"The Lou" might be known best for its iconic arch, popular zoo and acclaimed art museum (the SLAM), but planners who scratch beneath the surface might be surprised by the city's true attractions—its distinctively different districts.
"Our neighborhoods define what St. Louis is all about," says Donna Andrews, public relations director for the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC). "They're colorful, energetic and just waiting to be explored, whether it's The Loop, Grand Center or one of the many other districts."
While the city officially has dozens of neighborhoods on tap, Meetings Focus has winnowed down the offerings to seven especially group-friendly districts.
The Hill
There's no doubt you've discovered the city's Italian quarters when exploring the colorful corner of St. Louis known as The Hill.
"Throughout its history, the Hill's staunchly Italian identity has been the glue that has held this neighborhood together," says Chris Sacarino, spokesman for the Hill Business Association. "While the Hill retains its historic ethnic character, it welcomes newcomers and visitors as a vital part of its continuity."
St. Lou's "Little Italy" brims with Italian dining spots and even fire hydrants painted in the iconic red, green and white of the Italian flag.
One particularly pleasant group possibility is hosting a dinner or event at Milo's Bocce Garden on Wilson Avenue. The establishment boasts a newly redesigned back room designated for private affairs and a bocce garden where groups can have some friendly competition—or watch some seasoned players in action during a league night. Another top choice for Italian fare is LoRusso's Cucina, with a traditional old-school setting and a private room hosting 60.
Grand Center
What the Hill is to Italian heritage, the Grand Center District is to performing arts and culture.
"The Grand Center District is an extraordinary environment infused with the excitement of artists and audiences meeting on common ground to create a community for all people and all the arts," says Michelle Stevens, director of marketing and grants for the district.
She adds that with almost 13,000 theater seats, 13 visual arts institutions, eight performance venues, five public media organizations and 40 not-for-profit cultural groups, there is something for every group.
The St. Louis CVC's Andrews says the district also boasts a "great nightlife," and groups should consider an outing to Powell Symphony Hall—home to the nation's second-oldest symphony orchestra—or one of the other fabulous venues in the area, such as the Fox Theater or The Sheldon, a historic concert hall showcasing substantial artistic creations as well.
Nightlife offerings range from the Double Apple Cafe and Hookah Lounge, a bastion of belly dancing and exotic pipe smoking, to Plush St. Louis, a three-tiered enclave of dancing and dining. PageBreak
Laclede's Landing
Laclede's Landing is a wonderful way to embrace the city's rich history, but the time-tested neighborhood is anything but staunch and boring.
"Laclede's Landing is a very unique part of St Louis in that this is where the city originated," says Emily Kochan, spokeswoman for the Laclede's Landing Merchants Association. "Century-old buildings and warehouses have been converted into delicious dining establishments and fun nightlife venues."
She adds that the district plays host to Missouri's longest-running blues event, the Big Muddy Blues Festival. It is also home to the Lumiere Place Casino, where attendees can try their luck at slots, table games and poker.
The cozy nine-block area definitely has a feel all its own, with cobblestoned streets, numerous trees and horse-drawn carriages evoking a simpler era. And it truly comes alive in the evening, with plenty of nightclubs and taverns, including the Big Bang on Second Street, a "dueling piano bar" where groups can really let their hair down and blow off some steam.
"Located on the Mississippi riverfront, only footsteps away from the iconic Gateway Arch, Laclede's Landing is a not-to-be missed destination," Kochan says.
The Loop
Part of the city's dynamic downtown, "The Loop" makes having enjoyable downtime a breeze.
"It's easy to navigate, a single strip with an eclectic restaurant mix—from Arabian to Mexican and more—plus little indie shops and fun places like Blueberry Hill, where Chuck Berry still plays regularly," says the St. Louis CVC's Andrews.
Among the highlights, she says, are the Tivoli, a restored 1920s theater; Nico, a Mediterranean restaurant with frequent live music; Fitz's, a retro-style restaurant with its signature root beer and other sodas bottled right on premises; and the Pageant, a hub of live music and entertainment.
The aforementioned Blueberry Hill is definitely worth a stop, even when the great Chuck Berry is not on premises. The lively restaurant and music club is loaded with cool rock and roll mementos, it serves up some deliciously casual cuisine, and it offers four private party rooms.
Even the lodging in The Loop has flair, with the boutique Moonrise Hotel serving as a hip event possibility, with 2,000 square feet of meeting space, a rooftop terrace bar and a rotating moon atop the structure. PageBreak
The MX
Also part of the city's extensive downtown, the recently created MX—a hip abbreviation for "Mercantile Exchange"—is a "robust conglomerate of little businesses, right next to the American Center," says the St. Louis CVC's Andrews.
The fresh and appealing new neighborhood offers a streetscape alive with outdoor cafes, fountains and public art, and its growing gamut of lures ranges from unique shopping at The Collective (a grouping of boutique retailers selling in one open space) to offbeat dining and entertainment at MX Movies. The cutting-edge theater allows viewers to enjoy a full dining menu and even adult beverages, using tablet technology to place orders from the comfort of their seats.
The MX is also working toward the opening of the National Blues Museum, slated to open sometime in 2014.
South Grand
For exotic global flavors, one particular neighborhood instantly leaps to the forefront.
"South Grand is the best-kept secret of St. Louis," says Rachel Witt, executive director of the South Grand Community Improvement District. "The neighborhood has it all, from great traditional ethnic food to eclectic businesses and a community whose passion is about sustainability and making the district a better place for generations to come."
She particularly recommends stops at Cafe Natasha's, celebrating its 30th year and known for its charming patio and seasoned kebabs, and Mangia Italiano, home to some authentic Old World food and a gamut of live tunes. For a unique shopping op, Witt advises a visit to the Bali Cargo Company, where every item is handmade in Bali.
South Grand also has some alfresco opportunities attendees will savor in fair weather, including the Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park, enhanced by faux "Roman ruins" and offbeat statues and fountains.
Forest Park
Substantially larger than New York's famed Central Park, Forest Park is a group-friendly oasis of gracious green spaces and fabulous free attractions. Within its 1,300-plus acres in the heart of St. Lou are the SLAM, the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Science Center.
The park is also home to the St. Louis Zoo, where behind-the-scenes group tours can be arranged, and the Jewel Box, a modern glass-walled conservatory accomodating receptions and special functions.
Another compelling option here is the Muny, which is the country's oldest and largest outdoor theater. Groups can take in one of the numerous live performances or hold an event of their own—bolstered by plenty of adjoining indoor space as well.
