We Do the Lou

Monday, June 6, 2022

After breakfast, we set off for our reserved riverboat cruise. We parked and had some time before boarding to walk around the nicely designed and maintained park around the Gateway Arch. We boarded the Tom Sawyer which took us on a loop north on the Mississippi River, then south past our starting point and back north to dock. We had good views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis. The business of St. Louis and commercial importance of the river was evident. We watched tugs pushing barges (later we saw one managing 22 barges at once) and barges being filled from shore with grain and oil. Cars and trains moved along both sides of the river and crossed the river on numerous bridges. Add tourists like us to the mix and The Lou was quite a hub of activity. 

The Terminal for Our Mississippi River Cruise

Arch and Bridges from the Mississippi River

Another Arch Perspective

At the end of our river cruise, we quickly disembarked and hurried to make our appointment to take the tram up the Gateway Arch. We arrived in time to continue our explorations of the excellent museum. Then we masked up (mandatory) and waited, first in the tram entry line, then in groups according to assigned tram car (5 passengers/car) and then along the tram car loading platforms. Finally, we all wedged ourselves hunched over in the tight quarters of a small pod and were off to a sometimes jerky four-minute ride to the top where we disembarked and after climbing stairs, were allowed 10 minutes to observe the view below through rather small viewing windows. The ride itself was quite a unique experience and the views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River below were fantastic. 

After the tram ride, we were browsing through the gift store and ran into Suzanne and Vicki again. They had taken an earlier tram ride, eaten lunch and were waiting for their river cruise appointment. We chatted awhile before they needed to depart for their assigned boarding time.

Tram Car Loading Platforms

Inside a Cozy Tram Car

Busch Stadium from the Arch

The Old St. Louis Courthouse from the Arch

The Top of the Arch (note small viewing windows)

After discussing options for a late lunch, we decided to check out Union Station; it was a good choice. The former busy railroad station had been cleverly converted into a tasteful eating and entertainment center for locals and tourists alike. The roof was alternating strips allowing for shade but also outdoor plantings, a large koi pond, and outside dining and strolling areas. Plus, there were indoor restaurants, shops, the St. Louis Aquarium, a Hall of Mirrors and and a well-designed Rope Course (where we enjoyed watching the participants navigate various obstacles, sometimes tentatively and sometimes daringly). 

We devoured an excellent seafood meal with local beers at Landry’s Seafood Restaurant especially appreciating the coastal seafood in the middle of the country. Toward the end of our meal, flashes of fire began to appear on the pond outside the restaurant. Jane rushed outside to see the fire show which was set to music while I settled up the bill. We then casually wandered around Union Station appreciating all its offerings. And, we couldn’t refuse a ride on the St. Louis (Ferris) Wheel adjacent to the station. We got into our own enclosed and air-conditioned capsule and spun around six times delighting in The Lou View. After disembarking and driving away from Union Station, we saw Suzanne and Vicki on their way there, walking from their nearby hotel. We stopped and briefly chatted before wishing each other safe travels.

Union Station

We had a Late Lunch and Local Beers Here

Navigating a Section of the Rope Course

Roof of Union Station from the St. Louis Wheel

We then set out for the St. Louis Anheuser-Busch Brewery. We took an hour-long tour of the facilities that included free beer samples. It was interesting learning the brewery’s history, especially how it survived during the Prohibition Era then quickly flourished afterwards. The scale of the operation was impressive as was the strict adherence to the original recipe including the yeast strain and beechwood aging process.

“King of Beers”

Inside the Clydesdale’s Plush Stables

One of Several Historic Buildings still in Use by Anheuser-Busch

After the brewery tour, we returned to our motorhome where we had a light snack for supper and Jane watched a movie via the campground cable. I blogged, took a walk and called my brother-in-law, Tom, to wish him a happy birthday and also spoke with sister Lynn. We’re heading to bed soon anticipating a long drive tomorrow.