For a hearty breakfast in the CWE, sit down at Cafe Osage, at Bowood Farms. They use seasonal, organic and locally produced ingredients whenever available, many grown on their farm. For a special treat, order the bison (buffalo) sausage. Also, they serve lunch and supper, and have a full bar. Indoor and outdoor seating.

For a lighter fare, order coffee and beignets (regular and chocolate) or Bananas Foster French Toast at Cafe Ventana. Also, this Bohemian Bistro with a French Quarter feel offers regular breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night selections. They serve brunch on weekends, accompanied by live jazz.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is an unparalleled triumph of art and architecture, rivaling the grandest cathedrals in the world. It was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are the world’s largest collections of mosaic art, covering 83,000 square feet, and authentic Tiffany stained glass windows. The lower level of the Cathedral Basilica is home to the Mosaic Museum, containing displays showing how the mosaics are designed and applied. The museum contains the original Kilgen organ console, the throne used during the 1999 visit of Pope John Paul II and a collection of historic vestments and precious objects used in the various rites of the Church. Although you may look around the church on your own, docent guided tours are available Monday thru Friday, if scheduled in advance.

While in the Central West End, don’t miss numerous boutiques, eclectic bookstores, antique shops, galleries, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and night spots clustered along Euclid Ave., Lindell Blvd., Maryland Blvd., and McPherson Ave.

Have a relaxing lakeside lunch at The Boathouse in Forest Park. This casual restaurant, bar and rowboat rental facility serves burgers, chili, hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads; beer and wine are available. Enjoy lakeside patio dining; in cold weather, sit indoors around the large, wood-burning fireplace. While at the Boathouse, rent a paddleboat, a kayak or a rowboat (life jackets provided) for a leisurely journey on Post-Dispatch Lake, where you are likely to encounter ducks, herons, geese, kingfishers, schools of fish and turtles. From the lake you will see some of the park’s attractions: the Saint Louis Art Museum; Saint Louis Zoo; World's Fair Pavilion; Art Hill; the Grand Basin; and the Government Hill Fountain. The Boathouse has it all...year-round.

Forest Perk Cafe is a laid back, casual getaway in Forest Park, located in the Visitor’s Center in the Lindell Pavilion. They serve breakfast and lunch. The lunch menu at this snack shop-style cafe includes coffee drinks, sandwiches, wraps and baked goods. If you need a quick fix for lunch (or breakfast), this is a gem, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Bixby's, inside the Missouri History Museum, boasts a spectacular view of Forest Park through an expansive ceiling to floor wall of curved glass. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts; wine is available. Open for lunch only, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and a Sunday brunch buffet, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Established in 1910, is recognized world-wide as a leading zoological institution in animal management, research, conservation and education. Covering 90-acres, the zoo is home to more than 18,000 exotic animals, many of which are rare and endangered. A highlight is the walk-through bird cage constructed for the 1904 World’s Fair. A small passenger train encircles the zoo, stopping at the more popular attractions. Admission to the zoo is free, although there are fees for some attractions.

Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the nation's leading comprehensive art museums. Collections include works of art of extraordinary quality from practically every time period and culture, including outstanding exhibits in Oceanic art, pre-Columbian art, ancient Chinese bronzes, European and American art of the late 19th and 20th centuries and 20th-century German art. The building was designed for the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair.

This museum was founded in 1866. The permanent collection includes: Missouri and St. Louis related materials; colonial and native artifacts; items from the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World’s Fair); objects relating to Charles Lindbergh and his trans-Atlantic flight; a number of artifacts from the Lewis and Clark Expedition; and memorabilia of national and international importance. Additionally, travelling exhibits and events are presented throughout the year. Admission to the museum's permanent collection is free; however, a fee is charged for some special exhibitions.

This science center is rated by the Association of Science and Technology Centers as one of the top five science centers in the nation. It is among the largest of its type in the U.S. The facilities include the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, the Exploradome, an air-supported building; and the Taylor Community Science Resource Center. Admission to the Science Center is free.

Relax in luxury at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. This Art Deco property includes 251 guest accommodations, five restaurants, a rooftop lounge, a five-screen cinema, a full spa and a health club. All guestrooms and suites include Internet access. You might see someone famous, at the Chase.

The extras aren't extra at Drury Inn. Your rate includes free hot food and cold beverages at the 5:30 p.m. reception; free hot breakfast; free Wi-Fi; and free long distance.

The Tenderloin Room is a St. Louis steakhouse legend, known for its traditional entrees and elegant tradition. Located on the first floor, northeast corner, of the world-famous Chase Park Plaza.

The Torillaria serves traditional Mexican food, using only market-fresh ingredients. They specialize in fresh guacamole, house-made tortillas, six quality salsas and combination meals which fill you up.