What You Will Do
Join a lifelong St. Louisan, foodie + storyteller on this leisurely two-mile walk through St. Louis' fabulous Central West End while nibbling delectable and uniquely St. Louis treats from St. Louis' most chic and popular neighborhood.
On this tour, you'll hear the good, bad, and ugly* history that created the city you see today, while sampling 5-6 iconic St. Louis flavors + all the Dad jokes you can stomach at no extra charge.
Located at the eastern edge of Forest Park and just 5 minutes from Downtown, the Central West End ("CWE") is the most vibrant of St. Louis's 79 neighborhoods and the only one listed among the "Great Places of America". In the late 19th century, the CWE was the epicenter of Gilded Age wealth in America's fourth largest city and de facto capital of America's westward expansion - culminating in a World's Fair in 1904 that we still won't shut up about.
*TRIGGER WARNING: historical events regarding race and social justice are covered.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Meet your tour guide in front of the Pierce Arrow building at 4814 Washington Blvd (tan brick building with purple awning), 1 mile north of the CWE Metrolink Station. Limited unmetered street parking is available along Washington. Public parking lot at 435 N Euclid.
1
Holy Corners District
Some of the most impressive architecture from the World's Fair era still remains, and it's completely outside of Forest Park. Hear hidden history and see artifacts from the early days of this "Valley of the Giants" listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
2
Maryland Plaza and the surrounding homes and businesses have a rollercoaster history of booms and busts that have followed the arc of our city and the nation.
3
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
St. Louis' European chapter began with the settlement of French Catholics, bolstered by the arrival of thousands of Irish Catholics throughout the 19th century. One can barely speak of any element of the history of St. Louis where the presence of the Catholic community was not felt, and the enormity of St. Louis' importance to the church was eventually made manifest in one of the great churches of the western world.
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