Visiting the Reimagined St. Louis Union Station

I’ve wanted to visit St. Louis Union Station since it was remodeled a few years ago and the attractions were added. I had heard nothing but good things about it. When I was invited to cover a Yellowcard concert in the Gateway city, I decided it was the perfect time.

Brittany and I went straight from the concert to the Hilton at St. Louis Union Station, a Curio Collection Hotel. I was impressed the moment we walked into the lobby, with the high ceilings and light show that magnified all the art. I could only compare it to the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

We were exhausted and went right to sleep. In the morning, we had breakfast at Station Grille, one of the hotel’s restaurants. It was quite a meal, starting with freshly made pastries. Brittany had Chicken & Waffles. I ordered the Egg, Avocado & Quinoa, which was covered lightly with a balsamic dressing, and I loved it.

After breakfast, we met up with our friend `Amanda and headed over to the other side of the hotel for the activities. Our first stop was at the St. Louis Aquarium. It’s better not to explain how it’s done and let you be surprised, but I can tell you the entrance is an experience in itself!

The Aquarium is filled with hands-on experiences and also has animal shows. We got to see the training of an armadillo.

We then went to check out the Mirror Maze and Union Station Selfie Express before heading outside to The Wheel. This Ferris wheel towers over the area and provides quite a view of the city, including the new soccer stadium.

We stopped at the Soda Fountain for some unique milkshakes and fries, before going to miniature golf and on the carousel. You can buy packages that include all of the attractions so it doesn't get too expensive. Amanda had to leave, and Brittany and I headed to lunch at the Train Shed.

 
We always like to get different things so we can get a better feel for restaurants, but the Grilled Chicken, with fresh mozzarella, pesto aioli, basil, roasted tomato, arugula, and balsamic on whole wheat caught both our eyes. Brittany ordered it and it was as good as it sounded. I enjoyed the Pulled Pork sandwich.

We went back to the room to rest for a while and to gain our appetites back before we went to dinner. We were going to the hotel’s newest restaurant, The Pitch. It is a sports bar that focuses mostly on soccer as the stadium is right across the street from it.

 

The Pitch does look like it belongs in an episode of Ted Lasso. Even the menu has a touch of British, with Fish & Chips, Fried Bologna, and Chicken Pot Pie, which I really enjoyed. Brittany had the Salmon BLT. We also ordered the huge pretzel (I took most of it home) and Fried Ravioli, which is a dish St. Louis is known for.

When we finished dinner, it was back to the hotel to check out. We watched one more light show. There were some families checking in as we checked out. The hotel has everything for all ages and is also dog friendly. I will definitely be back.

 

I was hosted on this trip for most of the activities, food, and accommodations, but views are my own.