1. City Museum

Some content previously posted in July 2009

The City Museum is not what you think it is.  Take whatever idea you have in your brain about a museum and toss it aside – or at least twist it around and around a few times, because this is a museum like no other.  Imagine an indoor and outdoor playground for kids, teens, and adults – coupled with wonderful art and unique architecture, and you’re getting warm to what you’ll experience on a visit to the City Museum.  Enchanted caves, walk-through whales, and numerous slides – including a curly one that is seven stories tall – all housed within and around an old abandoned warehouse.  A rooftop Ferris Wheel, skatepark slides, a toddler train, a circus “bigtop,” an aquarium, and seemingly hundreds of climbing tunnels below, around, and above you.  There are airplanes suspended high above the parking lot, a bus teetering on top of the building, and an oversized rooftop praying mantis greeting those blocks away.  You’ll find restaurants, bars, and bands – and of course a wonderful ballroom for weddings and other special events.  There are attractions all over this building -  and you’ll never know what you will greet just around the corner or at the top of the next flight of stairs.

Additional Information

• Explore St. Louis calls City Museum “a mixture of funhouse, playground, and architectural marvel.”
• Delta Airline’s Sky Magazine profiled 30 Must-See Museums around the world (May 2009); City Museum ranked #6.
• Terrain.org calls City Museum “at the cutting edge of this educative, participatory trend (of interactivity), and its methods have implications not just for museums, but for all the institutions of our society.”

This jewel of St. Louis – a description we’ve heard uttered numerous times in the last year, is a dynamic playground for the eyes, the heart, and the imagination.

City Museum – 701 North 15th Street – St. Louis, Missouri

Distance from Home Base – 16.7 miles/28 minutes

2. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Some content previously posted in August 2009

Well it goes from St. Louie, down to Missouri.  Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty… Name the song (answer below).

You’ll be hard pressed to find many residents of St. Louis who haven’t had Ted Drewes frozen custard at least once or twice…or even dozens of times.  Originally opened in 1931, Ted Drewes has been serving its famous custard in St. Louis for over eighty years.

What is frozen custard and how does it compare to ice cream?  Frozen custard is richer and creamier than ice cream because of a higher butterfat content, which may explain why the multiple lines at Ted Drewes often go eight-to-ten deep in the summer months.  Frozen custard is thicker than ice cream because of its slower production time, with less air blended in during mixing.  This may explain why the most popular treats at Ted Drewes are called “concretes,” a thick mixture of vanilla custard mixed with a wide array of ingredients.  Concretes are so thick you can turn your cup upside down and neither your custard nor your spoon will fall out (workers often demonstrate this just before handing over your treat).  Pretty cool trick, but don’t try it on a hot summer day.  It doesn’t take long for melting to occur and the trick doesn’t end quite as well.

Ted Drewes offers a large menu with over 25 toppings you can add to concretes or sundaes.  They also have cones, floats, and huge banana splits, but remember vanilla is the base flavor for everything -  and thus the only flavor if you don’t get a concrete.  Want something quick and easy?  Try the cookie sandwich (only $1.25), with Ted Drewes vanilla frozen between two Dad’s Scotch Oatmeal Cookies (another St. Louis original). For amazing seasonal concretes, try the Cherry Pie, Big Apple, or Great Pumpkin – vanilla mixed with a slice of pie and topped with whipped cream.  You won’t be disappointed.

So what about the lyrics beginning this post?  St. Louis’ own Chuck Berry is one many who’ve sung of getting kicks on Route 66.  The larger of the two Ted Drewes locations, now the flagship location, is a must-stop attraction for those traveling – you guessed it – the historical Route 66.

The  Chippewa location, on what was once Route 66, is open eleven months of the year (closed in January).  The place is packed in the spring and summer months, particularly after Cardinal baseball games, but the lines move quickly.  Parking is somewhat limited in November and December, as Ted Drewes also sells Christmas trees and wreaths for the holidays.  Not your everyday dessert place.

Little known facts:  Ted Drewes originally opened in 1929 in Florida before opening two years later in St. Louis.  A St. Louis location on Natural Bridge closed in 1958.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – 6726 Chippewa or 4224 South Grand Blvd.  The Chippewa location is 8.9 miles and 18 minutes from Home Base.

3. Cardinal Baseball/Busch Stadium

Some content previously posted in August 2009

What makes St. Louis different than other cities where people love their baseball?  Denver Post columnist (and native St. Louisan) Benjamin Hochman may have put it best:

“It’s the tradition.  The Cardinals joined the National League in 1892 and have won 10 titles, most of any National League team.

It’s the community.  This is a fascinating region — St. Louis is a blue city wedged in a red state (not Busch red; Bush red). But squabbles about politics and social issues are no more heated than those about who manager Tony La Russa should bat in the leadoff spot.

It’s the culture.  St. Louisans’ DNA is cross-stitched with red lace.”

To list Cardinal Baseball as a reason to love St. Louis is almost a given, like listing the Arch or the St. Louis Zoo.  But there is something different about baseball in St. Louis – something you really can’t appreciate until you’ve experienced games at Busch Stadium AND games elsewhere.  You’ll find many people who love baseball in other cities – understanding the key moments of the game, appreciating the history of their team, and applauding those who play the game “the right way,” even when a good play is made by an opponent.  But in St. Louis it’s almost as if everyone grew up learning this.  Baseball is part of the curriculum; Cardinal fans – as a group, seem to “get it” like no other fans do.  It really is like their DNA is crossed-stitched with the red lace of a baseball.

Well over 100 years of team history.  Twenty postseason appearances.  Ten World Series championships, second only to the Yankees.

Ten Hall-of-Famers and counting (not including the dozens who spent time in St. Louis).  Ken Boyer, Bruce Sutter, Enos Slaughter, Dizzy Dean, and Rogers Hornsby.  Red, Lou, Gibby, The Wizard, and Stan the Man.  And then there’s the current kings of the home dugout – Tony LaRussa and Albert Pujols, both locks for Cooperstown.

Six stadiums, including Sportsman’s Park (later renamed Busch Stadium) and two newer Busch Stadiums.  The latest Busch Stadium opened in 2006, just in time for the Cardinals’ latest championship.

The Cardinals are the oldest Major League Baseball team west of the Mississippi (albeit less than a mile west of the river).  Their games were broadcast for decades on KMOX radio, with its powerful signal that reached roughly 1/3 of the nation on many nights – and legions of listeners who grew up with Jack Buck, Harry Carey (pre-Cubs), Joe Garagiola, Joe Buck, and Mike Shannon.  Walk downtown on game day and you’ll see license plates from all over the Midwest.

Official St. Louis Cardinals website

Distance from Home Base – 15.6 miles/25 minutes

4. Missouri Botanical Garden

Distance from Home Base – 11.1 miles/19 minutes

5. St. Louis Zoo

10.6 miles/22 minutes from Home Base

6. The Magic House

2.0 miles/6 minutes from Home Base

7. Six Flags St. Louis

18.3 miles/25 minutes from Home Base

8. Grant’s Farm

6.6 miles/13 minutes from Home Base

9. Beer & Breweries – Famous for Anheuser-Busch but Schlafly is gaining in local popularity

A-B is 15.4 miles/25 minutes from Home Base; Schlafly is 8.7/18 minutes

10. Old Town St. Charles

18.4 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

11.  The Gateway Arch

15.5 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Located along the St. Louis riverfront, the Arch is viewed as the Gateway to the West.  It was built from 1963-1965 and is part of our National Parks System; the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (it’s formal name) includes the Arch itself, the Museum of Westward Expansion (located below) and the Old Courthouse across the street – where the Dred Scott trails was held in 1847 and 1850.  You can actually go the top of the Arch in small, egg-shaped trams to have a majestic view of our fine city to the west and the river and Illinois to the east.

12.  The Loop in University City

16.3 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Six blocks of boutique shopping, restaurants, and live entertainment.  Walk the sidewalks to see “stars” for various famous St. Louisans (our Walk of Fame), ala the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

13.  Biking Trails – Katy Trail, Grant’s Trail  & others

Closest access point to Katy Trail: 21.6 miles/28 minutes from Home Base; Grant’s Trail access in Kirkwood

St. Louis and the state of Missouri have strong biking communities and amazing opportunities for bikers.  The Katy Trail, stretching 237 miles from Machens to Clinton, Missouri, is the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project.  Following the beautiful Missouri River for much of the state, the Katy Trail was built along the old MKT rail lines.

14.  St. Louis Science Center

11.4 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Awesome place for kids and adults to interact with science.

15.  Forest Park

11.9 miles/27 minutes from Home Base

Beyond beautiful, Forest Park offers St. Louisans a chance to play outdoors, enjoy the Zoo, visit museums, play golf, and/or watch an outdoor concert or play.  Nearly everything in Forest Park is free of charge, supported by a local tax.

16.  Fox Theater

13.7 miles/25 minutes from Home Base

Beautiful venues for musicals, plays, concerts, etc.  And Abbey will be on the stage in October as part of a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital.

17.  Fitz’s – and more accurately Fitz’s Root Beer

16.2 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Fitz’s root beer may be just about the best root beer you’ll ever have, which means their root beer floats are pretty amazing, too.  Located on The Loop in U-City (city below), Fitz’s has okay food but great drinks and deserts.

18.  Farmer’s Markets – Soulard, Kirkwood and others

19.  Area wineries

There aren’t any wineries within thirty miles of St. Louis itself, but get outside the immediate St. Louis area – especially going east along the Missouri River, and you’ll find beautiful settings to drink Missouri-made wine.

20.  Powder Valley Nature Center

2.5 miles/7 minutes from Home Base (unless you just want through our back yard)

Part of the Missouri Conservation Department, Powder Valley includes a fun nature center and several miles of paved walking paths.  Access to Powder Valley by car is pretty easy (2.5 miles from home) – or you can walk along the creek in our backyard and you’ll get there, too!

21. Citygarden

15.6 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

This beautiful new park/garden is located smack in the middle of downtown, just blocks from Busch Stadium.  Since its opening a couple of years ago it has won several urban beautification awards.

22. Laumeier Sculpture Park

2.8 miles/8 minutes from Home Base

Free unless there are special events

23. Missouri History Museum

11.8 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

24. Museum of Transportation

2.4 miles/8 minutes from Home Base

25. Washington Avenue

Approximately 16 miles/25 minutes from Home Base

Free to walk the street, with restaurants, bars, and shopping along the way.

Best of the Rest (in alphabetical order)

Blues Hockey

16.1 miles/27 minutes from Home Base

No cost information available, as the Blues aren’t in season in June.  If you really love the Blues and want to go skating where they practice, we can talk.

Blues Music

Distances and prices will vary, depending on where you can find bands on a given night.

Butterfly House

15.1 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Costs $2-4, depending on age

Operated by the same people who run the Botanical Garden and Shaw’s Nature Reserve, this is neat spot to get up close and personal with butterflies galore.

Cathedral Basilica

13.1 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Beautiful church.  Free to visit.  Tours are $2 per person, $1 for students.

Enjoy the Local Flavors

Distances and costs will vary, depending on what you’re looking for and where you find it.  Every locale is home to local traditions and good food that originates (and sometimes stays) in the city – and St. Louis is no different.  What local flavors are good here?  Just to name a handful – provel cheese (Marcia’s favorite), St. Louis style pizza, gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli, switzers licorice, mostaccioli, Tums, Dad’s Cookies, Gus’s Pretzels, Bissingers Chocolate, BBQ, and crab rangoon (Aaron’s favorite).

Frank Lloyd Wright Home

3.5 miles/8 minutes from Home Base

Tours are $10 per person ($5 for kids)

Visit Kimmswick

19.7 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

This historic town and area has much to offer those who don’t need “major attractions” to have a good time.  Kids will probably like Mastodon State Park, not from from Kimmswick.

Lemp Mansion

14.8 miles/24 minutes to Home Base

Known for it’s paranormal activity (aka ghosts), event and tour costs vary.  It is also a restaurant and inn.

Visit one of several places focusing on the Lewis & Clark Expedition

Costs and distances vary.  See the website for options.

Lone Elk Park

10.1 miles/20 minutes from Home Base (exit is roughly halfway between Kirkwood and the Eureka Base – Becky/Jeff’s)

Free.  Drive through the park to see varied wildlife, including bison.

Moto Museum

13.7 miles/25 minutes from Home Base

Costs vary depending on group needs

If you enjoyed the Harley museum in KC, you’re sure to like this private collection of motorcycles from around the world.

The Old Courthouse

15.5 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Entrance is free.  Site of the Dred Scott slavery case, the courthouse is actually part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (with the Arch), run by the National Park Service.

Our Lady of the Snows Shrine

27.5 miles/31 minutes from Home Base

Free entrance except for some events

Purina Farms

27.5 miles/37 minutes from Home Base (but much closer to Becky & Jeff’s)

Described as an “all-inclusive destination for animal lovers and enthusiasts of all ages.”

Rams Football

17.9 miles/29 minutes from Home Base

The Rams play at the Edward Jones Dome, connected to the America’s Center.  They practice at Rams Park in Earth City, just across the river from St. Charles.  They obviously won’t be in season in June (or perhaps even under contract).

Riverboat Casinos

Distances will vary.  Costs depend on your skills (and luck) in gambling.  We apparently have several nice casinos in the St. Louis area – for gambling, food and entertainment.

By the way – If you’re picturing an “old fashioned” gambling boat floating down the Mississippi, forget it.  Our “riverboats” meet requirements of the Gaming Commission by being on/near the water, but they certainly don’t float or move.

Route 66

Home Base is actually less then two miles from a portion of the original Route 66.  No costs to see or visit, other than the price of gas – which makes it pretty expensive right now.

Shaw Nature Reserve

27 miles/39 minutes from Home Base (but much closer to Becky & Jeff’s)

Free/$2/$3 depending on your age

A division of the Missouri Botanical Garden (like the Butterfly House), the beautiful property sits about an hour outside of St. Louis.  Nice hiking and strolling opportunities abound.

St. Louis Art Museum

11.1 miles/23 minutes from Home Base

Free entrance to the Museum; some exhibits do require you to purchase a ticket.

Don’t be misled by “SLAM’s” inclusion on the Best of the Rest list, as many St. Louisans would no doubt have the museum in their personal top ten.  As is the case with most attractions in Forest Park, the art museum is extraordinary inside and out is and well worth the cost of admission.

Suson Park

9.9 miles/17 minutes

Free

Suson is the only county park in St. Louis (and possibly Missouri) where you can find cows, horse, pigs, and chickens.  The animal farm is a big hit with kids and the well-fished ponds are re-stocked every three weeks.

The Hill

9.9 miles/18 minutes from Home Base

No cost to walk around the area; costs vary greatly at the many wonderful restaurants.

Known for it’s many Italian restaurants, The Hill is the birthplace of bocce ball and childhood home to baseball personalities Yogi Berra, Jack Buck and Joe Garagiola.

Enjoy The Rivers

You can’t go far in the St. Louis area without hitting a river, as the Missouri, Mississippi, Illinois, and Meramec all play predominant roles in our area’s culture.  The Great River Road near Alton, IL is a beautiful place to bike, drive, see the water, and watch for eagles.  The Missouri, Mississippi, and Illinois Rivers all come together just north of St. Louis.  Distances vary.

Third Degree Glass Factory

13.1 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

Costs vary by event

Tower Grove Park

11.8 miles/21 minutes from Home Base

Free to enjoy the park

This huge park on the city’s south side is lesser known than Forest Park but every bit as beautiful.  It was recently named Best Public Park by The Riverfront Times.

Wild Bird Sanctuary

9.5 miles/19 minutes from Home Base

Free

20.  Powder Valley Nature Center

2.5 miles/7 minutes from Home Base (unless you just want through our back yard)

Part of the Missouri Conservation Department, Powder Valley includes a fun nature center and several miles of paved walking paths.  Access to Powder Valley by car is pretty easy (2.5 miles from home) – or you can walk along the creek in our backyard and you’ll get there, too!

19.  Area wineries

There aren’t any wineries within thirty miles of St. Louis itself, but get outside the immediate St. Louis area – especially going east along the Missouri River, and you’ll find beautiful settings to drink Missouri-made wine.

18.  Farmer’s Markets – Soulard, Kirkwood and others

17.  Fitz’s – and more accurately Fitz’s Root Beer

16.2 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Fitz’s root beer may be just about the best root beer you’ll ever have, which means their root beer floats are pretty amazing, too.  Located on The Loop in U-City (city below), Fitz’s has okay food but great drinks and deserts.

16.  Fox Theater

13.7 miles/25 minutes from Home Base

Beautiful venues for musicals, plays, concerts, etc.  And Abbey will be on the stage in October as part of a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital.

15.  Forest Park

11.9 miles/27 minutes from Home Base

Beyond beautiful, Forest Park offers St. Louisans a chance to play outdoors, enjoy the Zoo, visit museums, play golf, and/or watch an outdoor concert or play.  Nearly everything in Forest Park is free of charge, supported by a local tax.

14.  St. Louis Science Center

11.4 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Awesome place for kids and adults to interact with science.

13.  Biking Trails – Katy Trail, Grant’s Trail  & others

Closest access point to Katy Trail: 21.6 miles/28 minutes from Home Base; Grant’s Trail access in Kirkwood

St. Louis and the state of Missouri have strong biking communities and amazing opportunities for bikers.  The Katy Trail, stretching 237 miles from Machens to Clinton, Missouri, is the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project.  Following the beautiful Missouri River for much of the state, the Katy Trail was built along the old MKT rail lines.

12.  The Loop in U-City

16.3 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Six blocks of boutique shopping, restaurants, and live entertainment.  Walk the sidewalks to see “stars” for various famous St. Louisans (our Walk of Fame), ala the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

11.  The Gateway Arch

15.5 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Located along the St. Louis riverfront, the Arch is viewed as the Gateway to the West.  It was built from 1963-1965 and is part of our National Parks System; the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (it’s formal name) includes the Arch itself, the Museum of Westward Expansion (located below) and the Old Courthouse across the street – where the Dred Scott trails was held in 1847 and 1850.  You can actually go the top of the Arch in small, egg-shaped trams to have a majestic view of our fine city to the west and the river and Illinois to the east.

25. Washington Avenue

Approximately 16 miles/25 minutes from Home Base

Free to walk the street, with restaurants, bars, and shopping along the way.

24. Museum of Transportation

2.4 miles/8 minutes from Home Base

23. Missouri History Museum

11.8 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

22. Laumeier Sculpture Park

2.8 miles/8 minutes from Home Base

Free unless there are special events

21. Citygarden

15.6 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

Free

While our Top 25 will be ranked, items on this list are in alphabetical order.  Items are “hot,” meaning you can click on them for more information – either the official website or one that provides decent information.  I’ve also listed the distance each location is from our unofficial reunion home base (in miles and minutes), plus any cost information I could find.

1. Blues Hockey

16.1 miles/27 minutes from Home Base

No cost information available, as the Blues aren’t in season in June.  If you really love the Blues and want to go skating where they practice, we can talk.

2. Blues Music

Distances and prices will vary, depending on where you can find bands on a given night.

3. Butterfly House

15.1 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Costs $2-4, depending on age

Operated by the same people who run the Botanical Garden and Shaw’s Nature Reserve, this is neat spot to get up close and personal with butterflies galore.

4. Cathedral Basilica

13.1 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Beautiful church.  Free to visit.  Tours are $2 per person, $1 for students.

5. Enjoy the Local Flavors

Distances and costs will vary, depending on what you’re looking for and where you find it.  Every locale is home to local traditions and good food that originates (and sometimes stays) in the city – and St. Louis is no different.  What local flavors are good here?  Just to name a handful – provel cheese (Marcia’s favorite), St. Louis style pizza, gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli, switzers licorice, mostaccioli, Tums, Dad’s Cookies, Gus’s Pretzels, Bissingers Chocolate, BBQ, and crab rangoon (Aaron’s favorite).

6. Frank Lloyd Wright Home

3.5 miles/8 minutes from Home Base

Tours are $10 per person ($5 for kids)

7. Visit Kimmswick

19.7 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

This historic town and area has much to offer those who don’t need “major attractions” to have a good time.  Kids will probably like Mastodon State Park, not from from Kimmswick.

8. Lemp Mansion

14.8 miles/24 minutes to Home Base

Known for it’s paranormal activity (aka ghosts), event and tour costs vary.  It is also a restaurant and inn.

9. Visit one of several places focusing on the Lewis & Clark Expedition

Costs and distances vary.  See the website for options.

10. Lone Elk Park

10.1 miles/20 minutes from Home Base (exit is roughly halfway between Kirkwood and the Eureka Base – Becky/Jeff’s)

Free.  Drive through the park to see varied wildlife, including bison.

11. Moto Museum

13.7 miles/25 minutes from Home Base

Costs vary depending on group needs

If you enjoyed the Harley museum in KC, you’re sure to like this private collection of motorcycles from around the world.

12. The Old Courthouse

15.5 miles/24 minutes from Home Base

Entrance is free.  Site of the Dred Scott slavery case, the courthouse is actually part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (with the Arch), run by the National Park Service.

13. Our Lady of the Snows Shrine

27.5 miles/31 minutes from Home Base

Free entrance except for some events

14. Purina Farms

27.5 miles/37 minutes from Home Base (but much closer to Becky & Jeff’s)

Described as an “all-inclusive destination for animal lovers and enthusiasts of all ages.”

15. Rams Football

17.9 miles/29 minutes from Home Base

The Rams play at the Edward Jones Dome, connected to the America’s Center.  They practice at Rams Park in Earth City, just across the river from St. Charles.  They obviously won’t be in season in June (or perhaps even under contract).

16. Riverboat Casinos

Distances will vary.  Costs depend on your skills (and luck) in gambling.  We apparently have several nice casinos in the St. Louis area – for gambling, food and entertainment.

By the way – If you’re picturing an “old fashioned” gambling boat floating down the Mississippi, forget it.  Our “riverboats” meet requirements of the Gaming Commission by being on/near the water, but they certainly don’t float or move.

17. Route 66

Home Base is actually less then two miles from a portion of the original Route 66.  No costs to see or visit, other than the price of gas – which makes it pretty expensive right now.

18. Shaw Nature Reserve

27 miles/39 minutes from Home Base (but much closer to Becky & Jeff’s)

Free/$2/$3 depending on your age

A division of the Missouri Botanical Garden (like the Butterfly House), the beautiful property sits about an hour outside of St. Louis.  Nice hiking and strolling opportunities abound.

19. St. Louis Art Museum

11.1 miles/23 minutes from Home Base

Free entrance to the Museum; some exhibits do require you to purchase a ticket.

Don’t be misled by “SLAM’s” inclusion on the Best of the Rest list, as many St. Louisans would no doubt have the museum in their personal top ten.  As is the case with most attractions in Forest Park, the art museum is extraordinary inside and out is and well worth the cost of admission.

20. Suson Park

9.9 miles/17 minutes

Free

Suson is the only county park in St. Louis (and possibly Missouri) where you can find cows, horse, pigs, and chickens.  The animal farm is a big hit with kids and the well-fished ponds are re-stocked every three weeks.

21. The Hill

9.9 miles/18 minutes from Home Base

No cost to walk around the area; costs vary greatly at the many wonderful restaurants.

Known for it’s many Italian restaurants, The Hill is the birthplace of bocce ball and childhood home to baseball personalities Yogi Berra, Jack Buck and Joe Garagiola.

22. Enjoy The Rivers

You can’t go far in the St. Louis area without hitting a river, as the Missouri, Mississippi, Illinois, and Meramec all play predominant roles in our area’s culture.  The Great River Road near Alton, IL is a beautiful place to bike, drive, see the water, and watch for eagles.  The Missouri, Mississippi, and Illinois Rivers all come together just north of St. Louis.  Distances vary.

23. Third Degree Glass Factory

13.1 miles/26 minutes from Home Base

Costs vary by event

24.  Tower Grove Park

11.8 miles/21 minutes from Home Base

Free to enjoy the park

This huge park on the city’s south side is lesser known than Forest Park but every bit as beautiful.  It was recently named Best Public Park by The Riverfront Times.

25. Wild Bird Sanctuary

9.5 miles/19 minutes from Home Base

Free

What happened, you might ask? Life happened. The best laid plans are just that. School started and things got busy and they just haven’t slowed down.  I feel like I just got on my Wii Fit and the darn thing was surprised I still lived here. I’m just glad WordPress (which hosts this site) hadn’t shut down my account for inactivity.

There is some good news to share.  Hotel news is on the way – hopefully tomorrow.  The reunion dates have been set (June 16-19) and I know for a fact that plane tickets have been purchased and at least some people are coming.  We also have a rough outline for our long weekend together, starting with a fun “mixer” on Thursday evening.  And…we do have a Top 50 to share – or more accurately a Top 25 plus another 25 Best of the Rest. I surveyed the six family members who currently reside in St. Louis – minus new baby Ashley, and compiled what I believe is a pretty good list of things to love and do in our fair city – some “touristy” and some a little more local.  I’m tempted tell you here and now that I’ll do a little write-up about each item on the list, but I won’t.  I’m pretty sure I know what will happen if I commit to such a things…

Life will happen.

Check on the horse and donkey, then the pigs and cows.  Check.

Go fishing at the pond on a lazy summer afternoon.  Check.

Sounds about par for the course at a down home family reunion, huh?  But we’re not in Iowa, and were not on the farm – we’re at Suson Park in the heart of St. Louis County.

Suson is the only park in the St. Louis area that can boast an Animal Farm, where GoCityKids writes, “Urban kids get to see a real “big red barn” and rural animals first hand.”  Animals are available for daily viewing between April and October.  Spring is an exciting time to visit, as there are many baby animals around to see.  All farm activities are free to the public.

Want more fun?  Suson has several small lakes that are stocked with fish every three weeks.  The Missouri Department of Conversation hosts fishing workshops and tournaments for kids of all ages.  Shelters and barbecue pits are nice, as are the playgrounds.

While Suson is a great park, we have to admit it lacks the fanfare of a City Museum or even Ted Drewes.  But not all fifty reasons to love St. Louis can be huge – and not all will be downtown (or even in Missouri).  We hope to sprinkle in some big items and attractions while sharing interesting  tidbits you may not find on the first page of a St. Louis Google search.  Some will be close to Reunion HQ while some may be further away – but hopefully in the end you’ll know a little more about St. Louis and understand all the area has to offer.

Official Suson Park website

Suson Park Fishing – Missouri Department of Conversation

Distance from Reunion HQ – 9.7 miles

You’ll be hard pressed to find many residents of St. Louis who haven’t had Ted Drewes frozen custard at least once or twice…or even dozens of times.  Originally opened in 1931, Ted Drewes has been serving its famous custard in St. Louis for almost eighty years.

What is frozen custard and how does it compare to ice cream?  Frozen custard is richer and creamier than ice cream because of a higher butterfat content, which may explain why the multiple lines at Ted Drewes often go eight-to-ten deep in the summer months.  Frozen custard is thicker than ice cream because of its slower production time, with less air blended in during mixing.  This may explain why the most popular treats at Ted Drewes are called “concretes,” a thick mixture of vanilla custard mixed with a wide array of ingredients.  Concretes are so thick you can turn your cup upside down and neither your custard nor your spoon will fall out (workers often demonstrate this just before handing over your treat).  Pretty cool trick, but don’t try it on a hot summer day.  It doesn’t take long for melting to occur and the trick doesn’t end quite as well.

Ted Drewes offers a large menu with over 25 toppings you can add to concretes or sundaes.  They also have cones, floats, and huge banana splits, but remember vanilla is the base flavor for everything -  and thus the only flavor if you don’t get a concrete.  Want something quick and easy?  Try the cookie sandwich (only $1.25), with Ted Drewes vanilla frozen between two Dad’s Scotch Oatmeal Cookies (another St. Louis original). For amazing seasonal concretes, try the Cherry Pie, Big Apple, or Great Pumpkin – vanilla mixed with a slice of pie and topped with whipped cream.  You won’t be disappointed.

So what about the lyrics beginning this post?  St. Louis’ own Chuck Berry is one many who’ve sung of getting kicks on Route 66.  The larger of the two Ted Drewes locations, now the flagship location, is a must-stop attraction for those traveling – you guessed it – the historical Route 66.  The  Chippewa location, on what was once Route 66, is open eleven months of the year (closed in January).  The place is packed in the spring and summer months, particularly after Cardinal baseball games, but the lines move quickly.  Parking is somewhat limited in November and December, as Ted Drewes also sells Christmas trees and wreaths for the holidays.  Not your everyday dessert place.

Little known facts:  Ted Drewes originally opened in 1929 in Florida before opening two years later in St. Louis.  A St. Louis location on Natural Bridge closed in 1958.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – 6726 Chippewa or 4224 South Grand Blvd.  The Chippewa location is 9.0 miles from City Museum and 8.9 miles from Reunion HQ.

“It’s the tradition.  The Cardinals joined the National League in 1892 and have won 10 titles, most of any National League team.

It’s the community.  This is a fascinating region — St. Louis is a blue city wedged in a red state (not Busch red; Bush red). But squabbles about politics and social issues are no more heated than those about who manager Tony La Russa should bat in the leadoff spot.

It’s the culture. St. Louisans’ DNA is cross-stitched with red lace.”

To list Cardinal Baseball as a reason to love St. Louis is almost a given, like listing the Arch or the St. Louis Zoo.  But there is something different about baseball in St. Louis – something you really can’t appreciate until you’ve experienced games at Busch Stadium AND games elsewhere.  You’ll find many people who love baseball in other cities – understanding the key moments of the game, appreciating the history of their team, and applauding those who play the game “the right way,” even when a good play is made by an opponent.  But in St. Louis it’s almost as if everyone grew up learning this.  Baseball is part of the curriculum; Cardinal fans – as a group, seem to “get it” like no other fans do.  It really is like their DNA is crossed-stitched with the red lace of a baseball.

Well over 100 years of team history.  Twenty postseason appearances.  Ten World Series championships, second only to the Yankees.

Ten Hall-of-Famers and counting (not including the dozens who spent time in St. Louis).  Ken Boyer, Bruce Sutter, Enos Slaughter, Dizzy Dean, and Rogers Hornsby.  Red, Lou, Gibby, The Wizard, and Stan the Man.  And then there’s the current kings of the home dugout – Tony LaRussa and Albert Pujols, both locks for Cooperstown.

Six stadiums, including Sportsman’s Park (later renamed Busch Stadium) and two newer Busch Stadiums.  The latest Busch Stadium opened in 2006, just in time for the Cardinals’ latest championship.

The Cardinals are the oldest Major League Baseball team west of the Mississippi (albeit less than a mile west of the river).  Their games were broadcast for decades on KMOX radio, with its powerful signal that reached roughly 1/3 of the nation on many nights – and legions of listeners who grew up with Jack Buck, Harry Carey (pre-Cubs), Joe Garagiola, Joe Buck, and Mike Shannon.  Walk downtown on game day and you’ll see license plates from all over the Midwest.

If you’ve read our last two posts you’ll know we’re focusing first on items of interest for both our reunion and Becky and Jeff’s upcoming wedding.  Our connection this time is a pretty important one, as Busch Stadium was the site of Becky and Jeff’s first date.  The Cardinals are in town for wedding weekend, playing the Braves on Friday night then Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  If you can squeeze in a game be sure to pack your red – the uniform of choice for those attending Cardinal games – and for Cardinal fans everywhere on big-game days.

Official St. Louis Cardinals website

Distance from City Museum (Wedding HQ) – 1.1 miles

Distance from Reunion HQ – 15.6 miles

Key finds on and around Washington Avenue include City Museum – site of Becky and Jeff’s September wedding, the Marriott Renaissance Grand Hotel, and The America’s Center.   Washington Avenue’s food and bar scene offers plenty of choices, including trendy restaurants and lounges (Lucas Park Grille, An American Place, Mosiac Modern Fusion, Capri, The Over Under, Kitchen K), great pubs (The Dubliner, Flannery’s), pizzerias (B&T Pizza), and watering holes (Hair of the Dog).

You’ll find no shortage of nightlife along Washington Avenue, particularly on weekends when the weather is nice.  Many blocks are lit with strings of lights, adding nice ambiance for those walking the neighborhood (or sitting in traffic).  City Museum stays open until one in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays, while many bars don’t close until 3am.

Will we take in Washington Avenue during the family reunion?  Probably not as a group – unless we hit City Museum.  But Washington Avenue will be Wedding Central the weekend of September 12, so we figured a lay of the land might be nice for those attending.

For an excellent interactive map of the Washington Avenue area, visit Metromix St. Louis.

Distance from 2011 Reunion HQ – Approximately 16 miles

The City Museum is not what you think it is.  Take whatever idea you have in your brain about a museum and toss it aside – or at least twist it around and around a few times, because this is a museum like no other.  Imagine an indoor and outdoor playground for kids, teens, and adults – coupled with wonderful art and unique architecture, and you’re getting warm to what you’ll experience on a visit to the City Museum.  Enchanted caves, walk-through whales, and numerous slides – including a curly one that is seven stories tall – all housed within and around an old abandoned warehouse.  A rooftop Ferris Wheel, skatepark slides, a toddler train, a circus “bigtop,” an aquarium, and seemingly hundreds of climbing tunnels below, around, and above you.  There are airplanes suspended high above the parking lot, a bus teetering on top of the building, and an oversized rooftop praying mantis greeting those blocks away.  You’ll find restaurants, bars, and bands – and of course a wonderful ballroom for weddings and other special events.  There are attractions all over this building -  and you’ll never know what you will greet just around the corner or at the top of the next flight of stairs.

Additional Information

• Explore St. Louis calls City Museum “a mixture of funhouse, playground, and architectural marvel.”
• Delta Airline’s Sky Magazine profiled 30 Must-See Museums around the world (May 2009); City Museum ranked #6.
• Terrain.org calls City Museum “at the cutting edge of this educative, participatory trend (of interactivity), and its methods have implications not just for museums, but for all the institutions of our society.”

This jewel of St. Louis – a description we’ve heard uttered numerous times in the last year, is a dynamic playground for the eyes, the heart, and the imagination.

City Museum – 701 North 15th Street – St. Louis, Missouri

Distance from 2011 Reunion HQ – 16.42 miles