St. Louis offers some of the best seasonal lights displays in the country, all of which are within convenient driving distance from the downtown area. So make a jug of hot cocoa, pile the family in the Ford Flex, or the economical Ford Focus wagon, and hit the road in search of seasonal delights.
Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo
Some people don't think of the St. Louis Zoo as a place to go in the winter months, but during the holiday season, the Zoo hosts an annual event called "Wild Lights." The lights run from the South Gate entrance of the Zoo past the Lakeside Café up to the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, a ride which contains hand-carved representations of protected and endangered species. Visitors also can view animal light sculptures at the Emerson's Children's Zoo, which is located within the Zoo complex.
Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo is open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., December 7 through December 30 (Wild Lights will be closed on December 24 and 25).
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows: Way of Lights (Belleville, Illinois)
Each year, St. Louis residents make the drive into Illinois to view the Way of Lights, an annual event that features indoor and outdoor activities at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Using over a million lights, this display tells the story of Mary and Joseph's long journey to Bethlehem from November 15 through January 6, 2008. Best viewed in your warm Ford Vehicle, the Way of Lights is free to the public, but donations will be accepted to support the charitable works of the Shrine.
In addition to the free Children's Village, the Shrine also has a laser show this year that tells the Nativity story through light and sound.
Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park
Preparing for its 22nd year of operation, the Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park in St. Louis County features one of the most impressive displays of lights in the area. Visitors can use their own vehicle to see the display or reserve a horse-drawn carriage through Metrotix. On Saturday evening, only carriage rides are permitted within the park. The Winter Wonderland is open Wednesday, November 21 (the day before Thanksgiving) through Tuesday, January 1 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., but the display is closed Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Hopefully this holiday season will find you merry and bright. As you visit the local light displays, please buckle up and drive safely.
The Jewel Box is open after a $3.5 million renovation and it "glows" again. The glass panes have been repaired and cleaned so the Jewel Box is once again the "jewel" of centrally located Forest Park - making it an easy drive for you, the family and the family Ford.
And the jewel is bright with hundreds of flowers. The permanent floral displays are supplemented with seasonal flowers from the city's greenhouses grown and planted by the Flora Conservancy of Forest Park, the volunteer gardening group, and the Horticulture Section of the Parks Division.
The Jewel Box is open: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $1 but it is free from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday. The Christmas display is currently available for viewing.
The renovation included removing all of the old plants and trees and reconfiguring the planting areas to the sides of the building, leaving the interior free.
Gone are the trees that climbed to the top of the building, obscuring the light. Now the Jewel Box is flooded with sunlight that pours in through the top tiers of glass and illuminates the plants below.
The interior area includes a large fountain and water feature that can be removed for weddings and other events. Large pots line both sides of the pond and baskets of plants hang from the ceiling.
The renovation of the Jewel Box included replacing the mechanical systems, improving the floral display area and adding a catering area so the building can be rented for wedding receptions, corporate meetings and parties. There is a new heating and air conditioning system so it will be comfortable inside in the coldest and hottest weather.
The Jewel Box, located on a 17-acre site in Forest Park, was built by the City of St. Louis in 1936 and is operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry. It provides a perfect backdrop if you want to take classy pictures of your classic Ford.
Pile the family in the Ford Explorer, because the kids are going to want to explore The Saint Louis Science Center's James S. McDonnell Planetarium -- one of the nation's leading space education facilities. It features the unique Boeing Space Station, with two fabulous levels of exhibits that incorporate scientific research, illustrating the future of space travel.
The Orthwein StarBay has several lab areas, including the SBC Learning Center, that give visitors a glimpse of what it's like to live and work on the International Space Station. In the Crew Quarters see how dwellers eat, exercise, sleep and dress in space, as well as how medical needs and the stations internal and external environments are maintained.
The StarBay's most amazing feature is the central open area dominated by the Zeiss Planetarium Model IX which projects more than 9,000 stars onto an 80-foot dome creating a brilliant star field. Visitors can look up and see what the actual night sky would look like without the interference of weather, pollution, or city lights. Special features allow Planetarium staff to demonstrate eclipses, meteor showers and other celestial phenomena. The immensity and clarity of the view creates a sense of wonder and stimulates the imagination.
The StarBridge, located on the highest level, focuses on the navigation and operations essential for life in space. Exhibits demonstrate the roles that communication, astronomical research, power and exploration will play in maintaining a space station. And don't miss the full size replica of the X PRIZE winning spaceship, SpaceShipOne now on display in Holekamp Family SkyPort.
The James S. McDonnell Planetarium has activities and events for all ages. Check out their website for a calendar of what's coming up
.
When you leave the Planetarium, you are going to be tempted to drive the Ford like you are flying a spaceship, but keep the Taurus and the Focus on the asphalt for a safe approach to home.
Hopefully you are aware of the wonderful attraction that is located in South St. Louis – the Missouri Botanical Garden. Founded in 1859, it is the nation's oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark.
The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw's original 1850 estate home, and one of the world's largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.
The year 2009 marks the Garden’s sesquicentennial anniversary. For over 150 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun—and also a center for education, science, and conservation.
The Garden is beautiful at all times of the year, and the coming holiday season offers even more reasons to come for a visit. Pile Grandma and the kids into your spacious Ford Expedition and experience first hand the beauty of this local landmark.
Gardenland Express: Wednesday, November 26–Sunday, January 4, 2009
One of St. Louis’s most beloved holiday traditions returns with Gardenland Express, the Garden’s annual holiday flower and train show. Be swept away to a wintery wonderland in the mountains of Vermont.
Tiny villages, ski resorts, and covered bridges dot the living landscape of dwarf conifers, evergreens, succulents, and moss. Eight G-scale model trains chug through the scenery surrounded by hundreds of colorful poinsettias and seasonal flowers.
Gardenland Express is a temporary installation, created fresh each year by the Garden’s talented team of horticulturists and volunteers.
Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House - All throughout December
Tower Grove House, the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw will be decorated with wreaths, garlands, floral centerpieces, greenery and a holiday tree the month of December.
Christmas Carols in the Garden - December 13 – 1 4
Santa in his sleigh, musicians and carolers, and roasting chestnuts—it’s all part of this celebration of the sounds of the season.
Five choirs, a brass ensemble, a jazz combo, and a harpist will perform throughout Garden grounds. Mulled cider, hot chocolate, and cookies will be available for purchase, and the Garden Gate Shop will be open for holiday shopping. Leave the Focus at home and bring the Ford SUV, because you are going to want to load up on the fabulous gifts you will find for everyone in the family.
Our first stop was at Mount Pleasant Winery. Founded in 1859, Mount Pleasant is located right in the city center at the top of a bluff, overlooking a vast plain where the Missouri River once roared. The only winery that charges for admittance ($5), Mount Pleasant has a nice patio where tables and chairs encircle a cobblestone “dance floor” where a jazzy combo plays all day long. Mount Pleasant offers your standard cheese and sausage platters, but there’s also a grill for warm sandwiches. A popular destination for weddings, this winery offers a variety of amenities. And if you have a nifty Ford sport wagon, you can load it up with a case of Norton wine.
Next up was a short drive down the winding scenic roads to Montelle Winery. Founded in 1970, Montelle has the best views, hands down, of any Missouri winery. With three staggered levels, surrounded by trees, there is plenty to see here. Overlooking a beautiful valley, you have a great 180 degree view of the Augusta countryside. However, if it’s sun you’re looking for, there’s an open hillside with picnic tables and room for blankets, that’ll get you a tan on a bright day. The Klondike Café offers some real food options. With gourmet sandwiches, salads and pizzas... the place might be worth a visit for the food and sights alone, but everyone knows the real reason to come out here and that’s wine, and plenty of it.
Now wine isn’t your only option in Augusta. If vino isn’t your thing, drive down to the bottoms where you will find the Augusta Brewing Co., a tucked-away microbrew and beer garden located right off the Katy Trail. The place is minimalist, with a small, open shack with your bar and a few tables to sit, and a tent set up to house a live band and more tables. Other than that, it’s wide open – sort of like being out on the farm. Tables are set up, staggered, and the key is to really get back to nature and drink some beer. The two go hand and hand, and perfectly so here.
At the end of a fun wine country day, be sure to do the responsible thing. Give the keys to the Ford car to your designated driver before heading back to the city.
St. Louis offers something – many things -- for whole family… animal encounters, a trip to the moon and more. Sure,
lots of cities claim to be "family-friendly" or "kid-centric," but St. Louis means it. Fuel up the Ford truck because you are going to be zipping all over town.
Not only are there plenty of activities and attractions that are geared toward kids of all ages, but many of those attractions are free, which makes St. Louis a budget-friendly destination for families. Some of the city’s most popular attractions offer free admission, including the Saint Louis Science Center, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Grant’s Farm, Saint Louis Zoo, Purina Farms, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour.
There are also a lot of places to go where the kids can interact with the exhibits and use up some of that excess energy. Plus, they’ll probably learn a lot in the process. Pile all the Cub Scouts into the Ford SUV and give them the opportunity to earn a merit badge through one of the attractions’ education programs.
St. Louis also has a variety of activities that serve as destinations in themselves, such as the Six Flags St. Louis theme park or Steinberg Rink in Forest Park. Plus, there are plenty of indoor activities like the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis for those days when the weather isn’t necessarily cooperating.
In fact, Zagat’s U.S. Family Travel Guide calls The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum the top attraction for kids in the United States. Other St. Louis attractions praised in the guide include the Saint Louis Science Center, Purina Farms, City Museum, Butterfly House and Missouri Botanical Garden.
When the crew gets hungry, there’s an abundance of restaurants that cater to taste buds in all stages of development. There are hundreds of one-of-a-kind eateries, which range from quick and casual to fine dining.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take your family in your Ford vehicle for a day of fun and learning, look no further than your local St. Louis Zoo.
The St. Louis Zoo is a state of the art biopark. It is also home for over 3,000 animals. There are several different areas of the zoo, each with its own interesting exhibits.
River’s Edge is a thrilling exhibit where you’ll travel along a mythical river over four different continents. You’ll discover how animals, plants, and people interact with one another. This naturalistic environment showcases many different species from around the world. There are baby Asian elephants, hippos, rhinos, and many other exotic animals.
The Wild features a number of animals from a variety of climates, from the polar icecaps to the tropical rainforests. You’ll see bears, penguins, puffins, chimpanzees, apes, gorillas and a host of other climbing and swimming animals.
Discovery Corner is the pet friendly section of the St. Louis Zoo. At Discovery corner, children can pet friendly animals such as goats and rabbits. You can also see butterflies, and interesting amphibians.
Historic Hill is one of the oldest parts of the entire zoo. You’ll see the historic 1904 flight cage, and you’ll find the primate house, full of monkeys and lemurs. During the summer, you can see Sea lions, and the Herpetarium has reptiles and amphibians of all types.
Red Rocks is the place to find the most powerful predators in the world, as well as some of their prey. You’ll see tigers, giraffes, lions, and zebra, all sharing the rocky territory. You’ll even find some birds among all of these mammals.
Lakeside Crossing is located at the south entrance of the zoo. Here, you’ll find gift shops and refreshments, as well as a relaxing grassy plaza where you can pass some time. You’ll also find the zoo ranger station, as well as information about zoo membership.
Check out your Hazlewood, MO Ford dealer to find the perfect Ford to bring you and your family to the St. Louis Zoo.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just driving through St. Louis in your Ford car or truck, there are plenty of interesting things to do while you’re here. St. Louis isn’t just about taking the ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, where you’ll tower 630 feet above the Mississippi River; there are plenty of other things to do and see.
Here are just a few things to pass the time while in St. Louis:
• Visit free attractions in St. Louis, such as the Missouri History Museum, Grant’s Farm, the Science Center, the Zoo, Anheiser-Busch Brewery, and the Art Museum.
• Take in a sporting event. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to watch the Cardinals play Major League Baseball, cheer on the National Football League’s Rams, or watch Hockey’s St. Louis Blues.
• Retrace the footsteps of Lewis & Clark. There are several historical sites inside of St. Louis connected to the pair of explorers.
• Stop and smell the flowers at the Missouri Botanical Garden. This is one of the world’s highest-rated public gardens, and truly a sight to behold.
• Test your luck at a casino. There are six casinos in the St. Louis area.
• Listen to live blues at one of the dozens of taverns and clubs that regularly feature St. Louis’ unique brand of blues music.
• Experience the arts at The Sheldon Concert Hall, Ballroom & Art Galleries. You can also check out Laumeier Sculpture Park, the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, and the Contemporary Art Museum.
• Soothe your hunger at one of the literally hundreds of restaurants in St. Louis.
• Teach your children and learn something yourself at the Challenger Learning Center or the Science Center’s Space Sciences Center.
• Hang out with the animals at the St. Louis Zoo, the World Bird Sanctuary, Purina Farms, and the Wild Canid Survival Center.
• Check out your Flourissant, MO Ford dealer to find the perfect Ford to fit your lifestyle.
Is there a more perfect way to travel than being behind the wheel of your new Ford truck? No, of course not. But sometimes you want to see the world from a different view and get some exercise and fresh air in at the same time. For you, St. Louis this summer has just the ticket.
For the fortieth straight year, Missourians are getting together for the Moonlight Ramble, a mysterious and legendary bike ride that takes riders through all the best stops in St. Louis. Every year this celebrated bike ride starts on the Saturday closest to the full moon, and you don’t get on the bikes until after midnight. The route is never disclosed in advance, and the ride is shrouded in secrecy. This event is a favorite among seasoned bike riders and newbies alike, and there are several who have ridden the course every year since the event’s inception.
This annual event attracts more than 10,000 riders all wearing commemorative t-shirts that naturally glow in the dark. There’s both a 10 mile and 20 mile option so everybody gets just the right amount of riding in. The event both begins and ends near Soldier’s Memorial Plaza at Market Street, and with 10,000 riders, you’ll find out where to go quickly enough.
Before the event, make sure to check out the entertainment offered by the radio sponsor and take a peek around vendor’s village. Local bike shops will be on site to offer quick repairs and parts at normal shop prices. All the money raised for the event goes to support local community projects.
If you want to spend some quality time with
the cyclist in your life, pack up the bikes in the back of your new Ford vehicle and head on over for the bike ride of your life. If you don't have a Ford vehicle, stop by your Ellisville area Ford dealer today.
While beer and driving don’t go hand in hand, there’s not much that’s more American than new Ford trucks and Budweiser. (Well, maybe apple pie.) If you’re looking for something to do in St. Louis this summer or you’ve got relatives coming in from out of town, think about taking your gang on a tour of the Anheuser Busch factory.
Surprisingly enough, a tour of the Budweiser and Anheuser Busch factories has something for almost anyone -- beer lovers, for sure, but tourists and even history buffs will be fascinated by what the factory has to offer. One of the most interesting things about the company’s history is their activities during Prohibition. To stay solvent -- and not rely on bootlegging -- they made more than 25 products that had nothing to do with alcohol, from ice cream and soda all the way to truck bodies! Find out about all this and more while taking an amble through the Repeal of Prohibition exhibit.
The Budweiser factory is about a lot more than just beer. You can see and learn about historical architecture, meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdales in their signature stables and learn about the advanced, state of the art brewing technologies that make Budweiser known worldwide.
At the end of your tour you’ll end up in the Hospitality Room where you can sample the whole range of Anheuser Busch products and maybe choose what you’ll be having with your steak tonight. Keep in mind that while the tour is open to visitors of all ages, you have to be over 21 to sample and obviously the samplers shouldn’t be the ones driving home.
When you’re done, grab some beer and bring
it back for a barbecue. You can fit a lot of Budweiser in the bed of a new Ford
truck. If you don't have a Ford truck yet, stop by your St. Louis area Ford dealer today!
