20 years ago, I was on traveling the Midwest in a van with three other musicians. We were performing at four colleges in Chicago, Kentucky, Iowa and Missouri. The first show was in Springfield, MO
Not a very memorable place, but I thought it was amusing that we went halfway across the country from one Springfield to another, and managed to drive through Springfield, Ohio in the proicess.
Also not very memorable.
On the other hand, we did manage to briefly stop in St. Louis just long enough to visit Gateway Arch National Park. That was pretty interesting, especially marveling at just how massive it is. I wanted to spend more time exploring the city, but we had to continue our drive to Springfield.
Standing on the banks of the Mississippi River, with the Gateway Arch behind me, I gazed up the Riverboat Casino Queen moored on the East St. Louis side. I was a fan of the Wilco song of the same title and wondered where it was located. Wonder no further.
Fast forward 20 years: My partner informed me that two of her friends are getting married in St. Louis, so now I had a chance to actually explore the city like I had hoped. Downtown has a poor reputation as far as safety, but what I've learned from visiting any city as an outsider is most every major downtown is fine during the day. If you are traveling at night on foot in a busy area you are generally fine, but be wary of your surroundings. The later in the evening, the more caution should be taken.
and nothing good happens after 2AM.
As far as food... the Pizza in St. Louis looks a little gross. I tolerated Chicago deep dish when I was there on tour 20 years ago, but I had eaten at UNO's a handful of times, so it wasn't a shock to eat what I likened to a casserole. St. Louis Pizza is the opposite. They don't used yeast, so it's a cracker thin crust, the sauce is extra oregano sweet, and the cheese is a some weird processed stuff caled Provel.
I'm not excited.
I'm all on board with the local BBQ however.
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