Considerable standing and walking in neighborhoods and Cathedral Basilica.
Breakfast buffet at hotel.
Meet in Room 134 at 8:00 am where guide, Melanie Harvey will outline and describe the day's journey. Once we board the bus, our first stop will be the historic Old Courthouse, site of the Dred Scott Trial. We will experience a bus tour with Melanie of various St. Louis landmarks and ethnic neighborhoods both then and now; Union Station, City Museum, City Garden, Soulard Market and its historic neighborhood, St. Louis Arsenal, Lemp Mansion & Brewery, DeMenil Mansion, a walking tour of Lafayette Square neighborhood with its grand "Painted Ladies" and unique neighborhood park. Experience some of the old neighborhoods as you learn the importance of German, Irish and Italian immigrants and their significance on the development of St. Louis. Study the various architectural influences on the Midwest.
Enjoy lunch on the "Hill", and maybe even try your hand at Bocce Ball at Milo's Bocce Garden. After lunch, enjoy an authentic Italian Gelato or an Italian pastry at nearby shops for dessert.
Field study on the St. Louis Hill. This unique neighborhood/area remains primarily an Italian-American neighborhood. It was established in the late 19th century when immigrants were attracted by jobs in nearby plants created to exploit the local clay for brick making. Baseball greats Yogi Berra and broadcaster Joe Garagiola Sr. grew up on the Hill, along with other sports notables. Field trip to the new St. Louis Cathedral Basilica where the largest collection of mosaics in the world is housed in one place. Study the architectural design of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, where east meets west.
We are encouraged to pick up a free beverage (beer, wine, some mixed drinks, or soft drink) from the Drury Plaza Hotel’s happy hour also called “Kick-Back” (5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) which includes complimentary appetizers. We will enjoy a pre-selected, plated dinner from the restaurant at the Hotel.
Meet me at the fair! Enjoy a presentation on the sights, sounds, and discoveries of the 1904 World's Fair, held in St. Louis.