Smithfest
#Do314 :: Things to do in the Lou
Loufest
Music Lovers of course are into this .. an event we don't miss because we like to support the music scene in Saint Louis. PLUS it's where we got engaged. We hope to keep the celebration going all weekend. And hope that you'll join us for part of the fun that is Loufest! The LouFest Music Festival is an annual two-day event, held in Forest Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri. The event features local, regional and national acts, with an aesthetic range from funk and indie-rock to alt-country and soul. The event features four stages with alternating performances throughout the weekend. The festival grounds include a children’s stage and village, an environmentally friendly vendor area and a food court featuring restaurants from St. Louis neighborhoods
Saint Louis Zoo
No trip to St Louis is complete without a trip to the BEST ZOO in the US --our Zoo which is situated within the nation’s largest urban park --Forest Park... is free-to-the public (pay to park or free street parking) & features a stunning diversity of animals - more than 600 species in total. Topher suggests taking the train around the whole zoo & stop off to see Bex's favorite animal at the Penguin & Puffin Coast --it is always a good time, plus don't forget to see Kali the Polar Bear as you exit penguin area. Also don't miss the underwater tunnel in the Sea Lion area.
Maplewood
Our favorite place got out on a date night with plenty of food options like Tiffany's diner (cash only) or mexican, then a game or two of bowling at Saratoga lanes and then of course getting a donut from Strange donuts. A hub of award-winning food purveyors & craft brewers. Meet the butcher, baker, candlestick maker and other craftspeople making their wares in-shop. Entertainment includes touring the Schlafly Bottleworks, bowling at historic Saratoga Lanes, playing pinball at Orbit Pinball Lounge, escaping from a room at Escape from St. Louis and relaxing with friendly felines at the first of its kind in STL, Mauhaus Cat Cafe & Lounge.
Cherokee Street
Call it a DIY street. Pop-up beach bars and dumpster pool parties belie the undercurrent of vibrant energy that is Cherokee Street. Far from the ubiquitous confines of a suburban refuge, Cherokee street reflects an infusion of family-owned businesses and creative people who fully embrace the beatnik vibe that emanates. In fact, they’ve created it. Art spaces, blank spaces, storefronts, parks, sides of buildings and even sidewalks are canvases for the artists, musicians and residents who eat, play, work, create and live on and around Cherokee Street.
The Grove
The Grove proudly announces it’s presence with a huge sculptural banner that crosses over the street welcoming everyone to its diverse collection of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops. A favorite stop for GLBT visitors, the district is located between Kingshighway and Vandeventer along Manchester Avenue. You won’t find chain restaurants in this groovy section of town where the club owners and customers are creating the next new trends before anyone else knows the old trends are passé. Annual events include the Tour de Grove bicycle races in May and Grove fest in October.
Amsterdam Tavern
Christopher would move in here if he could! He loves getting up early to go watch a Premiere League "football" match. We'd say it's the best little sports bar, with a side of food from The Dam next door. Founded in 2008, and located in the heart of Tower Grove South neighborhood you'll find St. Louis' Amsterdam Tavern. Watch world, USA and MLS soccer, and enjoy an amazing selection of craft beers and delicious food with your friends.
Saint Louis Art Museum
sitting atop the magnificent art hill is the art museum. Dedicated to Art and Free to All. Yes we said FREE!!! and even on Friday's you can catch the "special exhibit" for free too! a must photo opp on top the hill with the St Louis Statue. Located in beautiful, historic Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum hosts a world-class collection of art works and artifacts in one of the most impressive buildings in the city. The Museum recently completed a major expansion project, adding 21 new galleries for both collection and temporary exhibitions. Admission to the Museum is free every day, and admission to special exhibitions is free on Fridays.
The Delmar Loop
Its proximity to Washington University contributes a fresh, contemporary vibe to the historic neighborhood, which includes stately homes and tree-lined streets. But what gives The Loop its energy is Delmar Boulevard, an eclectic main drag lined with an array of ethnic and American restaurants, music clubs, coffee shops, vintage clothing stores and boutiques. The merchants cater to consumers who appreciate everything from fine to funky, and it’s an easy place to spend a full day exploring shops that offer everything from tattoos and piercings to books and records. Be sure to snap a photo with the Chuck Berry statue during your visit. Nicknamed “The Loop” after an old streetcar turnaround, the neighborhood cultivates a unique sense of whimsy that’s redefined daily.
South Grand Avenue
South Grand has a flavor all its own. You can travel around the world on South Grand, known locally and regionally as an International District, the neighborhood offers a wide array of activity from unique stores and eclectic shops to a huge array of ethic restaurants covering more countries than Epcot. Vegetarian? You are in luck! South Grand has three vegetarian and vegan-only restaurants, but all of the restaurants within the district offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, too. South Grand is just south of Tower Grove Park, a Victorian Walking Park. It is home to the Piper Palm House, the oldest greenhouse west of the Mississippi. Also, South Grand is just minutes from the Missouri Botanical Garden. Places we love to go are Rooster's for brunch. & of course some of the best vintage shopping at Parsimonia!
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw. Today, the Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display - widely considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. It features 79 acres of horticultural displays, including indoor conservatories and demonstration, formal and international gardens.
Crown Candy Kitchen
a St Louis tradition since 1913 If you visit St. Louis then you have to stop at Crown. This petite jewel in North St. Louis is just as much a monument to the city as the Arch. Stepping through the doors is like stepping back in time to the old soda fountain days offering some really great eats & milkshakes. Truly a crown gem that should be a treat for everyone.
City Museum & Washington Avenue Parking St Louis
It's not just for the kids....Topher loves to climb in the cave systems.
Saint Louis Science Center
With the mission "to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning", the Saint Louis Science Center is one of the top five science centers in the United States, and has been named one of the Top 10 Science Centers for Families by Parents Magazine and one of America's most visited museums by Forbes Traveler Magazine. The complex includes over 96,000 sq-ft of interactive science-technology exhibits that are part of the Science Center's free general admission. The most recent major permanent exhibit is GROW, a one-acre outdoor exhibit that will take visitors on a journey of food, to gain a deeper understanding of our food supply. The Science Center's ticketed areas include the OMNIMAX, a four-story IMAX Dome theater; the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, one of the world's largest planetariums; and the Discovery Room, an activity area for families with younger children.