Basketball, The Arch and Budweiser Tour

In this post, I travel to St. Louis, Missouri, to attend a Big Ten basketball game. I also revisited The Arch, stopped by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and enjoyed beer tastings during the Budweiser Experience Tour. In March, I visited Harris-Stowe State University on business. However, this trip was personal.

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch

I booked an early flight on Southwest and breezed through the airport in less than 15 minutes. Just like my trip to Portland, I made a last-minute decision to take public transportation. I caught the MetroLink for $4.00 and walked a few blocks to the hotel. Kudos to the staff at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch. Even though it was only 10:00AM, I was allowed to check into my room. The game was at 1:00PM. I had plenty of time to change into my Illini gear and walk to the stadium. The hotel has a Starbucks, Ruth’s Chris, and the stadium is less than a mile away. As I walked to Enterprise Stadium, I discovered St. Louis also has a Christkindlmarket.

Game Time

I started my Winter Break by attending the Braggin’ Rights game. My ticket was at Will Call. Of course, the family had great seats. You could sense the competitive spirit of the players and fans alike. The Illini did not earn braggin’ rights this year, but I enjoyed the game. I said my goodbyes and headed to The Arch. If you have not visited since that 8^th-grade graduation trip, I suggest you check out the newly remodeled facility. Before going to my room, I stopped at Ruth’s Chris and sat at the bar. Ask for the complimentary bar chips the next time you stop by. I also ordered the Lobster Voodoo with a cocktail or two. What a great way to end my day.

10,000 Steps

As often as I have traveled to St. Louis, I had never made my way to the Budweiser Brewery Experience. Of course, I wanted to meet my step goal and see the neighborhood. I walked to the brewery from the hotel, but I would not recommend this method if you are traveling solo. No one bothered me, but I should have taken a different path or asked for directions from someone at the hotel. I used Google Maps. If you need a good walking shoe, click on the Amazon link below.

Basketball, The Arch, Budweiser Tour, and Bear Down

The cost of admission to the brewery is worth the complimentary samples and bottle of beer you receive at the end of the tour. In addition, I caught a glimpse of the Clydesdales. I stopped in the gift shop to pick up my souvenir ornament. Because I did not want to walk back to the hotel, I called an Uber and then stopped by the Brewhouse for dinner. My cocktail was great, but I did not enjoy the brisket quesadillas. Did you know there is a St. Louis for Bears Fan FB Group? I watched the Bears game in my room. By the way, the Bears lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 26-3.

Flight Canceled

I grabbed breakfast from Pickles Deli since I had a late checkout. I ordered the breakfast sandwich, side salad, and iced tea. If you like huge portions, order a sandwich. As luck would have it, I received a text before walking to the MetroLink. Southwest canceled my flight. However, I had the option to wait a few hours for a nonstop flight or board a plane with a connecting flight. I chose the latter. I made it to the platform only to watch the train pull away. When I looked around, I realized I was the only person waiting on a train. Then a man appeared in a security uniform and stood near me until the next train arrived. Stay alert when traveling solo.