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Weighing in at 17,246 tons and the tallest national monument in the U.S. at 630 feet, the St. Louis Arch is one impressive piece of architechture. Approximately one million people ride the trams to the apex every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

Designed by Finnish-American Eero Saarinen and structural engineer Haanskarl Bandel in 1947, Saarinen died in September of 1961, just months after the excavation began in February of the same year. To eliminate distortions by the sun’s rays, all survey was done at night with only a 1/64th of an inch allowed for error. Calculated not by computer, but by mathematics alone, the arch cost $15 million to construct and was completed in October of 1965, although it would not be dedicated until 1968 by then Vice-President Hubert Humphrey.

The arch is located on the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which was designated as a national memorial in 1935, commemorating such events as the Louisiana Purchase, the first civil government west of the Mississippi, and the debate over slavery raised by the Dredd Scott Case of 1857. The 91 acres of the Memorial are set upon the site of the original city of St. Louis and the Old Courthouse.

The Museum of Westward Expansion is located underneath the arch, and features exhibits regarding the travels of Lewis and Clark, the world of the American Indians, and the history of the American West.  A beautiful park surrounds the arch, and free concerts and fireworks are held every weekend July through mid-August at the foot of the arch and on the banks of the Mississippi. It truly is a breathtaking work of architectural art, a fascinating touchstone to our nation’s past and a unique and spectacular experience.

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If you love unique shopping experiences and great food, there’s no better place than the Union Station in downtown St. Louis. Indoors or out, there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a history buff, a shopaholic, or a young teen looking for unusual or trendy loot. It’s perfect for a family vacation hot spot, catering to all ages. Read the rest of this entry »

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If you’re traveling through St. Louis and you’re looking for a thrill, check out Blueberry Hill.

Located on Delmar in The Loop, deep in college territory, Blueberry Hill is known for great music and the best burgers in town. Not only will you fill your belly with fantastic foodage, the restaurant itself is filled with music and pop culture memorabilia, stashed in lighted cases for you to envy. Photos of famous music icons fill the walls, from Chuck Berry (who performs here on a regular basis – yes, THAT Chuck Berry!) to Jon Bon Jovi. A world-class Wurlitzer jukebox provides delicious servings of rock and roll, and with 145,000 selections, uniquely documents the history of popular music. Read the rest of this entry »

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St. Louis is a city of rich history, architectural wonders, and exudes a vitality unmatched. There are certain landmarks and traditions here not found in other cities. One of the oldest and most established businesses in the city is Anheuser-Busch. Even if you’re not a beer aficionado, everyone is familiar with the Clydesdale horses, and unless you’ve lived under a rock, you’ve heard or partaken of one of their famous products. Who hasn’t seen and giggled over the Bud Beer commercials? Read the rest of this entry »

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Soaring 630 feet into the clear St. Louis sky, the Gateway Arch is a marvel of engineering. It is immediately recognizable, representing the city of St. Louis and the historical role of the Mississippi River in the settlement of all points west. Constructed of stainless steel in 1965, the Arch is located right on the bank of the river, and for a small fee you can ride a tram to the top, where you can see forever on a fair day. This spectacular venue makes St. Louis one of the top ten destinations for firework displays. Read the rest of this entry »

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Ah, the travel season. Although gas prices are enough to make you contemplate a vacation in your back yard these days, the truth is, we all deserve to get up and get away from the daily grind at least once a year. While some people love to camp and commune with nature, others crave the pampering of a hotel stay.

Before you call and book a reservation, here are some things to keep in mind: Read the rest of this entry »

Offering a diverse choice of activities, the St. Louis Metro area has something for everyone. Whether it’s a family vacation, a lover’s getaway, or a unique musical experience, there’s plenty on either side of the great Mississippi River to keep you coming back for more.

In these pages you will find vacation and travel tips, as well as inside information on the places to visit and things to see while you’re here. History, entertainment, and good food — it’s all in St. Louis.

Stay tuned for the inside scoop and helpful information to make your visit to St. Louis fun, inexpensive, and memorable.

See ya in the Lou!