A Year in the Life of Forest Park
Posted on March 8th, 2010 by Erin Callier
As spring approaches (It’s almost here! It’s almost here!) Forest Park is on the cusp of its busiest season. As locals and tourist head out of hibernation and toward the wonders of this gigantic urban oasis, the paths will be packed with bikes, the many free attractions will nearly burst at the seams, and the grassy knolls will be strewn with sunbathers and picnic baskets galore. 
Open every day of the year, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and no matter what the season, offers an unquantifiable number of wonders and attractions. None knows this better than St. Louis-based photographer, Edward Crim, whose blog, Forest Park 365, chronicles a year in the life of this phenomenal park.
If you’ve ever visited or plan on visiting Forest Park, a troll through this prolific and often stunning photo blog is a must. Crim captures the essence of Forest Park with breathtaking images, whimsical family moments, wacky wildlife, creepy wildlife (insert shudder here), happy parkgoers, romance and many intimate glimpses of the creatures who call Forest Park home. Day and night , rain or shine, winter, spring, summer and fall, Forest Park 365 is a virtual masterpiece.
For those planning a trip to Forest Park, Crim’s site is a great opportunity to see all the wonderful ways to spend a day, or two, or three in the park. Rent a paddle boat, take a Segway tour, go fishing, bike, golf, take in a match, visit the zoo, attend one of the many events hosted in the park or simply stroll and watch the sunset.
On Fri., April 30, Norton’s Fine Art & Framing will host a free art event with Edward Crim and the 68, 492 photos from his year in Forest Park. Stop in from 5-8 p.m. and hear readings by Crim, a slideshow and the chance to win some of Crim’s work.
Credit: All photography by Edward Crim.
Tags: Edward Crim, Forest Park, Forest Park 365, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center Segways, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Zoo
Right Here in River City
Posted on March 4th, 2010 by Erin Callier
No, Harold Hill has not come to town hawking his musical wares. River City Casino, St. Louis’ newest house of gambling and dining pageantry, has set down its anchor in South County. Overlooking the Mississippi River, the River City Casino officially opens its gilded doors to the public as of 2 p.m. today. 
With more than 2,000 slot machines and over 50 table games, this 90,000-square-foot casino is also home to a Jeff Ruby Steakhouse, a requisite all-you-can-eat venture, a comfort-food focused cafe, a burger & beer joint, and the 1904 Beerhouse, a classic pub with 32 beers on tap.
In addition to the casino floor and the quite varied dining options, River City also offers a few nightlife options, most notably Bar Central in the middle of the gaming floor, which stays open nearly 24/7, and Judy’s Velvet Lounge, a plush spot with live music that stays open till 4 a.m., seven days a week.
Owned and operated by Pinnacle Entertainment, the same folks who brought St. Louis the sleek Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel, the opening of River City has been long anticipated and heavily advertised. As the newest of seven casinos in the St. Louis area, River City has a lot of well-established competition, but if it’s anything like Lumiere, this is one house that will most likely win.
P.S. I apologize for the musical theater reference there at the beginning, it just couldn’t be helped.
Tags: Lumiere Place, River City Casino, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Casinos, St. Louis Entertainment & Attractions, St. Louis Nightlife