The Arch and the Museum of Westward Expansion (under the Arch). The elevator ride to the top is unique. The movies on the construction of the Arch and the history of westward expansion are worthwhile. The museum is small but well-arranged and interesting. The Old Courthouse, site of the first three of the Dred Scott trials, and the Old Cathedral adjoin the Arch grounds. http://www.stlouisarch.com/

Cahokia Mounds State Park in Illinois (off I-70/55 to Cahokia Mounds exit, ca. 10 miles from downtown). The greatest earthen pyramids north of Mexico, dating from ca. 80 to 1500 AD. If the weather is not too hot for the climb, the view over downtown St. Louis from the 100 ft. tall great mound is outstanding. The museum is excellent. Definitely worth the trip! http://medicine.wustl.edu/~mckinney/cahokia/cahokia.html

Missouri Botanical Garden. The Japanese garden is the star of the show, but there are many things to see and do. Henry Shaw's house shows how the wealthy lived in St. Louis in the 19th century. Following modern tradition, drive through Tower Grove park, the only 19th century English walking park in the country, complete with artificial ruins, a bandstand, and Chinese pavilions. http://www.mobot.org/

St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park. Locally celebrated. Weather permitting, this is a nice venue for a walk and there is still no admission charge. http://www.stlzoo.org/

St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. Excellent café for lunch. The lower level has one of the nation's largest collections of native art from around the world. The second floor houses the finest collection of German 20th century art outside Germany. The Max Beckmann collection is particularly large and distinguished. Free admission. http://www.slfp.com/ForestParkAM.htm

Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. History of St. Louis and the region: steamboats, urban development, and Charles Lindbergh memorabilia. http://www.slfp.com/ForestParkMHS.htm

Laumeier Sculpture Park near I-270 and I-44. Contemporary outdoor sculpture on 96 acres. http://www.laumeier.com

Union Station just west of the Arch (Market at 18th St.). A place to stroll, shop and stop for lunch or a drink. Great model train store. Be sure to see the former waiting room, the stained glass window and the whispering arch in the Hyatt hotel lobby area. http://www.slfp.com/UnionStation.html

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour (Near I-55 and Arsenal). It's commercial, but a St. Louis institution and a spectacular landmark building. http://www.budweisertours.com/

Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts. 3716 Washington. An extraordinary building by Japanese architect Tadao Ando houses a rotating exhibit from the collection of Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, but groups of five or more should call ahead. (314)754-1848. A new home for the Contemporary Art Museum is under construction next door. http://www.pulitzerarts.org

Soulard Market. This 19th Century farmers' market is still going strong. http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/soulardmarket/

National Museum of Transport (near I-270 and I-44). Lots of great steam engines, although not all have been restored. http://www.museumoftransport.org/welcome.htm

St. Louis Cathedral ("New Cathedral") on Lindell just east of Forest Park. Severely plain exterior with splendid mosaics covering virtually the whole interior, plus Tiffany stained glass windows. http://www.cathedralstl.org/home.htm

Campbell House Museum (1508 Locust, just west of downtown). A favorite house museum. Another view of prosperous life in the 19th century. http://stlouis.missouri.org/501c/chm/

Cherokee Antique Row: 1900 through 2300 Cherokee Street near Jefferson and Arsenal, just south of downtown. www.cherokeeantiquerow.com

Antiques Row 2: Main Street in St. Charles, just across the Missouri River from St. Louis near I-70 (ca. 20 miles). North Main has antiques and used furniture. South Main has antiques and gifts.

Wainwright Building, 7th and Chestnut, just west of the Arch. Designed by Louis Sullivan, this is the first true architectural expression of the "skyscraper". Exterior in original condition; innovative re-use of building for state offices. http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/wainwright/wainwright.html

St. Stanislaus Jesuit Museum, 700 Howdershell Road, Florissant, (McDonnell Blvd Exit off of I-270). The 19th century missionaries to the west used this monastery as their base. Only open Sundays 1-4. (314)361-5122.

Daniel Boone Home, Highway F, west of St. Louis. Take I-64 west across the Missouri River and exit south on MO 94. A most interesting house and history, and the chapel in the Boonesfield village behind the home is a charming place for a visit. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/7109/

Two literary landmarks: 4633 Westminster (just east and north of Forest Park) is the boyhood home of Tennessee Williams and the setting for The Glass Menagerie. T. S. Eliot grew up at 4446 Westminster (his grandfather founded Washington University).

Bellefontaine Cemetery, 947 West Florissant Avenue. (314) 381-0750. Some really extraordinary mausoleums including Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Tomb mark the final resting places of people like Thomas Hart Benton, General William Clark, and other major figures. Definitely worth the trip. http://www.flash.net/~leimer/belle.html

Craft Alliance:Established in 1964, Craft Alliance provides inspiration and education in fine contemporary craft to the entire community through exhibitions, sales and instruction. Craft Alliance began as a cooperative gallery in the Central West End. In 1969, the organization moved to its present location in The Loop, which provided more exhibition space as well as a studio for the instruction of classes in the craft media. Over the years, Craft Alliance has continually grown to meet the demands of the community through the expansion and betterment of the Gallery, Education center and community Outreach programs. http://www.craftalliance.org