The tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere, the Gateway Arch stands as a 630-foot memorial to America's westward expansion. Symbolizing the city of St. Louis and featuring a bird's-eye-view of the city and the Mississippi River, the Arch is an international tourist destination that attracts more than 4 million visitors each year.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Gateway Arch
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which includes the Arch, doesn't have its own parking facilities. Street parking near the monument is available but limited. Several parking garages and lots, however, are situated within a 2-block radius.
The easiest way to access the Arch is via the Metrolink. Exit the train at the Laclede's Landing Station, a stone's throw from the Arch.
Best and Worst Times to Go to the Gateway Arch
The general rule is, the nicer it is outside, the busier the Arch will be. On summer days when the Cardinals are in town, the Arch is especially busy.
On weekday mornings during the spring and fall months, the Arch is usually filled with groups of school kids. To avoid large crowds and long waits, plan your visit for the late afternoon hours - near rush hour - when the school groups have departed for the day. Or else visit during the less crowded winter months.
Admission to the Gateway Arch
A ticket to the observation area at the top of the Arch goes for around 10 bucks. Tickets for children 15 and under are available in the $5 range. Discounted group rates are available for groups of 20 or more.
Must See/Do at the Gateway Arch
The "Journey to the Top" – Featuring enclosed trams that swing back and forth like Ferris wheel cars as they ascend, the voyage to the top is as memorable as the views once you get there.
The Old Courthouse – Not just a place to buy your Arch tickets, this historic structure (where the Dred Scott case was heard) features restored courtrooms and history galleries.
Food at the Gateway Arch
The Arch View Café, located on the riverfront dock beside the Arch, features casual fare in the $10-and-under range. There are no eateries inside the Arch, but dozens of restaurants located within walking distance.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Gateway Arch
Especially during the spring and summer months, the Arch sometimes sells out of tickets to the top. Order online or call in advance to save your spot.
Author's Bio: Marcus Whelchel lives, writes, and romps in St. Louis with his wife, daughter and endless stream of weird thoughts.
Boulevard Brewing Company, also known as "Kansas City's Pride," annually brews 600,000 barrels of craft beers. Several tour options of the brewing facility are available. Valid ID required. The Tasting Room is open to the public every day, serving a complete selection of Kansas City's hometown beers.
Tours at Boulevard Brewing Company
Three types of staff-led tours are offered:
Free public tours
Walk through the production facility in this 40-minute tour that covers the company's history, philosophy and brewing process. End up in the Tasting Room for samples of Boulevard beers.
On Monday and Tuesday tours start at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Wednesday, they start at 12:30 p.m. and 2 pm. Friday tours start at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. On Saturday tours start every 45 minutes beginning at 10:15 a.m. Sunday tours start at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Smokestack tours
Smokestack tours feature the equipment and processes for making Smokestack Series beers, as well as the inspiration behind them. The tours end with guided tasting sessions that also include advice on which beers go best with which foods. Visitors on these 90-minute tours must be at least 21 years of age, wear close-toed shoes, be able to climb three flights of stairs without help and sign a release. Tours start at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Unfiltered tour
Unfiltered tours are last an hour and a half and are limited to 20 visitors and start on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The tours take visitors to areas of the brewery not allowed on public or smokestack tours. Taste a variety of beers along the way and receive a token of appreciation from the company. Visitors on these 90-minute tours must be at least 21 years of age, wear close-toed shoes, be able to climb three flights of stairs without help and sign a release.
When to go to the Boulevard Brewing Company
Weekends are the most crowded, and tours fill fast.
Admission to the Boulevard Brewing Company
Public tours are free. The Smokestack and Unfiltered tours cost $20 each. Admission to the Tasting Room is $5, which includes four 4-ounce samples of year-round and seasonal beers, Smokestack brews, and sometimes test beers. Visitors younger than 21 are allowed only on the public tour, and no samples are offered to them.
How to get to the Boulevard Brewing Company
The brewery is on the east side of Southwest Blvd. There's plenty of parking in front.
Food at the Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company has no on-site restaurant, but there are lots of restaurants on Southwest Boulevard within a mile of the brewery.
Insider tip for visitors to the Boulevard Brewing Company
Free first-come, first-served tickets for public tours go on sale at 10 a.m. daily for that day only. They go fast, so get there early. Reservations for the Smokestack and Unfiltered tours open on the first Monday of the previous month. They fill up fast, so book early. If you can't get a tour, visit the Tasting Room for a chance to sample some of the beers.
Author bio: Mary-Lane Kamberg is a professional writer and editor and a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area.
