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St. Louis, Missouri
The root: The Gateway to the West — Lewis and Clark launched from here — with toasted ravioli, blues, and a steel arc over the river.
Eat: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard — the Route 66 concrete legend. Charlie Gitto's — the original toasted ravioli, since 1952. Bogart's Smokehouse — Soulard BBQ with a river-city edge.
Skip — don't: The Arch-view "riverboat dinner cruise" buffets — the view is free from the riverfront, the food isn't worth the ticket.
Specialty: Toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and the concrete — St. Louis invented its own comfort food and stuck with it.
Shops & crafts: Soulard Market — the old French market, produce and local goods. The Hill — Italian groceries and bakeries. Cherokee Street — antique shops and Latino markets side by side.
See: Gateway Arch — ride to the top of the 630-foot monument. Soulard blues clubs — brick streets and late-night horns. Forest Park — one of America's great urban parks, free since 1876.
Main Street: The Delmar Loop — music venues, vintage shops, and the Walk of Fame, St. Louis at its most alive.
After dark: A blues club in Soulard, or a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium under the lights.
When — events
Fair Saint Louis — the July 4th celebration under the Arch (approx.).
Event dates are the typical annual timing; confirm with the town before traveling.