Weekend Guide: St. Louis Fashion

Saint Louis, Missouri lies along the western shore of the Mississippi River with a growing skyline that includes the landmark Gateway Arch. Just a five hour drive from Chicago, Saint Louis shares many of the same features of the metropolis—unique food, avid sports fans and an easy public transportation system.

Fill up on gooey butter cake, thin-crust pizza and toasted ravioli at local bakeries and pizza places. Thanks to the Busch family, Saint Louis is also known for Busch and Budweiser beer. Families can say hello to the Budweiser Clydesdales and Bison at Grant's Farm. Those 21 and over may tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery facilities and learn about the history of prohibition and sample some brews as well. Or just grab tickets to a Cardinals game at the new Busch Stadium downtown.

The city's light rail system, MetroLink, turns 20 in 2010, its youth evident in both its cleanliness and its continual expansion. For now, the rail sprawls in two branches pointing north and south, meeting just east of the Delmar Loop, one stop along the MetroLink. Visit the Loop, rapper Nelly's stomping grounds in University City, which includes several blocks of shopping, bars and restaurants, street performers and concert venues.

The district is named after Pierre Laclede, the man who founded St. Louis. Amuse yourself by walking on the cobblestone streets or, if you are feeling bold, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the view of the riverboat casinos on the Mississippi. There are several restaurants to choose from, and when the weather permits, you can dine outside and listen to the street musicians. Partake in a dinner theater show at the Royal Dumpe, which is actually a lot better than the name implies.

The St. Louis garment district has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Among the businesses that have thrived here throughout the past 180 years are many new studios, galleries and cafes. Some buildings have been rehabbed as loft apartments. The loft district, as it is known, is home to many artists who have made their livings from the very buildings that once housed garment plants. These historic buildings now serve well both as studio lofts and as homes to families. The loft district is worth a visit from travelers.

Not just any ordinary jewelry store. The owners of this trinket depot made it a point to hand-pick designers from all over the nation who take pride in the artistry of every piece they craft. Many designers hail locally. The various ornaments found at Charm Boutique are one-of-a-kind: poppi rings, hammered necklaces, sterling silverwork, gold, precious gem bracelets with multiple rings—the type of stuff one would expect to find in a museum. Prices range from modest to extravagant, but something can be found to fit any budget. Turn your body into a masterpiece, or just have a look around. - Cathryn D. Blue

The Dubliner is a genuine gastropub serving Irish food. They use traditional Irish ingredients with items like lamb, chicken, vegetables and fruits. You can organize parties and events for your guests at their private party rooms, and enjoy a game of darts or pool, over a pint of beer. The first floor of Dubliner is the event space, that can accommodate up to 60 guests for dinners, birthdays, business meetings etc. The Leinster Room, with a mezzanine floor, can accommodate up to 100 people and could possibly be the place for your cocktail party, concert or theater.

Part of the bustling downtown Washington Avenue scene, the giant pink flamingo on the marquee attracts bowlers and club hoppers. Pink neon lights and a psychedelic décor create a trendy and exciting atmosphere, with exotic cocktails that reflect the tropical motif. Kids under 18 are welcome with adults until 9pm. After that, the under 21-ers have to leave and the “grown folks' party” begins. The bar menu not only has exquisite beverages, but also a more extensive selection of food than other bowling alleys: wraps, sandwiches, and of course, the bowling alley favorite, nachos. Even non-bowlers have a blast in this prime alternative to the night club.

Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Bringing new cachet to the downtown riverscape, Four Seasons rises just steps from the Laclede's Landing entertainment district. Enjoy unrivalled access to stadium sports and the Lumiere Place Casino, right downstairs. Then escape into Four Seasons tranquility where views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi are as big as the Midwestern sky. Opening early 2008. Now confirming reservations for arrival from March 1, 2008.

Sensational. Sophisticated. Chic. Gather for a drink in our atrium lobby bar, set beneath our exquisite four-story waterfall. Work on our high-speed Wi-Fi network or in our 24-hour business center. Rest atop our exclusive, signature pillow-top mattresses, decorated with plush Italian duvets and the finest 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. Relax in one of our 295 suites, each featuring two flat panel TVs, I Pod docking stations, refreshment centers, and upscale amenities from Wolfgang Puck and Gilchrest & Soames. Revitalize with our large, indoor pool, fitness center, and on our sunning deck. Experience HOTELUMIERE, the all-new, all-suite hotel at Lumiere Place, just seconds from downtown and the famous Gateway Arch.Sophisticated style meets contemporary Midwestern charm in our oversized King Suites, which have separate parlor and sleeping rooms. Ranging from 450 to 500 square feet, you will have more than enough room to rest and relax after an exciting day experiencing Lumiere Place and the Gateway City. Featuring views of the Mississippi River, the downtown skyline, or the Gateway Arch, all of our suites include two flat panel TVs, iPod docking stations, Wi Fi internet access, refreshment centers, Wolfgang Puck and Gilchrest & Soames amenities, as well as two of our signature king-size Pinnacle Bed. After rejuvenating with our plush, pillow-top mattress, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, fine terry robes, and imported Italian duvets, you may never want to leave. Pets are not allowed in the property. Experience HOTELUMIERE, the all-new, all-suite hotel at Lumiere Place, located in downtown St. Louis Missouri and just moments from the famous Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium home of the St. Louis Cardinals, Edward Jones Dome home of the St. Louis Rams and America's Center.