3.5/5 Immediately…read moreafter checking into the Seventh Avenue Embassy Suites, we explored the surround streets in the heart of the Saint Louis Business District. One of the first sights we beheld was the Old Post Office Plaza. It would become a familiar sight throughout our seven day stay in the Lou. The Old Post Office Plaza is a 30,000 square foot plaza that is immediately north of the Old Post Office between Eighth and Ninth Streets. In the heart of downtown it is in the shadow of the Robert's Orpheun Theater, historic buildings, Sauce on the Side restaurant, and hotels. This is neat little park slash plaza that brings all types of people together. It is a place for locals and tourists to relax, delight in an urban picnic, appreciate public art, and take in an event such as an outdoor movie. In reality the Old Post Office Plaza is relatively new (the Old Post Office is a different story). In the mid 1990s, there was concern over the Central Business District (CBD). The vacancies with less activity was a cause of alarm. Through imagination and planning both the business community and citizens came together to alleviate this concerning condition of the CBD. One of the projects was transforming a blighted parking lot north of the Old Post Office. On April 3, 2009 the Old Post Office Plaza came to life. On what was once a blighted parking lot is now an attractive public space adorned with an interesting urban design and amenities. Terraced steps overlook a bronze sculpture-adorned water basin. An island of towering hawthornes created a sense of nature. Tall wing-lights that float over the park, decorate it by day then illuminate it at night. A three story waterfall provides visual candy. Bordering Eighth Street, a mature grove of trees provides relief from the sun. In the center of the park, there is ample space for events. Everyday could be an event seeing the pulse of the city from an umbrella-blanketed table. From the time that I spent here, the greatest attraction of the plaza (or park) is its obvious celebration of the Old Post Office. This is a historic building that dates back to 1874. The architect that designed it, Alfred B. Mullet was inspired by the Grand Architecture of Paris in the mid 1800s. It is a rare example of the Second Empire style that was common after the Civil War. A historical note I want to pass on is that when it opened in 1884, it was a main distribution center to and from all destinations west. Throughout the year, it served several uses including the Federal 8th Circuit Court. In the mind of the Visitor like myself, this was a prime spot to snap pictures. I'd stand on the terraced steps not to capture a movie playing on a wall but to capture a historic landmark that has been playing across the street since 1884. While it was evident to me that it celebrates the Old Post Office, it was indistinct that it also celebrates Greek mythology. There is a want for signing telling the Visitor that it is based on the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus. I had zero idea when we sat there that the trees that provided shade over the benches by Eigth Street resembled a labyrinth. I had zero idea that the center was supposed to resemble the Island of Thorns. However, I did have a serious idea that the bronze sculpture by the water basin is awesome. Here there was a sign informing the public that this is "The Torso of Icaro" by Igor Mitoraj. And here was another grand spot to take pictures. All I can say is, "Wow! They tore down a parking lot and built a mini paradise. However, I can say even more. Regardless of how nice Old Post Office Square is, a short walk leads to the even nicer Keiner Plaza and City Garden. Essentially Old Post Office Plaza is a stop on what I call "The Downtown Saint Louis Park and Plaza Trail."

I've been spending quite a bit of time this summer at Old Post Office Plaza - such a great spot…read moredowntown! If you haven't been there yet, it's located at Locust and 9th, right by Culinaria ad (duh!) the restored Post Office, which is now office space. So far, I've been down here for the Thursday night Farmers' Market as well as a few evening concerts. Both activities were free, too! This is also a cute little area to grab a bite to eat, either at Culinaria or another downtown restaurant, and have an urban picnic. There is plenty of seating as well as a fountain and pretty statue to admire. It's not nearly as crowded at CityGarden but equally as cool. If you haven't had a chance to discover it yet or didn't know it existed, definitely check out Post Office Plaza downtown. Tres cool!

We recently started going to Kirkham Fieldhouse which is an indoor sports facility located…read moreconveniently in mid-county. We have had a private softball lesson there and they have a nice lounge to relax in while you wait for your child's lesson to conclude. We have also had a full team practice on their larger turf field.

Amazing memorial for the fallen soldiers that were Killed in Action (KIA) during Iraqi freedom and…read moreenduring freedom. I'm not sure what timeframe the memorial stops. My fallen husband SSG Shannon Weaver is within a star here. Such a beautiful time stamp of those who fell protecting not only ours but other's freedom. If you have time come see this gorgeous well thought out memorial!

Another great St. Louis race to add to your calendar!…read more This hilly five miler is put on every year by Ghisallo, and it's definitely worth a try. The race is well-supported (tons of water/aid stations and volunteers), and it takes you through beautiful (and hilly!) neighborhoods in University City. The race starts and ends at Ghisallo's Delmar location. It's pretty popular; I'd say about 300-400 people? I saw a few walkers, so if you're not into running, you can still participate! Given the cold temperatures during this race, however, you're going to WANT to run to warm up. :)

The St. Louis city parks website says the park name is Jackson Place Park, but the sign at the…read moreentrance says simply Jackson Park. The website also squeezes an awful lot into the small (less than 3/4-acre) park. It says this park contains a soccer field, softball field, basketball court, playground, and pavilion. The soccer field is not full size, the softball field is pretty rough, and for basketball you have a half court. There is a modern playground but it's not fenced in this Old North St. Louis neighborhood. The small pavilion, presumably for picnicking, has no tables or seating. Restrooms are absent and parking is street only.

Well kept park in the heart of Edwardsville. Benches. Shade trees. A fountain that lights up in…read moredifferent colors at night. The library is on the grounds as well as a marginally scary but very historic statue from around 1912. Site of many a band concert, brew fest and the annual Route 66 Festival.

This is a small pocket park shaped like a triangle where Washington meets Olive in the Central West…read moreEnd. Landscaped with a playground and some benches and play area. I like that it's completely fenced in which means the kids can't wander off and you can definitely see people coming in. Nicely shaded with street parking. [Review 19994 overall - 272 in Missouri - 968 of 2023.]

Not very much to see here. It is sort of an urban park but with a bit of nature mixed in. On one…read moreside, the Anheuser-Busch brewery buildings, and on the other, the United States Arsenal grounds (now an active U.S. Air Force facility). Parking is free, but be careful where you park...apparently balls can come toward your window. Most people usually come here for softball games or practice (there are two ball fields), soccer, kite-flying and dog-walking. There is an asphalt trail, which to some people is probably not long enough. Restrooms are available (though they are locked most of the time...), as well as a fountain (well, supposedly...I've never seen it run before). For those wondering about the history of the park, it is named after Union Civil War General Nathaniel Lyon, the first general to be killed in the American Civil War. He is buried in his home state Connecticut, but a statue of him as well as a monument are at Lyon Park. The park was created in 1869 under the condition that the city would a monument be created for Lyon. That monument was dedicated in 1874. Though not open to the public, the Arsenal grounds contain buildings that were used during the Civil War. So historically, there's some cool information about Lyon Park. But otherwise, this is usually a chill-spot for people who live nearby or who work at Anheuser-Busch InBev.

The softball fields have hills in the outfield, there are no fences, and lightpoles come into play…read more Play in a league on these fields at your own risk.