Wild Lights at the Zoo Sparkle This Season
Posted on November 29th, 2010 by Alicia McColl
The St. Louis Zoo goes a little wild and crazy with the holiday lights every year. The U.S. Bank Wild Lights is a colorful light display that features more than 500,000 Christmas lights and animated light displays, which visitors can view while walking through the exhibits. There are also plenty of activities for the kids,
including making Christmas ornaments, a holiday puppet show and carousel rides. Adults can do some shopping at the Holiday Zootique (visitors receive an automatic 10 percent discount on purchases during Wild Lights with St. Louis Zoo Members receiving a 20 percent discount on such purposes). The Wild Lights display is open Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-23 and 26-30. Tickets are $4 for St. Louis Zoo members and $5 for non-members (children under 2 are free). Parking is free at the Zoo’s South Parking Lot. Come out for a roaring good time and spectacular light display.
For more information, visit http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/wildlights.
Tags: Forest Park, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Holidays, St. Louis Zoo
You Can’t Beat Free!
Posted on September 23rd, 2010 by Alicia McColl
One delightful feature about visiting St. Louis is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on some of the most endearing attractions.
Take the St. Louis Zoo, for example. You get about 18,000 animals (700 species) on 90 acres in Forest Park any day of the year (except Christmas and New Year’s days). The miniature train and admission to the smaller Children’s Zoo and Sea Lion show, but these features are just a small fraction of what makes up this roaring attraction without paying a cent at the gates. Zagat Surveys U.S. Family Travel Guide rated it as the #1 zoo.
Another gem in Forest Park is the St. Louis Art Museum, home to a comprehensive collection of 19th and 20th-century European
and American art, modern, pre-Columbian and American Indian, Oceanic, Islamic, Asian, African, photographs and much, much more. There are even a couple of mummy displays and an awesome sword collection that kids really seem to enjoy. Again, there’s no cost to get in. (Hold on to junior’s hand, though, around some exhibits so it doesn’t cost to get out either.)
The Missouri History Museum is another outstanding attraction. Also in Forest Park it offers a detailed account of the St. Louis region, how the past shaped the present with the Seeking St. Louis exhibit. History buffs will also need to see the Charles A. Lindbergh and 1904 World’s Fair continuing exhibits. And if the kids need some time to go wild for a while, there’s a neat playground practically next door.
The Saint Louis Science Center and Planetarium features more than 700 hands-on exhibits including a gallery on structures, where visitors can build a miniature Arch, life-size animated Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus rex and a bridge over Hwy. 40/64 with a couple of see-through floor patches right over the lanes. There is a c
harge for tickets for special, limited-time exhibits, the Space Show, Llego Mindstorms and IMAX movies, but the Amazing Science shows are free and there is still a whole days worth of fun to see and do without added costs. Admission, zero dollars; wow factor, priceless.
Out in the county Grant’s Farm is across between a farm and a zoo with a historic 1855 cabin that belonged to Ulysses S. Grant and his bride. Visitors get a tram ride through Deer Park and glimpse of Bison, deer and buffalo before entering the Tier Garten where there are more animal exhibits and shows. The Clydesdale Stables usually has about 25 horses on site. Standing face-to-face, or face-to-nostrils (theirs), one realizes just how regal and impressive these 2,000-pound animals are. The only catch with visiting Grant’s Farm is that there’s an $11 charge per car for parking and no drop offs or convenient side streets like the other attractions. If you do get corralled in, it’s still a bargain for a family of four or more.
Farther west in Gray Summit Purina Farms only requires that visitors call and reserve a tour time. Here, there’s a visitors center with a fairly detailed exhibit about how Purina produces their animal feed. Outside there’s a small arena where visitors are treated to a dog show, two larger canine competition areas (check web site for event and show schedules) and a barn with farm animals where if you arrive at the right time, you can help
milk a cow. This fall Purina is opening an 84,000 square-foot indoor show facility which will make this an even more popular place.
Downtown, the view from the bottom of the grand Gateway Arch is no-cost as is the Museum of Westward Expansion at its base and a tour through the architecturally significant Old Courthouse (site of two Dredd Scott trials) just up the street. A two-hour tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is no cost, and they provide samples of their products at the end.
Make sure to put these attractions on your must-see list before word gets out that they are way undercharging for this stuff.
Tags: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour, Downtown St. Louis, Forest Park, Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis On a Budget, St. Louis Zoo
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
Valentine’s Day In and Around St. Louis
Posted on February 8th, 2010 by Erin Callier
The question on what to do for Valentine’s Day is always a difficult one. And, since the big day falls on a Sunday this year, it’s not just a day, but a whole weekend full of romantic events and special menus at some of St. Louis’ best locales and restaurants.
So, what to do, what to do? Shall you go out? Stay in? Make it a big to-do or simply rely on a little something from the fine and emotionally pithy folks at Hallmark? Well, we can’t make that decision for you, but if your decision is to go out on the town, read on for some of St. Louis’ most original and romantic Valentine’s Day happenings.
On Valentine’s weekend all three locations of Drunken Fish (Laclede’s Landing, Central West End and Westport Plaza) will offer three nights of “Drunken Love.” Dine on a sushi sampler menu, and for groups of four or more, enjoy a free bottle of champagne at one of St. Louis’ most seductive sushi spots. Make your reservations online at the Drunken Fish Website or call the location of your choosing.
If you’re not currently coupled, Drunken Fish is also tossing a “Sexy Single’s Siorre” at all three locations on Sat., Feb. 13 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. There will be a $5 cover for men, no cover for the ladies, plus a free “flirtini” for the first 100 gals to arrive at any of the three Drunken Fish locations. Additional specials include $1 sake shots, $2 wells and $3 Anheuser-Busch beers.
On Valentine’s weekend, spend an evening at one of the Cheshire Lodge’s most romantic rooms for just $79. 
You will be greeted by a bundle of fresh roses and the Cheshire will make dinner reservations for two at LoRusso’s Cucina on the Hill. A driver will deliver you to LoRusso’s, where you will enjoy a bottle of champagne, compliments of the Cheshire. The price of dinner is not included in the $79 room rate.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, The Boathouse in Forest Park will offer a casual, yet romantic lakeside Valentine’s celebration. Featuring a special dinner menu for the evening, the Boathouse offers one of the most beautiful locations in St. Louis. To view their Valentine’s specials, visit the Boathouse Website. Make your reservation online or call 314-367-2224.
Over Valentine’s weekend, Monarch in Maplewood and Herbie’s Vintage 72 in the Central West End will each feature special menus for the romantic occasion. Some menu standouts include a dynamic cheese course and Coquilles St. Jacques at Herbie’s or Maine Lobster Ravioli and Broken Arrow Ranch Axis Venison Duo at Monarch, which is just as much of a mouthful to say as it will be to eat.
Click here for Herbie’s special Valentine’s menu and here to view the superb offerings at Monarch.
In Midtown, The Fountain on Locust is offering three very different ways to 
celebrate Valentine’s Day. Purchase decadent handcrafted chocolate candy and receive another for half off with The Fountain’s coupon. For a more offbeat Valentine’s, check out The Fountain’s Valentine’s Sweet and Sassy Burlesque on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. Then on the big romantic day itself, The Fountain will feature their “Valentine Sensuous Dinner Special for TWO” for just $19.99 per couple, which will include a free glass of wine.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, the Grapes to Glass Tour at Stone Hill Winery in Hermann isn’t billed as a Valentine’s Day event, but wine, cheese and more has the makings for a perfectly divine day that St. Valentine himself would envy. For just $25 per person, 
Stone Hill’s Grapes to Glass Tour is a special VIP wine tour and tasting, in which a member of the Stone Hill staff leads an insightful tour of their Norton vineyard, tasting room, press house and more. Enjoy a special barrel and tank sampling, a wine & cheese tasting, and free souvenir wine glass.
Tour begins at 2:45 p.m. and size is limited to 40 people. Advanced reservations are accepted. Call 800-909-9463, ext. 21 for reservations.
Afterwords, dine at Stone Hill’s Vintage Restaurant and keep the romance going.
For a memorable Valentine’s Day for two, the Untamed Hearts” Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Saint Louis Zoo will feature a four-course meal for $125 per couple (gratuity and tax included) at the McDonnell Center at River Camp in the heart of the Zoo. In addition to a romantic and scrumptious meal, you and your Valentine will get a special perspective on the Zoo’s fascinating inhabitants.
6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. seatings on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14. Limited reservations. Call 314-646-4857 by Friday, Feb. 12.
Tags: Herbie's Vintage 72, Ice Kitchen, LoRusso's Cucina, Monarch, St. Louis Dining, St. Louis Nightlife, St. Louis Zoo, Stone Hill Winery, The Boathouse, The Cheshire Lodge, The Drunken Fish, The Fountain on Locust
Meet the Stingrays in St. Louis
Posted on July 6th, 2009 by Erin Callier
With the Mighty Mississippi and the muddy Missouri snaking throughout the greater St. Louis area, you’re not likely to find many aquatic creatures more exotic than a snapping turtle or a bluegill inhabiting these parts. However, from now until September 30, 2009, the Saint Louis Zoo is hosting Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, where zoogoers of all ages can watch, touch and possibly even feed over thirty exotic and graceful stingrays as they swim through a 17,000-gallon saltwater pool, complete with a waterfall and a lush surrounding landscape.
The 28 cownose rays and four southern stingrays that make up this unique exhibit are related to sharks and skates. They have a flat body, long pointed fins and a long, whip-like tail. These stingrays are entirely harmless, as their stingers have been painlessly trimmed back and their teeth are up inside their mouth.
Admission to the Zoo is free as always, but tickets to this exhibit are $3, children under two are free and, for early birds, entrance to the exhibit is free the first hour the zoo is open. Click here for Zoo hours.
Trekking through the vast Saint Louis Zoo always works up an appetite, so if you have a hankering for some poolside grub, stop by stingray-adjacent Ray’s Grill, where they serve up Jamaican jerk chicken, terriyaki pork kabobs, island burgers, margaritas, daiquiris, real fruit smoothies and more.
Tags: St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Zoo