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 FeedJune 2025
Jun 7, 2025Escape to Lewes, a Chill Beach Town Where Local Cocktails and Craft Beer Flow Freely
Sandwiched between the Jersey Shore and the tiny state’s on-the-beaten-path beach destinations like Rehoboth, Bethany and Dewey, Lewes is easy to miss. But it’s definitely worth more than a drive by for its calm beaches, oceanfront state park, World War II history ... and liquid culture.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
Daily
Jun 6, 2025Have a “The Devil Wears Prada”-Inspired Afternoon Tea at This London Hotel
Heading to London with plans to catch a performance of The Devil Wears Prada on stage at Dominion Theatre? Be sure to make reservations for an afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury, perfectly positioned in the theater district. The hotel partnered with Dominion in the conception of a themed afternoon tea and cocktail menu, using the show as inspiration.
Daily
Jun 6, 2025Key West’s Most Exclusive New Retreat Opens for Summer Season
Lunara Bay now accepts bookings for its July 1 opening. The property is the island's largest oceanfront accommodation with 26 luxury waterfront estates, redefining the Key West experience thanks to coastal residence comforts with the elevated service of a 5-star resort.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Destinations / North America
Jun 6, 2025Take the Family Along for Wilderness Adventures
Imagine waking up in the morning, enjoying breakfast within a rustic lodge and looking out the windows to see grizzly bears scooping live salmon out of the river. That’s just one of the many once-in-a-lifetime tableaux you’re bound to see during a stay within Great Bear Rainforest. Even if you’re visiting for business, you’ll find plenty of pleasure to partake in during your stay; and it’s super family-friendly, so why not bring the whole crew along for the adventure?
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 4, 2025Hyatt Centric Las Olas Review
Today’s Fort Lauderdale is not the one you or your older relatives experienced in college; while beachfront surf shops along Fort Lauderdale Boulevard recall that colorful Spring Break era, Las Olas Boulevard embodies the city’s recent glow-up, particularly after the pandemic. In fact, it was spring 2020 when Hyatt Centric Las Olas opened its doors and played a major role in reshaping and rethinking Fort Lauderdale as a relaxed but lively vacation or business destination.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
eFlyer News
Jun 4, 2025American Airlines Now Offers Touchless ID Screening at These Airports
American Airlines implemented a streamlined process at TSA airport security checkpoints through TSA PreCheck Touchless ID on May 29 at several airports across the United States. AAdvantage members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport will be eligible.
ShareThis