Sunset Ford St Louis Dealer Blog

Nothing symbolizes St. Louis better than the Gateway Arch.  Since construction was completed in October of 1965, the silhouette of this amazing monument has been used to appropriately represent St. Louis as the gateway to the west.
The Arch is the anchor of the riverfront and is widely known for its lofty tram ride to the observation room at the top, but this national park also offers the Museum of Westward Expansion, a giant-screen movie theatre, beautiful grounds, and is the base of operations for sightseeing cruises along the river.
Throw the family in your Ford and head on down to enjoy the fall colors from atop this popular tourist attraction.  But before you go, here are a few more interesting facts you should know:
- The Arch stands at 630 feet and is the tallest national monument in the U.S.
- The width of the Arch at ground level is exactly the same as the height.
- Over nine hundred tons of stainless steel was needed to construct the Arch.
- Because the margin of error was so minute, construction was done at night to prevent distortion that could be caused by sunlight.
The ride to the top of the Arch is a thrilling experience.  Underneath the north and south legs, visitor board one of two enclosed trams. Within four minutes, you’re at the indoor Gateway Arch Observation Area that offers spectacular views of the region.
The Arch is located just east of the downtown area at the heart of the riverfront entertainment district.  There are many places to leave the Ford, including a parking garage just a couple blocks away.
For seasonal hours of operation and more specific directions from your area, you can call a toll free customer service number:  877-982-1410.  Or visit the website at www.gatewayarch.com

When most folks think about Jefferson Barracks, they think of the military cemetery, but the adjoining park offers multiple possibilities for great family fun.  The massive grounds features picnic areas, hiking trails, fields for baseball, soccer and Frisbee golf, along with several venues that are available for private functions.
Complementing all the terrific family amenities is great history.  Established in 1826, Jefferson Barracks was the country’s first “Infantry School of Practice” and continued to be used as a major military facility until 1946.
Named for President Thomas Jefferson, this installation played an important role in westward expansion.  It was a gathering point for troops heading out to service for numerous wars.  Famous names from history who served here included Jefferson Davis, U.S. Grant, Zachary Taylor and William T. Sherman.  
What is now an archery field, paved hiking trail and amphitheater was once a U.S. Army post from 1826 to 1946.  Long before you could zip around the playing fields in your Ford Focus, there were legions of soldiers being transported by horse and buggy.
As one of the nation’s oldest interment sites, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery has served as a burial place for soldiers from all wars. When the post was opened in 1826, Jefferson Barracks became the army’s first permanent base west of the Mississippi River.
Although Jefferson Barracks was formally established as a national cemetery in 1866, the first burial, at what is now Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, is believed to have taken place the year after the post was founded on August 5th in 1827. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Jefferson Barracks is located at the end of South Broadway south of Kingston in St. Louis County. Hours for the park grounds are 8 a.m. to one half hour past sunset, except when reservations are issued. The National Cemetery is open to visitors every day of the year from dawn until dusk.

You may know it as the Wolf Sanctuary, but the official name is the Wild Canid Center.  This organization was founded in 1971 by Dr. Marlin Perkins and a group of local individuals who were concerned about difficulties facing this breed.  This conservation organization works diligently for the preservation of the wolf.

Located about twenty miles southwest of St. Louis, the WCC sits on sixty-three acres of isolated, wooded grounds.  The facility is world renowned as one of the imminent centers for wolf conservation and reproduction. 

Jump in the Ford Explorer and head on out because you will enjoy “exploring” this amazing sanctuary.  You are invited to take a one hour guided walking tour of the wolf enclosures that totals round trip about a half mile.  The tour offers a terrific opportunity to see and photograph some of the most endangered canids in the world, including species from South America, Africa and the American southwest.

Don’t forget to bring along cameras and binoculars.

Public tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On a public tour you are grouped with other visitors.  You can call or visit the website for established tour times.

Private tours can be scheduled any day of the week.

Your family may also enjoy the center’s popular evening program.  This is a fun and educational opportunity to be entertained with stories about wolves while sitting around an outdoor campfire. 

Following the Campfire Program, you and your hosts will walk about a 1/2 mile (round trip) to an area near the wolf enclosures for the highlight of the evening. Your hosts will attempt to get the wolves to howl. The wolves typically respond but, like all wild animals, they are unpredictable.  After the Howl, you will enjoy warm beverages and snacks during a Q & A session.

Fire up the Ford and head on out.  Here are the directions and phone number.
25 miles Southwest of St. Louis at Washington University's Tyson Research Center. From HWY 270 take I-44 west to Beaumont/Antire Rd (exit 269). The center is located on the North side of the highway.
Call 636-938-5900 for reservations.

Anheuser-Busch has put quality at the forefront of their business since the company was founded in 1852.  If you’d like to see how that quality comes about, you are invited to share the Budweiser experience at the by touring the brewery located in St. Louis.  Let the horsepower in your Ford take you to the home of the famous Clydesdale horses.

On the tour you will be able to walk through the crafting of Budweiser, The Great American Lager, which is thoughtfully made with all-natural, quality ingredients to create the refreshing brew consumed worldwide. If you are 21 years of age or older, you tour will include a visit to the renowned Hospitality Room where you can enjoy your favorite A-B brew including a selection of new and innovative products. Also available are soft drinks and snacks.

The majestic Budweiser Clydesdales, known for their grace as well as their size and strength, are can be visited during your tour by stopping by their stables.

Are you looking for a fun souvenir or gift emblazoned with the A-B logo?  Maybe a nifty little stein to put in the cup holder of the Ford Escape?  Or a huge cooler for the next tailgating party?  Look no further.  The Bud Shop carries an amazing selection of the latest in Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser branded merchandise.

Brew and souvenirs aside, your tour will also take you through a blend of venerable Busch heritage, state-of-the-art brewing techniques and fabulous architecture.

12th & Lynch Streets
(314) 577-2626

A recent addition to the A-B Tour Center…Beer School!  This session is an interactive and informative half-hour lecture that walks you through the process of brewing and lets you get up close and personal with a variety of brands and styles of beer. In class you will learn techniques for proper pouring, exciting food pairings, and the distinct ingredients used for beer making. This experience is limited to guests ages 21 and older. The cost is only $10.00 per person, which includes gifts for the beer enthusiast!

Beer School is offered throughout the day. For a fun and information afternoon, make your reservation by calling (314) 577-2626.

Fall is in the air.  Hot days give way to crisp nights.  Kids are back in school.  The days are getting shorter.  All those signs point to one thing…..Are you ready for some football?!?!?

The St. Louis Rams’ new season kicks off September 13.  That means it’s time to wash the Ford Explorer, break out the portable grill and plan your tailgating party.

Tickets for home games are available online.  The schedule for 2009-10 is listed below.

Sept. 13 at Seattle Seahawks (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Washington Redskins (FOX) Noon
Sept. 27 GREEN BAY PACKERS (FOX) Noon
Oct. 4 at San Francisco 49ers (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (FOX) Noon
Oct. 18 at Jacksonville Jaguars (FOX) Noon
Oct. 25 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (CBS) Noon
Nov. 1 at Detroit Lions (FOX) Noon
Nov. 8 BYE  
Nov. 15 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (FOX) Noon
Nov. 22 ARIZONA CARDINALS (FOX) 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 29 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (FOX) Noon
Dec. 6 at Chicago Bears (FOX) Noon
Dec. 13 at Tennessee (FOX) Noon
Dec. 20 HOUSTON TEXANS (CBS) Noon
Dec. 27 at Arizona Cardinals (FOX) 3:05 p.m.
Jan. 3 SAN FRANCISCO (FOX)

(Home games in caps.)

Edward Jones Dome at America's Center
901 N. Broadway 
St. Louis, MO  63101
(314) 342-5201
 
From I-44:
I-44 intersects with I-55/70 near downtown. Exit merged interstates at downtown exit Memorial Drive. Memorial Drive to Washington Avenue. For the Broadway Central entrance to the Dome, turn left on Washington Avenue to 9th Street (one-way). Right on 9th Street (one-way) to Cole Street. Right on Cole Street to Broadway (one-way). Right on Broadway (one-way south) to Broadway Central entrance (located in center of the block in between Entries C and B).
 
From I-55
See above directions after I-44 merge.
 
From I-64 (Highway 40)
Highway 40 to the 'Last Missouri Exit' (Broadway). At end of ramp make left on Cerre Street (one-way east). Cerre Street to 4th Street. Left on 4th Street to Washington Avenue. For the Broadway Central entrance to the Dome, turn left on Washington Avenue to 9th Street (one-way). Right on 9th Street (one-way) to Cole Street. Right on Cole Street to Broadway (one-way). Right on Broadway (one-way south) to Broadway Central entrance (located in center of the block between entries C and B).

If you’re not going to tailgate, then leave the Explorer at home and pile the family into the Focus.  That will make parking a wee bit easier in those crowded downtown lots. 
 

Have you ever wondered how many watermelons you could fit into the trunk of a Ford Focus?  Or how about how many bushels of produce could you cram into a Ford Explorer?  Now’s the time to find out because the Soulard Farmer’s Market is in full swing with the bounties of the season.

Soulard Farmer’s Market is the last Public Market in the City of St. Louis. The origin was as a public market mapped out by Perre LaClede in 1764. As the City grew, the market split, and Soulard Market was created in 1839 as the South or French Market. The land for it was donated in perpetuity by Julia Soulard in 1838. The first structure was built shortly thereafter and the current structure was built in 1828.

Today it is a large Public Market with an array of vendors, more so from April into the fall. You can find produce, live poultry, pets, art, meat spices, coffee, flowers and many other products.

Shopping at Soulard Farmer's Market is a one of a kind experience that for some can be a little intimidating, but for most a lot of fun. If it’s your first trip to the market you should come down on a Saturday if you can, and walk the entire market.

Soulard Farmer's Market is in the shape of a large "H" so it is easy to just go in a large square pattern and you will see the whole thing. While walking the Market you should make note of not only the prices of the produce but also the quality of the produce. Every stand will have different prices and different quality.

Most stand owners families have been on the market for several generations so getting to know them can sometimes help you when trying to locate hard to get items or even get you a break on price. Every stand at the market is independent of the next, so when purchasing goods be sure to ask how many stalls that particular stand covers.

The Market is open Wednesday through Saturday. It the busiest on Friday and Saturday, when all vendors are open.

The Market adjoins a park and open space and it is used for a variety of neighborhood events and provides a place to play or rest.  So head on down to Soulard.   Load the family and a picnic lunch in the Ford Escape, or sample the wares of the market vendors.

OPEN YEAR ROUND
Wednesday-Saturday

Hours:
Wednesday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Soulard Market Office: 314-622-4180

      Grab the family and pile in the Ford.  Now head to downtown St. Louis where two blocks have been transformed into a breathtaking oasis and one of the coolest urban landscapes you will ever see.

      Framed by office towers, the two formerly vacant blocks have metamorphosed into Citygarden — a vibrant and serene blending of lush plantings and internationally renowned sculpture with delights of water, stone, architecture and design.

      Surrounded by no fences or gates, and with no admission fee, Citygarden is completely open and accessible to the public 365 days a year. There is nothing quite like it in the downtown of any American city. 

      Citygarden features two dozen works of modern and contemporary sculpture by some of the world’s most highly regarded artists. They include Fernand Leger, Mark di Suvero, Keith Haring, Martin Puryear, Jim Dine, Tony Smith, and Aristide Maillol.

      The landscaping features imaginative uses of water and stone that play off of the region’s chief natural feature, its great rivers; Citygarden is in the shadow of the Gateway Arch and within walking distance of the Mississippi River. The landscaping also features diverse, lush plantings, selected and arranged both to complement the sculpture and to provide a beauty and power of their own. A strong emphasis on native plants and six rain gardens, among other features, locate the garden in the horticultural vanguard.

      In addition to its sculpture and magnificent plantings, the garden features remarkable hardscape, including a 550-foot long arcing limestone wall enclosing a large video wall for video art and movies; a glass-walled café; and a stunning, serpentine “meander wall” capped in polished granite. Its water features include a six-foot waterfall and a spray plaza, where 102 nozzles will shoot water as much as seven feet into the air in thousands of patterns and colors — and where children can play. 

      Citygarden is located in downtown St. Louis, between 8th Street to the east and 10th Street to the west, and Chestnut Street to the north and Market Street to the south.  Depending on when you visit parking can be tight, so maybe you should leave the Flex at home and bring the Ford Focus.

Welcome….come in and take a step back in time.

Inside Crown Candy Kitchen you will spot a vintage jukebox, Coca-Cola collectibles and the soda fountain.  There are old fashioned booths, fabulous treats and enough nostalgia to make you feel all warm and fuzzy.  The only thing missing is the back seat of a Ford Mustang.

Crown Candy Kitchen opened in 1913 and is one of St. Louis’ oldest and most popular son, George, took over the business and built it into the family favorite that it is today. attractions.  Harry Karandzieff and his best friend, Pete Jugaloff, brought their confectionary skills from Greece, a long with a dream of providing a friendly family environment as a backdrop for their delicious creations.  During the early 50’s Harry’s

Did you know that CCK makes their own chocolate?  Whether it’s for a weekly candy run, a stop to find goodies for the Christmas stockings, or a Valentine’s treat for your sweetheart, CCK has been satisfying the sweet tooth of St. Louisans for generations.

Besides the soda fountain and fabulous candy, CCK serves great food for lunch and dinner.  Whether you’re in the mood for a thick stacked sandwich, warm satisfying chili, a giant gourmet frank or a salad with soup, CCK is ready to prepare a fresh meal to feed the hungriest appetite.

Be sure to leave room for dessert, because nobody leaves CCK without diving in to one of the world-renowned sweets.  Maybe a Butterscotch Malted, a Chocolate Phosphate or a double yummy sundae!

And don’t forget the loved ones.  All candy, desserts and souvenirs can be packaged for take-out.

CCK is located on St. Louis Avenue in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.

Crown Candy Kitchen
1401 St. Louis Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63106
314-621-9650

I hope you have a large Ford – maybe an Explorer, Expedition or a Flex – because friends, family and neighbors are all going to want to pile in the car and join you in a fabulous, fun visit to Crown Candy Kitchen.

On Memorial Day, the Saint Louis Symphony Volunteer Association presents Gypsy Caravan for the 36th straight year. A city within a city is created for up to 25,000 shoppers eager to find bargains and unique treasures galore when one of the Midwest’s largest antique, craft and flea markets takes place on the University of Missouri – St. Louis campus.

Come to the University campus to join the center of all the activity. Located just off of I-70 and I-170 in north St. Louis County.  This annual event has wonderful visibility, ample public parking for the family Ford.

The area will be transformed as vendors display their wares. Because Gypsy Caravan is a
nationally recognized fair, featuring vendors come from a number of states and offer everything from trinkets to treasures, birdhouses to bureaus. It’s an incredible selection of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, fashions, crafts and much more. Something is bound to catch your eye, capture your heart or whet your appetite. Delicious food and beverages are also a part of the event and refresh those who spend part of the holiday with us.

This shopper’s paradise is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm rain or shine. The proceeds benefit the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony’s education and community programs.  These programs reach thousands of young people each year.

From I-70, take Exit 240, and head your Ford South on Florissant Rd.

Parking is available by turning right on to University Place Drive, then left on
Mark Twain Drive and then right on West Drive; or continue south on Florissant
Road, turn west on Bellerive Dr. and at top of hill, turn left into the first parking
garage.

From I-170, take Exit 6, and head your Ford East on Natural Bridge Road for one mile.

Parking is available on both the north and south campuses. Handicap parking will
be available off University Drive.

You probably should clean out the trunk of your Taurus, fold down the seats in the Focus or borrow someone’s Expedition, because you are going to want plenty of available space to load up the treasures you are going to find.

Pack a picnic lunch.  Pile the kids in the Ford. Spring is in the air and it’s time to head out for a day of adventure at Grant’s Farm.

There are many exciting animal encounters possible at Grant's Farm, the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, located just south of the city of St. Louis. The Farm is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 100 different species from six continents. Grant's Farm, operated by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., has been a St. Louis tradition for over five decades. More than 24 million guests have visited this popular family attraction during its history.

The Farm takes its name from our 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. In the 1850s, Grant founded and farmed a portion of the 281 acres. Today, this land is home to Grant's Farm and is preserved as a living symbol of the Busch family's love for animals and Anheuser-Busch's commitment to wildlife conservation and preservation. Admission to Grant's Farm is free to all ages. Reservations are not required.

Deer Park is home to a variety of exotic animal species from around the world, including Bison from North America ,Black Buck Antelope from Europe, Red Deer from Asia andEurope, Zebra from Africa and more!

The wildlife, including animals from the six of the seven continents around the world, is free to roam throughout this natural setting of Deer Park.

Throughout the tour of Deer Park, guests will find several beautiful lakes such as Mirror Lake. Fan-tailed goldfish and brilliant orange and white Japanese Koi are found in these lakes. Koi have been known to grow up to five feet in length and live to be 150 years old.

The Budweiser Clydesdale Stables are home to approximately 35 Clydesdale mares, stallions and foals. Anheuser-Busch has one of the world's largest herds of Clydesdale horses and owns approximately 250 nationwide.

Admission to Grant's Farm, tram rides and all shows is complimentary, but, alas, you must pay for parking.

 Parking fees:
* $11 per vehicle (yes, even Ford drivers must pay up)
* $30 for buses
* $40 for a season parking

Call now and reserve your Private Expedition! This unique experience provides an adventure guests won't forget. The Grant’s Farm Private Expedition includes a ride in an open air vehicle through the Deer Park with up close feeding experience with animals and fish. Visit the Clydesdale stables.  A group photograph for each member of your tour, two parking passes, soda and water are also provided. Call (314) 843-1700 for reservations and more information.