TicketAmerica Blog

St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West”, but don’t go West just yet, because you’ll want to see what this beautiful city has to offer first.  St. Louis is known for it’s famed professional sports teams, it’s signature style tastes,  and it’s Blues music heritage.  If your heading to this metropolis on the Mississippi, then be prepared to have some fun!

If your into baseball, then you’ll want to check out the St. Louis Cardinals.  The Cardinals play at brand new Busch Stadium, which was opened in 2006.  The park has a modern/rustic feel and look to it.  It’s outside appearance is one of red brick and black steel girders, that mimic some of the city’s area bridges.  Once your inside the park, you’ll instantly notice the gorgeous view of downtown in centerfield.  As far as the team, the Cardinals have achieved fifteen National League pennants, which have led to nine World Series championships.  The freindly fans are some of the most loyal in all of baseball so your sure to get into some great baseball conversation.

After a day at the ball park, you’ll want to indulge yourself in some St. Louis style cuisine.  If your feeling fancy and want to trade your baseball cap in for romantic white linen tables, then the Top of the Riverfront is for you.  Located on the 28th floor of the Millennium Hotel, this five star revolving restaurant offers spectacular panoramic views of the city.  Except for an exceptional Sunday Brunch, this restaurant is only open for dinner, so the menu is limited.  There are great choices including various steak and fish entries.  If your looking to dine somwhere a little less fancy, than how about feasting on some St. Louis style BBQ.   Located seven miles from the downtown area, Ropers Ribs has some of the best BBQ in the area.  Their inexpensive menu includes tantalizing jumbo fried shrimp, giant rib tips, baby back ribs, and of course, St. Louis style ribs.  The dining area is small but the food is highly rated by many!

If your a music fan, then St. Louis will make your ears twitch with glee.  St. Louis has long been known for it’s Blues heritage and has put out such talent an Tina Turner, Gretchen Wilson, and Nelly.  Many big names such as these, can be seen at various venues in and around St. Louis, such as the Fabulous Fox Theatre, the Scottrade Center, and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.  If your not into large crowded venues then you may want to check one of the many Blues clubs.  A fan favorite is the Broadway Oyster Bar.  Located just a short walk from Busch Stadium, this club offers a variety of Cajun and Blues bands and the place is always hopping.  There is an outdoor patio and Monday nights,  the Blue Oyster offers a variety of distinct Soulard Blues bands, a sound that is synonomous with St. Louis Blues. 

These are just a few of the things that you can do in this fabulous city, and whether your a sports addict, a food critic, or have a music fetish, St. Louis is sure to satisfy your expectations of entertainment.

If you have any further questions about places to dine or events to see, feel free to contact myself or my office.

Gary Ketchum
CEO TicketAmerica.com

Chicago is one of the most entertaining cities in the United States.  Not only does it have some of the finest professional sports teams, Chicago is also known for it’s exquisite restaurants and historic theatres.  If you are planning to visit Chicago in it’s summer months, then you will surely want to read on.

I’ll start with the sports teams first.  Probably one of the most popular baseball franchises in the country, the Chicago Cubs are a must see.  Yes, I know they haven’t won a world series pennant in 100 years, but with the nostalgia look of Wrigley field and it’s Wrigleyville atmosphere, you could spend an entire day at and around “The friendly confines”.  If you’d rather watch a game at a more modern park, than you will have to visit the South side residing, Chicago White Sox.  US Cellular Field was opened in 1991 and has all the bells and whistles of a high tech park.  US Cellular has outdoor fun showers in the bleacher areas to keep cool on those steamy summer days, and blows off fireworks everytime a Sox batter smacks a homerun.

Now after all that baseball, you’ll want to dine at one of the many Chicago restaurants, and since Chicago was once a beef stockyard capital, a steakhouse has got to take precedence!  There are quite a few choices for a great steak in the Windy City and many are located on or around “Steak Row”, otherwise known as Dearborn St.  Gene & Georgettis, Keefers Restaurant, Smith & Wollenskys, and Ruth’s Chris are all excellent choices.  All of these restaurants have great elegant atmosphere and no matter which steakhouse you choose, come hungry!  The steaks are quite thick and are always cooked to perfection.

If steak isn’t your fancy, than how about Italian?  Taylor Street is located just South of downtown and has a number of authentic dining choices.  Gennaro’s, Rosebud’s, Leona’s, and Pompei are all excellent.  All present a casual atmosphere, and have excellent choices of Red Wine.  I must not forget Mario’s Italian Ice.  This little stand has been on Taylor street since the 1950’s and is homemade with feal fruit bits.  Try the Grape Ice with Lemon Bits!

Not tired yet, how about a Theatre event?  Chicago has many theatres that showcase the Performing Arts.  The Ford Center, Chicago Theatre, Briar Street Theatre, and the Auditorium Theatre have hosted many popular plays and musicals for some time.  Not only do these theatre’s host great plays, the theatre’s themselves also provide a historic look back with all of thier interior aesthetics.  On weekends, showtimes usually start with a matinee around 2 or 3PM.  In the evenings, showtimes start around 7 or 8PM and end with a late show starting around 10PM.

Being some of the most popular, the choices that I have presented are just a fraction of how you can spend an unforgettable summer weekend in the city of “Big Shoulders”.  With so many choices for entertainment, Chicago is second to none.  You will have a memorable, fabulous time!

If you have any further questions about places to dine or events to see, feel free to contact me or my office.

Gary Ketchum
CEO TicketAmerica.com