I hope you have tickets for a ballgame -- the St.Louis crowds are loyal (all dressed in red) and the fans are enthusiastic but knowledgeable and fair, and this is the first year for the new stadium downtown (and all games are sold out). The Children's Museum is elaborate and unique, but mostly indoors -- I much prefer the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park. One of the top two or three in the country, free admission (but parking, train, and snacks and exhibits can add up). Forest Park is immense and fun, there is a Science Museum (great for kids) just across the highway, a fine art museum, and an amazing botanical garden (the Jewel Box) with a famous exhibition of glass sculpture going on.

I LOVE St. Louis pizza. It is uniquely thin-crust and crispy, covered with a soft melty provolone-type cheese called provel, with the tomato sauce and most toppings under the cheese layer, and cut into squares. The common appetizer is toasted ravioli, plump meat ravioli breaded and deep-fried and then dipped into tomato sauce. Imo's is a local chain, Frank & Helen's is an old spot (on Olive) but I like Manhattan Cafe (on Hanley) or Uptown Cafe (sister) both in Clayton, just west of the city.

Gotta get to Ted Drewes, the frozen custard stand in the south city (on Chippewa, old Route 66). A rich vanilla-egg frozen soft custard, rich and delish, that gets mixed with chocolate or other syrups and mix-ins to make an ultra-thick shake called a Concrete (can be held upside-down without spilling). Amazing, fun, unique -- don't miss it, especially with kids. Lines move very fast. Last time I was there, a wedding party limo stopped and out popped the bride, groom, and attendants in tuxes and gowns. Crazy after Card games.

One of the best thick char-grilled burgers ever at The Fatted Calf, on Bemiston in Clayton, about $5 with soft cheese toppings.