Trip Ideas: St. Louis ARCH-itecture Day I
St. Louis has a look that's all its own. Red brick, cobblestone streets, terra cotta friezes and stained glass are part of the tapestry of St. Louis' amazing architectural heritage. Historic homes, impressive public buildings, ultra contemporary structures and the stainless steel architectural wonder known as the Gateway Arch provide an interesting mix of materials and style to the urban landscape.
Morning
Café Mattino
Located downtown at Laclede’s landing, convenient to downtown attractions. Start your day off right and order your favorite breakfast entrée to enjoy with your coffee, latte or smoothie.
712 N. Second St., 314-436-7108.
The Edible Difference
Begin your St. Louis adventure at this downtown deli where guests have the option of gourmet muffins, pastries, bagels and/or breakfast sandwiches for breakfast.
615 Pine St., 314-588-8432.‎
Gateway Arch
Standing 630 feet-tall along the banks of the Mississippi River, this stainless-steel structure is a monument to America's westward expansion and a tribute to President Thomas Jefferson's vision of a continental United States.
10 N. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., 877-982-1410.
Museum of Westward Expansion
Located beneath the Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion preserves some of the rarest artifacts from the days of Lewis and Clark. Explore the world of the American Indians and the 19th century pioneers who helped shape the history of the American West.
11 North 4th St., 314-655-1700.
The Old Cathedral
Located on the grounds of the Gateway Arch, this Greek Revival-style structure was built in 1834 on the site of St. Louis' original church, it is the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River. A lower level museum houses historical documents and early church items.
209 Walnut St., 314-231-3250.
The Old Courthouse
Built between 1839 and 1862, this historic courthouse was the scene of one of the nation's most important cases: the freedom trial of Dred and Harriet Scott. The Old Courthouse is part of the Core of Discovery, a downtown St. Louis family attractions district.
11 N. Fourth St., 314-655-1600.
Afternoon
Rooster Crepe Sandwich Cafe
European-style cafe' specializing in crepes, as well as unique sandwiches and salads.
1104 Locust St., 314-241-8118.
Samwiches In The City
Before playing in the city, stop by the neighborhood café inside the City Museum for lunch. This café features fresh bread, dairy, produce and coffee from local vendors. In addition to the deli-style sandwiches, the restaurant serves St. Louis-style pizza baked in a brick oven, along with soups, salads and old-fashioned milkshakes.
701 N. 15th St., 314-588-8099.
City Museum
This warehouse of wackiness includes 4,000 square-feet of man-made caves and tunnels, an enchanted forest, aquarium, working shoelace factory and MonstroCity, a "monstrous montage of monkey bars" that includes two Saber 40 aircraft fuselages, a fire engine, castle turret and a handful of four-foot tall wrought-iron Slinkies. The rooftop adventure includes a Ferris wheel and a giant slide.
701 North 15th St., 314-231-2489.
Wainwright Building
Designed by Louis Sullivan, the building, which was constructed with a steel frame, is America's first skyscraper and has been called "the most significant building of modern architecture's early years." Note the terra cotta frieze work which decorates the exterior.
705 Chestnut St., 573-751-2624.
St. Louis City Hall
Housing city government since 1898, this building's architecture is representative of the French Renaissance Revival style. Located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Tucker Boulevard and Market Street, City Hall features frescoes painted in the spandrels between the arches in the Rotunda. Murals commemorating St. Louis’ history are featured at the entrances and other rooms of the building.
1200 Market St., 314-622-4000.
Evening
Lucas Park Grille
Located on Washington Avenue, this grille offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere with the option of intimate and outdoor dining. Open daily and featuring daily specials, Lucas Park Grille is known for its five-star fillets and large wine selection.
1236 Washington Ave., 314-241-7770.
Maggie O'Brien's Restaurant
With 27 TVs and three 10-ft. screens, sports fans will be delighted. A downtown St. Louis institution since 1979. Featuring lunch and dinner specials.
2000 Market St., 314-421-1388.
St. Louis Union Station
The world's largest and busiest passenger rail terminal when it was completed in 1894, this National Historic Landmark is preserved as a reminder of St. Louis' past as one of the country's major transportation centers. Architect Theodore Link used light as a decorative tool in the magnificent Grand Hall. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is actually suspended over the hall and the stained glass is original to the structure. The window above the entrance to the Grand Hall depicts the cities of New York and San Francisco as goddesses looking toward St. Louis, who stares serenely ahead, sure of her exalted place in the world.
1820 Market St., 314-421-6655.