Top 10 Overlooked Places in St. Louis
Everyone knows the Arch, the AB Brewery, the Cardinals, but oh so many people miss the finer details of what makes St. Louis truly unique. The following list details the most "overlooked" things and places in St. Louis, in hopes that more people will soon discover their glory!
10. Schlafly Bottleworks - Schlafly proudly boasts (ok, more like tongue in cheek) that they are the second largest brewing company in St. Louis, but they are far from second best. Free tours are conducted at their factory in Maplewood, and people over 21 can sample 3 different types of their kraft beers, such as Hefeweizen, Pale Ale, and Oatmeal Stout, compared to the paltry two down the road. There's also a restaurant located on the premises, but the beer garden is the real attraction here. For more information go to www.schlafly.com
9. Grant's Farm - OK, so Grant's Farm isn't exactly overlooked, but more under appreciated. Whereas the Zoo often gets the most publicity, this sprawling animal reserve in suburban St. Louis will make you think you've walked out of the city and straight into the great plains. The tour includes a trip along a open air shuttle, which brings you incredibly close to free roaming buffalo, yak, deer and other gentle herbivores. There's also a petting zoo, and a larger zoo area with more exotic animals. At the end of the tour is a nice open air area where people can see the AB Clydesdales (AB is a major sponsor of the park) and receive two free samples of their beer (for those over 21). And did I mention it's almost free ($6 fee to park)?
8. Custard Station - Ted Drewes gets all the hype, while this little custard stand by the Kirkwood train station is the little store that could. Locals swear by it, and there's little wonder why. The custard (made with egg and not to be confused with ice cream or frozen yogurt) is fantastic, and the environment is top notch, located right in the heart of downtown Kirkwood. Plus, unlike Ted Drewes you won't be mobbed by thousands of teenagers if you go.
7. Pointer's Pizza - A hole in the wall if ever there was one, Pointer's Pizza is the pizza place the nearby college kids at Washington University swear by. It's New York Style at its finest (no provel cheese here), and you'd better come hungry: Pointer's serves up pizzas as large as 28 inches! There's also the Pointasaurus challenge, where if you and a friend can eat an entire 28 inch 2 meat topping pizza in one hour, you win $500 - though to this day no one has been able to win it. It's mostly a take out and delivery joint, as there's only 3 tables in the entire joint, but if you're looking for a great pizza at a good price, Pointer's is it.
6. The Moolah Theater - The days of the single screen movie theater may be long gone to some, but not to those who frequent the Moolah Theater in Midtown. The Moolah is a converted Masonic Temple, and boasts one of the largest single screen movie theaters in the area. You movie watching experience is complemented with concessions that include wine or beer, and high-backed chocolate leather couches to relax on. And who says you can't have a romantic outing at the movies anymore? For those looking to compliment their time at the theater, there is a cafe and a bowling alley on site on the lower levels.
5. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Powell Hall - The St. Louis symphony is often neglected by local St. Louisans, and it's a shame. The symphony is one of the best and most respected in the world, drawing big name conductors and performers alike. In addition, they play in one of the nicest venues in the nation, at Powell Hall, a glorious early 20th century facility with remarkable acoustics. If you're looking for a bit of culture and want something a bit different, check out the symphony.
4. The Jewel Box - Even though it's smack dab in the middle of Forest Park, the Jewel Box is often overlooked by visitors and locals alike who find themselves heading over to the equally impressive Botanical Gardens. However, for those who manage to stop by during the awkward opening hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday), the Jewel Box is a magnificent treat. Built in 1936, the Jewel Box a gorgeous greenhouse, filled with beautiful flowers and potted trees, and a flowing waterfall. It's extremely popular with wedding parties, especially in the summer, so call ahead to make sure they're open (314-531-0080).
3. The Residences on Lindell Boulevard - Its hard to find a more visible stretch of gorgeous homes in the country than along Lindell Boulevard, from Skinker to Kingshighway along the western edge of the city. Beautiful turn of the century mansions front Lindell and Forest Park, making for one excellent view and front yard. While these homes are all private, people can walk along the sidewalk and snap pictures of homes incorporating Italianate, Second Empire, Romanesque, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and even Moderne architectural features. The whole walk from end to end takes about 30 minutes, ending at either the Central West End or Washington University, depending on where you start. However, none of these homes are as grand or spectacular as...
2. The Cathedral Basillica -Visible from Highway 64 and towering over Lindell Boulevard is the Cathedral Basilica. The Byzantine-styled Basilica boasts a gorgeous internal display of over 83,000 mosaic tiles, making it the largest display of mosaics in the world. The mosaic construction was so intricate that even though building construction was completed in 1912, the mosaics weren't done until 1988! Pope John Paul II also delivered a Mass here when he visited in 2001. Guided tours are provided for a dollar donation, though you can walk around on your own at no charge when Mass is not being held, and people of all faiths are welcome.
1. The International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum - Located downtown across from Busch Stadium, the building is about as non-descript as the sport itself, but the Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum is most certainly worth a visit, no matter if you're in town for two days or ten. Most people laugh when they hear that bowling has a hall of fame, but it's no laughing matter. The facility boasts a wonderful educational element about the history of the game of bowling from its earliest conception, to the gambling problems and its prohibition, to the game we play today. It also includes the mens and womens hall of fame, but the painted portraits of the womens bowlers are the show stealer here. With admission comes four free frames of bowling, on your choice of automated or manual pin set lanes. Also attached is the more frequented Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, and you can get a reduced admission if you attend both at the same time. Both are wonderful, if you have the time.
