St Louis Travel Guide

Numerous explorers from days past, including the famed duo of Lewis and Clark, launched westward expeditions from the shores of this gateway city. Years later, St. Louis remains a great place to stage a touring excursion, whether you are a history buff, an Americana scholar, an art and architecture lover, a beer connoisseur or an outdoors enthusiast.

Old Courthouse Downtown St. Louis offers a variety of historic sites, such as the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott slavery trial was held, the Wainwright Building, which was the precursor to the modern skyscraper, and the splendid Old Cathedral. There are many places to enjoy lunch. Try the Broadway Oyster Bar, then climb the Gateway Arch (The), which offers breathtaking views of the city.

Fox Theatre Tour the historic Fox Theatre and Tours, which was built in 1929, then catch a performance by the St. Louis African Chorus or visit the Powell Symphony Hall, home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Walk around the Grand Center (Art and Entertainment District) entertainment district, and have lunch at Arcelia's Mexicana Restaurant.

St. Louis Walk of Fame Explore the St. Louis Walk of Fame, located in the University City Loop, which takes tourists along a number of eclectic shops, stores and restaurants, like Brandt's Market & Cafe. While you're reading the sidewalk, keep a lookout for Blueberry Hill and the Tivoli Theater (The), both famous destinations for visitors.

Missouri History Museum Explore Forest Park, which takes bikers past the St. Louis Zoo. Hike the scenic Compton Hill Reservoir Park. Located near the Holy Corners District, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (The) contains the largest mosaic in the world, and the Missouri History Museum contains artifacts from the area's past.

St. Charles Enjoy breakfast downtown at Edible Difference, then head to Historic St. Charles, located just outside St. Louis proper. The Frenchtown Historic District is home to nearly 60 historic buildings that were built between 1830 and 1920. In downtown St. Charles are the restored First Missouri State Capitol and the Foundry Art Centre.

There are many different ways to see St. Louis, from hiking to helicopters.

Walking Tours St. Louis Walking Tours ( +1 314 368 8818/ http://www.triunecommunications.com/walk/ )

Bus Tours Tour St. Louis ( +1 314 241 1400/ http://www.tourstlouis.net/ ) Monticello Bus Service Inc ( +1 314 454 0448 ) Mid-American Coaches and Tours ( +1 636 239 4700/ http://www.mid-americancoaches.com ) Greater St. Louis Black Tourism Network ( +1 314 865 0708 )

Trolley Tours Tour St. Louis ( +1 314 241 1400/ http://www.tourstlouis.net/ ) Bluff City Tours ( +1 618 466 8693/ http://www.bluffcitytours.com/ )

Bike Tours City Cycling Tours ( +1 314 616 5724/ http://citycyclingtours.com/ ) Bike and Roll ( +1 202 842 BIKE/http://www.bikeandroll.com/ ) Touring Cyclist ( +1 314 739 4648/ http://www.touringcyclist.com/ )

Boat Tours Gateway Riverboat Cruises ( +1 877 982 1410/ http://www.gatewayarch.com/ ) Great Rivers Tour Boat Company ( +1 618 786 1855/ http://www.greatriverstourboat.com )

Helicopter Tours Midwest Helicopter Tours ( +1 636 532 5613/ http://www.flymidwest.com/ )

Segway Tours Glide St. Louis ( +1 314 868 7386/ http://www.glidestlouistours.com/ )

Brewery Tours Anheuser-Busch Brewery ( +1 314 577 2626/ http://www.budweisertours.com/ )

Sports Tours Big League Tours ( +1 866 619 1748/ http://www.bigleaguetours.com )

Ghost Torus Ghostride Tours ( +1 314 845 0522/ http://www.ghostridetours.com/ )2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 197