ST. LOUIS — For the second time in the span of one week, St. Louis has garnered national attention from another notable national news publication. Wednesday, The New York Times published an article as part of their Frugal Traveler column highlighting the Gateway City's approachable attitude.
Times contributor Lucas Peterson first made note of his stay in St. Louis with his stop at Lemon Gem Kitchen Goods off Manchester Avenue. The man behind the counter, Peterson said, was so welcoming and talkative that he took a seat and stayed to chat with the employee.
"I asked him what he liked about St. Louis and he said he once had a job that entailed a lot of travel, and that he always liked coming home. 'It's a great place to raise a family, the school in the county are good, and the real estate is reasonable.'"
For four days, Mr. Peterson stayed at an Airbnb in the Central West End, as well as a one-night stay at the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis. Both stays were affordable — $65 per night at the Airbnb, and $125 per night at the Magnolia Hotel — which came in handy alongside his commute on the MetroLink.
Peterson made pit stops at the Moolah Theater, Star Clipper, Broadway Oyster Bar, the Saint Louis Art Museum and yes, City Museum.
"It was a bit like 'The Muppet Show': Geared towards kids on the surface, but with plenty of oddities — sneering gargoyle sculptures, taxidermied animals, an abandoned school bus — random fascinating enough to keep adults entertained, too," wrote Peterson.
It was during a visit to the Delmar Loop that Peterson said the sights and sounds of both young families and college students milling around gave him the revelation that St. Louis is much more than just another Midwest city.
"There was so much to see and do — as much as a city twice its size — and all of it within easy reach."
And, in case you were wondering, Peterson may have had to plead the fifth on the taste of Imo's pizza.
"A decision I simultaneously savored and regretted," said Peterson in part. "It is, let's just say, an acquired taste."
