A Weekend in St. Louis

Bill is taking the 4 of us back to St. Louis as a treat for my 50th birthday.

We have tickets to see Broadway's smash, "Spamalot" at the fantastic Fox Theater. We will be dining in our favorite restaurants & visiting with special friends.

We lived in the area for 3 1/2 years and enjoyed it all immensely. We will be visiting some of our favorite spots....

The Gateway Arch The Arch has been a popular tourist attraction since its completion in October 1965. Designed to last 1,000 years, it reaches 630 feet in height; on a clear day, you can see for about 30 miles from atop the structure. Anheusar-Busch Brewery What do horses, dogs and beer have in common? Find out while touring the grounds, brewery and stables and while sampling the beer in the hospitality room here. Since its creation in 1855, the brewery has developed into a major landmark and is home to the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Daily tours leave about every 15 minutes Laclede's Landing The district is named after Pierre Laclede, the man who founded St. Louis. Amuse yourself by walking on the cobblestone streets or, if you are feeling bold, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the view of the riverboat casinos on the Mississippi. There are several restaurants to choose from, and when the weather permits, you can dine outside and listen to the street musicians. Union Station Once a bustling hub of railway activity, this station has been renovated to restore its stunning architecture, and it is now a busy attraction for tourists and locals. People flock here to eat at the more than 20 different restaurants, shop in the marketplace and enjoy free entertainment events. There is a lake, complete with fish and turtles, where you can ride a paddleboat. Kids of all ages will be delighted with the carousel and Ferris wheel. A 10-screen movie theater is also on site, and the station plays host to many events and festivals throughout the year. Forest Park Born in the Civil War era (1879) and witness to the 1904 World's Fair, this park attracts history lovers from around the world. Memories abound in this urban park, which hosts reunions and many other events year round. Not much is sweeter than walking barefoot in the grass on the beautiful grounds, picnicking by the stream or seeing the 40-foot turtle. Within minutes of arriving, the surroundings take the mind back in time to the origin of the park, while the historic attractions captivate all who come. St. Louis Zoo The third largest zoo in the country, with 90 acres of space and 700 species of animals on exhibit, this place is a must-see on a family vacation to St. Louis. The zoo is open year round with free general admission. Some areas, however, do require a small fee, including the sea lion shows, the new insectarium and the children's zoo, where kids can pet the animals. Other areas include the big cat country, the jungle of the apes, the primate house, the river's edge (an elephant exhibit) and feeding areas for bears and sea lions. The St. Louis Art Museum This wonderful spot has the largest collection of artwork on display in the city, with three floors featuring a variety of styles of artwork from all over the world. The first floor has artwork from all of the continents. The second has more traditional artwork such as paintings, Christian art, sculptures and special exhibits. The third floor has abstract and contemporary art. There are only a few works by the more famous artists, but the collection is so vast that art lovers are bound to see something they will like. The Old Courthouse The exhibits at the Old Courthouse, most of which are actual models or historic items rather than mere text or photographs, date back to 1764, at which time the St. Louis region was a French fur trading port. Other exhibits come from eras ranging from colonial times on up to the 20th century. The Old Courthouse served as an actual courthouse from the mid-19th century up until 1930. The Courthouse is famous for hosting the legendary Dred Scott Trial.

Grant's Farm

In the 1850s, Ulysses S. Grant began farming this land, which is now a tourist attraction and a home to many exotic and endangered animals. This farm offers visitors many activities, from touring the land and seeing the animals to attending the shows and dining or browsing for souvenirs in the gift shop. Anheuser-Busch owns the farm, which is home to the Clydesdale stables, a herd of deer and other animals. Grant's Station and Grant's Cabin are two of the major attractions on the tour.

Missouri Botanical Garden A garden lover's paradise, this 79-acre collection of gardens has something for everyone, including a fragrance garden for the visually impaired. The Kemper Center has more than 20 gardens set to various themes, including the Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden, which offer a tranquil getaway from the urban hustle and bustle. A tropical rain forest also grows in this Midwestern city in an indoor garden spot, the Climatron, a glass geodesic dome through which you can stroll even when there is snow outside.

The Fox Theater "No longer need residents of St. Louis look beyond their own city for the finest entertainment." This statement was coined by the William Fox Circuit of Theatres in 1929 for the opening of their newest, most exotic temple of amusement, and it still holds true! The Fabulous Fox offers a dazzling array of talent and entertainment twelve months a year.