St. Louis for spring break

[anelson81993]

Like everyone else, my family and I love the Drury. Most recently, we stayed in the Drury in O'Fallon IL (not O'Fallon MO). It was only about fifteen-twenty minutes outside of downtown St. Louis, and it was an excellent hotel, spacious, well-furnished, and less expensive than all the downtown St. Louis Drurys.
When we visited St. Louis last, we were only there for a day, and we visited the Busch brewery, which was much fun for my parents and me, but not so much for my 16-year-old sister. We've also visited Grant's Farm (fun, but as a PP mentioned, probably not open during your visit), the Arch (awesome for the history lover, not so much for the teen who couldn't care less), and the Zoo (fun for the whole family). As for whether or not these locations were fun to visit, my brother, my parents, and I all loved all the places we visited, especially the historic side of Grant's Farm (the cabin and exhibits there), and also especially the historical Arch exhibits. My sister enjoyed the zoo and the animals at Grant's Farm, as well as the Clydesdales at the brewery. My sister could probably also tell you the location of every bench in the Arch and at the Grant's Farm historical cabin. Point is, the ones who enjoy history/animals/brewing will probably love those sights in St. Louis; the ones who don't probably won't become converts on the trip.
Also going to second the Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown St. Louis. So good! Definitely worth a visit or three!

 

[Mamakop]

Im from around that area- about an hour away.... And we love the zoo, butterfly house, grants farm, magic house, science center, city museum. Also maybe watch a Cards game? There is a hotel right next to it- the millennium hotel which is pretty nice. There are also some good malls and chesterfield bottoms has a pretty good collection of restaurants. Have fun!
Also the Arch and there is a good History and Art museum over by the zoo. Forest park has a lot to do (where the zoo and museums are located)

 

[skip323]

My girls consider St. Louis to be one of their favorite past spring breaks.... Which is funny since I had picked it that year because I had NO money!!! It was wonderful! We stayed at the Drury at the Arch - great location, like many downtown hotels you have to pay for parking. We did the arch, including the museum in there, and the courthouse across from the Arch (the Dred Scott courthouse). My girls don't LOVE history but I include something in most trips.... Something, somewhere, someday... May sink in!. We also did the zoo - loved it, the Botanical Gardens - really loved it, lunch one day on the Hill (Italian area) - very good, Fitz's and The City Museum - Amazing!!!

I do agree with a pp, city museum is not for the faint of heart!!! You have to be able to follow the kids OR be comfortable with their being out of sight for a bit... I knew that ahead of time and "worked" myself up to it... So glad I did! We had a great time!

 

[klewallen]

I live in St.Louis and you will love your trip here.
If you have daughter's we have a new American girl store at the Chesterfield mall. It is off highway 40 in Chesterfield mo which is considered West County and there is a nice Druy Inn Chesterfield there at the mall location. You can hop on 40 for Zoo, Arch etc.... The butterfly house is also close to the Chesterfield location.

Have to go to Ted Drew's for the best ice cream/yogurt in the world!

A lot of people love to tour the Cathedral Basilica even if your not Catholic it is beautiful and full of history off of Lindell not very far from the Zoo area.

The art and history museum are awesome and they are in the park where the zoo is located Forrest Park.

Best Restaurant and a St.Louis favorite if you like Fried Chicken is Hodack's and huge meals and reasonably priced.or on the Hill has lots of great restaurants if you like italian.
Let me know if I can help you with anything else.
Kim

 

[NotUrsula]

Small spelling correction to the above recommendation: it's spelled Hodak's. (I wouldn't normally nitpick spelling, but if someone is putting that into a GPS, they won't find it if the spelling is wrong.) I haven't been to Hodak's in years, because it used to be horribly smoky, but now we have a smoking ban, so that shouldn't be a problem anymore.
Hodak's is a Southside institution, a very old-fashioned place that has seen a lot of backroom political action.

Oh, speaking of food on the Southside, if you are here on a Wednesday, THE best lunch eats deal to be had in the City is at St. Raymond's Church banquet hall, called The Cedars. It is in the LaSalle Neighborhood, just north of Soulard near downtown. This is a Lebanese Orthodox parish, and volunteers make the buffet, some of the best middle Eastern food you will ever eat, at an incredibly good price. Mayor Slay almost never misses a Wednesday at St. Raymond's. (Here is a story about it: http://www.feaststl.com/dine-out/features/article_e823c34e-f745-11df-aa54-0017a4a78c22.html)

I agree about the New Cathedral; I always bring out-of-town guests to see it if they have any interest in art. The interior of the Cathedral is the largest glass mosaic installation in the Western World. Most of the glass is backed in gold leaf, and has to be seen to be believed. Here is a slide show to give you an idea: http://cathedralstl.com/parish/narthex-christ

 

[amyh1028]

I'm also from St Louis....my goodness there are a lot of us on the this board!! Depending on our crazy weather, (the motto around here is Welcome to St Louis, if you don't like our weather, stick around a few minutes it'll change!) You can't go wrong with anything in Forest Park. The Science Center, the Art Museum, The History Museum, the Jewel Box & the Zoo are all free! I think we have some the of best free things to do. Dinner on the Hill for fantastic italian food, followed by frozen custard at Ted Drewes for dessert. Card's are in Jupiter for a few more weeks for Spring Training, so not sure when your spring break is if you would be able to catch a game. Pappy's BBQ is fantastic for lunch and Fitz's is fun for the kids. My daughter loved the Magic House in Kirkwood just keep in mind anyone over the age of 1 needs a ticket there. We have all kinds of coupons & discounts everywhere. If you belong to AAA you can stop in & get maps. I know Drury hotels do have some coupon cards that when you stay you can use as well.
Hodak's is fantastic for fried chicken...then we go over to the Central West End to The Cup to get cupcakes. They are the best anywhere! Feel free to pm me if you have any questions on anything, lived here my whole life!
Hubby & I have date night scheduled for Downtown St Louis tomorrow night. If the snow doesn't get us to cancel that is, we are planning to stay at the Hampton Inn St Louis Arch, with a visit to Lumiere Casino for dinner then perhaps if we are not the oldest people on the Landing visiting a few places if I can drag him out of the Irish Pub

 

[rusty4]

Loving this thread. We are planning on staying right outside of St. Louis this Summer. Then going into the city once or twice.

 

[CinderellaMouse]

I'm from St. Louis, and I second all the recommendations on this thread. You will love it here - lots to do and see and eat, and we have more free attractions than any city in the U.S. except Washington.

Only one person has mentioned it, but I think you really must have lunch at Crown Candy. It's in North St. Louis, which is a pretty sketchy inner city area. (Not that you should be afraid to drive there during the day; just giving you a heads up so you're not alarmed.) It's an old soda fountain built in 1913 that doesn't appear to have changed much since. Such a unique atmosphere, and they have the best malts in the world!

 

[coinkc]

Any recommendations for a hotel near St. Louis University? We have a campus visit scheduled for next month and will need to stay overnight. Thanks!

 

[SarahKate]

I replied right after this thread started and posted the link with all the stuff I had written for a local family website. There is also a link to a page with coupons, and on it is usually a buy one get one for Magic House. That is such a great place and so unique.

Another fave spot for us that isn't one of the "normal" places is Yucandu, which is a make your own art studio. It is so funky, eclectic and my daughter loves going there! Is in Webster Groves.

We almost always stay at the Drury Plaza in Chesterfield and ONLY stay at Drury. There is no other chain, that I have found, that offers all they do for the money. Chesterfield is a little out of the way but we love staying out in the burbs. The hotel is across the street from Chesterfield Mall, and you really can walk to it. Cheesecake Factory and American Girl right outside our window! Normally can find rates between $90-120, depending on the date. I can't recommend this location enough!

There is also one in the Forest Park area, but I think it is more expensive due proximity to tourist stuff.

 

[SarahKate]

I also second Crown Candy! It is in a sketchy area but its not far off the interstate, well patrolled by law enforcement and the area seems to be improving! It's a great place but does get crowded. Wonderful sweet treats and they have the biggest BLT I've ever eaten. Seriously had to have at least a 1/2 lb of bacon! They're also super busy this time of yr with people stopping in to get Easter basket treats.

 

[bookluvingbabe]

Any recommendations for a hotel near St. Louis University? We have a campus visit scheduled for next month and will need to stay overnight. Thanks!

There is a Courtyard Marriott on Market that isn't far from SLU.

But StL is pretty small--as long as you don't stay in the County you won't be more than 15-20 minutes away.

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

I can't believe that no one has mention Purina Farms. Yeah it is a little drive from most of the attractions but my kids love it.

www.purinafarms.com

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards so ignore my spelling.

 

[moniqueand2]

Hi,

I am also going the week after Easter. Hope the snow melts by then!

Any restaurant recommendations near the stadiums? I'm staying at an Embassy Suites on 7th.

Thanks.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

I grew up in STL and lived there about 40 years. Here are some more ideas:

Holiday Inn Six Flags--has great indoor pool area. Could be listed under Eureka, Mo.

Six Flags has a special Easter weekend online. You can buy tickets for $20.13 which is a huge savings.

If out that way, Lone Elk Park is a fun drive through animal sanctuary. It has elk, bison, wild turkeys, deer, etc. that roam the park as you drive through. Be sure to get out and see the owl rescue area. It is free and takes under an hour.
Purina Farms is a lot of fun but a little further out.

We prefer Cecil Whitaker's pizza to Imo's--not as greasy.

Lion's Choice has amazing roast beef sandwiches for a quick lunch--a million times better than Arby's.

There is a Spaghetti Factory in Chesterfield which is not as well decorated but has much less wait.

We prefer the west county area. It is newer, traffic flows much better and safer than some areas mentioned here. Look under Chesterfield if doing priceline or hotwire.
There is a Homewood Suites that gives you and kids separate rooms for less than a lot of regular hotel rooms.

 

[moniqueand2]

I also second Crown Candy! It is in a sketchy area but its not far off the interstate, well patrolled by law enforcement and the area seems to be improving! It's a great place but does get crowded. Wonderful sweet treats and they have the biggest BLT I've ever eaten. Seriously had to have at least a 1/2 lb of bacon! They're also super busy this time of yr with people stopping in to get Easter basket treats.

Hi, can you walk to Crown Candy from the City Museum. It's only about 1.5 miles. That doesn't sound crazy does it?

Also, I don't see kids sizes on their menu. Do kids usually split a meal?

Thanks!

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

Hi, can you walk to Crown Candy from the City Museum. It's only about 1.5 miles. That doesn't sound crazy does it?

Also, I don't see kids sizes on their menu. Do kids usually split a meal?

Thanks!

There is no way I walked to crown candy. That place is in a shady area of north St. Louis. I wouldn't walk any where in north St. Louis.

Sent from iPhone

 

[SarahKate]

Definitely not walkable. Even the museum area isn't great but its fine so long as you park in the gated lot. Do not park on the street along the north side, i think it was Delmar. I wont go into detail but just have personal experience with this and its worth the money to park in the gated lot.

Drive yourself to Crown. There is usually plenty of street parking available and lots of police presence. Don't let the area scare you off because the Crown is a great place and we haven't felt unsafe there. Just use your head and common sense. Be prepared to wait, though, as its not a big place and is soooooo popular! That immediate area is being revitalized. The last few times I have noticed a lot of remodeling to nearby areas and it looks nice!

 

[SarahKate]

Oh and one more tip. If you are at the museum and put in the Crown address, it may very well take you via side streets. Don't do it! Go to I-70 and head north, and I think its the Branch Street exit. I'm really not trying to discourage you from going because both are great places to visit, but you have to keep your guard up in that north St Louis area.

 

[cefcdana]

City Museum, Zoo, and the Magic House are my suggestions. If you go to the zoo, just across the highway (you can take a walkway over to it) is Turtle Park which my girls love. It's a playground with huge cement turtles that you can climb on. Ted Drewes ice cream. Must order Toasted Ravioli at a restaurant. You can't get it in many (if any) other cities, it's the best! We really like to eat at Matthew's Kitchen on Hampton. We also like the ethnic strip of restaurants on South Grand Blvd in South City.

Don't walk to Crown Candy! We have really bad ratings for crime...some of the worst in the nation. So if you hear it is a bad neighborhood in STL, you would be good to heed that advice. I'm not saying don't go, we do, but drive.