 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Things to See and Do
The Gateway Arch(877) 982-1410Perhaps the image that first comes to mind when you think of St. Louis is the Arch. If you haven't already been to this landmark, it is a must-see. At 630 feet, our nation's tallest manmade monument has plenty of exciting activities. BEWARE -- if you are claustrophobic, the tram ride to the top is a tight squeeze. While you're there, you can see an interesting documentary film on the construction of the Arch. One hour Gateway riverboat sightseeing cruises (daily departures 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. with expert commentary) are also available.
The St. Louis Zoo(800) 966-8787One of the few free zoos in the U.S., the St. Louis Zoo is one of the most visited, with over 3,000,000 visitors a year. They currently have about 9,200 animals. Newer exhibits include River's Edge with Anheuser-Busch Hippo Harbor and the Insectarium. Well worth the visit if you have time. But, do bring some cash for parking as well as special exhibits like the Children's Zoo.
Grant's Farm(314) 843-1700In the 2004 U.S. Family Travel Guide Zagat Survey®, Grant's Farm ranked overall as the seventh-best family attraction nationwide. Visit the Budweiser Clydesdales or take in a show at the Tier Garten. Like the St. Louis Zoo, this attraction is also free - but you will have to pay for parking.
Missouri Botanical Gardens1-800-642-8842Features the largest traditional Japanese garden in North America, the Kemper Center for Home Gardening, the Climatron rain forest, a Chinese Garden and more. We plan to have some engagement photos taken here. It's beautiful.
St. Louis Science Center(314) 289-4444If you are more into science than nature, then this is the place for you. The Science Center has more than 700 hands-on exhibits on the environment, aviation, technology and more, as well as the OMNIMAX® Theater, Discovery Room, and Planetarium.
Magic House(314) 822-8900Everyone needs a picture of themselves with their hair standing straight up! Visit the electrostatically-charged ball and receive just that. Also, go through the Magic House from bottom to top and then go down their three-story slide when you are finished. Learn about magnets, learn about electricity - and have a blast at the same time! Named #1 national attraction for appeal to children by Zagat U.S. Family Travel Guide. (See picture of Emily in 5th grade.)
City Museum(314) 231-2489Explore the unexpected at this exciting museum for children and adults. Art, science, history, and fun weave together in this one-of-a-kind downtown attraction. Coming in spring 2005 is their newest attraction: a rooftop water park with water slides, wading pools, and hot tubs. Also planned - a roof-top ferris wheel.
St. Louis Cardinals Baseball(314) 421-2400There are very few things like an afternoon at the ballpark in St. Louis. We have some of the best fans in baseball. The Cardinals will not be playing in town during the weekend of our wedding, but will be hosting the Red Sox for an inter league play re-do of the 2004 World Series June 6, 7, and 8, if you wanted to stick around to watch.
Kimmswick(636) 464-6464This is a quaint little river community just 15 minutes south of St. Louis. With nearly 40 unique shops and fantastic restaurants, Kimmswick is the perfect destination in the St. Louis area for shoppers searching for fine antiques, crafts, and specialty items. We highly recommend the Blue Owl Restaurant. Please note: the weekend of our wedding coincides with Kimmswick's annual Strawberry Festival so expect quite a crowd.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery(314) 577-2626Experience a century and a half-old brewing tradition. Take a complimentary Budweiser Brewery tour. Visit the historic Brew House, Budweiser Clydesdales, and Bud World gift shop. Need another incentive? Free beer at the end of the tour.
St. Louis Union Station(314) 421-6655A place to eat and shop downtown. Once the world's largest train station, Union Station, built in 1894, now boasts 80 shops and restaurants including Talbot's, Transportation Station, Hard Rock Cafe and Landry's Seafood. Stunning architecture in the Grand Hall. Be sure and stop by The Fudgery.
Six Flags St. Louis(636) 938-4800A great amusement park with numerous thrill rides, Looney Tunes Town for kids, and even a water park! Six Flags also has a variety of shops, shows and other entertainment. Before you go, check for discounts. There are always coupons and other ways to save on the admission price.
Places to EatTop of the Riverfront (Downtown)(314) 241-3191Twenty-eight stories above the cityscape, the Top of the Riverfront slowly revolves 360 degrees, offering diners a panoramic view of St. Louis. Truly a unique experience. The restaurant also serves St. Louis's most popular Sunday brunch.
Restaurants on "The Hill"The Hill is a quiet community south of Forest Park and west of Kingshighway where Italian immigrants settled in the early 1900s. Today, the famous Italian neighborhood features some of the St. Louis' finest Italian restaurants from gourmet to home-style bakeries. Here, you will find Guido's Pizza, the place that serves the best St. Louis-style pizza anywhere (according to Mike). Numerous other great restaurants like Giovanni's on the Hill and Charlie Gitto's come highly recommended. Try toasted ravioli, a St. Louis original! If you stop by The Hill, Mike's office is located on the corner of Shaw and Edwards, right above Modestos Tapas Bar and Restaurant. If you've never had Tapas, it's style of dining where you eat small appetizer style portions of Spanish cuisine. Modestos has won many Best of the Riverfront Times awards, but bring your wallet, it's not cheap.
J.Buck'sWe frequent the west county location of this great restaurant (where our friend Scott works). JBuck's stands for the family broadcasting team of the late Jack Buck of KMOX AM, Joe Buck of Fox Sports, and Julie Buck of Y98 FM. The restaurant is casual atmosphere but is richly decorated with lots of wood and stone with warm lighting. The menu features great sandwiches, salads, gourmet pizzas, fresh fish, free-range chicken and certified Angus steaks just to name a few. The best part of JBuck's is that you can spend a little or a lot - a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, meet friends on the way to the game, or just a quick bite.
The Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery(636) 464-3128This is the restaurant where Mike first met Emily's grandparents in June 2002. We accidentally ran into them while they were on a get together with other retired teachers. Delicious food and charming atmosphere located in Kimmswick. Their cream of broccoli soup is top-notch… even if you don't like broccoli!
Smokin' Al's BBQ(314)781-8008Mike says this is the best barbeque he's had - and the Riverfront Times agrees. Smokin' Al's is a barbecue joint in the finest St. Louis tradition: counter service, vinyl table coverings, and good blues piped through the speakers.
Super SmokersAnother of Mike's favorite barbeque places. With more locations and more choices on the menu, it is an ideal place to grab a great lunch. Try a pulled pork sandwich, it's their specialty.
Tucker's PlaceWe go to the West County location quite a bit. The steaks are delicious. Great pub food-type appetizers, especially their chicken wings. Also, go for the sautéed vegetables instead of a potato.
Lazy River Grill(636) 207-1689Their Yellowstone walleye is SO good. Emily doesn't even like fish, and she loves this! A great camping and wildlife atmosphere. If you're in the West County area, this is where we would recommend.
Petit Paree(636) 937-8400If you are staying near Emily's hometown of Festus, this is a great restaurant. From the garlic croutons, to the out-of-this-world steaks, to the delicious desserts, you can't go wrong here. Unique French parlor décor and formally-dressed wait staff make for an elegant evening.
Hotel AccommodationsHoliday Inn Express - Festus(636) 937-0700
Holiday Inn Select - Convention Center(314) 421-4000
Hyatt Regency - Union Station(314) 231-1234
|