The Chase is located right outside Forest Park and in the Central West End neighborhood. Upscale Central West End is home to sidewalk cafes, restaurants, chic boutiques and antiques stores. Nearby, expansive Forest Park has lakes and woods, and attractions including the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum, housing global painting and sculpture. Intricate early-20th-century mosaics cover the walls and ceiling of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Restaurants: Edera Italian Eatery- 3 min walk from hotel Yellowbelly- 4 min walk Brasserie by Niche- 8 min walk Mission Taco Joint- 10 min walk Drunken Fish- 5 min walk Salt+Smoke- 10 min walk
Where Lauren and Jacob got engaged! Forest Park is massive, about 500 acres to be exact, which is larger than New York City's sprawling Central Park. You'll find everything from the St. Louis Zoo to summer concerts to museums to a fish hatchery to a golf course inside its borders. You can also jog its trails, boat its waterways and swing your racket on its tennis courts, among other activities. Grab a bite to eat at the popular Boat House restaurant. (Lauren and Jacob ate there before they got engaged)
Although it's free to enjoy on the ground, many former travelers suggest paying the $10 to $13 fee to ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, citing its incredible aerial views. The stainless steel Gateway Arch rises 630 feet into the air and spans 630 feet from leg to leg. Visitors can learn more about the history of the arch at the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Gateway Arch Visitors Center.
Ted Drewes has been selling frozen custard for over 80 years and has become a beloved treat to for St. Louisans and tourists. Make sure to try the popular delicious hot fudge sundae or the famous Ted’s “concrete”.
The Saint Louis Art Museum, also located in Forest Park, is home to more than 34,000 works of art, the museum showcases pieces from Europe, Asia and ancient Egypt. You'll find a mix of paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles and more displayed here. Admission is free, though extra charges apply for access to select rotating exhibits every day except Friday.
For years St. Louis Union Station was one of the largest and busiest passenger rail terminals in the world. Today it is home to more than 13,000 animals at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, a carousel, an 18-hole mini-golf course, the mirror maze, a ropes course, the train park, and several restaurants to go along with the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.
You'll find this tasty appetizer on most menus around town. For great toasted ravioli, head to The Hill, St. Louis' Italian neighborhood for restaurants like Charlie Gitto's, Zia's, and Mama's that all serve up delicious versions of "t-ravs."