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City Spotlight: St. Louis

A Travel Guide to the Gateway to the West

If you think St. Louis is just a flyover city with a big metal rainbow, you're in for a Gateway to the Unexpected. This Midwest marvel is like that quiet kid in high school who secretly moonlights as a rock star. You think you know St. Louis, but trust me, this city's got more layers than a toasted ravioli (more on that later, my carb-loving friends).

The Arch - More Than Just a Giant Croquet Wicket

Let's address the 630-foot, stainless steel elephant in the room – the Gateway Arch. Yes, it's impressive. Yes, you should visit. But here's a pro tip: skip the daytime crowds and hit it up at sunset. As the sky turns fifty shades of orange, you'll swear you're watching God's own lava lamp.

Forest Park - Central Park's Cooler Cousin

Forget Central Park. Forest Park is where it's at – and it's bigger, free-er, and has 100% fewer horse-drawn carriages smelling like the wrong end of said horses. The St. Louis Art Museum's Friday night events are like a mixer for culture vultures and beer enthusiasts. It's where Monet meets mojitos, and Van Gogh gets down with IPAs.

Foodie Paradise - Because Calories Don't Count on Vacation

St. Louis's food scene is the dark horse of the culinary world. Yes! Try the toasted ravioli – it's like Italy and America had a baby and deep-fried it (check out Anthonino’s Taverna on The Hill if this woke you up).

But save room for dessert, because gooey butter cake is coming for your waistline, and resistance is futile.(Federhofer’s Bakery is known for its traditional take) It's like someone looked at butter and sugar and said, "But what if we made it more?"

Nightlife - Where the Mississippi Meets Mischief

When the sun goes down the Moonrise Hotel's rooftop bar is where you can sip cocktails under a giant rotating moon. It's like being in a Kubrick film, but with better drinks and fewer homicidal computers.

For a blast from the past (with a side of alcohol), hit up Up-Down. It's an arcade bar where you can relive your misspent youth, nothing says "I'm a responsible adult" quite like cursing at Pac-Man while nursing an artisanal cider.

From Slides to Spirits - A City of Unconventional Charms

St. Louis is full of surprises, like a Midwest piñata stuffed with quirk. Case in point: The City Museum. Imagine if Willy Wonka ditched chocolate for welding and decided to build a playground. It's a fever dream of slides, caves, and repurposed architectural elements.

Be sure to check out The Delmar Loop, named one of the "10 Great Streets in America." It’s a six-block entertainment district that encapsulates the city's eclectic spirit. Don't miss the St. Louis Walk of Fame, showcasing famous St. Louisans from Miles Davis to Yogi Berra.

For a dose of the macabre, check out the Lemp Mansion. Once home to a beer baron dynasty plagued by tragedy, it's now a restaurant and inn where the spirits aren't just behind the bar. Ghost tours are available.

Let’s Go to The Lou

St. Louis is like that indie band you discovered before they hit the big time – cool, authentic, and not yet overrun by hipsters posting their avocado toast. It's a city that rewards the curious, delights the adventurous, and welcomes all with open arms (and maybe a cold Budweiser – when in Rome, right?).

Adventure awaits,

Rocco Gmelin

Quick Look at St. Louis: What You Need To Know Before You Go

• 🗺️ Location: United States, Missouri, near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

• 📍 Coordinates: 38.6270° N, 90.1994° W

• 🕰️ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (CDT), UTC -5 hours.

• 📅 Founded: 1764 by Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau.

• 👥 Population: Approximately 301,000 within the city; over 2.8 million in the metropolitan area.

• 🗣️ Language: English.

• 💱 Currency: United States Dollar (USD).

Did you know?

St. Louis flexed its muscles on the world stage back in 1904, hosting America's first Olympic Games and put 'Lou on the global map.

Local Cuisine: What to Eat & Drink in St. Louis

Best BBQ Spots in St. Louis

🍖 Pappy's Smokehouse: Famous for its mouthwatering ribs, named "Best Ribs in America" by the Food Network. Be prepared for long lines - a testament to its incredible popularity and quality.

🍖 Bogart’s Smokehouse is known for its tender, smoky ribs and inventive sides.

Best Hot Dog in St. Louis

🌭 Steve's Hot Dogs: A local favorite serving up creative, gourmet hot dogs with a twist. Don't miss the "Gorilla Mac & Cheese Dog" loaded with creamy mac and cheese.

Best Bakery in St. Louis

🥐 Nathaniel Reid Bakery: Renowned for its exquisite pastries and desserts, must-try items include the almond croissant and the lemon tart.

Best Coffee Shops in St. Louis

☕ Sump Coffee: A specialty coffee roaster known for its meticulously crafted pour-overs and espresso drinks.

☕ Blueprint Coffee: Offers a variety of single-origin coffees and a modern, inviting space.

Best Ice Cream in St. Louis

🍦 Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: Famous for its rich and creamy frozen custard, a must-try is the "Concrete," a thick shake that can be served upside down without spilling.

Explore & Enjoy: What to do in St. Louis

Free Things to Do in St. Louis

🦁 St. Louis Zoo: One of the best zoos in the country, offering free admission.

🏙️ Missouri History Museum: Provides insights into the state's history, also free to enter.

Best Local Market in St. Louis

🥕 Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest farmers market in St. Louis, offering fresh produce, meats, and local goods.

Best Shopping Destination in St. Louis

🛍️ The Loop is a vibrant shopping district with a mix of unique boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Best Independent Bookstore in St. Louis

📚 Left Bank Books is a beloved independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books and frequent author events.

Best Place for Live Music in St. Louis

🎵 The Pageant is a premier venue for live music, hosting a variety of artists and bands throughout the year.

Sports in St. Louis

⚾ St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) – Catch a baseball game at Busch Stadium, home to the 11-time World Series champions.

Only in St. Louis

🍺 Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery: Witness the hoppy heartbeat of American brewing history, complete with iconic Clydesdales.

Weather and Climate in St. Louis

🌸 Spring (Mar-May): Mild temperatures with increasing warmth and occasional storms.

☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot and humid. July is the hottest month, avg. 89°F (32°C).

🍁 Fall (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with colorful foliage. Perfect for outdoor activities.

❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold with occasional snowfall. Jan is the coldest month, avg. 32°F (0°C).

🌧️ Annual precipitation: About 41 inches (1041 mm), fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.

🌪️ Notable weather: Spring and early summer can bring severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.

💡 Travel tip: Summer can be quite muggy, so if you visit then, plan indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Origins & Influence: Connections to St. Louis

The Story Behind the Name St. Louis

In 1764 two French dudes with names straight out of a Wes Anderson film - Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau - decided to set up shop along the Mississippi. They named their new settlement after King Louis IX of France, who was so holy he got upgraded to sainthood.

Now, you might be thinking, "Why should I care about some long-dead French king?" Well, Saint Louis wasn't just any royal. This guy was the medieval equivalent of a Renaissance man - pious, just, and a total art nerd. His vibe has been rubbing off on St. Louis ever since.

St. Louis in Pop Culture

St. Louis has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Meet Me in St. Louis, Escape from New York, and recently in the 2024 TV series Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+.

Famous Personalities from St. Louis

• T.S. Eliot: Renowned poet and playwright.

• Maya Angelou: Celebrated author, poet, and civil rights activist.

• Chuck Berry: Legendary rock and roll musician.

• Miles Davis: Jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer.

Sister City: Lyon, France

St. Louis and Lyon, France are like long-lost twins separated by an ocean - both rocking the river city vibe, cultural cred, and brainiac energy.