The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the most spectacular conservation organizations in the world. It’s always a wonderful place to visit, but during the holiday season there are special events for everyone.
***Christmas Carols in the Garden
You’ll find Santa in his sleigh (he leaves his classic used Ford cars in the garage for the season), there will be musicians and carolers, families can enjoy roasted chestnuts—it’s all part
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. (Drive the SUV or truck so you can load up with goodies!) The Etc. Senior Theater Company will perform “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas at Tower Grove House both days on-the-hour from 1–4 p.m.
You will want to be sure to check out the special display of gingerbread houses.
Regular Garden admission rates apply. Garden members are admitted free.
Saturday-Sunday, December 12 13, 1 to 5 p.m.
***Holiday Trimmings at the Kemper Center
Saturday, December 5– Sunday, January 3, 2010, regular Garden hours
You must come see the stunning 15-foot live balsam fir in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening featuring creative decorations made from gourds and other natural materials grown in the Garden. This year’s theme is inspired by the Garden, with gourds decorated in honor of their 150th anniversary.
***Kwanzaa, December 30
Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday that derives its name from the Swahili term matunda ya kwanza, meaning “fruits of the harvest.” This annual event honors African traditions and history, celebrating the harvest feast before the dry season. You will be dazzled by the display of fruits, vegetables, and grains overflowing on the Garden’s feast table..
Kwanzaa Ceremony, 12:00 p.m. and 3 p.m.
This ceremony will explain the holiday’s origins as one symbolic candle on the kinara is lit for each principle. Immediately following each ceremony, storyteller Janice “Mama” Katambwa will use costumes and percussion instruments to relay African tales.
There’s a reason it’s called the Fabulous Fox. It’s is an architectural marvel with stunning artisan detail and thrilling craftsmanship. The Fox first opened its doors in 1929 and became a world class show house.
Throughout the years, the Fabulous Fox, combining stage and screen shows, has been a showcase for movie premieres, great stage attractions, special events, and many of the famous personalities of show business.
Musical groups as diverse as the Spike Jones Band, the Grateful Dead, and Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention have played on the Fox stage, providing St. Louis with entertainment across a broad spectrum.
This time of year is no exception. Two popular Christmas shows are playing much to the delight of theatre audiences. Here are the details.
A Christmas Carol, December 10-13, 2009
A St. Louis tradition, Charles Dickens’ classic tale brings the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas to the Fox with this inspiring story and heartwarming treat for the whole family. In an era long before you could ride in certified used Ford cars, Ebenezer Scrooge travels throughout Victorian London to learn that giving brings greater happiness than receiving.
Performances:
Thurs. – Fri. 7:30 pm
Sat. 2 & 7:30 pm
Sun. 1 & 6 pm
Irving Berlin's White Christmas, December 15-27, 2009
This is a delightful new show that's as fresh and rare as crisp fallen snow! In a timeless holiday fashion, White Christmas comes to the stage at last, as a dazzling musical direct from Broadway. You’ll delight to such Berlin hits as Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean and, of course, the unforgettable title song. White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their dream girls along the way. This is a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family, so pack them into the Chevy Avalanche and head down to the Grand Arts District.
Performances:
Tues. – Fri. 8pm
Sat. 2 & 8pm
Sun. 2 & 7:30 pm
Mon. Dec. 21 at 8 pm &
Thurs. Dec. 24 at 1pm
Alton, Illinois is known throughout the Midwest as one of America's great river towns. Visitors come to view historic homes, enjoy great shopping and appreciate the diverse industry. Alton is also famous for “Antique Row” where you will find more than fifty antique and gift stores. After a busy day of shopping and sight seeing, you can relax at a charming bed and breakfast offering cozy comfort.
During the holiday season, the Alton area is not to be out done by the winter festivities hosted in neighboring St. Louis. They offer their own Christmas Wonderland with three million lights twinkling and lighting up lovely Rock Springs Park. This dazzling attraction is open from November 27 through December 27.
This wonderland display captivates visitors with the cascading waterfalls, spectacular lighted trees and numerous holiday scenes. There’s even an enchanted forest where you can talk with Santa and feed animals at the petting zoo.
Visitors switch off their headlights and let the bright lights guide them through the magical scenes. If you don’t have a vehicle to drive through the park, your Ford Dealer will be happy to put you in the car or truck of your choice. Or if you want to make it a really special outing, you can take a horse drawn carriage ride through the park.
For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call 1-800-258-6645.
HOURS:
Monday through Friday
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
ADMISSION:
$7 for cars and small vans
$1 per person for 10+ passenger vehicles
Directions: Take Route 3 to IL Rt. 140. Go west on Rte. 140, College Ave., through two traffic lights and three stop signs to Washington Avenue. Rock Spring Park is located three blocks west of Washington Avenue on College Avenue.
Historic Kimmswick, located about an hour south of St. Louis, Missouri, recently received the distinction of being named one of the Top 100 Small Town Getaways by Midwest Living Magazine. The quaint community was also recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Jump into your favorite Ford and you can be eating pie at The Blue Owl before you know it.
Visiting Kimmswick is a step back to the more languid days of the 1800's, when a horse and buggy was more common than an SUV and none of the Ford cars had been invented. You can stroll through a handsome town with many one-of-a-kind shops that will tempt you with their wares. The cordial atmosphere of the restaurants will take you back to another era. If you want to stay the night, choose from a lovely bed and breakfast or charming guest house.
Read about Kimmswick, MO in an article on StlToday.com. In this article Mary Hostetter, owner of The Blue Owl, shares her recipe for her scrumptious German Chocolate Pie. Bottom of Form
With more than twenty five shops and restaurants already thriving, Kimmswick continues to blossom adding more establishments all the time.
There are also several attractions that will be entertaining for the entire family. Everyone now has the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the historic Anheuser Estate. The celebrated home and museum is open for tours once a week. The 23-acre estate is open every Thursday from noon to 4:00pm for walk-ins, including groups and individuals. Admission is $5 per person all proceeds from the tours are placed in the Anheuser trust fund and used property maintenance.
The folks in Kimmswick also get into the Christmas spirit with a number of holiday events. Visitors can attend the Old Fashioned Christmas Festival, the Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes, Girlfriends Shopping Day, Mrs. Claus’ Children’s Workshop and dinner and breakfast with Santa.
From St. Louis, take I-55 and head the car or truck south to exit 186 at Imperial/Kimmswick.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows offers a serene setting with more than two hundred gorgeously landscaped acres and terrific amenities. Over one million visitors come to Belleville, Illinois each year to walk the grounds of Shrine. Located just east of St. Louis, Missouri, it’s an easy drive for any of the lineup of
Special activities at the Shrine or even a simple dinner is a memorable event. The Shrine conference facility is host to wedding receptions, business meetings, banquets, and special celebrations. The Shrine Restaurant is one of the most family friendly St. Louis establishments. A full children's menu at affordable prices make dining here a pleasure for parents and their children.
The Shrine also offers one of the most unique gift shops in the area. This store carries a full line of gifts for occasions such as Confirmation, First Holy Communion celebration, or wedding receptions.
While a visit to the Shrine is a treat any time, during the holidays you will especially enjoy the 40th Annual Way of Lights. It’s a blazing, shimmering celebration of the season that your family will remember for many years.
An Evening of Fun for the Entire Family!
November 20 - January 3, 2010
5 - 9 P.M. - Indoor Activities
5 - 10 P.M. - Outdoor Lights
On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve/Day the activities will be closed
but please enjoy a drive through the light display.
Drive through 1 1/2 miles of breathtaking displays of over one million lights which focuses on the birthday of the baby Jesus with sparkling lights, electro-art sculptures and creative displays,
There is also a Children’s Village which will delight kids of all ages. A bountiful wreath display has been created by area florists and designers, with bids being accepted throughout the season. Or you can enjoy the lights from a private horse drawn carriage.
From Downtown St. Louis, MO: Take I-64 east across the Poplar St. Bridge to I-255 south, take I-255 south to IL State Highway 15 east (exit 17A), go 1 mile & Shrine is at the top of the hill on the right-hand side (15 minutes from downtown St. Louis).
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.
