Most of you will, at some point, venture out of the hotel looking for some food, drink, and entertainment. There are a few areas that should peak your interest.
The most obvious, and right outside the hotel is the Arch.
The Gateway Arch Riverfront website provides information about planning your visit including: trips to the top of the Arch (not for the claustrophobic), the Museum of Westward Expansion at the base of the Arch, and the Old Court House - site of the historic Dred Scott case.
Close by is Laclede's Landing -the site Pierre Laclede settled in 1763 as a fur trading post and named St. Louis. The 9-block area consists of cobbled-stoned streets and "vintage brick-and-cast-iron warehouses dating from 1850 through 1900, now converted into shops, restaurants, and bars."
The Landing has a decent website. Not all of its amenities are listed, but it does have a good map and walking tour section with pictures.
Another great area is Washington Avenue may be a place to start your exploring. Just 6 blocks north of the hotel, Washington Avenue was once a prosperous canyon of architecturally beautiful brick buildings housing shoe, clothes and fashion manufacturers.
The street fell into disarray over time, but a large revitalization project has helped to bring it back to life. There is an emerging neighborhood of residential lofts, galleries, bars and clubs, restaurants, and other entertainment. A few online guides offer a sample of what you can find.
Here are a few highlights:
Mosaic (Lounge open till 3am)
Just a block over from Washington on Locus Ave. is Roosters - the best place in St. Louis for breakfast and weekend brunch.
Last but not least, the Culinaria - A Schnucks Market on the corner of Olive and 9th is a "hybrid urban market grocery" which offers a coffee bar, gelato, wine, spirits, and prepared foods.
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