Tower Grove House, the country home of 19th-century St. Louis merchant Henry Shaw, was built in 1849 on the grounds of his estate, which by 1857 he would open to the public as the Missouri Botanical Garden. The house itself, an Italianate villa with a marvelous spice garden and maze in the rear, has the type of lavish Victorian decor you might expect from such a wealthy, successful businessman. Though the house is one of the garden's most interesting features, most visitors pass it by. Also, be sure not to miss Shaw's mausoleum in the ivy-covered grounds in front of the house.
Founded in 1839, Centenary United Methodist Church with its 200-foot steeple, is a historic landmark and attraction. The book Centenary Church of St. Louis: The First Hundred Years, which depicts events, photos and memorabilia from 1839-1939, is available in local bookstores and libraries in St. Louis. Today, the church serves as an attraction, a refuge and a place for some to call home regardless of age, race or community status.
Seating up to 4500, this venue is a historical landmark as well as an events hall. Originally one of the most extravagant of William Fox's theaters, this facility was privately restored in 1981. Past productions have included Les Misérables, Parsons Dance Company, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. View the wall of famous signatures, the 5,000-pound chandelier in the auditorium and the gilded throne chairs in the lobby. Tours are also available of this magnificent cultural space on select days.
The Black Repertory Theatre is a local landmark that has been bringing theater, arts, and entertainment from the African-American perspective to St. Louis since 1976. Being the largest African-American theater company in the nation, no other theatre company is like it. The Black Rep has presented an African-American twist to known classics such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet and has been an open stage for independent Black playwrights to showcase their original works. Tickets are discounted for students and for those who purchase their tickets 2 hours before show time. This theatre company never disappoints. Come be a part of St. Louis history. -Cathryn D. Blue
Clayton Community Theatre, located near Washington University’s South campus, is a fantastic place to experience great theatre performances for reasonable prices. Season tickets, student tickets, and individual tickets are available to purchase online or at the door, and no show is over $12. This theatre is a non-profit organization and all the proceeds go toward keeping the theatre running. In addition to wonderful shows, the venue has periodical trivia nights where folks can come and flex their knowledge of random facts in front of an audience of their peers. Feel free to make donations or purchase season tickets today! - Cathryn D. Blue
Naked mole rats, meerkats, fennec foxes, and Matschie's Tree Kangaroos are only a few of the animals one can watch and love on at the Emerson Children's Zoo. This attraction is one of the few in the zoo that visitors must pay to enter, but it's worth it. Sure, anyone can watch animals from a distance, but at this zoo, visitors can actually play with the animals! For example, the kid goats are particularly frisky and enjoy being fed, but be careful, they will try to eat your shirt! All the animals in this area are the puppy versions, so their ferocity is at a minimum. However, be respectful, since these are still animals with minds of their own. - Cathryn D. Blue