St. Louis Official Visitors Guide 2009

Delmar Loop Named One of the 10 Great Streets in America The American Planning Association (APA) in Washington, DC unveiled its first list of the 10 Great Streets in America. Its Great Places in America program “celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning.” Places chosen represent the gold standard of communities and are defined by several characteristics including good design, functionality, sustainability, and community involvement. In addition to The Loop, which bridges the border between St. Louis and University City, the APA honored streets that include North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, 125th Street in New York, and St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. History During the last 35 years, the Delmar Loop has evolved into one of the most vibrant and entertaining areas in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The gradual turnaround of The Loop began in the early 1970s in University City with legislation that limited occupancy of first floor storefronts to retail shops, galleries and restaurants. Each time a sidewalk-level real estate or insurance office closed, a retail store or cafe opened in its place and attracted more pedestrians. Nationally renowned restaurant and music club Blueberry Hill was the first of a new era of unique owner-operated businesses. Delmar Boulevard was narrowed and the sidewalks were widened to encourage foot traffic and outdoor cafes. In the 1980s dusk-to-dawn lights, trash receptacles and flower planters were added to make The Loop brighter, cleaner and more colorful. The non-profit St. Louis Walk of Fame was founded and became a unifying attraction for the area. Now more than 120 stars and informative plaques are embedded in the sidewalks. In the 1990s the Delmar Loop MetroLink station opened. Visitors can ride a clean, quick light-rail train right to The Loop and begin their visit by walking west. In 1995 the elegant Tivoli Movie Theatre was beautifully restored and, along with many new gift shops and clothing boutiques, signaled that The Loop had arrived. Expansion into the City of St. Louis started in 2000 with the grand opening of The Pageant, a 2,000+ capacity concert nightclub that has featured artists such as Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Green Day, John Mayer, and OutKast. Many consider The Loop to be the live music center of St. Louis with 10 stages on which you can enjoy music of all genres. Exciting new attractions include the Moonrise Hotel, a true independent boutique hotel, and in 2010 the African American Cultural Center, devoted to the celebration of history and culture. The Loop got its name a century ago when streetcars traveled from downtown St. Louis and “looped around” to head back. The last streetcar ran in 1966. Plans are underway to bring a fixedtrack, vintage trolley system back to the area. 609 RESTAURANT AND U LOUNGE 609 Eastgate in The Loop • 721-9168 • www.609u.com Seasonal fusion. ALICE’S VINTAGE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES 6178 Delmar in The Loop • 361-4006 Casual to couture circa 1880-1970. BIG SHARK BICYCLE COMPANY 6133 Delmar in The Loop • 862-1188 • www.bigshark.com Full service bicycle sales, service & accessories. CHINESE NOODLE CAFE 6138 Delmar in The Loop • 725-9889 Fine traditional noodle, vegetarian or combo dishes. Best food in town. CULTURE CAFE´ 6152 Delmar in The Loop • 721-3361 • www.diversitygallery.com Ethnic-style sandwiches, salads & desserts. Specialty cocktails.. DELMAR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 6235 Delmar in The Loop • 721-6565 • www.delmarrestaurant.com Contemporary American cuisine, live jazz, seasonal patio. DIVERSITY GALLERY 6150 Delmar in The Loop • 721-3361 • www.diversitygallery.com Boutique clothing, accessories, shoes and Carol’s Daughter products. ECLIPSE RESTAURANT 6177 Delmar in The Loop • 726-2222 • www.eclipsestlouis.com Enjoy a memorable dining experience. Innovative, eclectic menu. Artful ambience. FIFI’S 6172 Delmar in The Loop • 773-2234 Your one stop punk & rockabilly shop. GABBY’S FASHION JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES 6140 Delmar in The Loop • 721-1066 Purses, shoes, jewelry, hats, belts & intimate apparel. THE GALLERY AT THE REGIONAL ARTS COMMISSION 6128 Delmar in The Loop • 863-5811 • www.artszipper.com Showcasing established and emerging St. Louis artists. KNITTY COUTURE 6148 Delmar in The Loop • 727-6500 • www.knittycouture.com Fantastic selection of yarns, books, accessories. Classes offered. LITTLE SHARK ATHLETIC COMPANY 6176 Delmar in The Loop • 862-1818 • www.bigshark.com Athletic apparel & accessories from triathlon to yoga. MISS SAIGON 6101 Delmar in The Loop • 863-4949 Exquisite Vietnamese cuisine. Great prices. MODAI SUSHI/LOUNGE 6100 Delmar in The Loop • 725-8330 • www.modailounge.com An era of Japanese cuisine. MOONRISE HOTEL 6177 Delmar in The Loop • 721-1111 • www.moonrisehotel.com Unique & independent boutique hotel with restaurant & rooftop terrace bar. THE PAGEANT 6161 Delmar in The Loop • 726-6161 • www.thepageant.com The Midwest’s premier concert nightclub for all styles of music! (PI PIZZA) 6144 Delmar in The Loop • 727-6633 • www.restaurantpi.com San Francisco's original deep-dish cornmeal crust pizza, appetizers & salads. PIN-UP BOWL 6191 Delmar in The Loop • 727-5555 • www.pinupbowl.com The original bowling & martini lounge. 8 lanes. Open 7 days ‘til 3:00 am! PIZZAZ 6254 Delmar in The Loop • 863-7709 • www.pizzazontheloop.com Functional home furnishings. Specializing in apartment therapy. SAVVI FORMALWEAR 6185 Delmar in The Loop • 725-2150 • www.savviwedding.com Tuxedo sales & rentals. SELAM ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT 549 Rosedale in The Loop • 726-7996 SUITE 100 AT THE PAGEANT 6161 Delmar in The Loop • 727-7900 • www.thepageant.com Concert merchandise, artwork, posters and memorabilia. TABU DENIM & DRESS BOUTIQUE 6167 Delmar in The Loop • 862-6848 • myspace/tabuboutique.com Where classy and sassy ladies’ fashion collide. THAI CAFE´ 6170 Delmar in The Loop • 862-6868 Upscale Thai restaurant. TNT DESIGN 6163 Delmar in The Loop • 863-8860 Glass art, jewelry, handmade clothes & more. YAN WU CHOP SUEY 6036 Delmar in The Loop • 727-1917 Fun Fact: www.VisitTheLoop.com ADVERTISEMENT http://www.609u.com http://www.modailounge.com http://www.moonrisehotel.com http://www.bigshark.com http://www.thepageant.com http://www.restaurantpi.com http://www.diversitygallery.com http://www.pinupbowl.com http://www.delmarrestaurant.com http://www.pizzazontheloop.com http://www.diversitygallery.com http://www.savviwedding.com http://www.eclipsestlouis.com http://www.thepageant.com http://www.fitzrootbeer.com http://www.artszipper.com http://www.knittycouture.com http://www.bigshark.com http://www.fitzrootbeer.com http://www.VisitTheLoop.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of St. Louis Official Visitors Guide 2009

St. Louis Official Visitors Guide 2009 Contents St. Louis Thrives Must-See St. Louis All-Star History Pujols Family Foundation Calendar of Events Family Fun St. Louis' Friendly Environment Urban Melting Pot Fashion Direct Route 66 Architecture Tour Cultural Connections Day Trips Iconic St. Louisans Attractions My St. Louis: Russ Mitchell My St. Louis: Christina Machamber My St. Louis: Ridley Pearson Sports My St. Louis: Naam Pruitt Music, Dance & Theatre Outdoor Recreation My St. Louis: Christine Brewer Shopping Dining Nightlife St. Louis Beer History My St. Louis: Nelly Accommodations Campgrounds & RV Resorts Bed & Breakfast Getting Around Visitor Services Maps Advertiser Index 2009 St. Louis Meeting Planner Guide

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