St. Louis, Missouri

On the way back from a trip to Kansas, I take a couple of days with the kids to explore St. Louis.  St. Louis is one of those cities that I have passed through many times, but have rarely had the time to explore.  Our visit in St. Louis starts with our arrival at the Drury Inn by Union Station.  This is not only a great hotel, it’s one of the best travel values I’ve come across in a while.  This Drury Inn is in a historical building that was a stop for railroad workers years and years ago.  It’s been restored with all the modern conveniences, but still retains the charm of its origins.  Not only that, but it comes with a full breakfast, afternoon hot food, Internet, and free parking for $99.00.  You don’t get that much for that money in the middle of a major city very often.

After a good nights rest, we start our day at the Gateway Arch, more properly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. While waiting our turn to go to the top of the Arch, we see the museum underground below it. It's quite interesting and a good use of time while waiting for our scheduled departure. At our designated time, we make our way to the small round cars that rock and lurch their way to the top of the Arch.  We have a good time pointing out sites we recognize from the windows of the top. We take some pictures and make our way down.After leaving the arch, we cross the highway to walk around the old courthouse. There are parks and fountains all along here.  Even though it is overcast, it is still quite nice.

A few months ago, I read in the paper about a pizza place here called Pi.  When Barack Obama was campaigning in St. Louis, the owner sent him some pizzas. Barack Obama was so impressed, that he called the chef. After the election, he even had him come to the White House to prepare pizzas for him there. With a story like that, we had to try this place.   We drive to an area called the Loop.  Pi does not disappoint. The ingredients are organic and of the freshest variety. We vow to return here.

The Pi Pizza dining room:

As if the pizza wasn't enough, I had promised we would try another local favorite for dessert - Ted Drewes Frozen Yogurt.  This stand has been here since 1931.  They must be doing something right!

The big attraction on this trip for the kids is going to see a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.  I found a coupon online for 50% off, so we sprang for tickets behind home plate near the field.  As we arrived at Busch stadium, we could feel the excitement of a big league game.  Busch stadium is a classic piece of architecture.  It feels like you’re walking into a hundred years of tradition.

As we take our seats, there are a number of impressive views around us.  The first, of course, is the field.  It’s perfectly manicured with its lush green grass trimmed to the perfect uniform height and the red dirt and white chalk marking the diamond.  The second, directly behind the field and beyond the outfield wall, is the skyline of St. Louis.  Third, is the impressive scoreboard with its video display and never-ending rolling of stats.  The fourth, and the most impressive, is the sea of red everywhere – shirts, hats, pennants, and banners.

The sea of red at Busch Stadium:

The game itself is fun.  Alfred Pujols, the Cardinals marquee player, is walked nearly every time he is at bat.  Even so, the Cards claim victory.  After the game, we take a short walk up to the parking garage, and head for the Drury Inn.

The next morning, I have to make one more stop on the way out of town. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin’s ragtime music since I was a kid.  I discovered that his home is a state landmark here. We drive to it, but it's closed today. Oh well. At least I got to see it.