Twins Fan coming to town

and, random: i’ve seen a couple twins jerseys the past couple nights at the stadium. very weird.

Since you’ve never been to STL, I’d say yes, do the Arch, for sure (and yeah, if you’re claustrophobic, the tram ride up will be mighty uncomfortable for you…though, at least in my experience, something about the top of the Arch seemed to soften the fear of heights that I once had, I don’t know what), and I’ll second the recommendation of Ted Drewes. I no longer live in the area, so I can’t help you out much with insider stadium knowledge, having only been there twice…but if you end up looking for something else “touristy” to do, I’d suggest either the St. Louis Zoo, or the St. Louis Science Center…both are in Forest Park, both are high quality…and both have free admission.

This is outside the ballpark on the west side of the stadium. On the northwest corner, outside the team store, there is also a collection of smaller statues commemorating great St. Louis ballplayers. The gates open two hours before the game, so, if you are into attending BP, that’s the time to arrive. If you are documenting with pictures, I would get there early and get a photo from around home plate, with the Arch and old courthouse in the background. It’s a neat picture.

I would do the Arch, even if it’s uncomfortable for a bit. I don’t care for heights either but it’s not bad at all. The ride up will be a little tough on you but it will be worth it to be able to say you were there. The view is cool.

There is lots of good food in St Louis, especially if you like Italian food…if so, check out Talayna’s or Amaghetti’s (on the hill). My spelling could be wrong.

The City Museum is pretty cool and is right downtown, not too far from the stadium.
The stadium…Busch III as some call it….is, well, ….you tell us, please after you go. I’d like to hear your honest opinion. In general (I think) most folks liked Busch II better. I did.
I think Busch III looks nice on TV but I personally don’t care for the exposed beams and the “tin” type roofing, but that’s just my taste. The field is nice and the seating is good pretty much anywhere unless you are a smoker….the smoking police will lock you in a closet!
Bring $$$ to help pay for Matt Holliday.
2 good pictures to get would be you by the Stan Musial and Jack Buck statues.
Stroll around during the game, see each inning from a different place…try to be in lower to mid left field when Albert is up….just in case he’s hot!
You can’t be in two places at once but try left/center when Colby is up, and 1st or 3rd base side for the bottom of the order. That’s what I’d do.
I guess parking won’t be a problem if you’re staying at the Crown Plaza and walk to the park. Go early.

The fans:
Yes, St Louis fans are pretty smart baseball fans and are, for the most part, polite and friendly, as are most of the general population….but you can find jerks anywhere on the planet.
If you’re talking to a fan age 60 or better, talk about Musial and the Red Head….
age 40-55 tell them that Herzog was the best manager ever…
younger than 40, you’re on your own. Ask any of them which stadium they liked best.
Avoid anybody wearing a Cubs or Mets hat :)
If you see a few ticket stubs on the ground you might want to get a couple so you can write on them…winning and losing pitcher, score, anything else notable.

Side notes:
St. Louis has an embarrassing homeless problem and it’s very evident downtown. It’s sad.
If you venture into South St. Louis, know where you are going, and I wouldn’t go into North St Louis at all, sorry to say.

St Louis really is a great place but you may not get that impression in just a short visit. Most things to do and see aren’t right downtown, with some exceptions.
There is music downtown at night on “the landing” depending on your taste, but as you would anywhere, be aware of your surroundings.

I hope you have a great time at the game and enjoy St Louis.
Report back and let us know…and be honest.

here’s a previous post (I searched for “Crown Candy”)
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2010/4/20/1432826/road-trip-to-busch-4-5-10

http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2010/4/2/1402764/my-first-st-louis-trip-and-i-need
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2010/4/26/1444770/birthday-at-busch

http://saucemagazine.com/

Ever had gooey butter cake? Stop by Gooey Louie to try it.

Like housemade pasta? Check out Mangia Italiano on Grand. Or pretty much any restaurant on The Hill. I recommend Cunetto’s.

Like local beers and foods? Try the Schlafly Taproom. If you really like beer, do the Anheuser-Busch brewery tour.

Like pubs? Hit up Soulard. McGurk’s and Llywelyn’s are good.

If you want a nice slice of St. Louis city, go to The Royale. Good food, good mixed drinks, good atmosphere.

Give us an idea of what you like and other people will surely chime in with other suggestions.

which I thought was great.

Someone asked what kind of food we like; we like to do local only type places, meaning, no chains. Somthing you can only find in a certain place. We’re driving from MSP to StL in one day, so dinner will probably be at the park, and we’ll probably have lunch the next day in town before we head to Kaufman.

Again, thank you guys so much. I’m going to take good notes and try your suggestions!

i wish i had the time and “un-married money”. take me a picture will ya?. haven’t been home since ‘03. at least i made it into tlr’s book. vicariously, of course.

just drive around it if you don’t have time. I’ve always been curious as to what TC people think of it with all their outdoor art.

a classic photo op is going to Forest Park and taking pictures around Saint Louis (statue, baby) and the Great Basin beneath the Art Museum. for those wanting the postcard look. it’s a little bit of a walk from the Forest Park metrolink, though likely the Hampton bus (southbound) will take you up there. Forest Park itself is an endless list of activities; all of the museum ones are free.

I wish we could follow up on all of these suggestions, I really do. We’ll have to plan a follow up trip back just to see some of this stuff.

we couldn’t get you to vote for all the worst AL players on the ballot, could we?
We could use home field advantage.

I was up there last week and for the first few innings the sun is in your eyes. After the game, you will likely see some guy walking around outside the stadium in a Superman outfit posing for pictures…