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Offered languages
- English
Join a neighborhood local in the Central West End and enjoy "A Taste of Two Cities", a curated sampling of hidden gems and only-in-STL eats like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and the perennially controversial Provel cheese. Most guests skip dinner.
In between, you'll enjoy an easy 2-mile walk accompanied by sights and tales of two distinct eras of St. Louis' (and American) history.
The first, one of opulent Gilded-Age wealth culminating in a globally-attended showcase of human achievement in 1904 - a World's Fair we still won't shut up about.
And the second - a less-spoken-of chapter of self-inflicted wounds that would create the Delmar Divide and come to a head when the Black Lives Matter movement is born in nearby Ferguson in 2014.
"A balanced view of history. No punches pulled. Every part is human, beautiful and ugly." — ahunkins, Minneapolis MN
"I always book a walking history/food tour in every city I visit, and this was hands down the best." — Kelly E.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
We'll meet up near Writer's Corner at a brewpub that has been a favorite haunt of Central West End locals since 1980 and sample a one-of-a-kind sandwich Guy Fieri once took two bites of before telling the executive chef to "Tear up the rest of the menu - you don't need it!". While you partake in your first nibbles, your guide will give you a background of St. Louis' early history, leading up to the time that the Central West End becomes the epicenter of concentrated wealth in the fourth largest city in America during her illustrious Gilded Age - culminating in a global event that would celebrate all of human achievement right next door in Forest Park - the 1904 World's Fair.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Within a literal stone's throw of the Delmar Divide sits some of the most impressive architecture from the World's Fair era that still remains, and it's completely outside of Forest Park. Hear hidden history and see artifacts from the early days of this "Valley of the Giants" listed in the National Register of Historic Places. We'll discuss the dichotomy of living in St. Louis, including the long term effects of the 32 of our 79 neighborhoods collectively referred to as the "Northside" that sit north of Delmar Boulevard and have borne witness to many generations of disinvestment and abandonment.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll walk past mansions where future presidents once slept, brewing heirs enjoyed their fortunes, and where the "Spirit of St. Louis" was born. After enjoying a couple of local snack staples, we'll discuss the star-studded history of the iconic Chase Park Plaza hotel and enjoy one of St. Louis' most delicious mistakes.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
St. Louis' European chapter began with the settlement of French Catholics, bolstered by the arrival of thousands of Irish Catholics throughout the 19th century. One can barely speak of any element of the history of St. Louis where the presence of the Catholic community was not felt, and the enormity of St. Louis' importance to the church was eventually made manifest in one of the great churches of North America.
Admission ticket free -
2
See the most important venue in American chess, see where the "cocktail party" was invented, and taste some of our most storied cuisine including a cheese you'll only find in St. Louis. We'll wrap up the tour with a final nibble in homage to our sister city, where the founders of St. Louis had previously called home, while hearing of St. Louis earliest days at a locally famous bistro and music venue known for great food and great jazz.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
We'll return to St. Louis' roots with a final culinary tribute to our fabulous, much more French sister city downstream. But not before seeing a historical landmark that dates its roots in the city to 1860, and would become the launchpad for one of the most famous dance troupes in the world.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour runs about 3 hours, covers roughly 2 miles of walking on city sidewalks, and happens mostly outdoors. On hot days we bring cooling towels and build in shaded breaks. History and food get roughly equal weight — if you're looking for strictly food-focused stops with short narration between, this isn't that tour.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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