St. Louis – The Gateway To The West

St. Louis is a city of crossroads and layers. Lucky for me, living in Chicago means I can take direct flights or even a short road trip, but my favorite way to visit is by train. With recent railway routing updates on Amtrak, it’s now comparable to driving.

Once described as the last great Midwestern city, it was a jumping off point to the U.S. frontier. One of the largest ports on the storied Mississippi River, St. Louis is a vital shipping lane for American products, culture, and communication. The city now serves as a mecca to all the great diversities of America.

Cultures? A simple stroll through the city’s South Grand neighborhood will give you a dose of the strong immigrant communities that make up the city today. Looking for American classics? The city is renowned for its barbecue. I suspect this reputation has something to do with why I thought of St. Louis as a southern city when I was younger. Even my favorite cut: the St. Louis spare rib, bears the city’s name. Our personal favorites are the brisket and ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse, but you’ve got to try the corn fritters and smoke fried artichokes at Sugarfire Smoke House! Unless you’re allergic to delicious, make sure barbecue is on the list.

And if you do stop into Sugarfire’s downtown location, be sure to pop in next door to learn the long history of a uniquely American music tradition at the National Blues Museum.

An absolute must is dinner and a show at Jazz St. Louis downtown. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of jazz, the music is accessible, the band leader is charismatic and the dinner is absolutely delicious! I recommend grabbing front row seats.

After all that barbecue, you may need a nap. Once rested, why not walk some of that goodness off with a stroll? Fortunately, St. Louis has you covered with countless parks to choose from. Our personal favorite is the Missouri Botanical Garden. The gardens are sectioned off to reflect various garden layouts from around the world. We loved the Ottoman gardens the most but also felt like we’d been transported back to Kyoto in the Japanese section. The real star of the gardens is the biodiverse greenhouse. The exterior is flanked by ponds complete with floating sculptures and fountains while the interior contains exotic flora arranged along a beautiful pathway straight out of the tropics.

Interested in architecture? The city is a showcase of Midwest architecture. Of course, there is the famous and highly Instagrammable Gateway Arch. The arch itself is a mid-century engineering marvel, at over 600 feet tall and 60 years old – proving America has been on the cutting edge of modern. If you aren’t claustrophobic, the tram ride to the top of the arch is well worth it.

The highly walkable neighborhood of Lafayette Square shows off a beautiful mix of American residential styles. Go on the weekend, and you’re sure to see wedding photos being taken in the park.

Harkening back to another iconic American style, Art Deco, the city showcases it’s botany, culture and architecture in the Jewel Box, a greenhouse located in Forest Park. Built in 1936, the Jewel Box earned it’s name for the rare and precious plants housed inside it’s unique structure. It is open to the public and occasionally rented out as a wedding venue.

Bringing the little ones? Have a taste for the eclectic? The City Museum has you covered with various displays of modern structural art, seasonal decorations and nature exhibits. Not to mention, slides connecting the interior, exterior and multiple floors of the building are perfect for children or adults. The recently opened 21c Museum Hotel was our base camp. With a bar, café, two strength training gyms, and professional swimming and spa facilities – this hotel is truly for every type of traveler. A few laps in the pool kept me feeling healthy while the late night room service could satisfy any craving. Eleven Eleven was the dinner time highlight of our trip. Some must eats: Wild Boar Ravioli, Shrimp and Corn Bisque with an Eleven Eleven Gooey Butter Cake for dessert. You’re welcome.

I’ve always appreciated a city with good brunch culture and St. Louis certainly doesn’t disappoint! After a weekend of barbecue, a light farm-to-table meal was just what the doctor ordered. Offering smoothies, egg dishes and crepes, Rooster really hit the spot. Feeling more on the lunch side? Rooster still has you covered with an entire menu section of inventive lunch time. Everything we ordered was perfect.

Runner up for our favorite brunch? BLT’s – Breakfast Lunch and Tacos – served up one of the best plates of shrimp and grits I’ve ever had!

If you’ve opted to take the Amtrak to St. Louis, try for a train ride around sunset if possible. As we left St. Louis on our way back to Chicago, we were sent off with an amazing sunset display across the entire skyline of the city with the arch beautifully framed. Even as the city faded behind the tree line after we crossed the Mississippi, the scene felt like a painting come to life with vivid pink and orange hues to dazzle the modern skyline.

For more info on visiting the great state of Missouri: http://https://www.visitmo.com/thats-my-mo/?utm_source=GonTravellin&utm_medium=BlogPost&utm_campaign=MissouriCampaign&utm_term=MOE