Blog

Destination: St. Louis

EDITOR’S NOTE:
Given the emergency situation surrounding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus,) many of these venues have been impacted by this event. Please see below for updates, which are current as of March 17.
We recommend you contact the venue to confirm it is open for business for the month of March and April. Our information for these venues is only as current as it is updated and communicated online.

If would like more information as it is updated about how to protect yourself from COVID-19 we recommend you follow the guidelines and information provided by the CDC.

In any case, these venues don’t have a shelf life, so save them for when we can once again be out and enjoying all that life has to offer!

There is no place like home, especially if you live in the St. Louis, MO area. The actual “gateway to the west” is home to some of the nation’s finest venues. If you are a native looking for some weekend fun or a transplant seeking to learn about your new home, keep reading to learn about some of the best of what St. Louis has to offer.

Gateway Arch
Take a tram ride to the top of this majestic structure, the world’s tallest arch and man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. This monument to the westward expansion of the United States is a must-see in St. Louis. If you are a native and have yet to visit…what are you waiting for?

UPDATE, from the website:
“Effective immediately and until further notice, the operation of the Arch Transportation System (tram ride to the top) is temporarily suspended due to the evolving COVID-19 health situation.

At this time, the Gateway Arch visitor center, museum, documentary movie, park grounds, The Arch Store, The Arch Café and the Old Courthouse remain open for visitors.

For Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, effective immediately and until further notice, per the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to limit social gatherings and events to 50 people or less, all operations are temporarily suspended due to the evolving COVID-19 health situation.

Those who have pre-purchased Tram Ride to the Top or riverboat tickets will receive full refunds. For questions regarding ticketing, please call 877-982-1410 or email info@gatewayarch.com.”

Forest Park
Owned and operated by the city of St. Louis, Forest Park’s vast 1,300 acres feature forested landscapes, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams. A dual path system offers the opportunity for visitors to enjoy leisurely walks or intense workouts. In 2016, Forest Park was voted the #1 City Park in the country by readers of USA Today.

UPDATE:
As of 3/17, Forest Park is still open to visitors.

Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and considered a National Historic Landmark. An oasis right in the heart of St. Louis, the center offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw’s original 1850 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.

UPDATE From the website:
“All Missouri Botanical Garden locations are currently closed until April 3, 2020, to ensure staff and visitor safety and well-being.”

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co
This brewer of craft beer operates three tasting rooms, one in Midtown and two in The Grove. Each venue provides a unique experience, and all locations are available to host events.

UPDATE:
As of 3/17, it is open for business, although bars and restaurants in Illinois are closed.

According to the website, during the pandemic, Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.’s objective is on

“providing an environment that is safe and healthy for ourselves and our patrons. To do so, we are closely monitoring the spread and severity of COVID-19, primarily via the recommendations and guidelines of both the CDC and the WHO; so that we may continue to implement a strategy and employ tactics to help us mitigate the spread of the virus amongst ourselves and amongst our guests.”

Six Flags St. Louis
This popular theme park in nearby Eureka, Missouri is home to eight themed areas containing numerous attractions, dining locations and live entertainment. Also a must-see is the adjacent Hurricane Harbor Water Park.

• 1904 World’s Fair
• Gateway to the West
• Chouteau’s Market
• Studio Backlot
• DC Comics Plaza
• Britannia
• Illinois
• Bugs Bunny National Park

UPDATE:
As of 3/17, Six Flags will be closed through the end of March, according to its website.

Bogart’s Smokehouse
This special restaurant opened with a mission to raise BBQ cuisine to a higher level. The staff works hard to deliver the freshest, most flavorful dining experience in the area.

UPDATE:
According to its Facebook page, Bogart’s has shifted to pickup-only as of 3/17

Anheuser-Busch Brewery
This is Anheuser-Busch’s largest and oldest brewery. Located in the historic Soulard neighborhood, it was chosen in 1852 for its access to the Mississippi River and the natural cave formations that were used to store beer prior to artificial refrigeration. A tour of this historic site will include history-rich architecture and three National Historic Landmarks.

UPDATE:
As of 3/17, tours are currently suspended.
From the website:
“At Anheuser-Busch, the health and safety of our employees, consumers and guests is our top priority. While we have not had any cases of COVID-19 in our tour facilities, given the guidance from government health authorities to discourage gatherings, we are stopping tours at our breweries until further notice. This decision does not come lightly. This is an evolving situation and we’re committed to our employees.

We look forward to welcoming guests to tour our facilities and sample our high-quality, great-tasting beers as soon as we can. In the meantime, we are taking extra safety precautions and following the guidance from government health authorities to mitigate the impact and risk of this virus. We encourage you to do the same.”

Saint Louis Science Center
Founded as a planetarium in 1963, this collection of buildings, including a science museum and planetarium, is located on the southeast corner of Forest Park. It includes over 750 exhibits in a 300,000 square foot complex. Wear your comfy shoes!

UPDATE: from the website:
“A Message to Our Community Regarding COVID-19 Effective Saturday, March 14, 2020, the Saint Louis Science Center will close to the public through March 31.”

Rooster, South Grand
With its farm-to-table mission, this unique restaurant includes its own bakery and butcher shop, enabling them to bake every single bread, bun, and dessert they serve. The butcher shop prepares meat that is always hormone-free and ethically raised. The ice cream is even made in-house!

UPDATE: from Rooster’s Facebook page; still open for business, with curbside pickup also available:

“Keeping your distance? No worries! Our entire menu is available for carryout, and we’ll even bring your order out to your car. When you order online, just include the make and model of your vehicle in the notes and that you prefer “curbside” and we’ll take care of the rest!”

St. Louis Art Museum
This museum is one of the principal art museums in the United States and features paintings, sculptures, cultural objects and ancient masterpieces from all over the world. Adjacent to Forest Park, this destination is visited by up to a half million people every year.

UPDATE: The museum is closed, according to the website, with no opening date listed.

The Pageant
Located in the Delmar Loop area of St. Louis, this mid-sized music venue is St. Louis’ premier option for live musical entertainment. The spacious space includes plenty of room for the audience and offers many different light options for performers from all musical genres; pop, indie rock, hip-hop, jazz, blues, and more.

UPDATE:
According to its website, all events through April 3 are either canceled or postponed.

Weldon Spring Conservation Area
The acreage of the conservation area is divided into very different habitats and is an important home to native wildlife supporting breeding, foraging and nesting. Some of the activities to enjoy during a visit are fishing, hunting, bird watching, camping, trapping, biking and hiking.

UPDATE:
The area is still open, according to the website, as of 3/17.

St. Louis City Museum
The exhibits of this museum consist mainly of repurposed architectural and industrial objects that were formerly housed in the International Shoe Building. The Museum has won many awards as a must-see destination. The circus ring on the third floor offers daily live acts and the museum also acts as a concert venue.

UPDATE:
According to its website, the “City Museum will temporarily suspend operations through March 31, 2020.”

Magic House, St. Louis
The Magic House, recognized as one of the nation’s top children’s museums, is located just outside St. Louis in Kirkwood. Its mission is to engage children in hands-on learning experiences by encouraging experimentation, creativity and the development of problem-solving skills within a place a beauty, wonder, joy and magic.

UPDATE:
According to its website, “The Magic House and MADE for Kids will close temporarily as a precautionary measure through March 30. We will continue to evaluate the quickly evolving situation during this time.”

For your bumper repair service, paint repair service and minor collision repair service in the St. Louis area, contact Spirit West Rapid Refinish at 636-386-8060 Monday through Friday between 9:00am – 5:00pm or stop by our convenient location at 14643 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011.