I must say I am doing an excellent job of using short trips to make the most of the dead of winter in Chicago. Just off of the tails of my Milwaukee trip, my sister invited me to tag along on her trip to St. Louis for Mardi Gras in the historic Soulard neighborhood.
Our first stop was the Anheuser Busch Brewery. On the tour, we tasted beer direct from a finishing tank and saw the famous Clydesdale horses. The horses up close are quite a beautiful sight. We also sampled some beer at the end of the tour, but we took it easy because we were headed to the Taste of Soulard.
With over 35 establishments offering samples of their food and beverages, we needed a plan. We asked the locals for their favorites and went with the majority.
Our first stop was Hammerstone’s, where we snacked on tequila hot wings. Then we tried hot wings at McGurk’s. I’d call it a draw, as each was delicious but unique.
We cleansed the palate a bit with red beans and rice at Johnny’s and finished our feast with crabcakes at 1860’s. I love crabcakes, and these were awesome!
By now, my taste buds were on overdrive and my stomach was full. It was time for relaxation and good music, and we found it at the Mardi Gras party, featuring the Zydeco Crawdaddys. This was my second recent experience with a zydeco band, and I am really digging the sound. Although they are based in St. Louis, they really bring alive the music of southern Louisiana.
We stayed at the Drury Pear Tree Inn, which is truly an underrated gem. I made good use of their free hot breakfast, devouring several Belgian waffles, but later I worked it off in the 24-hour fitness center (truly a bonus on a busy trip). The beds were comfortable, the water pressure was awesome, and the staff was very friendly and helpful.
Although we were long gone by then, the six-week Mardi Gras celebration ended with a festive parade on Fat Tuesday. I would never imagine having this much fun in winter in St. Louis, but it was a great time, and I am penciling it in again for 2014.
— John Wroblewski, online contributor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
November 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
Daily
Nov 21, 20245 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
Xanterra Travel Collection’s Thankful for Travel Sale is finally here! This travel company’s sale, through Dec. 2, offers the biggest savings on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, historic train rides, legendary resorts, and walking and biking tours.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024Orient Express Reveals World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Orient Express just unveiled the design of its first yacht and the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian. Set to hit the waves in summer 2026, this yacht will sail across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean.
ShareThis