I just got some tickets to the Cardinals vs. Cubs game on 4/20. Not only is that one of the best days of the year; it’s also the NL Central’s biggest rivalry, ESPN will be broadcasting the game, and it’s the last year at Busch Stadium. I can’t wait. My buddies and I are going to get at St. Louis around noon and were wondering what some of the cooler places were to go. I assume there has to be some great bars down that way, as well as the Budweiser Plant (Isn’t there a micro brewery that also gives out tours?). Any places you all would recommend?
Unless you’re claustrophobic and also afraid of heights, go up into the Arch. It’s easily the best view of St. Louis you’ll get. It also tends to sway a bit on a windy day, so be warned.
I can’t recommend any bars, since I haven’t been to St. Louis since I turned 21. However, Imo’s Pizza is quite good. Or you can go to Ted Drewes’ Frozen Custard.
Well, considering you’re going for a ballgame and want to drink beer, I don’t know if these would appeal to you, but you’re a Doper, so heck. The St. Louis Science Center is very cool, and so are the Missouri Botanical Gardens. There’s also this butterfly house place…I can’t remember what it’s called, someone help out? I really enjoyed it, and they have cool horrible bugs too.
If you’re claustrophobic and afraid of heights, you should probably avoid the City Museum as well. If you’re not, it is a place like nothing I’ve seen before. Utterly bizarre. Check out the panoramic views on the web site for a taste.
If you’re looking for a good bar near downtown, go to McGurk’s. There’s also the Tap Room in the other direction that has some good microbrews (they’re not Anheuser-Busch, though). If you do want to go to the Brewery, they have tours and you’ll be right in Soulard, which I think is where McGurk’s is. Incidentally, there are some wonderful restaurants down there as well. The Arch is a good place to go, so is the City Museum and Science Center. Forest Park also has an awesome Zoo.
And, as Kyla mentioned, there’s a butterfly house, too. It’s out at Faust Park, though, on highway 64/40 and Clarkson. It’s about 20-25 minutes from downtown by car, but definitely worth a look - it’s very cool.
You gonna be there for the rest of the weekend too? I’ll be at the Greater St. Louis Renaissance Festival in Wentzville, about 40 miles from St. Louis proper, on the 21st and 22nd. I’d be happy to buy you a beer if you’d like to come.
Off the top of my head – the City Museum is very cool. The Missouri Botanical Gardens are beautiful and very educational if you’re a plant person at all. And though it’s been probably 20 years since I’ve been there, Laumeier Sculpture Park used to be pretty neat. And the Zoo is good.
I second all the suggestions, especially the Botanical Gardens (it was positively gorgeous here today–everything’s in full bloom-ola) and the City Museum. In addition, a walking tour of Soulard would probably be the best way to see the real heart of the city. Avoid the Arch, unless you like Disneyland or just have to get it out of your system. Sounds like the best part of your trip hands down will be the Cards game, though…and remember: it’s Busch Stadium’s last year.
My favorite restaurant is Trattoria Marcella. The University City Loop is an interesting experience, as well.
There’s no better time of year here; and 4/20 happens to be one of my very very very favorite days in the year. Have fun!!
I ws there about 10 years ago, and we went to the Bowling Museum. They even let you bowl a game in their 2 lane , or s it 4 lane alley in the basement. It’s pretty cool there.
Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood (on the west side of the city) gives tours and makes some pretty good beer. I’d say their stout is their best beer.
I’ll give another recommendation for the City Museum. Keep in mind that the Zoo and Science Center are (mostly*) free, so that’s a big plus, too. If you’re looking for bars/clubs you’ll have to describe your preference. The Complex if you like dance and are comfortable in a club that is about 70/30 gay/straight. J.J.'s or Bad Dog if you’re a gay bear. Clementine’s is good for just hanging out with other gay guys. I don’t know about the straight bars, though.
*some areas require a fee, but the free areas are enough to keep you busy for a long time.
Maggie O’Briens and Paddy O’s are both good bars for pre- and post-game festivities. The former is close to Union Station, the latter a couple blocks south of the stadium. There is also Broadway Oyster Bar just south of the stadium which usually has some good live music after games.
