Things to do in St Louis
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Cherokee Antique Row
If you love antiques, you'll love Cherokee Antique Row in the appropriately historic Cherokee-Lemp neighborhood.
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Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Under the big green dome of the stunning Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, three blocks east of Forest Park, you'll find a Byzantine interior draped with 83,000 sq ft of mosaics - that's 41.5 million pieces. You can learn about the 80 years of construction (1907-87) downstairs in the church's museum.
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City Museum
Possibly the wildest highlight to any visit to St Louis, City Museum is a frivolous, frilly fun-house in a vast old shoe factory. The Museum of Mirth, Mystery and Mayhem sets the tone. Run, jump and explore all manner of exhibits. A new Ferris wheel on the roof ($5) offers grand views of the city.
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Terrene
This bright, contemporary space defines itself both through its food (pan-roasted chicken with wilted spinach, chickpeas, roasted garlic, natural jus and chive butter, for example) and its dedication to environmentalism. It serves meat, but Terrene is also a vegetarian favorite.
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Magic House Children's Museum
Kids will have a blast at the Magic House Children's Museum, where the hands-on activities are both fun and educational. If the Fitness Safari doesn't tucker 'em out, try the Face Blender, the Gear Wall, or the Kids TV station and recording studio.
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Anheuser-Busch Brewery
The world's largest beer plant, the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, gives the sort of marketing-driven tours you'd expect from the company with nearly half of the US market. View the bottling plant and famous Clydesdale horses.
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Gateway Arch
The centerpiece of the Jefferson National Park Service property, the silvery, shimmering Gateway Arch is the Great Plains' own Eiffel Tower. It stands 630ft high and symbolizes St Louis' historical role as 'Gateway to the West.
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1111 Mississippi
Supplying the food and drink to help the local revival continue, this wildly popular bistro and wine bar fills an old shoe factory. Options on the seasonal menu include sandwiches, pizzas, steaks and many veggie options. Excellent wine bar.
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Crown Candy Kitchen
An authentic family-run soda fountain that's been making families smile for decades. Malts come with spoons, the floats, well, float, and you can snack on chili dogs where the wiener groans under the toppings. Homemade candies top it off.
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Bailey's Chocolate Bar
It's pure brilliance. Bailey's specializes in chocolate desserts and alcoholic beverages (with some brilliant combos: white chocolate raspberry martini, anyone?), with cheese plates and pizzas thrown in to conceal the decadence.
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City Cycling Tours
City Cycling Tours offers narrated rides through the park (bicycles and helmets included) starting at the visitor center. Bike rental from the visitor center costs $10/25 per hour/half-day.
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Forest Park
St Louis has the big Forest Park. The superb, 1371-acre spread was the setting of the 1904 World's Fair. It's a beautiful place to escape the city and is dotted with attractions, many free.
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Grant's Farm
Grant's Farm thrills kids with its Clydesdale horses and 1000 other animals from six continents; a tram takes you through the preserve where the beasts roam free. Parking costs $11.
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Old Courthouse & Museum
Facing the Arch, the 1845 Old Courthouse & Museum is where the famed Dred Scott slavery case was first tried. Galleries depict the trial's history, as well as that of the city.
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Gateway Arch Riverboats
Churn up the Big Muddy on replica 19th-century steamboats with Gateway Arch Riverboats. A park ranger narrates the midday cruises and those after 3pm sail subject to availability.
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Blueberry Hill
St Louis native Chuck Berry still rocks the small basement bar here at least one Wednesday a month. The $30 tickets sell out very quickly. The venue hosts smaller-tier bands on the other nights.
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Sameem
In the heart of the young, bohemian 'hood of Grand South Grand, Sameem serves traditional Afghan dishes like lamb kabobs plus fusion meals like the spicy chicken pasta. The chutney is divine.
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Charlie Gitto's
Legendary Charlie Gitto's makes a strong claim to having invented St Louis' famous toasted ravioli. On any night the weather allows, dine under the huge tree on the patio. Classy but casual.
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Saleem's
Saleem's 'Where garlic is king' is the alluring motto, and the favored flavor shows up in Saleem's kabobs, kofte, silky hummus and other Persian dishes. Portions are huge.
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St Louis Symphony Orchestra
Grand Center, west of downtown, is the heart of St Louis' theater scene and home of the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, which has 50 free tickets for most performances.
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Soulard Farmers Market
The Soulard Farmers Market is a local treasure with a range of vendors selling the best organic regional produce and foodstuffs. Picnic or nosh yourself silly.
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Duff's
Duff's has gentrified with the neighborhood and serves an eclectic fusion menu of sandwiches, salads and more ambitious fare. Score a sidewalk table outside under the trees.
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Missouri History Museum
The story of St Louis, starring such worthies as the world's fair, Charles Lindbergh and a host of bluesmen, is presented in the Missouri History Museum.
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St Louis Art Museum
In the grounds is the grand beaux arts St Louis Art Museum, originally built for the fair. A storied institution, its collections span time and styles.
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John D Mcgurk's
The city's favorite pub oozes charm inside, where there's live Irish music many nights, but you can't beat the backyard garden. The steaky menu is a cut above pub fare.
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