What You Will Do
Join a lifelong St. Louisan, foodie + storyteller on this leisurely two-mile walk through St. Louis' rollercoaster history while nibbling delectable and uniquely St. Louis treats you won't find in any other place. On this tour, you'll sample 6-8 generational favorites of St. Louisans and all the Dad jokes you can stomach (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, it was the epicenter of Gilded Age wealth in America's fourth largest city and de facto capital of America's westward expansion. In 1904, one of the grandest exhibitions of human achievement in history happened here - the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (or World's Fair). We still won't shut up about it.
So, come spend some time in the posh CWE and get a taste of what it means to those who call St. Louis home.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Meet your tour guide at the Pierce Arrow Building, just east of Euclid Avenue on Washington (tan brick building with purple awning). This is 1 mile north of the CWE Metrolink Station. Limited free street parking is available along Washington. Public parking lot is available nearby 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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