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8/3/2010

The LAC Top 5: Featuring Best Drinks in St. Louis

This is the fifth installment of tips and suggestions from the Local Arrangements Committee. Here are some great spots to find that perfect drink in St. Louis.

Your LAC's Best Drinks in St. Louis:

Claire Dickerson (Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School) - Brandt's Cafe in The Loop.

Drew Griffin (University of Missouri-St. Louis) - Morgan Street Brewery on the Landing. Great drinks and atmosphere!

Peggy FitzGibbon (Visitation Academy) - Easy - take a Budweiser Brewery tour and then enjoy a fresh Bud!

Todd Burrell (Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville) - Over/Under Bar on Wash Ave. & the Cielo Bar on the Terrace at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Teresa Bont (University of Tulsa) - Signature Chocolate Martini at Bailey's Chocolate Bar in Lafayette Square.

Mark Steinlage (Saint Louis University) - Bud Light at Busch Stadium!

Beth Collier (Saint Louis Priory) - Eau at the Chase Park Plaza serves up some great cocktails.

Colleen Murray (Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School) - McGurks for a good pint of Irish ale or 33 Wine Shop in Lafayette Square.

These are just a few suggestions from some of the members of the LAC. If you have a question about what to see, where to eat, etc., let us know. We're happy to help! We can't wait to have you here!

Posted at 3:27 PM by Andrew Griffin | Category: The City of St. Louis | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

5/17/2010

Installment #4 of The LAC Top 5: Featuing St. Louis

This is the fourth installment of tips and suggestions from the Local Arrangements Committee. Here are some great hot spots for nightlife in St. Louis.

Your LAC's Best Places for Nightlife in St. Louis:

Todd Burrell (Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville) - The Over/Under Bar. This is by far my favorite bar, and its right next to the convention center/Renaissance hotels.

Drew Griffin (University of Missouri-St. Louis) - Laclede's Landing is a fun area! Check out the Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar, Old Spaghetti Factory, Morgan Street Brewery, & more!

Claire Dickerson (Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School) - The Loop in University City. It's full of energy with unique shops, restaurants, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Bridget Gramling (William Jewell College) - The Central West End - no matter what kind of night life you want, you can find it there!

Mark Steinlage (Saint Louis University) - Washington Ave. has the best nightlife. Also, the area around Busch Stadium is fun before/after a game!

Beth Collier (Saint Louis Priory) - The Central West End is a great restaurant/bar neighborhood.

Colleen Murray (Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School) - Historic Soulard is a fun area!

These are just a few suggestions from some of the members of the LAC. Check back for more suggestions on restaurants, nightlife, desserts, drinks & local attractions. We can't wait to have you here!

Posted at 1:03 PM by Andrew Griffin | Category: The City of St. Louis | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

4/23/2010

Welcome to Our Neighborhoods

Before getting married, I was a wanderer. I didn’t have an address for longer than five years until I moved into the home my husband and I bought together here in St. Louis. During my travels, I lived in many places coast to coast. One of those places was Kansas City.

Kansas City and St. Louis have a bit of a friendly rivalry going, each feeling they are the legitimate holder of the title “Gateway to the West.” As a Kansas City resident, I agreed with my fellow citizens that Kansas City is truly a western city and deserves the title. Then, many years later, I moved to St. Louis. I finally understood why St. Louis is known as the Gateway to the West. The neighborhoods in St. Louis and the pride and tradition that come with them calls to mind my hometown and its boroughs, New York City.

Last Friday my husband and I ventured downtown for dinner in one of the oldest of these neighborhoods, Soulard. Soulard, a City of St. Louis Historic District and on the National Register of Historic Places, is well known for its festive and sometimes boisterous Mardi Gras and Bastille Day celebrations, its interesting and diverse architecture (a remnant of its wide array of immigrant populations that have inhabited the area including the French, Spanish, Germans, Irish, Lebanese, Bohemians, Slovaks, and Croatians), and its farmers market.

Our dinner was fantastic by the way. The restaurant is called Soulard’s. Around since 1977, the restaurant has been recognized by the Zagat Guide for its pepper steak, is a top 100 selection for “Where the Locals Eat,” and by the St. Louis Post Dispatch for its wine list. And, note to all of you who host receptions, it was selected #1 for “best private parties.” An interesting menu of specialty items in a setting that affords great views of “The Arch,” Soulard’s is just one of many great eateries in the Soulard neighborhood.

We are certainly looking forward to welcoming you to our neighborhood next September 29th.

Posted at 2:24 PM by Barbara Sams | Category: Places to Eat in St. Louis | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

Todd's Blog: Welcome to the STL

Welcome to my first blog posting and my opportunity to tell you about some of the exciting events and attractions that you will want to check out as you visit St. Louis during NACAC 2010. I am excited to have the chance to welcome colleagues to my neighborhood.

Although I live on the east side of the STL, I venture to downtown St. Louis quite often. Did you know the NACAC 2010 Annual Conference will be one of the top 10 Conferences to come to St. Louis in 2010 (based on projected total room nights from 2009 convention and group meetings data taken from the” 2010 Book of Lists” published by the St. Louis Business Journal)

Of course, a visit to St. Louis would not be complete without heading to the Gateway Arch grounds. And, if you dare to be brave (just kidding; it is nothing), venture to the top for a view unlike any other in St. Louis. Did you know that no building can be taller than the Gateway Arch? Your ride up in the arch is an adventure in itself; so check it out (and I recommend booking your tickets and time online and in advance to avoid a wait).

Now, the convention center and many hotels are located in my favorite area of St. Louis, the Washington Avenue Loft and Entertainment District. This area is a hub of activity; both day and night. Be sure to venture down Washington Avenue for some shopping; great food; and excellent evening entertainment options.

I could not go on without plugging my favorite place in this district, Over/Under Bar. This upscale sports bar is unlike any other sports bar in St. Louis. The food is excellent; the service is the best; and the atmosphere is so welcoming. If the weather is nice (and it should be), they have a wonderful outdoor patio/dining area that is great to watch a game and dine with friends.

St Louis is continuing to grow, but one thing that I have noticed that has not changed is the welcoming spirit of the people of this region. More than 2.8 million people live in the St Louis Metropolitan area, and I hope you will experience the Midwestern hospitality that makes this part of the United States a fun one to visit and explore.

Up next, I am going to give you an idea of the activities that are going on during the week of NACAC. In short, this one week in St. Louis is going to be one of the most action packed weeks of the entire year…stay tuned!

Posted at 1:52 PM by Todd Burrell | Category: The City of St. Louis | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

The LAC Top 5: Featuring St. Louis Desserts

This is the third installment of tips and suggestions from the Local Arrangements Committee. Here are some desserts you must have while in town for the conference.

Your LAC's Favorite Desserts in St. Louis:

Mark Steinlage (Saint Louis University) - Go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and get a Butterscotch & Pecan Sundae. Yum!

Bridget Gramling (William Jewell College) - Bailey's Chocolate Bar has GREAT desserts!

Drew Griffin (University of Missour-St. Louis) - Gooey Butter cake is a St. Louis tradition! You HAVE to try Gooey Louie's on Chippewa (conveniently located near Ted Drewes Frozen Custard).

Beth Collier (Saint Louis Priory) - The St. Louis Tap Room, home of Schlafly Beer, has a fabulous menu and a to-die-for sticky toffee pudding!

Claire Dickerson (Villa Duchesne Oak Hill School) - Cravings in Webster Groves is a MUST!

Todd Burrell (Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville) - 1111 Mississippi. They have really good gooey butter cake.

Teresa Bont (University of Tulsa) - Cyrano's in Webster Groves. Get the Cleopatra ice cream dessert! For something closer to downtown, check out Crown Candy Kitchen. They have a great soda fountain!

Peggy FitzGibbon (Visitation Academy) - For those with cars or willing to take a cab, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a MUST! Also, check out the Cupcakery in the Central West End!

These are just a few suggestions from some of the members of the LAC. Check back for more suggestions on restaurants, nightlife, desserts, drinks & local attractions. We can't wait to have you here!

Posted at 1:51 PM by Andrew Griffin | Category: National Conference | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

4/16/2010

Bringing Out Our Best

I don’t know about you, but I rely on my colleagues each and every day.

In the last week, I imposed on some of you to help me find a last minute spot for a student; I hosted John Gaines from Vanderbilt University for two presentations; I followed and added my thoughts to a NACAC LEADS discussion; and, I was even treated to a lovely dinner by DePaul University.

My colleagues who I contacted to find out if they had any space left were all incredibly gracious. If they did not have any space, they offered suggestions on who might. They gave me insights into why their program might be a good match so I could properly assist the student in pursuing additional options now. And, they were supportive of financial considerations.

John Gaines went way above and beyond putting together an outstanding program for my junior students and parents. Then, he agreed to give a talk to our seniors. The one for the seniors was a new presentation for John and, despite the fact that his decision letters had just hit and the phone was ringing off the hook back home, he took the time to help me help my students.

The LEADS discussion was an interesting one that showed although we may view things differently at times fundamentally we’re on the same page.

And, my dinner at Cardwell’s Restaurant with Jon Boeckenstedt and six other high school counselors reminded me to put together that list I want to post of original St. Louis eateries you shouldn’t miss when you are in town for NACAC’s Annual Conference.

In each of these interactions, I was reminded how lucky I am to work in a profession where collegiality is the norm. We all recognize that no matter how bad it can sometimes seem, in the end, we are working for the same thing – bringing about the best for our students.

Nowhere is this more evident than when I attend NACAC’s Annual Conference. So, come join us in St. Louis this September to bring out your best and to help me bring out my best!

Barbara Sams Co-Chair, LAC Saint Louis Priory School Grateful Colleague

Posted at 4:21 PM by Barbara Sams | Category: National Conference | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

4/13/2010

Playing Hooky: A Trip to the Red Sea

So, yesterday I played a little hooky in order to participate in an annual rite of spring in St. Louis, a trip to the “Red Sea.” Now, for all of you who thought the Red Sea was a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean lying between Africa and Asia, this may seem quite odd. But, for those of us in Missouri, we know that the Red Sea actually lies between 4th and 8th Streets and I-64 and Clark Streets in downtown St. Louis. That is the location of Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Yesterday was our home opener. (It was a great game by the way – perfect weather and perfect outcome. The Cardinals beat the Houston Astros 5-0.)

Home opener is an unofficial holiday in St. Louis. The pageantry and tradition set the mood for the rest of spring in our town. The pre-game ceremonies start off with the famous Clydesdales team pulling the traditional beer wagon, dalmatian and all. Then, we had our living Hall of Fame members enter the field followed by the players. One of my favorite parts of the tradition is the entrance of the bald eagle that brings out the color guard and the National Anthem singer. The majesty of the eagle against the blue skies is awe-inspiring. In the new Busch stadium, you get great views of the Arch, the Old Courthouse and most of downtown.

You may not be aware of this but the Old Courthouse is the site where Dred and Harriet Scott originally brought their court case for freedom and the Arch is more than a ride in a small car 630 feet up in the air. The Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse are just parts of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial commemorating the Jefferson Purchase. Under the Arch are a wonderful museum and two theaters that give you a unique and informed view of what that Purchase meant to the United States.

Join us at NACAC’s National Conference from Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 and see a Cardinals game (they are in town all week for the closing games of the season), visit the Gateway Arch, take the tour at the Old Courthouse, and learn about the future of our profession while gaining a new perspective on our past.

Posted at 3:41 PM by Barbara Sams | Category: The City of St. Louis | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

4/12/2010

The LAC Top 5: Featuring Top St. Louis Attractions

This is the second installment of tips and suggestions from the Local Arrangements Committee. Here are some things you "must do" while in town for the conference.

Your LAC's Favorite Attractions in St. Louis:

Peggy FitzGibbon (Visitation Academy) - The Saint Louis Zoo, bar none. If you can visit one place, it's the Zoo.

Todd Burrell (Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville) - Busch Stadium- catch a Cardinal game while in town. Go Cardinals!

Beth Collier (Saint Louis Priory) - The Arch is the quintessential St. Louis landmark, but don't overlook our fabulous Forest Park (home of the last free zoo in the country) and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Drew Griffin (University of Missouri-St. Louis) - The Anheuser-Busch Brewery. The tour is great - complete with the iconic Clydesdales and free samples!

Mark Steinlage, Jr. (Saint Louis University) - Cathedral Basilica. It houses the largest mosaic display in the world.

Claire Dickerson (Villa Duchesne-Oak Hill School) - Blueberry Hill in the U. City Loop.

These are just a few suggestions from some of the members of the LAC. Check back for more suggestions on restaurants, nightlife, desserts, drinks & local attractions. We can't wait to have you here!

Posted at 3:27 PM by Andrew Griffin | Category: National Conference | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

4/2/2010

The LAC Top 5: Featuring Places to Eat In St. Louis

St. Louis is an amazing city! There is so much to do and see, you just can't fit it all into one trip. The Local Arrangements Committee wanted to give you some things you "must do" while in town for the conference.

Your LAC's Favorite place to Eat in St. Louis:

Beth Collier (Saint Louis Priory) - 1111 Mississippi. It has a great vibe, open kitchen and fantastic food!

Mark Steinlage, Jr. (Saint Louis University) - Carl's Diner. Best burger in St. Louis!

Bridget Gramling (William Jewell College) - Zia's on the Hill. Get the Cavatelli con Broccoli.

Teresa Bont (University of Tulsa) - Pi Pizzeria in the U City Loop. A favorite of President Obama's!

Drew Griffin (University of Missouri-St. Louis) - Pappy's BBQ in Midtown. Great barbeque and fun atmosphere!

Claire Dickerson (Villa Duchesne-Oak Hill School) - Sidney Street Cafe

Peggy FitzGibbon (Visitation Academy) - Tuckers in Soulard. They have great burgers and steaks!

These are just a few suggestions from some of the members of the LAC. Check back for more suggestions on restaurants, nightlife, desserts, drinks & local attractions. We can't wait to have you here!

If you are a local or have some suggestions, please comment by signing into the NACAC Web site first, and then click “Comments” below.

Posted at 10:01 AM by Andrew Griffin | Category: Places to Eat in St. Louis | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

3/30/2010

The Inside Scoop

Everyone on the LAC is looking forward to seeing you in St. Louis in September! I live on the other side of the state, but I spent three years living in St. Louis. Even though I haven’t lived there in this millennium, here are a few of my favorite things to do:

Visit the Hill. I lived in this neighborhood when I lived in St. Louis, and it’s my favorite part of the city. You can take your pick from dozens of Italian restaurants in lots of price ranges. Play bocce at Milo’s, and if you’re really adventurous, drink The Wall while you’re there.
Wander around the Central West End. Bar Italia is my favorite place for people watching, cappuccino drinking, and gelato eating. They have a fantastic patio. Antique shops, book stores, restaurants and clubs provide entertainment for all.
While you’re in the Central West End, stop in and see the “new” St. Louis Cathedral Basilica (there are two in town). It has more mosaics than any church in the world.
Tour the Budweiser Brewery. Meet the Clydesdales. Drink some Bud. See where it all began.

Do you like pizza? Try Talayna’s. It’s my favorite in town, and if you and a friend can eat the table-sized pizza and a pitcher of pop, you win a prize. (Warning—if you talk to a St. Louis native, they’re going to recommend Imo’s. If you haven’t had St. Louis style pizza, be prepared. It comes on a cracker thin crust with provel cheese. Those who love it, rave about it; the rest of us substitute mozzarella.)
I love the St. Louis Art Museum. You can spend an hour or a day wandering through their collections.

Of course, take a look at the St. Louis CVB site for other highlights, but for the inside scoop, feel free to ask those of us on the LAC for our local favorites. We'll be blogging more tips along the way!

If you are a local or have some suggestions, please comment by signing into the NACAC Web site first, and then click “Comments” below.

Posted at 11:14 AM by Bridget Gramling | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

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