Ten things to do in St. Louis

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Ten Things to Do in St. Louis

ANHEUSER-BUSCH BREWERY

Nestled in the heart of the Soulard neighborhood, “The Brewery” is a classic representative of the historic architecture built from St. Louis’ signature red brick. Tours include stops at the Budweiser Clydesdale Stable, Beechwood Lager Cellars, historic Brew House and Bevo Packaging Facility – plus free samples! Open daily, free admission.

Perched on the eastern edge of Forest Park, St. Louis’ chic Central West End is brimming with charming sidewalk cafés, unique galleries, trendy boutiques and cozy pubs. The neighborhood features historic homes built around the time of the 1904 World’s Fair, held in the park, and reflects an attitude that’s a little European, a little New York and totally St. Louis.

Situated in the midst of a bustling downtown, Citygarden is a stunning collection of lush plantings and internationally renowned sculpture. The 2.9 acre oasis is filled with delights of water, stone, architecture and design, offering a unique gathering place that doubles as a striking addition to the region’s artistic landscape.

This Mecca of mayhem is equal parts artistic playhouse and architectural marvel. Made with reclaimed building materials, construction equipment, and miles of colorful tile, this warehouse of wackiness includes manmade caves, an in-house circus and a MonstroCity outdoor playground made from airplane fuselages, a fire engine, a castle turret, a 25-foot tall cupola and a bunch of 4-foot wide wrought-iron Slinkies. Trust us when we say you have to see it to believe it.

Soaring 630 feet above the mighty Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch serves as a testament of St. Louis’ pioneer spirit and undying sense of adventure. The iconic monument has served as a welcoming beacon to visitors and locals alike since its completion in 1965.

Named for President Ulysses S. Grant, Grant's Farm is the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch brewing family. Today the farm is home to more than 900 animals, including a variety of exotic species from around the world. Take a tram ride through the Deer Park or tour the historic Bauernhof for a look at the Busch family's world-renowned carriage collection and stables.

This lively neighborhood wears its Italian heritage with pride – even the fire hydrants are painted red, white and green. Home to an assortment of Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty stores, there’s literally something delicious around every corner, so make sure to pack your appetite.

With more than 80 works of contemporary sculpture within a 105-acre natural landscape, the park expands the context of contemporary sculpture beyond the traditional confines of a museum. The open air museum and sculpture park also hosts various exhibitions and a number of family-friendly cultural events each year.

An eclectic neighborhood named after an old streetcar turnaround, The Loop offers an array of ethnic restaurants, funky shops and lively nightspots. In addition to marching to the beat of many different drummers, the dynamic district is also home to the St. Louis Walk of Fame and its 100+ brass stars that pay tribute to local celebs like John Goodman, Chuck Berry, Tennessee Williams, Tina Turner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

This leafy green National Historic Landmark, founded in 1859, features 79 acres of magnificent gardens, rare collections of botanical and horticultural materials, architecturally significant buildings, and inspirational fountains and statuary. Let your inner child frolic in the Children's Garden or take a floral trip around the world with a visit to the Chinese, Japanese or Ottoman gardens and the rainforest located inside the Climatron geodesic dome.