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Back in 1988, the last time that St. Louis saw a NHL All-Star Game, the only show the league and the home team put on was the game itself. Times have changed significantly since then. The weekend stretches from Thursday through Sunday now, with events for everyone and an opportunity to fork over some cash to the NHL and the Blues, to say nothing about local St. Louis businesses. Heading down to the FanFair to see the mascots goof off and have your picture taken with the Cup? The new St. Louis Aquarium is right there - if you can grab tickets. Wanting to relive your college days at an O.A.R. concert? Head down to Maggie O’Brein’s early and grab lunch and some beers. Heading to Centene Comunity Ice Center for the Alumni game? Before you say hi to Blues legends like Martin Brodeur and Wayne Gretzky, or watch Barret Jackman, Red Berenson, and Cam Janssen lace up the skates, why not head to Balducci’s?
If you’re coming into town early, or just have a lot of time to kill before heading downtown, there’s scads for a visitor to the city to do. Instead of just writing a post based on my faves (STL Art Museum, Missouri History Center, Urban Chestnut, the Science Center, and anywhere on The Hill but especially Gitto’s, in case anyone cares), I decided to see what our readers had to say. Thank you so much to everyone who offered input!
With kids: Science Center doesn’t get enough love, I go there 4-5 times a year with mine. And I know Arch is already top of every list, but I took in-laws from CA to see the renovated museum and couldn’t believe how well it’s done. Worth a re-visit if you haven’t been in a while.
— dvertov (@dvertov) January 18, 2020
Visit the breweries. Maybe try and catch a youth hockey game at one of the many rinks in the area. Then you have to try the St. Louis food staples as others mentioned. Also they could wonder the streets if St. Louis looking for drunk Hull.
— Jason Imboden (@jasonimboden) January 17, 2020
(note: Hull appears to come out at about 3:30 am, so I don’t know if I’d encourage that last part)
Grace Meat+ Three is a fav! Now they have a late night walk up on the weekends. My mom loves Sauce on the Side. Everyone loves Vincent Van Doughnut.
— Stlbf☃️ ☘ (@stlbf) January 17, 2020
Clementine's ice creams are fantastic! Naughty ice creams for the adults. Or go nice! I won't judge. They even have excellent vegan options.
— Stlbf☃️ ☘ (@stlbf) January 17, 2020
I'd say, if you're willing to go outside of the city proper, especially if you're getting in early, go to @BobbysPlaceVP. I've seen Bobby there so often that it doesn't even register anymore
— Stephen Combs (@Coralskipper) January 17, 2020
Visit Center Ice Brewery for sure. Cool spot for hockey fans.
— ThinMints (@MoeErrett) January 17, 2020
The Scottish Arms or The Crows Nest. Two of the best gastropubs around, IMO.
— 2019 Stanley Cup Champions! (@RedBerensonCBoy) January 17, 2020
Ice skating at Steinberg; visit @citymuseum; tour any of the local breweries; dinner/drinks in @STLSoulard
— Sarah (@BatonMom18) January 17, 2020
The new aquarium would be cool to visit, but I expect it to be a shitshow
— Kiel Center (@Kiel_Center) January 17, 2020
(probably so. - Ed.)
Eat - Pappys, Sugarfire, Salt + Smoke, Crown Candy, Southern, Hi Pointe, Imos, The Hill, Ted Drewes
— Bryan Bauer (@BryanBauer1745) January 17, 2020
Free - Zoo, Brewery Tour, Arch, Art Museum, Historu Museum, Science Center, Forrest Park, BPV
Kids - Magic House, Butterfly House, Botanical Gardens, Union Station, City Museum
I live in nyc and grew up in stl. I’ve found that the things that separate St. Louis are the craft breweries (schlafly is one of the best beers I’ve had), city museum is super unique, forest park in general is really cool. The loop, and soulard are great too
— Michael Pelts (@PeltsMichael) January 17, 2020
Three Kings Pub on the Loop
— Emily M (@emarvel12) January 17, 2020
@OysterBarSTL of course!
— Steve Smith (@stuffinstl) January 17, 2020
There’s a ton to do in STL regardless of your interests, and if you want to drive a little ways there’s stuff to do in the county (if you’re a fan of the Botanical Gardens I suggest the Butterfly House in Chesterfield). It’s a long weekend - go out and have some fun!