I am going to St. Louis during Thanksgiving for the first time and want to know about the city's restaurants, activities, etc.

Come on..give me a time of year..there is tons to do..Anheuser-Busch lives here (along with the Clydesdales) our zoo is wonderful (and free) and located in Forest Park..home of the 1904 world's fair. Inside the park is our art museum..nearby is Central West End..artsy stuff and great restaurants.
GOTTA go UP in the Arch..but be sure to take a picture on the ground looking straight up..ST.Louis Post Dispatch, which is online..on Thursdays, they have a very comprehensive listing of EVERYTHING available to do,see,hear and taste..eme if you need more..I'm a native!!

Take in a Blues game! SIGN HULL!!!!

It might seem corny but go to the National Bowling Hall of Fame a block away from Busch Stadium. Try the duck pin bowling .I promise you it will be a fun experience.

St. Louis Science Center's Omnimax Theater is showing "The Magic of Flight" if that is of interest. Tickets to the theater are $6.50 adults/$4.50 kids. The Science Center itself is free and well worth a visit.

The Zoo is near the Science Center, and though the weather will be chilly, there are a number of enclosed exhibits to visit. Free.

Also in Forest Park, near the previous two, is the St. Louis Art Museum. There's currently a special display of Navajo textiles, but I don't know how long it will be there. Museum is free; entrance fee for special exhibits. Call 721-0072 for info.

Tilles County Park has a "Winter Wonderland" display 6-10 PM. It's closed to vehicular traffic Sat nights. $6.00 per family vehicle. Or call 889-2458 for reservations for trolley and carriage rides available every night.

The MO Botanical Garden (also called Shaw's Garden, by the way) has a special "Holiday Flower Show--Toyland in Bloom" 11/26-12/29 ($2 adults plus regular garden admission--free under 13 yrs), and a Holiday Exhibitr by floral artists of wreaths, trees and other holiday decor 11/25-1/2 (free with garden admission). Call 577-9400 for more info.

The Old Courthouse, downtown, across from the Arch (which is also worth a visit) has a "Grand Opening Celebration of Victorian Christmas" November 28, 8am-6pm, free.

Chesterfield Mall, in West St. L. County, will have a Gingerbread Village (not sure of dates, but it should be open while you're in town) entrance fee: $2.50 to benefit the Assistance League of St. L. Call 469-1835 or 579-9930 for info.

Northwest Plaza is holding the 14th annual Festival of Trees to benefit Judevine Center. $4/$3. 849-4440.

Lots more besides. Hope this gives you some ideas.

There's also a Thanksgiving morning "Gobble-Wobble" (a 5-mile walk/run--some serious racers, some participate just for fun and/or exercise) at West County Assembly of God, (corner of I-40 and Maryville Center Drive). $12 entrance fee to benefit Teen Challenge of St. Louis. Race-day registration begins 7am, or preregister 11/26 at WCAG 9am-6pm. Race begins at 8:30. Whatever you do, have fun, and enjoy your visit.

Dressels in the Central West End is the greatest Welsh pub of all time. MeGurks in Soulard (Irish)is equally fantastic.