Perched on the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, St Louis is a city as iconic as the land on which it sits. From all-American culture and a rich pre-Civil War history, to some of the best ultra-luxe options, any exploration of St Louis should begin at the Old Courthouse. This stunning domed testament to US justice has been hearing cases for over 150 years.
Home to the pivotal Dred Scott trial, in which former slave Dred Scott successfully sued for his freedom and, according to some historians, hastened the onset of the American Civil War as a result, the Old Courthouse is a must-see for both history buffs and humanitarians.
For a literal and figurative taste of a more modern US icon, take a guided tour of the oldest and largest Anheuser-Busch brewery, located mere footsteps from the bustling downtown district. In addition to three national historic landmarks on-site, you get the opportunity to peruse the chilled beechwood aging cellar, enjoy a photo op with some of Budweiser’s world-famous Clydesdale horses, and indulge in some complimentary brews in the post-tour hospitality room.
After the tour, swing by Busch Stadium, home of the St Louis Cardinals and one of the most revered ballparks in the country, for a tour, a game or maybe just a box of Cracker Jack. End your stay with a trip to St Louis’s single most defining landmark, the Gateway Arch, 630 ft of neo-futurist grandeur designed to pay tribute to the adventurous spirit of westbound pioneers.
Intrepid travelers can take a tram ride to the top or embrace their inner Tom Sawyer with a sightseeing cruise aboard a replica, 19th-century paddle-wheel ferry. Either way, you will be entering the Midwest in style.
Where to sleep
In the middle of St Louis’s businesses, galleries and restaurants, The Ritz-Carlton, St Louis isn’t just surrounded by luxury, it is luxury. While the largest dine-in wine cellar in St Louis is impressive, it is the sumptuous Ritz-Carlton Suite that best encapsulates its namesake’s amenity-rich philosophy. Boasting an en-suite sauna and stunning baby grand piano, this suite may well be the best on the Mississippi.
100 Carondelet Plaza, +1 314 863 6300, ritzcarlton.com
Where to eat
Once the executive chef for TCS Expeditions’ private jet excursions, Carl McConnell is used to cooking for the on-the-go traveler. But when it came time to settle down, Carl and his wife Nancy opened the quaint Stone Soup Cottage, just outside St Louis. With just a handful of tables, the farm-to-fork partnership with nearby Wiese Nursery ensures Stone Soup’s flavors are big.
5809 Highway N +1 636 244 2233 lechampdefleurs-ssc.com
Where to fly
Boasting 70,000 sq ft of corporate hangars, as well as a red-eye alleviating snooze room and on-site rental cars, Million Air St Louis — located at Spirit of St Louis Airport, just minutes from downtown — is the best way to begin your stay in this all-American city.
Million Air St Louis, Spirit of St Louis Airport 549 Bell Avenue Chesterfield, Missouri 63005; custservice@millionair-sus.com, +1 866 532 0408, millionair-sus.com
