Headed to Conference? A Tour of St. Louis

 September 22-25 is the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

After you leave the Arch you can make your way north towards Laclede’s landing. There you’ll discover old architecture, cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and places to eat like the Spaghetti Factory. (They serve GF pasta.) If the river is below flood stage you can walk along the rocky banks. DO NOT GET IN THE WATER! It’s known for its dangerous currents.

If you happen to there around noon or by a window, look east and you’ll see the Gateway Geyser in East. St. Louis. It soars about 630 feet mirroring the Arch.

If you leave the Hyatt and turn left and then right at the corner you can walk to the court house. Completed in 1862, the Old Courthouse takes you back to the time here when Dred and Harriet Scott, both slaves, pleaded with the court for their freedom. Virginia Minor also petitioned for women’s right to vote in the 1870’s.

Across the street from the court house is the Basilica of St. Louis, King  

Close to Kiener Plaza is the renovated Union Station. There you can find the whispering arch as well as a metrolink station, shops and restaurants.

You can also walk to the Citygarden which has many sculptures including one of Pinocchio.

If you can rent a cab or have a car the next best stop for sightseeing is Forest Park. There you’ll find the St. Louis Zoo, a golf course, walking and biking trails along with many museums.

The History Musem

St. Louis overlooking Art Hill

The building at the top is the Art Museum. The photo lacks depth perception, but the hill of green is known as Art Hill. As soon as there is snowfall in St. Louis it becomes the “hill” to sled down.

The park host many other attractions as well, including the Jewel Box and Planetarium.

There are many other things to do in my town. If you can stay a few days and visit the Botanical Gardens, Science Center and  Ted Drewes! 
It’s the place to get frozen custard and all the locals know it.

Thanks for taking a small tour of STL-also known as St. Louis. There is so much more than I’ve posted to visit such as the Loop, U-city, The Grove but there isn’t enough space to highlight it all nor enough time for you to see it all.

Be prepared for hot and humid weather, unless it’s not. That’s the nature of our climate. You never know what the next day’s weather will be. But as long as you have a light jacket or sweater you should be fine if the weather turns cooler.

Can’t wait to see all of you in September. The ACFW conference is a highlight of my year. I’ve not been to an conference where the minute you walk into a group you’re included. Hugs are freely given, eyes light up in recognition as names are finally attached to a face. Lasting friendships are made and the entire weekend is fun. You come away exhausted, well-fed and inspired to write.

If any of you would like to know where there are gluten free places to eat in STL, leave me a comment and email and I’ll get you that information.

posted by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer