St. Louis 2012...II

St. Louis is probably one of my favorite Midwest cities to visit. Of course it's known for the fabulous Gateway Arch on the Riverfront, and the cobblestone streets at McClede's Landing. But St. Louis should be known for it's great display of public art. A series of sculptures and statues occupy two downtown blocks that makes up Citygarden, which cost $30 million to develop. The most popular sculptures there are the "Eros Bendato" head piece by Igor Mitoraj, as well as "Big Suit" by Erwin Wurm. Richard Serra's 8-panel, steel triangular-shaped "Twain" sculpture is a short block away. At the old post office plaza on Olive Street downtown, you'll find another great piece called "Torso di Ikaro", also by Igor Mitoraj. The Chuck Berry statue, Blueberry Hill Restaurant and Music Club and the St. Louis "walk of fame" in U City was great to see. Later, while cruising through The Grove, I spotted various murals and an old yellow bicycle in front of HandleBar. I also visited two of the three Sweetie Pie's restaurants...The Mangrove(at The Grove) and The Upper Crust. No, I didn't eat...the lines were too long! Also, seeing the various war memorials at World War Memorial Park is also a must. World War Memorial Park is part of a complex of downtown parks on the west side of Tucker Boulevard. My weekend ended with photos at the Scott Joplin Historic House on Delmar Boulevard and the observatory deck atop the Gateway Arch. I had a great time again in St. Louis, and can't wait to go back! There's still much to see and more to do.