five minutes from Clayton and within walking distance of Washington University. The Loop is centrally located with easy access to highways 40 (I-64), I-170, I-70, I-44, and the Delmar Loop MetroLink Station.
The area's diverse selection of specialty shops, award-winning restaurants, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame attracts people of all ages. A major portion of the area is designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The Loop has large, well-lighted parking lots, a parking garage with a uniformed attendant and plentiful street parking.
Call 314-727-8000 for a free copy of The Loop Brochure.
Westport Plaza
111 Westport Plaza, Ste. 550, St. Louis, MO 63146
Westport Plaza is a centrally located development with over 18 restaurants and entertainment venues, specialty shops, and two Sheraton Hotels.
