Bitter

Just a few comments and observations. Took the train from Kansas City to St. Louis. The train was a little delayed and perhaps longer than driving, but very relaxing. Used only our feet and the Metrolink once in SL (with the exception of a cab to and from the Amtrak station). We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Laclede's landing, which is a little worn, but still provides good service and amenities. Laclede's landing is an ok location b/c it is close to the Arch, riverboats, and gambling. I had hoped the Landing had continued to develop (renovate) since our last visit 5ish years ago, but I'm not sure it hasn't deteriorated. I wish there were a few different restaurant options there. We ate at the Morgan Street brewery, with mixed results, and "Skeeters" (by necessity b/c the adjacent Spaghetti Factory (yes, we have kids) was too busy). In addition to enjoying the attractions around the Arch, we took the Metrolink to Forest Park (20 minutes, with the zoo link bus starting up Saturday) for the zoo and art museum. There is so much more to do at the park, but it was crowded and exhausting. IMHO signage (or lack thereof) at the park was a little frustrating. Also used the link to Union Station. Union Station, of course, is a known quantity. We ate 3 meals there because the options were a little more preferrable to the Landing, though we knowingly paid more for the touristy location than for the chain-restaurant food. (Prices weren't much cheaper in Laclede's landing). All in all, it made for a fun weekend, with no driving. That said, our food options were too limited and pricey for what they were. If we stayed any longer, a car or taxi would have been necessary. We found the Link relatively clean, safe and the people friendly.

EricaS

I wish you had written to ask for restaurant recommendations before you came. I know of some nice alternatives to the bland, overpriced touristy options on the Landing and at Union Station. You're right, I think the Landing has deteriorated too. It is primarily a place for young partiers, so anything nice they try to put there doesn't last very long. I also agree about signage at Forest Park. I live a few minutes from the park and go there often, I still get lost!

I'd like to take a train to KC. How long did it take? About how much did it cost?

Clifton

Can't tell you how many times I've gotten turned around in Forest Park. I think it's a tradition now and too late to put up signs. Land of the Lost.

True, I don't go down to the Landing much when I'm back home except to eat at Hannegan's, which I still like but isn't so much a kid's place. Most of the other restaurants there and at Union Station I guess are like restaurants in the tourist areas everywhere. Pretty much as you described your food options.

If you get back, there is truly some great dining to be had, but most aren't on the Metrolink line.

eileenleft

Yikes! I didn't know about the signage problem at Forest Park. I am taking a group of high school kids there for a Saturday afternoon-any tips?

Bitter

Thanks for the replies. We enjoyed our weekend. EricaS: I'll ask next time! The train was $135 round trip for all four (not each), so it was very reasonable considering gas prices and Missouri roads. Food and drink are available but (of course) over priced. We packed some food and supplemented it with club car snacks. I think the train is scheduled for 5 hours 40 minutes, but it was about an hour longer going. Keep in mind that in KC you actually arrive in Union Station, which is a beautifully renovated station, a little less commercial that St. Louis', with "Science City" some theaters?, and a few restaurants. The Station is attached by sky bridges to Westin Crown Center, which includes hotels and shopping. You would probably ultimately need a car and/or taxi.
Eileen: The Park (as you may know) is huge, which is in itself part of the problem (though a good problem to have). Please take my comments in context. I'm not complaining loudly, there were just some oddities. The bus drivers were very helpful, but keep in mind we were out of our element, tired, and with kids. Here are a few of the things I remembered: When we got off the Link there is a circular area that one would think the bus would pick you up at, but the zoo bus actually is across the street (no indication of this that we saw, though it makes sense after you get your bearings). The bus dropped us off at an unmarked stop, which was ok but curiously far from the zoo entrance. Exiting the zoo we thought we were walking toward the next bus stop and/or the art museum and apparently walked right past a street to both. (Maybe we missed it, but you would think there would be a sign with an arrow or something obvious). Good thing we asked someone or we'd still be tramping through the park! When we finally got to the museum, the entrance was poorly marked (I think we entered at the back in what looks more like an office building?) When we entered the art museum and asked if there was a restaurant we were instructed to go upstairs, where we had a nice slightly formal meal, but realized only afterwards that there was a casual restaurant just a few feet downstairs serving many of the same things and that would have probably been a better fit for our kids. I don't begrudge the meal, I just don't know why the guard didn't give us both options. I guess I asked the wrong question. These are all little things, which sound kind of petty when written down, so take it in context, pls. It was fun and is a great park.

eileenleft

Thanks Bitter. With 14 kids, tired from a week of service work in St Louis, I really don't want many surprises!!

buttercup

Forest Park is in the midst of extensive renovation (as you probably noticec), which explains some of the sign problems. Even with the signs, though, I always get lost trying to find the jewel box.

I agree about the back entrance to the art museum. The front entrance (at the top of art hill) is so much nicer. You go up the large staircase and enter directly into the great hall.

Glad you had a good time.

Daniel_Williams

Thanks for posting your report. It's good to know there are fun things to do in St. Louis without renting a car! I only pick vacation destinations in places where I won't need to rent a car...

EricaS

eileenleft,
If you have specific places in Forest Park you want to go, let us know and I bet I, and the other St. Louisans on this board, can get you detailed directions. Going to the Science Center vs. the History Museum could involve very different routes.

I don't know when you're coming, but I was just at the Park last night for the Shakespeare Festival - it was fantastic. Forest Park has a good website.

Bitter,
Thanks for the info on your trip. I hope I can hop a train to KC soon!


Erica