When you tell people you are from St. Louis, they will tell you what they know about it. Their knowledge mostly consists of: the airport, a major hub for air travelers; or the Arch, the monument commemorating the Gateway to the West; or they will tell you about toasted ravioli, a breaded deep fried meat stuffed pasta. What they don't tell you is that St. Louis is home to distinct neighborhoods, architectural jewels, and a movement towards revitalization.
Some people will say St. Louis used to be a great place, home to thriving industries (such as shoes) and boulevards where 100,000 people per day traveled back and forth. Those same people will say that St. Louis is no longer great, population has dwindled (from 800,000 in 1960 to under 400,000 in 2000), industry has left, young people leave as soon as they can, and sprawl is out of control.
But that is the dark side, and you will see there is more, much more, when you visit. Once you get over comparing us to New York and Chicago, you will see that we have a flavor that is distinct as jambalaya, as well as a unique flair, reserved, yet vibrant. Come to visit the Arch, but stay to see some of our beautiful residential neighborhoods; visit downtown and see our newly restored hotels and burgeoning loft district; eat at our fine restaurants; and visit our fabulous (and mostly free) cultural amenities.
Below are just a few links to what goes on here:
Official St. Louis City Page
www.stlouis.missouri.org
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
www.stltoday.com
Restaurant Guide
www.saucecafe.com
Going There? Find a Hotel in St. Louis
St. Louis Cultural Attractions
St. Louis Art Museum
www.slam.orgZoo
www.stlzoo.orgScience Center
www.slsc.orgSt. Louis Aquarium
www.childrensaquarium.comSheldon Theatre
www.sheldonconcerthall.orgCircus Flora
www.circusflora.org
St. Louis Celebrates!
www.celebrate2004.org
What St. Louis' Young People Are Talking About
www.stLouist.com
Rate Your City!
Click here to fill out The New Colonist's Livability
Survey.
Rachelle L'Ecuyer is City Page Editor for St. Louis.